Strangers

I used to read Dean Koontz novels when I was younger and then didn't have the time to read much for many years because of a demanding job. After reading "Strangers" I am going back and checking the books I missed and am going to acquire them all. All the characters are well developed and believable; I love how he interweaves their life experiences and how they evolved as a "family" "Strangers" is one of the most involved and interesting books I have ever read; not only is it mesmerizing in content, it leaves you with something to ponder about humanity.

What do you get when you toss nightmares and daymares and sleepwalking and a writer and a doctor and a child and a motel owner and a thief and a priest and more into a disparate mix of people scattered across the U.S.? You get a long, convoluted book by Dean Koontz.Did I mention this book was LONG, at over 700 pages? But...I enjoyed this early offering (copyright 1986). Suspense, intrigue, a bit of romance, some sci fi, some paranormal, some mystery all lead up to a soft ending with a message to the masses rather than a cinematic ending with pyrotechnics.I had read this book when it first came out but I'm glad I picked it up again. To me, it was like visiting an old friend. It wasn't a fast read but a nice amble in the park.

I read this book the first time when I was in high school, just after it came out. It was so impactful that whenever I thought of this author, this was the first book I recalled and the one of his many, I would call my favorite. It was well crafted enough that it stayed with me and took me almost 40 years to read a second time, yet I always had a copy on hand for when I decided I needed to do so (I am an avid re-reader of favorite books). I am still struck by the awe, wonder and hopefulness this book brings me and, reading the newly added afterward by Koontz, I understand why, this was his first passion work, and it shows. I am a huge fan of Dean Koontz and have been reading his works since I was 12 years old. I was familiar with his ideas even before, once I found out 5hat the movies Demon Seed and Fun House were based (oh so loosely) on his books as well. One of my new enjoyments from this book were his tributes to fellow writers, Tim Powers, James Blalock, Stephen King, and knowing he is friends with and used to be writing buddies with Powers and Blaylock, make these tributes to them especially endearing, plus they are also all favorites of mine and I hope that because he mentioned them more people discovered these other, equally talented writers as well. I will always have a copy of this book in my collection and savor it with pure delight.

I have read this book at least six times over the years. I have a first edition hard cover. At least two paperback editions and now a Kindle version. I get more little nuggets out of it each time I read it. It is absolutely my favorite novel of all time.

When I was a child of 4, I remember playing in the street with my friends and I feel down scrapping my hands. My left hand had a scar that was half a circle. As I looked at the half circle, it became a full circle. I got up from the ground and told my friends this amazing happening, but they didn’t believe me of course. This book bought back the memory of that event. Thank you Mr. Koontz of a book well written.

To try and even finish this. I haven't read a Koontz novel in years. I was browsing online for a summer read, and the reviews were mostly good, so I took a chance. I want to almost want to scratch out my eyes before finishing, but I can never not finish a book. I am 3/4 finished and it is basically like doing homework. Should have gone through and vetted the reviews better, but reading them now I see I was warned.1. The MOON! The moooooon, the moon, the moon! Ugh enough already!2. Too many characters to care. I love epics and a huge fan of sprawling casts of characters (ex game of Thrones). But midway through the book and new characters are STILL being introduced? *sigh. Just feels like work.3. Still not at any sort of climax and almost done with this darn thing. At some point along the way, you need to give your readers a FEW clues, so it keeps them interested. This book just gets more and more confusing. And now that I have been strung along endlessly, I don't CARE what the mystery is all about.4. The pacing is really off. I feel like what I have read so far could've been condensed in a few chapters, not almost 350 pages. I don't mind a slow start, actually slow starts intrigue me, but THIS book is STILL slow and I am almost done. I guess the resolution will be the last and final act? Something tells me it will be underwhelming. 5. Not an enjoyable summer read. Not a breezy/fun read at all. Maybe save this for winter months when you're depressed and holed up inside and can not leave the house, so you are FORCED to read this.Basiclly so far, the book is like eating yogurt. I KNOW it will be good for me eventually, but I don't enjoy it. The writing is ok, just the way it is laid out and draaaaags on is a CHORE. Oh, and.... THE MOON! Ugh smh

I grew up reading Koontz, and years ago, I stopped,convinced i had "outgrown" him. Still,when a friend was looking for something suspenseful too read, I suggested Koontz. She found Strangers. The excitement art how good it was startled me. I was sure i had recommended something else. I ordered a copy for myself.This was a great reintroduction to an old favorite writer -- a novel full of fully developed characters that are totally relatable. People you could care about with full back stories. A mystery that had to be solved. I expected it to be the book I read every few weeks, only on flights. Instead, I've ignored everything and everybody to finish this. Definitely a must read.

When trying to read the entirety of the works of an author, it is surprising to find how many I missed. This was my favorite type of Koontz novel-it sucks you in, has such a firm grip that nothing else in life seems to matter, only finishing the story. Don’t hesitate to dive in, it is a deep and long adventure with more characters that any of his previous works. Yet it is so worthwhile!

Si gusta el autor es perfwcto

Ok

Not much needs to be said about the book other than the recommendation to read it yourself.In scope it is as wide as It or The Stand by Stephen King or Swan Song by Robert McCammon and is every bit as much fun as these books.

One of his best along with Lightning and Watcher's before the inevitable turn to popularity with the terrible Odd Thomas series and the rest that followed. Mr Koontz, Sir if you ever read a review please let it be this one. I've been a fan since I was 15 years old and you made me love reading again, now at 48 I hope you listen to the fans from the beginning and return to the style and effort of those days way back when you cared about what you wrote. I'm sure I'm not alone in wanting yet not wanting a follow up to Watcher's and a 3rd instalment from Midnight Bay yet I can't imagine how you could do such a difficult task. We, the many who adored your books back in the 80's and 90's hope you'll find the time to give us one more fantastic book. Tick-tock was a masterpiece as were the others mentioned and many more that followed.

Good read, kept me gripped and although some of it was a bit as I'd expect it to be (predictable), there was plenty of twists and a very creative ending! Unfortunately there are a number of typographical errors that let it down a tiny bit, but that's not the author's fault.