In 'Salem's Lot, writer Ben Mears returns to his childhood hometown of Jerusalem's Lot, Maine, to write a book about the Marsten House, a place that has haunted him since childhood. However, he soon discovers that the town is being taken over by vampires, led by the ancient and powerful Kurt Barlow. Along with a small group of allies, including high school teacher Matt Burke, doctor Jimmy Cody, and young Mark Petrie, Ben must confront the supernatural forces threatening the town. The novel explores themes of evil, faith, and the struggle against overwhelming horror, culminating in a desperate battle to save the town from the vampires[1][2][4].
Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.
In 'Funny Story', Emily Henry tells the story of Daphne Vincent, a children’s librarian whose life is turned upside down when her fiancé, Peter, leaves her for his childhood best friend, Petra. Daphne moves in with Petra’s ex, Miles Nowak, a chaotic and laid-back winery employee who is the opposite of Daphne’s practical and buttoned-up personality. As they form a tenuous friendship and engage in a pretend-lovers plot, they navigate their emotional baggage, childhood traumas, and the complexities of love and relationships. The novel is set in the beautiful small town of Waning Bay, Michigan, and explores themes of self-discovery, meaningful friendships, and the growth of the characters.
This book is both a memoir and a writing guide. It details Stephen King's life, from his childhood and early writing endeavors to his struggles with addiction and his near-fatal accident in 1999. The book is divided into sections that cover King's life ('C.V.'), the nature of writing ('What Writing Is'), writing mechanics ('Toolbox'), his advice on the craft ('On Writing'), and his recovery from the accident ('On Living: A Postscript'). King offers practical tips on writing, including the importance of vocabulary, grammar, and style, as well as the need for consistent writing routines and ruthless editing. He emphasizes that good writing comes from within, driven by curiosity, wonder, and emotional honesty rather than commercial motives.
This episode is a fan favorite that was originally published as Episode 476. We hope that you have a happy and safe holiday!
When musician Bobby Mackey opened Bobby Mackey’s Music World in 1978, he had hoped for nothing more than to open a small nightclub where audiences could enjoy the traditional country music he had devoted his life to for decades. Yet before the club was even opened, it was apparent to Bobby, his wife Janet, and manager Carl that whatever the new night club was going to be, it would be anything but normal.
In the decades since it opened, Bobby Mackey’s Music World has gained a reputation, not just as a one of Kentucky’s enduring country western clubs, but as one of America’s supposedly most haunted locations. Indeed, Bobby Mackey’s is said to be the home of several spirits whose lives revolved around, and in some cases ended on the property, including the ghosts of a lovesick showgirl, a headless pregnant woman, and the two Satan-worshipping men who took her head.
Thank you to the glorious David White for research assistance :)
References
Associated Press. 1978. "State to probe fire at club near Newport." Courier-Journal, July 10: 6.
—. 1993. "Legality of lawsuit blaming bar for ghost antics to be decided." Messenger-Inquirer, October 23: 17.
Caraway, Robin. 2006. "Wilder nightclub site has storied past." Cincinnati Post, July 17: 14.
Chicago Chronicle. 1896. "Pearl Bryan's story." Chicago Chronicle, May 10: 33.
Cincinnati Enquirer. 1979. "Kentucky closes Mackey's club, citing faulty wiriing, sprinkler." Cincinnati Enquirer, December 16: 26.
—. 1978. "Wilder police chief wants state to close Hard Rock Cafe." Cincinnati Enquirer, January 17: 17.
Hensley, Douglas. 2005. Hell's Gate: Terror at Bobby Mackey's Music World. Denver, CO: Outskirts Press.
Moores, Lew. 1993. "Court filing by club's lawyer is poetry in motion." Cincinnati Enquirer, October 22: 26.
2005. A Haunting. Television. Directed by Joe Wiecha. Performed by New Dominion Pictures.
Wecker, David. 1991. "Bobby Mackey demon story: truth or bull." Cincinnati Post, July 9: 11.
Wolfson, Andrew. 2022. "A twisted tale: A failed abortion, a beheading and pennies left heads up at a grave." Courier Journal, May 4.
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