He always used to say it was a bad thing

Firestarter by Stephen King.

Finished this novel over the weekend, but haven't had a chance to write what I thought about it.

Well, I thought it was good. One of the more satisfying King novels I've read in recent times (although, I say that reluctantly because it's now less than two weeks until Dark Tower 5 comes out!). Nicely plotted, and the book had a nice momentum, never quite suffering from the prolonged directionless backstory that spoilt From a Buick 8 and Dreamcatcher. Andy and Charlie are great characters, and the father-daughter bond between is well-developed, and how that is affected by their flight is also nicely handled. Rainbird is an effective antagonist, a seemingly emotionless hitman who is deeper, more intelligent and more involved than anyone realises. All in all, very good.

He always used to say it looked stupid

I haven't shaved in a few days, and my stubble excites much comment in the office. The graphics monkey hasn't talked to me about anything else since my return. If I knew it was going to be this much of an event, I would have been lazy long before now. Work really is that boring at the moment. I shudder to think what the talk would be like if I did something drastic like get my haircut . . .

He always used to say 'chemistry . . . insurance . . . my bird, yeah . . .'

After months of failed organisation, we've finally got another reunion tour organised. I am playing host and three of my good friends from back in the sticks -- Coops, Student With No Razor, and Grovesy -- are coming to visit me. Don't know what we're going to do yet, but it'll be good to see everyone again.

Of course, this means I'm not going to get any work done this weekend.

Later . . .