J.W.'s Opinion

Steven King's novel FIRESTARTER is one of my favorites for many reasons. The main reason is the way that all the characters are painted so vividly. They are not one dimensional with one dimensional feelings. Charlie, in particular, has an internal struggle over the powers that she has been born with (the ability to set fires mentally). Her parents have instilled a fear in her that this power can only hurt people and she must learn to supress it. However, it is a natural part of her and she has dificulty controling it and even likes using this power. She struggles with these powers throughout the novel.

The other main reason that I liked this novel is because it shows you that you should be very careful what you wish for. If someone asked you if you would like to have extra sensory powers, you would probably think of the good things that it brings, such as, reading people's minds, telling the future, or moving objects with your mind. Steven King shows us that there is a flip side to this as well. Your body was not built to handle these powers and the effects of them. As a result, these powers can cause massive migraines, fainting spells, strokes, mental instability, and even death. The novel makes you realize that wonderful powers come with horrible pain.

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