When I was in grade school, probably third or forth grade, my sister was reading IT by Stephen King. She had about 50 or so pages left in the book, but had left her copy at school. Now, my parents were out on the town. I don’t know what the date was, but I can tell you it was winter, it was dark and cold.

So my sister convinces me to ride my bike to Wal-mart. Brilliant. It is probably about 5-6 (looking at the map it is probably 4-5) miles and most likely the furthest I had ridden my bike at that time. And this was on a little bastard of a bike, right? She gets me all bundled up, she gives me a scarf and puts the ten bucks or so in a velcro wallet that we strap around one of my extremities, time has taken that detail from me.

I arrive at Wal-Mart freezing, walking around in an awesome jean-jacket and sweater, hat, scarf and everything else. Now, this is critical, the one instruction I was given was to inspect the book. Apparently some of the books had a section of the book that was miscut and I was to peruse the volume to make sure that it was indeed readable. I have no idea what the cashier must have been thinking, this kid buying It, late at night, obviously alone–I bought some candy as well.

Having finished my first carbo-load for the ride home, I returned for a second helping. As I sit by the entrance to make sure I am sufficiently rested for the return trip my father comes running through the door. I was, I suppose, thankful and surprised to be rescued as my father showered me with somewhat confusing adoration.

I wonder what he said to her when she told him where I was. I wonder how long I wandered the aisles not wanting to go back outside.

A couple of weeks ago I was up late online and came across a list of King’s works and I realized how much of his work I had read. I thought it would be cool to read all of his books from Carrie to whatever is published when I finish adventure, so I ordered Carrie and Night Shift.

I spoke with my sister the next day about some other random topic and I mentioned this to her and I asked her if she was interested and she mentioned she was already considering whether she was going to check the books out or buy them outright.

So that’s my story, my sister and I are going to read all of Stephen King’s books, in order. I find it very comforting that we have something like this planned that will undoubtedly take longer than any estimate I would give it. We’ll see how it goes, and if we make it, but I have started Carrie.

That’s my story. Oh yeah, I bought a miscut book, and she couldn’t even read it.