Summary | Excerpt | Reviews | Readalikes | Genres & Themes | Author Bio
Critics' Opinion:
Readers' Opinion:
This "mind bending, heart-stopping, bowel-freezing, spleen-tickling history of the most dangerous book of poetry every written" will captivate new and established Koontz fans. eBook exclusive.
Being The Mind-Bending, Heart-Stopping, Bowel-Freezing, Spleen-Tickling History Of The Most Dangerous Book Of Poetry Ever Written, Including The Text Of That Cursed Book Itself, With The Prayer That God Will Protect You From A Spontaneous Head Explosion (And Even Worse Potential Fates) If You Dare Read It.
Ever wonder where best-selling author Dean Koontz found all of those clever epitaphs at the beginning of his novels? Their alleged source, an elusive tome of poetry called The Book of Counted Sorrows, has mystified Koontz fans for years. Each year, Koontz receives thousands of letters from fans who have searched the bookstores and libraries for this inspirational book. Now in response, Dean Koontz reveals the compelling history of The Book of Counted Sorrows as well as the near-complete collection of poetry. This "mind bending, heart-stopping, bowel-freezing, spleen-tickling history of the most dangerous book of poetry every written" will captivate new and established Koontz fans.
BookBrowse Note: The Book of Counted Sorrows was produced as an eBook exclusive by Barnes & Noble but, due to B&N closing their e-book division, it is now difficult to find. There was also a limited edition print version with a print run of about 1,000 copies, which may be available through used bookstores. It usually sells for around $100. To search thousands of stores visit Visit AddAll.com
Chapter 1
Before the Glass of Sherry
In 1981, I began citing lines of verse from The Book of Counted Sorrows as epigraphs at the beginnings--and occasionally at the part divisions--of some of my novels. Little more than a decade later, mail from readers, specifically inquiring about this exotic volume of poetry, had risen to 3,000 letters a year.
Dealing with these earnest but exhaustingly repetitious inquiries became so annoying to one of my assistants--Basil Keenly--that he gave up his lifelong dream of serving as a novelist's right-hand man, signed up for a series of university courses toward a new career in body waxing, subsequently worked as a customized-cake salesman (your face or favorite body part realistically rendered in exquisitely subtle shades of icing), briefly returned to personal-assistant work as the right hand to Porky Pig, but was dispirited by the endless jokes about stuttering and ham that came with the job, attempted to hold up a 7-Eleven with a lump ...
If you liked The Book of Counted Sorrows, try these:
Become a Member and discover books that entertain, engage & enlighten!
News of the World
A brilliant work of historical fiction that explores the boundaries of family, responsibility, honor, and trust.
The Weight of Ink
by Rachel Kadish
An intellectual, suspenseful, and entertaining page-turner.
Reader Reviews
A richly layered novel of hearts broken seemingly beyond repair and then bound by a stunning act of human devotion.
About the bookVisitors can view some of BookBrowse for free. Full access is for members only.
Your guide toexceptional books
BookBrowse seeks out and recommends books that we believe to be best in class. Books that will whisk you to faraway places and times, that will expand your mind and challenge you -- the kinds of books you just can't wait to tell your friends about.
Subscribe to receive some of our best reviews, "beyond the book" articles, book club info & giveaways by email.
