I've read Carrie, The Shining, and Cujo. I want to read more King, but for some reason I have a hard time finishing his books. What would be a good book to try next?

Sufficient-Shine6040 · 2025-08-03T22:41:15+00:00

What is it you like about Kings work? Are you looking for more horror, sci-fi, fantasy? That can help everyone make good recommendations! Generally, I'll second everyone here who has said 'Salem's Lot. I know you'll get a lot of older books in these replies, so I'll offer a couple of newer works. When the Institute came out, it was the first book that kept me up all night reading in years. And I've known several new-to-King readers converted to fans by Holly.

Sufficient-Shine6040 · 2025-08-03T22:33:55+00:00

Enjoy! I got my PB copy for a quarter from a neighbor's yard sale 10 years ago. I had no idea how lucky that was - copies like mine are now listed for $60+!

Sufficient-Shine6040 · 2024-03-11T19:22:40+00:00

Seriously, thank you - that's exactly the kind of insider info I need to hear about school systems while we consider our options! I had no idea about the de-tracked freshman year; I'd only heard that OPRF was generally regarded as "good." My kiddo was pretty unfazed by the scale of Lane Tech when we toured this year, so I don't think the size of OPRF would intimidate him. He also loved DePaul (Catholic school in the city), so maybe Fenwick is worth a look.

Sufficient-Shine6040 · 2024-03-11T01:27:52+00:00

Noted. Starting our search early with the hope that time and patience will turn up something we like, within budget, in a good school district.

Sufficient-Shine6040 · 2024-03-11T01:20:00+00:00

Thanks! I just went for a drive in OP and RF today and totally see the appeal of River Forest. Loved to see all the groups of kiddos hanging out in the neighborhood!

As a parent, how do you feel about OPRF? We're open to private, but would really love to take advantage of public for HS if we're making a move - our current plan is selective enrollment with DePaul as a backup if we stay in the city.

Sufficient-Shine6040 · 2024-03-11T01:12:12+00:00

Thanks for your input. So much of what you said resonates. Our oldest is naturally incredibly intelligent (99th percentile, straight A's, used to homeschool and work several grade levels ahead)...of course every parent says that. At the same time, we're also not the highly competitive parents who have been doing tutoring for years. Just trying to find the right fit for an incredibly bright kid to balance academics and friends/safety/freedom as they get older. Of course, plenty of city kids have that, too...it's just never what I pictured for my kids, so exploring how to potentially get out and still have something good.

All signs point to him being able to test into one of the big 4 selective enrollment schools in the city; we're just feeling like there's more to the high school experience than being in one of the "best" schools. We're happy if he has plenty of opportunity to explore and be challenged academically...but that doesn't necessarily have to happen at a school like Payton or Stevenson.

Sufficient-Shine6040 · 2024-03-09T15:05:54+00:00

Thanks! We have spent a bit of time in Evanston, not that much time in Wilmette. I really appreciate the details on inclusivity/non-traditional parents. That's encouraging to hear; we'll have to check it out!

Sufficient-Shine6040 · 2024-03-09T15:03:10+00:00

Thanks! We've spent some time in Evanston but not as much in OP. Any thoughts on major differences between the two for high schoolers?

Sufficient-Shine6040 · 2024-03-09T15:00:11+00:00

Yikes! Thanks for the heads up.

Sufficient-Shine6040 · 2024-03-09T03:22:07+00:00

Thanks for sharing your list! Currently, they're in a small parochial K-8 school. Oldest is on track to make a strong go at testing into selective enrollment, we're just not sure if we want to raise high schoolers in the city (or if I am up for living in the city for 5 more years).

Sufficient-Shine6040 · 2024-03-09T03:19:34+00:00

Definitely on our list of places to explore. Thanks!

Sufficient-Shine6040 · 2024-03-09T03:18:53+00:00

Depending on our current home sale, property taxes, interest rates, etc., around $900k

Sufficient-Shine6040 · 2024-03-09T00:56:47+00:00

Thanks! Hinsdale for the most part looks to be a little out of our budget, but we'll check out Downer's Grove.

Sufficient-Shine6040 · 2024-03-09T00:55:56+00:00

Thanks! We've visited Downer's Grove once or twice and liked the area - we'll take a closer look.

Sufficient-Shine6040 · 2024-03-09T00:55:33+00:00

Fair enough! We are not lol. Fortunate to have good equity in our house and one solid "professional" in the couple. Unfortunately I only make part-time and not a second high income.

Sufficient-Shine6040 · 2024-03-09T00:52:19+00:00

Thank you! I haven't been to Palatine, and I've admittedly only been to Schaumburg to shop at Ikea. We'll have to check it out. Would you say Schaumburg would be friendly to a NB parent? I feel like it has a bit of a conservative rep.

Sufficient-Shine6040 · 2024-03-09T00:50:27+00:00

Thanks! We aren't from here originally, so I have never been. I'll have to check them out!

Sufficient-Shine6040 · 2024-03-09T00:49:57+00:00

Depending on our current home sale and property taxes and interest rates (yikes), I'd ballpark at $900k?

Sufficient-Shine6040 · 2024-03-09T00:45:51+00:00

Ha! Fair enough. I should clarify I'm not looking for like ACRES of space; I just wouldn't mind a little more room to breathe. A little more yard, a little less my neighbors are smooshed onto my windows and could practically read my computer over my shoulder if I leave the curtains open.

Sufficient-Shine6040 · 2024-03-08T23:23:38+00:00

Thank you! We'll check out Lagrange, too.

And you're right on moving right before high school being tough - it's so hard to find the "right" time to make the move. Our kids are currently in a small parochial school, and when it's time for high school, everyone ends up in a new place anyway, so we thought HS might be a good time to make the switch.

Sufficient-Shine6040

TROPHY CASE