Suspense building on each page, Stephen King’s works captivate readers, students and educators.

A new resource for all groups “Stephen King's Modern Macabre: Essays on the Later Works” includes a chapter by College of the Mainland English professor Gilchrist White. Published July 29 by McFarland, the books’ editors are Patrick McAleer and Michael A. Perry.

In her chapter, White analyzes the protagonist of the “The Gunslinger,” Roland, as an archetypical hero.
 
“He’s a character that captured my imagination,” said White. “Roland obeys the call to go to the dark tower… and he goes on a quest.”
 
White has discussed King frequently at Pop Culture Association national conferences, where eight years ago she was asked to expand her talk on Roland into a book chapter in the collection of scholarly essays.
 
White has long incorporated King’s works into her COM Composition 1 class.
 
“There’s a horror element, but King also calls attention to social issues,” said White. “It’s not just about a possessed car or pet cemetery.”
 
White, who has a doctorate from Texas Women’s University in rhetoric and composition, has taught at COM for 15 years.
 
“King is fun. Many students now sign up for the class because they know they can read Stephen King,” explained White. “Students tell me that because of reading his books they started reading. That’s the most rewarding thing: students saying, ‘I’m reading again.’”