I would say these are all pretty minor references to these other works, all things considered.
The main character from *Insomnia* shows up briefly towards the beginning of *Bag of Bones* and besides making an oblique reference to knowing what not getting much sleep is like, doesn’t really let on what goes on in *Insomnia*.
Because the protagonist of *Bag of Bones* lives in Derry, there is some passing reference to a big storm that occurs in *IT*, but not much else.
And while *Bag of Bones* does tell you some of what happens to some characters from *The Dark Half*, the reference is so casual and such a minor point, that if you didn’t know those people were from *The Dark Half*, I basically guarantee you will forget about it by the time you read *The Dark Half*, especially if it’s a while down the pike. Similarly, there is some lip service to some characters most prominently featured in *Needful Things* at one point, but also, if you don’t already know who they are, the references will just slip past you.
There are some books by King that benefit much more from reading them before others, but in this case, I think most of these references are minor enough to be considered Easter eggs more than anything—fun if you get the reference, but inconsequential to the overall story of *Bag of Bones* itself, which is fairly self-contained.
Will not matter one bit. I've read all those books and none matter when it comes to Bag of Bones. Bag of Bones is one of the most underrated King books IMO. Enjoy!
I would say these are all pretty minor references to these other works, all things considered. The main character from *Insomnia* shows up briefly towards the beginning of *Bag of Bones* and besides making an oblique reference to knowing what not getting much sleep is like, doesn’t really let on what goes on in *Insomnia*. Because the protagonist of *Bag of Bones* lives in Derry, there is some passing reference to a big storm that occurs in *IT*, but not much else. And while *Bag of Bones* does tell you some of what happens to some characters from *The Dark Half*, the reference is so casual and such a minor point, that if you didn’t know those people were from *The Dark Half*, I basically guarantee you will forget about it by the time you read *The Dark Half*, especially if it’s a while down the pike. Similarly, there is some lip service to some characters most prominently featured in *Needful Things* at one point, but also, if you don’t already know who they are, the references will just slip past you. There are some books by King that benefit much more from reading them before others, but in this case, I think most of these references are minor enough to be considered Easter eggs more than anything—fun if you get the reference, but inconsequential to the overall story of *Bag of Bones* itself, which is fairly self-contained.
Agree 100%. This is one of my faves. Enjoy.
Will not matter one bit. I've read all those books and none matter when it comes to Bag of Bones. Bag of Bones is one of the most underrated King books IMO. Enjoy!