robmillington's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
catladyreba's review against another edition
3.0
I think I have finally figured out the allure of Stephen King. His writing is mundane, yet compelling. And then out of nowhere, while you are buzzing along, he hits you with an uncomfortable turn of phrase, emotions or thoughts that are usually left unsaid. King says them all, lays it bare. The very earthiness of his writing unsettles the reader enough so they really have no idea is coming next. Here is a small sample of a dream sequence from the short story The Body to illustrate my point;
"I could see two bloated, naked corpses holding his ankles. One was Vern, and the other was Teddy, and their open eyes were as blank and pupilless as the eyes of Greek statues. Their small pre-pubescent penises floated limply up from their distended bellies like albino strands of kelp."
I mean, right? Like the added details about penises? So extra, Stephen King, but we love you anyway.
"I could see two bloated, naked corpses holding his ankles. One was Vern, and the other was Teddy, and their open eyes were as blank and pupilless as the eyes of Greek statues. Their small pre-pubescent penises floated limply up from their distended bellies like albino strands of kelp."
I mean, right? Like the added details about penises? So extra, Stephen King, but we love you anyway.
freybrarian's review against another edition
5.0
There is absolutely nothing here to criticize or dislike. Each novella is unique, yet connected, and it is no surprise that three out of four were made into pretty successful movies. These stories will stay with you long after you finish reading.
coley_reads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
jester99's review against another edition
4.0
Four good stories, particularly the first three:
(Rita Hayworth and) The Shawshank Redemption
Apt Pupil
The Body
I understand why they were all made into movies, and good ones to boot (The Body was called Stand By Me as movie). None of them have any supernatural elements in them and particularly Apt pupil is brilliantly conceived (but very dark), which goes to show King’s versatility. Very good.
(Rita Hayworth and) The Shawshank Redemption
Apt Pupil
The Body
I understand why they were all made into movies, and good ones to boot (The Body was called Stand By Me as movie). None of them have any supernatural elements in them and particularly Apt pupil is brilliantly conceived (but very dark), which goes to show King’s versatility. Very good.
kba76's review against another edition
4.0
There’s something reassuring about King and though, on occasion, he veers into something off-putting this was a sublime collection of novellas that hooked me from the start.
The Shawshank Redemption immediately had me recalling the movie, which really is so well done. The voice of the narrator draws you in. We’re shown some awful things but you are unlikely to ever feel anything other than admiration for these figures. The gradual revelation of what Andy did to escape prison defies belief...but there was a definite part of me that really admired him for this. Such a small thing, but the optimistic ending about him finding his key to freedom in a hayfield near Buxton always makes me smile (more now I’m living in Hayfield, only a few miles from Buxton). Coincidence? I like to think not.
Apt Pupil begins with a seemingly clearcut American hero. Yet behind Todd’s golden boy facade lies a darkness that is utterly terrifying. This young boy ingratiated himself into the life of an old man...but the man is not quite what he seems. The old man in this story is a former Nazi camp officer who has evaded justice. Todd wants stories. What drives someone to do such horrific things? We’re never sure, but this goes to awful places. Very uncomfortable reading, but fascinating.
The Body is perhaps best known for the child stars that acted in the movie adaptation of the story. When they learn that the body of a missing child has been left on nearby train tracks the group decide to set out on a journey to see it for themselves. A story truly evoking a bygone era. The sense of children crossing into maturity is carefully presented here.
The last story focuses on a bizarre gentleman’s club that few are invited to. They meet regularly and are entertained by a regular telling of stories. We follow our main character through his first experience at the club, and then come to a most unusual story...that of a young woman who, disregarding social convention, is determined to give birth no matter what her personal circumstances.
The Shawshank Redemption immediately had me recalling the movie, which really is so well done. The voice of the narrator draws you in. We’re shown some awful things but you are unlikely to ever feel anything other than admiration for these figures. The gradual revelation of what Andy did to escape prison defies belief...but there was a definite part of me that really admired him for this. Such a small thing, but the optimistic ending about him finding his key to freedom in a hayfield near Buxton always makes me smile (more now I’m living in Hayfield, only a few miles from Buxton). Coincidence? I like to think not.
Apt Pupil begins with a seemingly clearcut American hero. Yet behind Todd’s golden boy facade lies a darkness that is utterly terrifying. This young boy ingratiated himself into the life of an old man...but the man is not quite what he seems. The old man in this story is a former Nazi camp officer who has evaded justice. Todd wants stories. What drives someone to do such horrific things? We’re never sure, but this goes to awful places. Very uncomfortable reading, but fascinating.
The Body is perhaps best known for the child stars that acted in the movie adaptation of the story. When they learn that the body of a missing child has been left on nearby train tracks the group decide to set out on a journey to see it for themselves. A story truly evoking a bygone era. The sense of children crossing into maturity is carefully presented here.
The last story focuses on a bizarre gentleman’s club that few are invited to. They meet regularly and are entertained by a regular telling of stories. We follow our main character through his first experience at the club, and then come to a most unusual story...that of a young woman who, disregarding social convention, is determined to give birth no matter what her personal circumstances.
bookish_terror's review against another edition
4.0
3.5/5
I think this was a good King short story/novella collection to start the New Year with.
Rita Hayworth And Shawshank Redemption: 4/5. I didn't know what other stories were included in this collection but I was so pleased to learn about this one. I remember watching the movie ages ago, far too young to be watching such a movie. But it was so long ago that I didn't remember anything specific and therefore could experience this story like it was brand new to me. And wow! This is one of those stories that hurts, but in such a good way. Of course I loved the friendship between Andy and Red. Red committed a terrible crime, but he doesn't go out of his way to be a good or bad guy. But he gives his word and he keeps it. He's just so genuinely honest you can't help but sympathize and root for him. He's probably my favorite character in the story. And of course you feel for Andy. He's an innocent man. He really does not belong in Shawshank. Yet he endures so much pain - willingly - because he so desperately dreams of being a free man again one day. And the ending is just so satisfying. I rewatched the movie as soon as I finished the story. And while, I almost cried while reading, I definitely cried at the end of the film! Shawshank Redemption is one of the more faithful book to screen King adaptations. Very little was changed, and I'm glad because this was just to good to alter.
Apt Pupil: 3/5. I was not prepared for this one! I don't think my rating of this particular story is based on my enjoyment - because I honestly just don't know how to feel about it - but more on just that I really didn't know what I was getting into when I started it. This was probably the most disturbing thing I've read from Stephen King so far. It's a story of a kid who descends into sociopathy, which, to me, is much scarier than all the gory things King writes. I haven't watched the movie for this one and I don't know if I ever will, ha!
The Body: 5/5 This is the sole reason why I bought this collection. I've watched Stand By Me more times than I can probably count. I figured it was about time I read the novella it's based on. And it did not disappoint! It's a classic coming of age story for a reason. These young boys live tough lives and the rest of their lives could really go one way or the other. And you really get to see that struggle within all of them. I laughed, I cried; and of course I love them all but you can't help but favor Gordie and Chris. They're friendship ("friendship" *wink wink*) is just so dear to me. And yes, I did rewatch the movie, for the umpteenth time, after finishing this one. I can definitely appreciate it much more now. And again, it's one of the more faithful King adaptations you'll watch.
The Breathing Method: 2/5. I was disappointed with this one, I'm sorry to say. I don't really have any criticisms for it, I just didn't like it.
Overall, I think this is a great collection of stories. And if you've never read any Stephen King before, I'd say this is a good collection to wet your feet with.
I think this was a good King short story/novella collection to start the New Year with.
Rita Hayworth And Shawshank Redemption: 4/5. I didn't know what other stories were included in this collection but I was so pleased to learn about this one. I remember watching the movie ages ago, far too young to be watching such a movie. But it was so long ago that I didn't remember anything specific and therefore could experience this story like it was brand new to me. And wow! This is one of those stories that hurts, but in such a good way. Of course I loved the friendship between Andy and Red. Red committed a terrible crime, but he doesn't go out of his way to be a good or bad guy. But he gives his word and he keeps it. He's just so genuinely honest you can't help but sympathize and root for him. He's probably my favorite character in the story. And of course you feel for Andy. He's an innocent man. He really does not belong in Shawshank. Yet he endures so much pain - willingly - because he so desperately dreams of being a free man again one day. And the ending is just so satisfying. I rewatched the movie as soon as I finished the story. And while, I almost cried while reading, I definitely cried at the end of the film! Shawshank Redemption is one of the more faithful book to screen King adaptations. Very little was changed, and I'm glad because this was just to good to alter.
Apt Pupil: 3/5. I was not prepared for this one! I don't think my rating of this particular story is based on my enjoyment - because I honestly just don't know how to feel about it - but more on just that I really didn't know what I was getting into when I started it. This was probably the most disturbing thing I've read from Stephen King so far. It's a story of a kid who descends into sociopathy, which, to me, is much scarier than all the gory things King writes. I haven't watched the movie for this one and I don't know if I ever will, ha!
The Body: 5/5 This is the sole reason why I bought this collection. I've watched Stand By Me more times than I can probably count. I figured it was about time I read the novella it's based on. And it did not disappoint! It's a classic coming of age story for a reason. These young boys live tough lives and the rest of their lives could really go one way or the other. And you really get to see that struggle within all of them. I laughed, I cried; and of course I love them all but you can't help but favor Gordie and Chris. They're friendship ("friendship" *wink wink*) is just so dear to me. And yes, I did rewatch the movie, for the umpteenth time, after finishing this one. I can definitely appreciate it much more now. And again, it's one of the more faithful King adaptations you'll watch.
The Breathing Method: 2/5. I was disappointed with this one, I'm sorry to say. I don't really have any criticisms for it, I just didn't like it.
Overall, I think this is a great collection of stories. And if you've never read any Stephen King before, I'd say this is a good collection to wet your feet with.