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murdalannd's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
felts's review against another edition
3.0
I originally read this story many moons ago when I was in high school. I remember really liking it and believing what a crazy, messed up concept the annual tradition of the "Long Walk" was. One hundred teenage boys volunteer to walk until they can walk no more. If you stop walking, you are shot in the noggin' by soldiers. If you are the last one standing, you earn "the Prize".
With the recent rise of dystopian novels featuring life or death games, I thought I would re-read this story originally penned by King under his alter-ego Richard Bachman. The story follows the main character, Ray Garraty, and a small group of fellow walkers as they make the long trek. In my opinion, the best part of the book is relationships that are formed between these boys. Although each walker knows that every other person is a competitor, certain bonds are made among them, and the psychological effect on the contestants as The Walk dwindles down the competition is very compelling. King does a good job of giving each walker something to like and something to dislike about them, and although you figure the main character,Ray, will likely make it to the end, the fun is trying to figure out who might make it to the end with him.
Why only the 3 star rating? The ending. This story really has the potential to be a major emotional roller-coaster mind f**k, but the ending seems rushed and a bit of a let down. But don't let that deter you from reading this, especially if you want to try a little Stevie King but aren't in the mood to tackle one of his longer classics.
With the recent rise of dystopian novels featuring life or death games, I thought I would re-read this story originally penned by King under his alter-ego Richard Bachman. The story follows the main character, Ray Garraty, and a small group of fellow walkers as they make the long trek. In my opinion, the best part of the book is relationships that are formed between these boys. Although each walker knows that every other person is a competitor, certain bonds are made among them, and the psychological effect on the contestants as The Walk dwindles down the competition is very compelling. King does a good job of giving each walker something to like and something to dislike about them, and although you figure the main character,Ray, will likely make it to the end, the fun is trying to figure out who might make it to the end with him.
Why only the 3 star rating? The ending. This story really has the potential to be a major emotional roller-coaster mind f**k, but the ending seems rushed and a bit of a let down. But don't let that deter you from reading this, especially if you want to try a little Stevie King but aren't in the mood to tackle one of his longer classics.
fagis_crumpet's review against another edition
3.0
In some horrible alternative America. 100 teen boys walk and walk and walk until only one remains. The flaggers, the ones who walk slower than 4 miles per hour, the ones who physically can't go on, the ones who literally go insane are shot dead. The real horror here is WHY? Why would they do this? What is the reason for doing this? You are given little snippets of info but you are never told and sometimes that works in a book but in this instance I don't think it does. There's lots of teenage sexy smut talk that some readers will find offensive. There's lots of teenage boy philosophising which some readers will find annoying.
raetosaurus's review against another edition
4.0
I went through this book in a day! I couldn’t put it down. I’ll say that I wish there was more information regarding the world in which this would happen. Why did it begin? Who’s the Major and why is he so loved?
This made me feel all the feelings! I will (begrudgingly) say that the last five pages of this book have some teardrops and the ending... oh my goodness the ending.. It’s something else. I definitely recommend this book!
This made me feel all the feelings! I will (begrudgingly) say that the last five pages of this book have some teardrops and the ending... oh my goodness the ending.. It’s something else. I definitely recommend this book!
thatemodrummerboy's review against another edition
4.0
Intensely bleak and harrowing. I have so many questions, mostly regarding the state of the world that this novel takes place in, but this story isn’t about the ins-and-outs of this dystopian US. The characters (as with the majority of SK books) are the stars here, and each of their fates hits harder and harder as The Walk goes on.
4/5
4/5
alistory's review against another edition
1.0
This is a meh for me, dog. It sounds like a cool premise, but there's not much to it. For me, there just isn't enough happening to keep my interest.
huntour's review against another edition
3.0
Wow, The Long Walk was an experience. It was amazing; fast-paced and a real page turner.
I think one of the strongest aspects of The Long Walk was the characters. I really loved Garraty/McVries' relationship. I also liked Barkovitch, for some reason.
If there was one thing I didn't understand, it was the ending.
Overall, it was a great read and I can't wait to read The Dead Zone.
I think one of the strongest aspects of The Long Walk was the characters. I really loved Garraty/McVries' relationship. I also liked Barkovitch, for some reason.
If there was one thing I didn't understand, it was the ending.
Spoiler
Was it a nod to Randall Flagg? Or am I missing something?Overall, it was a great read and I can't wait to read The Dead Zone.
blairreads3's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0