Reviews

3.5 stars.
Not quite 4, because the King often falls just short of greatness, as in this one.
Not just 3, because this is one of the best between his short stories. Not particularly scaring or horrifiyng if you are used to Stephen King's tropes, and if you are not extremely sensitive to old graveyards and un-dead automobilists straight from an Eighties teenage horror movie. But sad, universal in his existential metaphor about the choices we all need to make between living our potential out there in the world and staying close to our family. We sometimes feel as if we were performing an act of betrayal, no matter how well we know that the people who raised us and made sacrifices for us did it all so we can do precisely that, fly the nest.
SPOILER AHEAD
In this perspective, I am glad that the story ended as it did, with an apparent whine rather than a bang, even if I was slightly disappointed upon finishing it. I was savouring the psychological horror at the realisation that your bargain with the devil was not at all about your mother dying before you; how naïve, you sent her burning in HELL!
I wanted the good ol' King shiver down my spine, and all I got instead was life.
Thirty, twenty or even fifteen years ago I woud have stayed thoroughly disappointed. Today, having become quite good at making up existentially horrific scenarios by myself, I appreciate an honest offer of inspiration for existential reflection.
Also, if you have seen Stranger Things, you will agree with me that the un-dead townie guy in the car MUST have the face and style of Billy. That's a plus.

duchess_a's review against another edition

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4.0

this has to be one of the ugliest covers for a rather satisfying read that i've seen in a minute.

fun is fun and done is done

Never ever wanted to hitch hike and now i never ever will. i enjoy horror for the reason that it captures your attention in a way that it cannot be faked. you are completely disgusted and yet cannot look away. in this case, i was surprisingly satisfied to see that the main character's horrible moment turned into an appreciation for family and life.

tiffany_bush's review against another edition

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emotional reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This is a short story that can be finished in about 2 hours. This was a thriller with some hidden gems. The student hitchhikes to see his dying mother. He is met with a ghost with a fast car. The ghost gives him an ultimatum that would change his life. This is a reflective read.

kirstar's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

michanikos's review against another edition

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dark emotional tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

baby_commie's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

alykin18's review against another edition

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2.75

2.75⭐️

“Riding the Bullet” is a novella by Stephen King that takes you on a wild hitch hiking ride, a paranormal experience, and through the constant worry of having an ill family member. This isn’t your normal horror book, but it is eerie and creepy.

“fun so fun, and done is done”

Although this was a short-story, it felt like it was missing something; like we should have gotten more.

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