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lydiature's review against another edition
4.0
Let's just say this scared the living crap out of me.
itsmattiebeck's review against another edition
2.0
I really enjoyed the first two short stories in this, but the rest weren’t as chilling as I had expected them to be. I’m not sure if horror anthologies are really for me, so take my review with a grain of salt. Not my favorite from Stephen King.
oktrouble1401213's review against another edition
dark
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
3.75
bkbookend's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.25
Stephen King’s short stories are so appropriately and delicately intertwined with some of his most prolific work. There were 5 short stories in this collection and I opted to listen to the audio, to immerse myself in these brief worlds.
John Glover is officially one of my favorite narrators. I will be looking for other books narrated by him to grip me like this one did. His narration alone - is 5 stars. I would listen to this man read off soup can labels if it meant I got to hear the poetic intonations he so intentionally uses to add rise and fall to dark, wistful stories.
The stories included in this collection:
Graveyard Shift - This was eerily familiar. I can picture myself in a middle school library reading through this short story being very disturbed by the imagery. I may not have picked up on the crazed lunacy as much as I did now or the anti-Union nods that plagued these workers with more horrors than the rats themselves. Stephen King showed his mastery here of making a basic idea into a spine-shuddering piece of art.
The Man Who Loved Flowers - I was not a huge fan of this story. It was simple and cute and a great premise, but written into such a short story, I missed a lot of the fun of horror in this before the big reveal.
The Last Rung on the Ladder - This was solemn and dark. I could see this as a classic short film while John Glover read. The love between a brother and sister growing more distant, while the world of adulthood grew more difficult. Horror written in a familial, forgotten, gnawing way.
Night Surf - Creepy, aliens, murder, and a lot of cursing. Very on-brand and bizarre, but not punctuated with good surprise or intrigue.
Jerusalem’s Lot - This is what I chose this book for, amongst many other Stephen King contenders. This short story serves as a prequel to the incredibly popular Stephen King novel, Salem’s Lot. This story sets up the setting of many of Stephen King’s works to come and provides wildly interesting world-building and context to his depiction of Maine. The Boone brothers made incredible ‘unreliable narrators’ as the reader learns about the town of Chapelwaite and Jerusalem’s Lot itself. There are themes of the dark and macabre, the sacrilegious and profane, that spring up fear in the hearts of readers. These sorts of work written by King always tend to make me feel disturbed for even listening or reading on and this is an indicator of a great writer - to keep me pushing through that feeling. I want to begin Salem’s Lot immediately to jump right back in!
John Glover is officially one of my favorite narrators. I will be looking for other books narrated by him to grip me like this one did. His narration alone - is 5 stars. I would listen to this man read off soup can labels if it meant I got to hear the poetic intonations he so intentionally uses to add rise and fall to dark, wistful stories.
The stories included in this collection:
Graveyard Shift - This was eerily familiar. I can picture myself in a middle school library reading through this short story being very disturbed by the imagery. I may not have picked up on the crazed lunacy as much as I did now or the anti-Union nods that plagued these workers with more horrors than the rats themselves. Stephen King showed his mastery here of making a basic idea into a spine-shuddering piece of art.
The Man Who Loved Flowers - I was not a huge fan of this story. It was simple and cute and a great premise, but written into such a short story, I missed a lot of the fun of horror in this before the big reveal.
The Last Rung on the Ladder - This was solemn and dark. I could see this as a classic short film while John Glover read. The love between a brother and sister growing more distant, while the world of adulthood grew more difficult. Horror written in a familial, forgotten, gnawing way.
Night Surf - Creepy, aliens, murder, and a lot of cursing. Very on-brand and bizarre, but not punctuated with good surprise or intrigue.
Jerusalem’s Lot - This is what I chose this book for, amongst many other Stephen King contenders. This short story serves as a prequel to the incredibly popular Stephen King novel, Salem’s Lot. This story sets up the setting of many of Stephen King’s works to come and provides wildly interesting world-building and context to his depiction of Maine. The Boone brothers made incredible ‘unreliable narrators’ as the reader learns about the town of Chapelwaite and Jerusalem’s Lot itself. There are themes of the dark and macabre, the sacrilegious and profane, that spring up fear in the hearts of readers. These sorts of work written by King always tend to make me feel disturbed for even listening or reading on and this is an indicator of a great writer - to keep me pushing through that feeling. I want to begin Salem’s Lot immediately to jump right back in!
kandicez's review against another edition
5.0
I have to say that John Glover is the perfect reader for this collection. They were written in the late 60's - early '70s and his voice is perfect for that. I am already enjoying it more in his voice than I did in my head!
The Boogeyman - 5 stars This guy is an A, #1 A-hole, but at the same time, I don't think he did what he is talking about. It's such a creepy story and a man with his mentality wouldn't make it long in our world today, but if you listen with the idea that this took place over three decades ago, it's easy to get lost in the narrative.
I Know What You Need - 5 stars Before Beth finds the notorious closet, I can actually see myself being okay with Ed's attention. Who doesn't want what he's given her?
Strawberry Spring - 4 stars Again, Glover's voice lent something to this story that improved my enjoyment. I don't remember thinking this was worth three stars in the past, it's been one I sometimes avoid on re-read, but in his voice, it was very, very good. The little "twist" at the end is like a sucker punch to the gut!
Grey Matter 5 stars Glover laid on the Yankee accent with a trowel which is just what this tale needed. It's the perfect ghost story to be told around a pot-bellied stove in the winter, or around a campfire in the summer. Impossible, but in the right mood...maybe it could happen.
The Woman in the Room - 5 stars This is so personally topical for me right now! I am helping to care for my father-in-law who is in a state much like the mother in the story but at home. His feelings are so, so real and raw. I know King lost his mother to cancer and I can only think this book was cathartic in helping him work out the feelings associated with that.
Battleground - 2 stars I have never cared for this story. The delivery of the package and the back story is the only reason I am even giving it the two stars that I am. On re-reads, I usually skip this one but thought I would give Glover a try. Sometimes I am pleasantly surprised at how listening can change my feelings for a tale, but not so in this case.
Graveyard Shift 4 stars This is another of those good old-fashioned creep fests. It's also a fun look at the past. The minimum wage was $1.78 an hour! Also, men were so desperate for employment they were willing to do what was asked during the holiday week...the thing with the rats, GROSS!!!!
The Man who Loved Flowers 5 stars This seemed like such a sweet story. Knowing King as I do, I always know nothing ends sweetly with him, but he mentions the in such an offhand way as he sets the scene, that it just doesn't occur to the reader that he is the real story.
The Last Rung of the Ladder 5 stars Children, especially siblings, form such strong bonds and attachments. They are able to trust like no adult can. This story is so sadly sweet. You just know what happened as the story begins, but you hope against hope that you finally get there you are wrong. I don't know how many times I've read this, but...I'm not wrong. :*(
Night Surf 5 stars If for no other reason than the fact that this is a soft introduction to Captain Tripps, I have always loved this story. I like how vague he is when he is describing the death of so many of us. The fact that our narrator is with a girl he would never have entertained before A6 is just so realistic. We all take what we can get when we can get it, especially when the pickin's are slim.
Jerusalem's Lot 5 stars This is King’s best homage to H.P. Lovecraft, in my opinion. He mimics the old style of writing/speaking and the story is super creepy, with the haunting of Chapelwaite; a cult worshipping a dark god; ancient texts; and an old creature that has been alive longer than humanity, waiting to be reawakened by a Boone descendant. This story isn’t as easy to read as most stories, but it’s worth the effort if only to give you a glimpse of what will eventually become Salem’s Lot, easily my favorite King of all.
The Lawnmower Man 5 stars I don't really get all of the symbolism, or probably even the message, but this is just a fun, weird story. I always imagine Danny Devito in the all-together, grass stains on his tummy and knees with that impish grin. Devito is The Lawnmower Man for me.
Sometimes They Come Back 4 stars This a pretty good tale and you don't know until the end if it's really happening or if this guy lost his nut. I am always especially thankful for my full accompaniment of fingers at the end of this tale. I am also always left not knowing how it really ends.
Quitters Inc. 5 stars I haven't even finished yet, but this has always been one of my favorite of the smaller King jewels. It's just so plausible. Many people care enough about a cause to leave the kind of funds it would take to run this. Who can argue they are doing the world a service? I have many relatives who smoke, most of whom have tried to quit, once twice, or many times. It's near impossible to hear them tell it. What is Quitters Inc. using as a cure, but love? Love can make us do, or not do, almost anything.
The Ledge 5 stars This is just a perfect, little, straight narrative. No funny stuff. It would be right at home in the pages of an Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine. A good yarn.
The Mangler 3 stars This has never been one of my favorites and it may have suffered a bit in Glover's voice. His women come across as whiny, mincing, and giggly. I found it irritating. It's also a little too far-fetched for my suspension of disbelief.
The Boogeyman - 5 stars This guy is an A, #1 A-hole, but at the same time, I don't think he did what he is talking about. It's such a creepy story and a man with his mentality wouldn't make it long in our world today, but if you listen with the idea that this took place over three decades ago, it's easy to get lost in the narrative.
I Know What You Need - 5 stars Before Beth finds the notorious closet, I can actually see myself being okay with Ed's attention. Who doesn't want what he's given her?
Strawberry Spring - 4 stars Again, Glover's voice lent something to this story that improved my enjoyment. I don't remember thinking this was worth three stars in the past, it's been one I sometimes avoid on re-read, but in his voice, it was very, very good. The little "twist" at the end is like a sucker punch to the gut!
Grey Matter 5 stars Glover laid on the Yankee accent with a trowel which is just what this tale needed. It's the perfect ghost story to be told around a pot-bellied stove in the winter, or around a campfire in the summer. Impossible, but in the right mood...maybe it could happen.
The Woman in the Room - 5 stars This is so personally topical for me right now! I am helping to care for my father-in-law who is in a state much like the mother in the story but at home. His feelings are so, so real and raw. I know King lost his mother to cancer and I can only think this book was cathartic in helping him work out the feelings associated with that.
Battleground - 2 stars I have never cared for this story. The delivery of the package and the back story is the only reason I am even giving it the two stars that I am. On re-reads, I usually skip this one but thought I would give Glover a try. Sometimes I am pleasantly surprised at how listening can change my feelings for a tale, but not so in this case.
Graveyard Shift 4 stars This is another of those good old-fashioned creep fests. It's also a fun look at the past. The minimum wage was $1.78 an hour! Also, men were so desperate for employment they were willing to do what was asked during the holiday week...the thing with the rats, GROSS!!!!
The Man who Loved Flowers 5 stars This seemed like such a sweet story. Knowing King as I do, I always know nothing ends sweetly with him, but he mentions the
Spoiler
Hammer KillerThe Last Rung of the Ladder 5 stars Children, especially siblings, form such strong bonds and attachments. They are able to trust like no adult can. This story is so sadly sweet. You just know what happened as the story begins, but you hope against hope that you finally get there you are wrong. I don't know how many times I've read this, but...I'm not wrong. :*(
Night Surf 5 stars If for no other reason than the fact that this is a soft introduction to Captain Tripps, I have always loved this story. I like how vague he is when he is describing the death of so many of us. The fact that our narrator is with a girl he would never have entertained before A6 is just so realistic. We all take what we can get when we can get it, especially when the pickin's are slim.
Jerusalem's Lot 5 stars This is King’s best homage to H.P. Lovecraft, in my opinion. He mimics the old style of writing/speaking and the story is super creepy, with the haunting of Chapelwaite; a cult worshipping a dark god; ancient texts; and an old creature that has been alive longer than humanity, waiting to be reawakened by a Boone descendant. This story isn’t as easy to read as most stories, but it’s worth the effort if only to give you a glimpse of what will eventually become Salem’s Lot, easily my favorite King of all.
The Lawnmower Man 5 stars I don't really get all of the symbolism, or probably even the message, but this is just a fun, weird story. I always imagine Danny Devito in the all-together, grass stains on his tummy and knees with that impish grin. Devito is The Lawnmower Man for me.
Sometimes They Come Back 4 stars This a pretty good tale and you don't know until the end if it's really happening or if this guy lost his nut. I am always especially thankful for my full accompaniment of fingers at the end of this tale. I am also always left not knowing how it really ends.
Quitters Inc. 5 stars I haven't even finished yet, but this has always been one of my favorite of the smaller King jewels. It's just so plausible. Many people care enough about a cause to leave the kind of funds it would take to run this. Who can argue they are doing the world a service? I have many relatives who smoke, most of whom have tried to quit, once twice, or many times. It's near impossible to hear them tell it. What is Quitters Inc. using as a cure, but love? Love can make us do, or not do, almost anything.
The Ledge 5 stars This is just a perfect, little, straight narrative. No funny stuff. It would be right at home in the pages of an Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine. A good yarn.
The Mangler 3 stars This has never been one of my favorites and it may have suffered a bit in Glover's voice. His women come across as whiny, mincing, and giggly. I found it irritating. It's also a little too far-fetched for my suspension of disbelief.
emilyalbertelli's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
brents's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
3.5
This is worth it for Jerusalem's Lot. The other stories were just eh.
isabellesbooks's review against another edition
3.25
So, here’s the rundown:
The Graveyard Shift: 3 stars
The Man Who Loved Flowers: 5 stars
The Last Rung on the Ladder: 3 stars
Night Surf: 2 stars
Jerusalem’s Lot: 3 stars
Out of instinct, I actually wanted to rate this collection 4 stars because the single 5-star story here stands out so much above the rest of the “meh” chapters. (Seriously, I was SHOOK. And probably grinning like a maniac to myself when I finished it).
Alas, the average rating here is only 3.2, and I have to use my 5th-grade level math skills for something.
The Graveyard Shift: 3 stars
The Man Who Loved Flowers: 5 stars
The Last Rung on the Ladder: 3 stars
Night Surf: 2 stars
Jerusalem’s Lot: 3 stars
Out of instinct, I actually wanted to rate this collection 4 stars because the single 5-star story here stands out so much above the rest of the “meh” chapters. (Seriously, I was SHOOK. And probably grinning like a maniac to myself when I finished it).
Alas, the average rating here is only 3.2, and I have to use my 5th-grade level math skills for something.