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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
The first two stories were phenomenal. Very engaging. Couldn't put it down. The third story was a little slow and felt almost verging on dull.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption was incredible, as is the movie. Apt Pupil was a big step down. I felt it was too long for what it finally delivered. The Body was also long and more meandering than I remembered from Stand By Me (which I also enjoyed). The Breathing Method was relatively short and the build-up was exciting, but the final story wasn't great.
I can't use stars for this collection. The first story -- "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption" -- is one of the best stories I've ever read. I found the second story too disturbing in its content to read. I enjoyed the third and fourth stories, but not as much as I enjoyed the Acknowledgements. Seriously. In those few pages, King describes how he came to be known as a "horror writer" and talks about the writing and publishing of this non-horror (mostly) story collection.
I think most readers will find something to love in this book, if they don't love the entire thing.
I think most readers will find something to love in this book, if they don't love the entire thing.
Shawshank 4 ⭐️
Apt Pupil 4.5 ⭐️
The Body 1 ⭐️
Breathing Method 4.25⭐️
So, roughly 3.5 ⭐️ avg
Apt Pupil 4.5 ⭐️
The Body 1 ⭐️
Breathing Method 4.25⭐️
So, roughly 3.5 ⭐️ avg
After seeing the movie several times, I kept hearing Morgan Freeman's vocie when I was reading it. Fun read, and the movie did it a great justice by staying true to the story. Although, they made some changes when they transferred the book to the big screen but both versions were still a delight. Highly recommend this for anyone interested in a simple yet deep story about pushing forward in the most difficult of times.
This is where you can find The Shawhank Redemption. Excellent story telling. I adore Stephen King. I'm so glad he writes a regular column in Entertainment Weekly. I can't get enough of him.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
2.5 stars
Loved the body, definitely my favourite story.
Shawshank redemption and the breathing method I liked and were enjoyable.
However apt pupil being the longest story was slow, boring and brought the rating down.
Loved the body, definitely my favourite story.
Shawshank redemption and the breathing method I liked and were enjoyable.
However apt pupil being the longest story was slow, boring and brought the rating down.
"Apt Pupil" dragged a bit, and I felt the core story of "The Breathing Method" is pretty forgettable (but the club that acts as a framing device was very fascinating!). "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption" and "The Body" are both classics.
It's also worth pointing out that these are all incredibly male-centric stories. In order: men's prison; bond between boy and old man; group of boys; club of men/male doctor with a female patient. With the exception of the last story, these are all about men. Not necessarily a flaw, but worth knowing going in if you wanted more varied perspectives.
It's also worth pointing out that these are all incredibly male-centric stories. In order: men's prison; bond between boy and old man; group of boys; club of men/male doctor with a female patient. With the exception of the last story, these are all about men. Not necessarily a flaw, but worth knowing going in if you wanted more varied perspectives.