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tifftastic87's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
On a hiking trail in Maine, nine-year-old Trisha McFarland can no longer handle the sound of her brother and mother arguing. She leaves the trail, just for a second, just to pee and decides she'll take a short cut back. The short cut leads her deeper into the woods, where she becomes hopelessly lost and must fight for her survival. Not only against the elements but against a more sinister presence that is stalking her through the forest.
I've read this at least twice before and I think it still holds up as a really solid entry in Stephen King's bibliography, especially for a rare short book. I've said before that I think King shines when he tells stories of plucky kids who live against all odds. The supernatural element isn't even the most tense part of this book, it is that literally anything could kill a nine-year-old alone in the forest, especially a nine-year-old town girl who doesn't spend much time outdoors. Her survival through sheer determination, luck, and whatever else was an emotional ride.
I've read this at least twice before and I think it still holds up as a really solid entry in Stephen King's bibliography, especially for a rare short book. I've said before that I think King shines when he tells stories of plucky kids who live against all odds. The supernatural element isn't even the most tense part of this book, it is that literally anything could kill a nine-year-old alone in the forest, especially a nine-year-old town girl who doesn't spend much time outdoors. Her survival through sheer determination, luck, and whatever else was an emotional ride.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Blood, and Animal death
Minor: Racism
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