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3.35 AVERAGE
3.35 AVERAGE
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
N/A
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Stephen King's passions come through every one of his stories, writing, reading, storytelling and, yes, baseball. I can love him even as his love of the dreaded Red Sox bleeds through this story. A great quick read.
I really like this little book. It’s cunningly printed and attractive and there is the wonderful bonus of an additional short story at the end.
The main story is creepy. I mean really, really creepy! I love the narrative framework. The story is being relayed by a retired team manager. He’s old and looking back so there is the lens of reflection and I always enjoy that. Reminds me a bit of The Green Mile in that regard.
The main character, said Blockade Billy is not who or what he appears to be. I won’t spoil anything specific, but that’s where the creep factor lies. I imagined one face as the story began, but by the time we get to the big reveal the face I see has considerably changed. King is so adept at making us actually see and feel we know his characters. This is no exception.
Despite my enjoyment of the main attraction, I liked the bonus short even more. It’s a doozy! Think “An Indecent Proposal”, but on steroids! Again, King paints his characters in broad strokes while still endowing them with exquisite detail. I grew to hate the proposer in the tale, and genuinely pity the proposed.
The main story is creepy. I mean really, really creepy! I love the narrative framework. The story is being relayed by a retired team manager. He’s old and looking back so there is the lens of reflection and I always enjoy that. Reminds me a bit of The Green Mile in that regard.
The main character, said Blockade Billy is not who or what he appears to be. I won’t spoil anything specific, but that’s where the creep factor lies. I imagined one face as the story began, but by the time we get to the big reveal the face I see has considerably changed. King is so adept at making us actually see and feel we know his characters. This is no exception.
Despite my enjoyment of the main attraction, I liked the bonus short even more. It’s a doozy! Think “An Indecent Proposal”, but on steroids! Again, King paints his characters in broad strokes while still endowing them with exquisite detail. I grew to hate the proposer in the tale, and genuinely pity the proposed.
Eh. I've had this one lying around forever, and finally decided to read it. It was a fast read, and OK, but nothing life changing.
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Great short story. I was a huge baseball fan growing up and this was right up my alley. The audiobook was the perfect way to digest this tale. It felt like listening to an old timer at the bar telling stories from back in the day. Also loved that the interviewers name is King, knowing that King is a big baseball fan.
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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:
Yes
I was intrigued by the premise but couldn't quite follow the intricate baseball descriptions, which are likely part of the enjoyment of this book. King delivers his signature twist ending, though I have to admit I thought it would be supernatural but turns out to just be your everyday psychopath. Tracks overall with King's work, of which I'm still a lukewarm fan.
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No