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3.49 AVERAGE
3.49 AVERAGE
In one word: wistful. I felt quite emotional at the end of this little story. I think everyone can read it and find a different theme, but the lightness felt at the end (or The End) made me hope, just like the main character does, that everyone feels that elevation before the capital T capital E The End.
Heard on audiobook, read by Stephen King himself. A very good short story with a off kilter ending that was touching & strange at the same time.
So ... This is NOT a horror story, and it is a novella so is very short
I think we can see clearly in this book that the real monster in the world are the humans... and basically that's all I got from this.
I have a hard time recognizing this as a Stephen King book. Granted, it has been a while since I have read one of his, but if someone had given me this book and withheld the author, then asked me who wrote it, I would have guessed Mitch Albom. It is just kind of fluffy and pollyanna-ish. The characters are not well developed, the story is rushed, the magic of the story is left unexplored and phrasing is often awkward. Unfortunately, the only good thing I have to say is that it was short.
What to say about this one? (Insert image of me pondering for a moment...)
I guess I should start with expectations. When I pick up a Stephen King novel, I usually expect one of two things: horror or dark fantasy. This was neither. Then again, this is also not a novel. It's more of a novella or novelette; I always get those confused. Let's just say, it was less than a novel, but more than a short story. Yet, in many ways, this reminded me of reading some of King's short story collections where the strange and bizarre rule.
Elevation is about a rather mild-mannered middle-aged man that begins to experience a strange and inexplicable weight loss. In that respect, it reminded me a lot of Thinner by Richard Bachman (King's alias, if you weren't aware). In that story another man wasted away under an old man's vengeful curse. However, there is a significant difference between these two seemingly similar stories, though. In Thinner, the weight loss is a dark and frightening thing, a horror unto itself. In Elevation, the frightening weight loss defies all logic and produces feelings of peace, happiness, and even euphoria. There is no pain, even if there are difficulties.
Elevation seems to take a gentle approach in emphasizing the benefits of displaying a bit of simple human decency. Scott may begin this bizarre journey divorced and nearly friendless, but by the end of his story he has managed to win over hardened hearts and help facilitate friendships that will last well beyond the last page of his story. Moreover, a simple action taken in front of many witnesses helps create a more positive citizenry in his small town, elevating a great number of people above their petty prejudices.
I guess I should start with expectations. When I pick up a Stephen King novel, I usually expect one of two things: horror or dark fantasy. This was neither. Then again, this is also not a novel. It's more of a novella or novelette; I always get those confused. Let's just say, it was less than a novel, but more than a short story. Yet, in many ways, this reminded me of reading some of King's short story collections where the strange and bizarre rule.
Elevation is about a rather mild-mannered middle-aged man that begins to experience a strange and inexplicable weight loss. In that respect, it reminded me a lot of Thinner by Richard Bachman (King's alias, if you weren't aware). In that story another man wasted away under an old man's vengeful curse. However, there is a significant difference between these two seemingly similar stories, though. In Thinner, the weight loss is a dark and frightening thing, a horror unto itself. In Elevation, the frightening weight loss defies all logic and produces feelings of peace, happiness, and even euphoria. There is no pain, even if there are difficulties.
Elevation seems to take a gentle approach in emphasizing the benefits of displaying a bit of simple human decency. Scott may begin this bizarre journey divorced and nearly friendless, but by the end of his story he has managed to win over hardened hearts and help facilitate friendships that will last well beyond the last page of his story. Moreover, a simple action taken in front of many witnesses helps create a more positive citizenry in his small town, elevating a great number of people above their petty prejudices.
Read in one sitting over a couple of hours, and enjoyed the story very much. I’ve seen a few reviewers expressing disappointment I imagine is based on expectations they developed after reading much earlier works by the author. However, I feel like this is a perfectly reasonable extension of Stephen King’s recent storytelling, and I’m not sure why people are surprised. This book contains the supernatural and the inexplicable... it also contains evil that is more explicable.
The message I took from this book was that people suck, but they also very much don’t suck. Life... it’s a tough gig.
The message I took from this book was that people suck, but they also very much don’t suck. Life... it’s a tough gig.
Fine, interesting and quick. Nothing special and nothing really to make me hate the book. A bit bland like food you forgot to season
It's nice to read a Stephen King book set in Castle Rock that is heartwarming for once. Does it feature a crazy premise? Absolutely. Does someone die? Of course. But the things we've come to know and love about Stephen King's works are used to create a beautiful and sweet tale.
Elevation follows a man who, despite the fact the is not physically losing weight, is rapidly losing weight. Confusing? Not when you read it. The best way I can describe Scott Carey's condition is that he is losing gravity. I don't want to give too much away, but I promise that this is a charming story, and it is beautifully written. But if you're reading this hoping for the dark and scary place that is Castle Rock, you'll have to turn to another book. There are a few nods - both a Cujo and It reference -to previous works, but I promise you, no horror.
Clocking in at fewer than 150 pages, this is a book you can polish off in one setting. And I promise that you'll be glad you took the time to read it. Enjoy!
Elevation follows a man who, despite the fact the is not physically losing weight, is rapidly losing weight. Confusing? Not when you read it. The best way I can describe Scott Carey's condition is that he is losing gravity. I don't want to give too much away, but I promise that this is a charming story, and it is beautifully written. But if you're reading this hoping for the dark and scary place that is Castle Rock, you'll have to turn to another book. There are a few nods - both a Cujo and It reference -to previous works, but I promise you, no horror.
Clocking in at fewer than 150 pages, this is a book you can polish off in one setting. And I promise that you'll be glad you took the time to read it. Enjoy!
Gut Instinct Rating: 4
Characters: 4.75
Believability: 4
Uniqueness: 5
Writing Style: 5
Excitement Factor: 5
Story Line: 5
Title Relevance: 5
Artwork Relevance: 5
Overall: 4.75
Characters: 4.75
Believability: 4
Uniqueness: 5
Writing Style: 5
Excitement Factor: 5
Story Line: 5
Title Relevance: 5
Artwork Relevance: 5
Overall: 4.75