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3.49 AVERAGE
3.49 AVERAGE
Not one of my favorite Stephen King stories, but it was interesting enough. Felt a little fatphobic at times - not the book itself, but the number of comments characters made about Scott being fat. And the plot felt less nuanced than King's work usually does. But all things considered, it kept me entertained, and it was a good (and short) first foray into my new morning audiobook routine.
This was an extremely quick read. Only about 160 pages, which was a bit disappointing because the concept seemed like it could have had a full-sized novel in it. The story seems a bit rushed and oddly light-hearted for a King story, but I did enjoy it. Per usual, his characters were well-written(if not a little too stereotypical) and the writing has a great flow. Unfortunately, the book is over before it feels like it began. No idea why this is in the horror genre. Nothing horror about it. I recommend if you’re a King completist, but in honesty it just got my taste buds in the mood for a full-sized King novel.
So I listened to this and my recording came with Elevation and Laurie, and because Laurie starts out with Lloyd losing weight, I thought at first that the stories were connected (they are not). From what I can tell, Laurie is King's way of introducing Lloyd before his longer book Outsider, which I have not yet read. My familiarity with King's work is still fairly new so this was my first introduction to Castle Rock, which other reviews seem to imply is a location that King has used in other novels. As a short story, I loved most of it, including the mystery that ends up being mostly unresolved, although you end up cheering on Scott Carey and respect him for the choice he makes at the end and Deidre for supporting him. This book was definitely written with social/political commentary on what's happening right now, but I respect Mr. King for using his voice. Some might disagree, but honestly, it's his story, his choice, and I enjoyed the short story quite a bit. My only criticism is that the ending was a bit abrupt, because it leaves unanswered questions, lol. But perhaps that's just his style. As others have said, this is definitely not horror. It's more magical realism, if anything.
Short, but good. A gentler look at Castle Rock than usual.
As others have already noted, this is a shorter story for Mr. King. I have come to be a fan of his later in life. My kids always read him as teens and so I associated him with that. I have not read more than about a dozen of his books and have to say that he has quickly become one of my favs.
This is a 'light' story for him but still thoroughly enjoyable. I did not realize that it was so short. When I picked it up I did not even know the premise., but it was my first book of the year and made me start of the reading challenge easily.
Like all of Stephen King's works, I marvel of his ingenuity when it comes to plots. The characters are few and although the pieces might fit a tad too perfectly, the ending is lovely.
The plot is simple:
1. The main character is losing weight without any source or evidence physically.
2. He is at heart a good person and is troubled how some new people in town are being treated.
3.No explanation is given for his physical problem.
A quick enjoyable read.
This is a 'light' story for him but still thoroughly enjoyable. I did not realize that it was so short. When I picked it up I did not even know the premise., but it was my first book of the year and made me start of the reading challenge easily.
Like all of Stephen King's works, I marvel of his ingenuity when it comes to plots. The characters are few and although the pieces might fit a tad too perfectly, the ending is lovely.
The plot is simple:
1. The main character is losing weight without any source or evidence physically.
2. He is at heart a good person and is troubled how some new people in town are being treated.
3.No explanation is given for his physical problem.
A quick enjoyable read.
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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:
Complicated
A short read- only a few hours of reading and I was done- but a beautiful one. It sucked me in just like all of SK's books do, and I ended it in tears with a huge lump in my throat. Like some other books he's written, I was wishing for a different ending, but I understand that everything can't always be tied up with a neat, crisp little bow & a smile. It ends the way it should, though.
This was a yummy little bite. I don't actually remember how it wound up on my list - I don't tend to actively pursue Steven King titles, and as this one is brand new, it had a waiting list at the library. But I put my name on the list, and the book popped up, so I read it.
First: it is short. I didn't see an indication on the cover that it was a novella, but there we go. There is something gleeful, bubbling, (elevating?) about this read.
Second: I accuse the story of being a little overly saccharine, but I've never been one to mind my fiction that way. There's something altogether satisfying about the ways the story feels like King giving the bird to the bigots of the world.
Would recommend to anyone looking for something quick and bright.
On the second read-through, this story was packaged with another short story - "Lorie" (Laurie? Lori? It was audio, sorry...) - which didn't do much for me. It was fine.
First: it is short. I didn't see an indication on the cover that it was a novella, but there we go. There is something gleeful, bubbling, (elevating?) about this read.
Second: I accuse the story of being a little overly saccharine, but I've never been one to mind my fiction that way. There's something altogether satisfying about the ways the story feels like King giving the bird to the bigots of the world.
Would recommend to anyone looking for something quick and bright.
On the second read-through, this story was packaged with another short story - "Lorie" (Laurie? Lori? It was audio, sorry...) - which didn't do much for me. It was fine.
I'm rating this three and a half stars and rounding it up to four stars. This was a short novel (that I would NOT define as horror) that kept me engaged and curious. The story began with Scott losing weight while looking the same externally. As the pounds came off, he became more and more buoyant physically and even emotionally. As this was happening, he consulted a local retired doctor and dealt with various interpersonal issues with members of his neighborhood and the broader community.
King was effective in weaving the story and creating believable characters despite the odd circumstances. In addition, I liked how Scott's condition first prompted concern but then evolved into personal reflection, peace, and acceptance. In addition, his condition triggered him to take steps to be more mindful and kinder to those around him. In the end, his actions changed the lives of others in important ways.
For me, some of the positive shifts in the story seemed to happen rather suddenly and I craved more explanation at the end. However, sometimes a single event/deed can indeed create the momentum for lasting change and sometimes there are no straightforward answers and things remain a mystery.
Overall, this little novel was impressive with its deeper messages of openness and kindness to others as well as an appreciation of all the details of life. Furthermore, it presented this in a compact and unique story that left me surprisingly hopeful.
King was effective in weaving the story and creating believable characters despite the odd circumstances. In addition, I liked how Scott's condition first prompted concern but then evolved into personal reflection, peace, and acceptance. In addition, his condition triggered him to take steps to be more mindful and kinder to those around him. In the end, his actions changed the lives of others in important ways.
For me, some of the positive shifts in the story seemed to happen rather suddenly and I craved more explanation at the end. However, sometimes a single event/deed can indeed create the momentum for lasting change and sometimes there are no straightforward answers and things remain a mystery.
Overall, this little novel was impressive with its deeper messages of openness and kindness to others as well as an appreciation of all the details of life. Furthermore, it presented this in a compact and unique story that left me surprisingly hopeful.