Survivor Type

[jlessl]

Has to be one of the best (worst?) stories in this book. Words fail me to describe the way I reacted to this! OMIGOD, if there was ever any doubt about SK's twisted/bizarre imagination and storytelling, this outrageous concept seals the deal. I'll tell you what, I doubt if THIS will ever be made into a movie!!!

[Autumnlyn]

I loved the story. Thought that the glimpse into a man rationalizing eating his own body was awesome!!

[jlessl]

Indeed. I liked the story as well. Just sayin' it was one of the most disturbing, but I mean that in the best possible way!

[jlessl]

My previous "quick reply" didn't take ... so I'm reposting.

I did like the story, too! It's just that it was one of the most disturbing stories I've ever read (and I mean that in a good way).

[DaveBond21]

Wonderful story. I'd hate to see it as a movie. Like so much of King's work, there is too much internal dialogue to be able to re-create visually.

[Daddyn505]

The depths of hell our beings would put ourselves through are amazing! Tell me this could'nt be a true story. Have you ever watched the television show " I Should'nt Be Alive!"? Truth is definitely stranger than fiction.

[michal]

I can still remember than sentence about the earlobes. Haunts me in my dreams is more like it... :biggrin2:

[The Outsider]

This was actually the first book by stephen king I ever read, and it got me hooked. This story is by far the best in this collection. It was what made me continue to read King, even though they aren't like this one.

[thebarbster24]

I agree that it was a good story and wonderfully written BUT am i the only one who actually felt physically sick reading this? This was one of the times I really hated my vivid imagination and tried hard not to visualize things.

[The Outsider]

I'm pretty good at controlling my imagination at times like these, so not much stuff that people say, or anything I read, will really make me ill (except the part in dremacatcher when McCarthy is birthing the **** weasel. The description was disgusting. I didn't want to take a crap)

[Sarahlou]

Wonderful story. I'd hate to see it as a movie. Like so much of King's work, there is too much internal dialogue to be able to re-create visually.

THANK YOU! You've just verbalized what I haven't been able to put my finger on with what IMO doesn't gel in King's book to film conversions.

This story is one of my favourites - I always think the best/most shocking short stories are the ones that gross you out but leave you asking in that super extreme situation, could I....:oo:

[JohnDalglish]

I'm pretty good at controlling my imagination at times like these, so not much stuff that people say, or anything I read, will really make me ill (except the part in dremacatcher when McCarthy is birthing the **** weasel. The description was disgusting. I didn't want to take a crap)

Hi,

Me too, I was scared to fart for a fortnight LOL

Long days and pleasant nights

[heather_eaves]

I totally agree with Sarahlou when you said the most shocking stories are the best. For some reason when I read this story the first time it did not instantly click with me what he was eating. It took me a few pages to get what he was saying. That never happens because I normally catch on right away. It is one of my favorites.

[God]

This is up there with Gerald's Game for that feeling of "What the hell would I do in their shoes?" Super-duper story, this one!

[heyguy]

just read this story. such a great last line:

'lady fingers they taste just like lady fingers"

[Doc Wilson]

Incredibly awesome story. One of the few that every detail remains fresh in my memory after 30 years.

This story was so damned cool that even though I could see the ending coming a mile away it didn't diminish my enjoyment one bit. Just the idea for this story was brilliant enough, but the execution... oh my.

[bryantburnette]

LOVE this story; the main character is such a creep, but it's also hard not to be in awe of his determination ... and to envy it.

[Dishsoaps]

Just read for the first time and even tho it was pretty gory i could not put it down. Very well written and this is why i love the master of horror!!!

[womby wombles]

This is the one story that I love to read aloud to my friends to scare them :) It has never failed to make them plead for me to stop!
It is my fav story of the collection and I seem to drift back to it at least once or twice a year.

[muskrat]

Heh heh...

If you had to eat youself, what part would you eat first?

I thought of making this a new thread, but doubted I'd get many replies...

[JellybeanJay]

I have to say this was one of the only SK stories that actually made me queasy

[footofthehare]

I just read Survivor Type for the first time, and all I could do was stare at the last page, slack-jawed and nearly crying/laughing. I mean, the only thing I wanted to do was sing the praises of Stephen King, and I have been. I know the odds of him reading any of these complimentary posts about an almost thirty year old short story are slim, but it's just such a good story. Words fail me, if by some crazy chance, Stephen, you read this post, just know that you have rekindled my love for short stories.

[Mookie]

I have to say this was one of the only SK stories that actually made me queasy

I kept thinking through the whole thing OMG not another one!

[Seb Shaw]

I too just read this story, and it is still so vivid in my imagination, it was so well constructed, so well paced and so disgustingly great that I'm sure it will last long in the memory, This has just rocketed to 2nd in my list of favorite stories in this collection, just behind The Mist.

As for it not being film worthy, I have to disagree I think it would make a great film, If made correctly and with the up-most respect... If you think it would be too graphic, for and audience, well just look at Human Centipede and the SAW franchise. The internal monologue could be done out loud with flashbacks of his past. You wouldn't even have to show all the gruesome scenes, just hint at them :D

[DebA913]

This is the story I have people read who have never read Stephen King before!!!! Just a little insight.....
Well, I loved it.

[blunthead]

I loved Survivor Type. I think an author's ability to exact a visceral response helps define his value, and, were sK to read this thread, it would bless his heart. ST could not have been written better, horror/humor in petfect balance. And another perfect ending (one of my favorite of sK's habits).

[CCAL]

yes I remember reading this one way back in the day! Glory-what a story! lol. I was riveted until I finished the very last page. yes sir it made me ill to my stomach....thats when you know its either the absolute brest of the horrors or a really lousy disgusting junk parading as a legitimate book. IMO ofcourse. I have never forgotten that story-even after having a massive stroke-amazing huh?! think I'll go look it up & rerfead it! thanks ya'll!

[garygak]

Has to be one of the best (worst?) stories in this book. Words fail me to describe the way I reacted to this! OMIGOD, if there was ever any doubt about SK's twisted/bizarre imagination and storytelling, this outrageous concept seals the deal. I'll tell you what, I doubt if THIS will ever be made into a movie!!!
I can think of another movie along this lines, one guy alone on the beach. Anyone seen Castaway? Not nearly as entertaining. I'd watch a movie based on Survivor Type!