While I have not read many of Stephen's novels and having not liked the ones I did read, I was delighted by "Different Seasons." Specifically, "Apt Pupil" is a finely constructed and insightful character study that reveals the ugly face behind the fascade of smug American normalcy. My other favorite is "Shawshank," which is rich in character development and subtext. A bravura collection!
Posted By: Wolfgang - 08/04/2009 - 5:33 AM EST
One of my favorite books. Ever. Each story is a masterpiece. And, in a fashion, there's more than four stories ... "The Revenge Of Lard Ass Hogan" is the funniest thing I've ever read. Personally, I think Rita Hayworth & The Shawshank Redemption is far superior to the movie too, as is Apt Pupil - the most shocking in the collection with a memorable ending. The Breathing Method is the only (slightly) low note after its intriguing premise.
Posted By: Anonymous - 06/26/2009 - 4:50 AM EST
I loved this collection inspiring the most ingeniously written movie script ever. Thanks a heap =D
Posted By: Viking - 04/19/2009 - 12:37 AM EST
Sorry for my english, This book was very good. I could stop reading it. All those novels were like a suite of only one story. I really appreciate ready that book. I am a big fan of yours. I read almost all your books. You always find the way to surprise me. I am 52 years old and I read a lot and I mean a lot of books about strange, macabre, and dective stuff. But, the way you wrote those story is a lot different of all I ever read before. There's only one other guy who was able to give me the same kind of sensation and it was Edgar Allan Poe and it was not in each book that he wrote because some of them were not that good. The way I see it, right now, you don't have competition. You are the only one that could describe a scene and give goose bump to somebody only because he is ready one of your book. Keep up the good work! Viking from Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Posted By: Britt - 04/13/2009 - 10:28 AM EST
Even though there is only four short stories I think this is his best collection. I enjoyed every one of them so much that I can't even pick a favorite!
Posted By: PepperLouis - 03/19/2009 - 10:24 PM EST
This is a great collection of short stories. Three of the four wonderful stories were made into wonderful movies. However I believe that the story that shines the most is The Breathing Method. It is hands down the best of the collection im my opinion. It is a story within a story. I did not want it to end. I wanted to know more about the club and what was creeping around upstairs. Read it and you will not be dissapointed.
Posted By: Brodie - 12/20/2008 - 11:27 PM EST
i personally thought the best novella in this was Apt Pupil, i found guite terrifing, ever since the bit where he puts the stray cat in the oven. I loved all the other storys. The shawshank was brilliant
Posted By: Katydid - 12/09/2008 - 10:01 AM EST
My 19 year old daughter asked me, while she was home on Thanksgiving Break, "where can I find the book 'Shawshank Redemption'?" I had to tell you that she wouldn't be able to find it. That it's actually a short story in a collection, not a book itself. Guess what one of her Christmas gifts is going to be?? I've been reading novels by Stephen King since "Carrie" came out as a movie. I've loved every one of them I've read and I still make a trip to my local library to pick up a Stephen King book. Thanks and Happy Holidays!
Posted By: Char - 11/18/2008 - 9:29 PM EST
I loved this book. I was so pleased to see 'Rita Hayworth & Shawshank Redemption' and the 'The Body' become 2 of the greatest movies ever. Now I am including "The Mist" in that. I still have't read 'The Mist', but I am going to.
Posted By: Faysal - 11/17/2008 - 10:37 AM EST
omg! words cannot describe this book.. stephen king really showed his talent with this book.. i especially loved "the body"
