I remember starting this book back in early high school and giving up on it because it just never gripped me. I really prefer King's full length novels as opposed to short stories; I like to be able to really sink my teeth into a story and characters and watch the rise and fall of the action through an extended period of time. Short stories are over too quickly for me to be able to really to get totally immersed in them. That said, I picked this one back up since it's essential for my collection and reading, and I had a much better experience this time around.
I was definitely not expecting a prequel(?) and sequel to 'Salem's Lot in this! Very surprised and I loved both of the stories. Was also not expecting Night Surf to be a little precursor of sorts to The Stand. Loved that one as well. I like to think of it as just a short little moment that occurs within that same universe. Gray Matter, Sometimes They Come Back, and Children of the Corn were terrifying. I went into Trucks fully expecting to hate it (I'm not really a fan of King's vehicle centered stories; I'm someone who doesn't care about cars in the least bit) but finished it pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Quitters, Inc. is a standout as well. Ones I didn't particularly care too much for were I Am the Doorway, The Mangler, The Boogeyman, and Strawberry Spring. Not that these are bad stories, they just didn't interest me much.
I think the final five stories here really show off. All of them are tremendous and really show King as his best and most versatile, especially The Last Rung on the Ladder and The Woman in the Room. I was blown away by those two, they have a completely different feeling and mood from all the others in the collection.
I was definitely not expecting a prequel(?) and sequel to 'Salem's Lot in this! Very surprised and I loved both of the stories. Was also not expecting Night Surf to be a little precursor of sorts to The Stand. Loved that one as well. I like to think of it as just a short little moment that occurs within that same universe. Gray Matter, Sometimes They Come Back, and Children of the Corn were terrifying. I went into Trucks fully expecting to hate it (I'm not really a fan of King's vehicle centered stories; I'm someone who doesn't care about cars in the least bit) but finished it pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Quitters, Inc. is a standout as well. Ones I didn't particularly care too much for were I Am the Doorway, The Mangler, The Boogeyman, and Strawberry Spring. Not that these are bad stories, they just didn't interest me much.
I think the final five stories here really show off. All of them are tremendous and really show King as his best and most versatile, especially The Last Rung on the Ladder and The Woman in the Room. I was blown away by those two, they have a completely different feeling and mood from all the others in the collection.