Before reading: Here we go again with more short stories. As we have seen time and time before, these are not my jam. I am familiar with two of the stories in this collection (1408 and The Little Sisters of Eluria) and am excited to read at least those. Same as always I will give overall thoughts as well as thoughts on each individual story. Let's jump right in!
After reading: I am happy to report that this was my favorite short story collection. I don't think I really disliked a single story and there were a few that I quite enjoyed. A pleasant surprise. Now I still don't love this format but I actually had a good time reading this collection. :)
Autopsy Room Four: Immediately, first sentence, I said "oh God." Also, this is set in Derry so that's fun. That was almost a really good story until the end. It was legitimately scary but the end was silly and stupid. I know King does this on purpose and has a certain sense of humor, but I wish it was just a scary story without the "comedy" if that's what you want to call it. I enjoyed it for the most part, though.
The Man in the Black Suit: Now we are in Castle Rock, King is really doing his thing. Also, I just want to point out that I am a fan of these stories that are like diary entries that we, the reader, are supposed to have found and looked through. Overall a nice little story. Nothing too special but it wasn't bad, either.
All That You Love Will be Carried Away: Nice little read. Both serious and silly. Very lovely writing mixed with some that is purposely crude. I enjoy an ambiguous ending, as well.
The Death of Jack Hamilton: Hmm, a mob story. I don't love King's mob stories but I'll save judgements for the end... It was alright. Not my personal cup of tea but not a bad story. Apparently, it is based on a true story which makes it a little more interesting, I suppose.
In the Deathroom: Meh. King describes this one as being an interrogation room story with a happy ending. That's what it is but not something I would willingly choose to read. It wasn't bad and wasn't too long but wasn't for me.
The Little Sisters of Eluria: This is technically a Dark Tower story, King starts off by letting his readers know this, explains that it is a standalone, provides some background, and teased the next DT book. A great start. This story also ties in with The Talisman and the chapters are reminiscent of that. It was great. I love going into DT stories. It made me quite excited to continue on after this.
Everything's Eventual: This one definitely feels like a precurser to The Institute mixed with Insomnia. I loved that story. Maybe my favorite of all King's short stories. I want more. I want a full length novel. I want a movie.
L.T.'s Theory of Pets: According to King, this is his favorite in this collection. I find that interesting. It was a fine story but nothing too special, in my opinion.
The Road Virus Heads North: King mentions The House on Maple Street and Rose Madder as similar stories to this one. I enjoyed both of those so I am cautiously optimistic for this one. I have heard this title mentioned by people talking about short stories by King that they enjoy. This one has the author trope and we are set in Derry. It was a good little short story. Nothing spectacular but it did was it was supposed to do.
Lunch at the Gotham Cafe: I enjoyed this one. Even though it was crazy, I feel like it could've been crazier. I wish something more dramatic happened at the end, and it had the opportunity to be wild. It was alright how it was, though.
That Feeling, You Can Only Say What it is in French: The title is intriguing. I also enjoyed this one for what it was. It was an interesting concept and a quick little read. At first it was giving Final Destination and then it turned into AHS: Coven. IYKYK.
1408: I loved the movie when I saw it when I was younger (probably due for a rewatch), but I can't remember too much of the details. Also got to read part of the original thoughts on this one in On Writing so this will be fun to read after that... This story was so good! I definitely want to revisit the movie again. Its downside is that it is so short and quick, I would love to see this as a full length novel.
Riding the Bullet: I feel like I've heard of this one before? I think it might be more well known but it wasn't familiar to me. It was a fine story. Not my favorite and got a little corny in the middle but it was good, overall.
Luckey Quarter: That was a nice little story to end on. Nothing spectacular but a good quick read.
You guys...it's happening. We are on our way to the Dark Tower and our next stop is Wolves of the Calla.
I am 100% with you about The Long Walk, his Bachman era was so dark and cynical, but the way he built up the relationships between the walkers, while KNOWING their could only be one, was something else. It's alsogreat to see people continuing to get interested in the Dark Tower, I will always love the first 3 books, as that is what I grew up with, but was so happy when he came back to finish them! Also glad I found your blog!
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