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orangerfulIt's hard to deny that Stephen King is a writer to be reckoned with. I may not enjoy every single one of his books, but when he's good he's good. My pet peeves with him aside, the man can write a story that grabs hold and doesn't let go. Just After Sunset is a short story collection, some new tales, some old ones he had published in magazines, but all very Stephen King. While uneven at times, on the whole this is a solid collection. I listened to the audiobook because it had a variety of different readers, a new voice for each story, and it kept me interested as I drove back and forth to work.
I'm going to give each story a mini-review because it's just easier that way:
The book has a brief introduction by King (read by him on the audiobook) explaining how this collection came about. Nice bit of insight into the writing process. The book also concludes with a collection of tidbits about his inspirations for the stories. I find that stuff interesting so I enjoyed them.
Willa - the first story in the book, and the story that King says got him back into writing short fiction. While it is a bit predictable, I think it is a great example of why King is so read-able: even when you know what's coming you still feel compelled to read (or listen) on.
Gingerbread Girl - Scary story that will make you hair stand on end, especially during the intense ending.
Harvey's Dream - Another classic of King reinventing stories you have already heard. This one feels like a story you would tell at a sleepover.
Rest Stop - This story was okay, a little bit too long. Interesting idea but it didn't keep me interested the way the first three did.
Stationary Bike - This one is just creepy...but in a good way. It also made me want to ride my workout bike again lol! Very cute little moral at the end.
The Things They Left Behind - 9/11 story. I guess they are obligatory at this point. Didn't do a whole lot for me in the end. Kept waiting for more...but I guess you have to tread carefully when using 9/11 as your backdrop.
Graduation Afternoon - short, simple, and felt like something you would write as a warm-up project/writing exercise to get your brain in the right mode.
N. - BEST STORY IN THE COLLECTION. I wanted to get back in my car to hear the rest, disturbing. Destined to be Classic King. You'll never look at OCD the same way again.
The Cat From Hell - Icky but fun. Felt like a B-movie.
New York Times at Special Bargain Price - I...I don't remember this story at all....hm...
Mute - another good creepy story that feels like an urban legend waiting to happen.
Ayana - Interesting idea but I think we've seen it done better *coughdeadlikemecough*
A Very Tight Place - Yeah, gross. And too long. I think if it hadn't been so long, I would have been able to enjoy the ridiculousness of it all. But it got a little too mean, a little too sick and it stopped being fun to listen to.
So, in short - it's worth picking this book or audiobook up at your local library and reading a few, if not all of the stories. Some of them are really good.
I'd say 3.5 outta 5 stars. Solid, but not his best. But if it is a sign of things to come, I'm looking forward to more.
I'm going to give each story a mini-review because it's just easier that way:
The book has a brief introduction by King (read by him on the audiobook) explaining how this collection came about. Nice bit of insight into the writing process. The book also concludes with a collection of tidbits about his inspirations for the stories. I find that stuff interesting so I enjoyed them.
Willa - the first story in the book, and the story that King says got him back into writing short fiction. While it is a bit predictable, I think it is a great example of why King is so read-able: even when you know what's coming you still feel compelled to read (or listen) on.
Gingerbread Girl - Scary story that will make you hair stand on end, especially during the intense ending.
Harvey's Dream - Another classic of King reinventing stories you have already heard. This one feels like a story you would tell at a sleepover.
Rest Stop - This story was okay, a little bit too long. Interesting idea but it didn't keep me interested the way the first three did.
Stationary Bike - This one is just creepy...but in a good way. It also made me want to ride my workout bike again lol! Very cute little moral at the end.
The Things They Left Behind - 9/11 story. I guess they are obligatory at this point. Didn't do a whole lot for me in the end. Kept waiting for more...but I guess you have to tread carefully when using 9/11 as your backdrop.
Graduation Afternoon - short, simple, and felt like something you would write as a warm-up project/writing exercise to get your brain in the right mode.
N. - BEST STORY IN THE COLLECTION. I wanted to get back in my car to hear the rest, disturbing. Destined to be Classic King. You'll never look at OCD the same way again.
The Cat From Hell - Icky but fun. Felt like a B-movie.
New York Times at Special Bargain Price - I...I don't remember this story at all....hm...
Mute - another good creepy story that feels like an urban legend waiting to happen.
Ayana - Interesting idea but I think we've seen it done better *coughdeadlikemecough*
A Very Tight Place - Yeah, gross. And too long. I think if it hadn't been so long, I would have been able to enjoy the ridiculousness of it all. But it got a little too mean, a little too sick and it stopped being fun to listen to.
So, in short - it's worth picking this book or audiobook up at your local library and reading a few, if not all of the stories. Some of them are really good.
I'd say 3.5 outta 5 stars. Solid, but not his best. But if it is a sign of things to come, I'm looking forward to more.
Originally posted on orangerful.vox.com