I read Stephen King’s early books. Then, he wrote Misery, and it was too much for me. I did read The Green Mile, but nothing else until his latest novella, Elevation. In just 146 pages, Stephen King gave us a story about kindness, persistence, our own blindness, and one person who makes a difference. He also made me cry.
Scott Carey leads an ordinary life in Castle Rock, Maine. He’s a divorced website designer who lives with his cat Bill D. Cat. But, he’s caught up in his latest well-paying project, and hasn’t really paid too much attention to his neighbors, Deirdre McComb and Missy Donaldson, other than to complain when their dogs pooped on his lawn. But, the rest of the town notices the women are married, and they shun their restaurant, Holy Frijole.
Scott has his own problem that he only confides to his friend, a retired doctor. He’s losing weight, about a pound a day, but he doesn’t physically appear to have lost any weight. That’s a problem if you choose to consider it one. Scott doesn’t view it as an issue. There’s nothing he can really do about it, and he’ll live with it. But, Dr. Bob Ellis wonders what will happen when the weight loss ends.
An overheard remark catches Scott’s attention though. It’s a comment about his neighbors. He might not always get along with DeeDee, but he wasn’t aware of the town attitude. And, DeeDee doesn’t appreciate it when Scott stands up for them. Scott’s determined to do more than that. When the right time comes, he challenges DeeDee about her own attitude.
And, I’m going to challenge readers. If you haven’t picked up a Stephen King book, if he’s scared you off, as he did for me with Misery, try Elevation. It’s a book of our times. It will make you think. It will challenge you to examine your own blindness. It might make you cry. What do you have to lose? It’s only 146 pages.
Stephen King’s website is www.stephenking.com
Elevation by Stephen King. Simon & Schuster, 2018. ISBN 9781982102319 (hardcover), 146p.
*****
FTC Full Disclosure – Library book
I would recommend the non fiction books ON WRITING and DANSE MACABRE. I've also read all the short stories (not very short) and novellas over the years. My favorite of his books is THE STAND, which I've read twice. I will check this out on your recommendation. (By the way, there was a somewhat similarly themed King book, THINNER as by Richard Bachman.
I read Thinner, Jeff. Liked it. This one has an entirely different tone. I'm not sure most Stephen King fans will enjoy it, so I'll be curious to hear your reaction.
Since I haven’t read anything by him since Salem’s Lot and my library is getting this I’ll take your challenge. Now if I can figure out how to squeeze more hours into a day to read.
I so get that problem, Sandy.
I found it in large print at the library..259 pages. It's on my list.
It really won't take long, Gram. I don't know what made it 259 pages.They must have printed 5 words per page or something.
I have a copy of Thinner waiting to be read. It will be a long time at the rate that I am going but I do have it!
That's an interesting review Lesa. I'm glad to read something positive about it. I was going to buy it in audiobook since Steven King narrates it himself. But then I read reviews on Audible, and they were all terrible. Said it was his worst book yet. However, it depends on where the reader is coming from — are they looking for the so-called typical horror writing? Or are they looking for a good book that is non-horror? I definitely trust your take on it. I've read his non-horror and it's quite good, so I'll revise my decision and get the book after all.