I’ve said it before, and I will say it again: I like Stephen King best when he is being understated, when he stays away from hysterics and over-the-top horror tropes. Because let’s face it, it takes more skills to scare someone with the subtle things than to scare them with sledge hammer-wielding nurses and zombified cats.

I read “The Green Mile” a long time ago, around the time the movie came out (which means I was about 15 years old… Jesus, that was twenty years ago!). I love Frank Darabont’s work, and after “The Shawshank Redemption”, I was easily sold on another King story set in a prison. The movie and the book both broke my heart, while simultaneously freaking me out. That’s a very potent and memorable blend of emotions.

I recently came across this gorgeous and appropriately green edition and realized my old copy had vanished between moves and book-borrowing roommates, and I figured this was the perfect excuse to revisit it.

Paul Edgecombe is a guard at the Cold Mountain Penitentiary; more precisely, he is in charge of the “green mile”, the block housing the death row inmates, nicknamed thus because of its greenish linoleum floor. During the Great Depression, Edgecombe’s cell block became home to a few very unusual characters, most notably John Coffey, an enormous, seemingly simple-minded man accused of a terrible crime. But there is much more to Coffey than meets the eye, and as they wait for the time of his execution by electric chair, Edgecombe and his fellow guards will see their entire world changed.

All the characters in this story are beautifully developed – even the despicable ones. They are so finely drawn that they all but leap off the page, and one could easily be tricked into believing King didn’t make them up but simply wrote down a true story. Reading this book again, I found myself even more moved than I had been on the first read.

Anyone familiar with this story knows that few villains in literature are as repulsive as Percy Wetmore. I had forgotten how much I loathe the little weasel, and I read the passages involving his imbecilic, evil actions my lips curled in disgust. Wild Bill Wharton is also nothing short of diabolical, but Percy makes me feel sicker, somehow: Wharton’s nature is rotten to the core, but Percy chooses to do what he does in full knowledge of the consequences. Few resolutions are as satisfying as what ends up happening to both of those guys.

King does a wonderful job on contextualizing this story: the South during the Great Depression was no picnic, and the men who guard those prisoners did not exactly want that specific job, but it was a job, and they knew their livelihood depended on them doing it well. Edgecombe tries to give back their humanity and dignity to (most of) the men in his care, which I found to be a strong and moving element to add to this story. In fact, Edgecombe's voice, tired and regretful, is, in my opinion, the best writing King has ever done.

“The Green Mile” is the kind of story that stays with you for a long time, and King achieved something truly remarkable with this incredible tale that blends magical realism, character study and blood-curdling moments of all too-human horror. Definitely my favorite book of his, by a long shot. All the stars. It must be noted that even twenty years later, the movie is still a perfect adaptation, wonderfully acted and directed.

This took place in 1932, when the State Penitentiary was still located at Cold Mountain. Naturally, the electric chair was there as well.

The inmates cracked jokes about the chair, just as people often do about things that scare them but from which they can't escape. They called it Old Sparky or the Big Juicy. They made remarks about the power bill and how Warden Moores would cook his Thanksgiving turkey that fall, with his wife, Melinda, being too ill to do so.

However, for those who actually had to sit in that chair, the humor quickly vanished. During my time at Cold Mountain, I oversaw seventy-eight executions (that's one number I've never forgotten; I'll remember it until my deathbed). And I think that for most of these men, the reality of what was happening to them truly sank in when their ankles were being clamped to the sturdy oak legs of Old Sparky. The realization dawned then (you could see it rising in their eyes, a sort of cold dismay) that their own legs had come to an end. The blood still flowed through them, the muscles were still strong, but they were finished all the same; they would never walk another mile in the country or dance with a girl at a barn raising. Old Sparky's clients came to know their deaths from the ankles up. There was a black silk bag that was placed over their heads after they had finished their rambling and mostly disjointed last remarks. It was supposed to be for them, but I always thought it was really for us, to prevent us from seeing the awful tide of dismay in their eyes as they realized they were going to die with their knees bent.

ABOUT THIS BOOK: When it was first published, one volume per month, Stephen King's THE GREEN MILE was an unprecedented publishing success: all six volumes ended up on the New York Times bestseller lists simultaneously and delighted millions of fans worldwide.

Welcome to Cold Mountain Penitentiary, home to the Depression-worn men of E Block. All convicted killers, each awaits his turn to walk the Green Mile and keep a date with "Old Sparky," Cold Mountain's electric chair. Prison guard Paul Edgecombe has witnessed his share of oddities during his years working on the Mile. But he's never seen anyone like John Coffey, a man with the body of a giant and the mind of a child, condemned for a crime terrifying in its violence and shocking in its depravity. In this place of ultimate retribution, Edgecombe is about to discover the terrible, wondrous truth about Coffey, a truth that will challenge his most cherished beliefs... and yours.

MY THOUGHTS: When The Green Mile was first published in 1996, I purchased it in its six volumes over six months. It was the most frustrating way to buy a book, yet strangely enjoyable too. There was an exquisite agony in having to wait for the next volume. Of course, I had mine pre-ordered so there was no risk of missing out.

I have had a complex relationship with The Green Mile. The first reading was a five-star experience. I couldn't get enough of it quickly enough. Some people said that was precisely why Mr King published it this way, to create demand and ensure sales, because who would stop buying a series halfway through? But in reality, the story behind how The Green Mile came about and was published as a serial is very different and interesting. If you have the opportunity, look it up. What appealed to Mr King was, "simply put, Constant Reader, you cannot flip ahead and see how matters turn out."

Anyway, over the years my rating has fluctuated between three and five stars, depending, I guess, on my mood at the time, or the phase of the moon, or something like that. But I came across this collection earlier this year when I was rummaging through the packing crates looking for something else entirely (which, by the way, I never found and now have no idea what it was I was looking for) and pulled it out intending to use it as a filler read while the Kindle was charging. But, of course, that didn't happen. I started it as planned and was swept away by Mr King's writing, resulting in a full five stars for Mr King and my falling far behind on my scheduled "read for review" books. So to those authors whose books I should have read and reviewed recently, I apologize and place the blame squarely on Mr King's shoulders. Please don't be angry with me. In fact, why don't you pick up a copy to read or reread as the case may be while I try to catch up.

Do you know that feeling when you come across a book that's been sitting on your shelves for ages? You finally decide to pick it up, and lo and behold, it turns out to be amazing! It's a truly wonderful feeling that ranks high on both the "I'm-so-dumb" and the "I'm-so-happy" scales. There's an exquisite sensation of both shame and delight, and wonder. What other hidden treasures might my bookshelves be holding?

Anyways, here we are. I've seen the movie and absolutely loved it. However, I never got around to reading the book. It's quite interesting to see how closely the adaptation adhered to the source material. In fact, it was so close that the book didn't hold many surprises for me. And yet, I'm now ranking this among my absolute favorite Stephen King works (It, Needful Things, and The Body - just in case you were curious).

It's such a fantastic story. Mostly it's a tale of wonder, but there are also occasional moments of pain, sadness, and uneasiness. Overall, though, my predominant feelings were joy and happiness. What makes this story for me is the decency of the characters. They are simply good people. They're not embarking on some grand hero's journey or striving for self-improvement or anything like that. They're just good, decent individuals. It was so refreshing to read about them.

King has always been masterful at creating characters. Often, they are nasty, evil, or the kind that are slowly losing their minds. There are some bad apples in this book as well. But it's a book dominated by people (and a mouse) that you can't help but love. He must have done some of his very best work here.

5 stars. Easily.

Buddy read with Nataliya and the Stephen King Readers.

This is the kind of book that I would relive over and over again.

For years, I've been eager to read this book as I'm a huge fan of the film adaptation, mainly due to Tom Hanks.

However, when I discovered that it's based on a King novel, I knew it would be special.

And indeed, The Green Mile was a beautiful yet extremely sad tale of John Coffey, a man wrongly condemned to the electric chair for a crime he didn't commit.

Stephen King's remarkable ability to bring his characters to life is, once more, the strongest aspect of this book.

Every scene is vividly described, making the characters seem very realistic.

The added supernatural element further enhances the narrative.

Overall, this book is deeply poignant, compelling, and in some ways, philosophical.

It contains one of the best settings and character developments King has ever written.

The contrast between the beautiful and hopeful writing and the pain and sadness it conveys is truly mesmerizing.

It's a truly bittersweet masterpiece.

Fantastic! The story was engaging and the characters were well-developed.

However, the movie took it to a whole new level. It was even more fantasticker than the original.

The special effects were truly amazing, making the world come alive on the big screen.

Despite some minor flaws, I still loved it.

The movie managed to capture the essence of the story and add its own unique charm.

It had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

But still, there were a few things that could have been improved.

Maybe the pacing could have been a bit better in some parts, or the ending could have been more satisfying.

Overall, though, it was a great movie and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good adventure.

"The redemption was powerful; it was the key to the door that left the past behind."

"Once again we had triumphed in the destruction of that which we could not create."

"-Do you leave a light on when you go to sleep? -Sometimes I'm scared of the darkness -he said- especially when I'm in a place I don't know."

I looked at his imposing bulk and felt curiously moved. Believe me, sometimes the prisoners moved me. One never saw their worst part, forging horrors with blows like demons in a forge.

How could one not be moved by this story? With a plot, circumstances, nuances, and such powerful characters.

Using the walls of the prison where the inmates spend their last days as a vehicle, walls that also house the fantastic and the supernatural, to portray the essence of human goodness/evil, injustice, racism, and the death penalty (a subject that can continue to be controversial).

But above all, I think it's a story about dignity. Paul Edgecomb and his subordinates (except Percy), are not only dignified in such an undignified job. But they do everything possible to ensure that the condemned have a dignified end before walking down "The Green Mile" and sitting in the "electric chair".

Whether some may have some decency in their souls and others are simply true monsters. I think this at some point clashes and hurts when contrasted with reality. When there are so many people in a position of real power and privilege who do not show the slightest dignity to innocent and truly helpless people.

Saying that the world would be much better if there were people like John Coffey would be irrational, but if there were at least more people like Chief Edgecomb and his boys, without a doubt the world would be a much better place.

"Whether we like it or not, time heals all. Time takes everything away and in the end, only darkness remains. Sometimes we find others in that darkness and other times we lose them in it(...)"

"For all of us, the end comes; I know there are no exceptions. However, my God, sometimes the Green Mile seems so long..."

Without a doubt, it has sneaked into my top favorites.

It is highly recommendable.

This item or experience has truly made an impression on me. Its unique qualities and features have managed to capture my attention and earn a special place among my most beloved things. Whether it's a book, a movie, a product, or an activity, it has something that sets it apart from the rest.

I would not hesitate to recommend it to others. It has the potential to bring joy, inspiration, or value to those who give it a try. So, if you're looking for something new and exciting, I encourage you to check it out and see for yourself why it has become one of my favorites.

It is truly astonishing that I ended up having such a profound liking for The Green Mile. I ended up adoring it immensely!

It doesn't fall into the genre of books that typically appeal to me, and the large number of characters introduced at the beginning initially posed a challenge. Set on death row at Cold Mountain Penitentiary, The Green Mile is the nickname for the infamous corridor with green-tinted linoleum flooring that leads from the cells to the electric chair.

The story is not a portrayal of exemplary citizens. Is it a horror story? Not exactly, but it is indeed scary and gruesome. It also contains a significant element of fantasy. What we get is a creative blend of the real and the imaginary, as well as a snapshot of the worst and the best in humanity. The characters are believable and are developed with great depth. I find the author's ability to so convincingly merge fantasy and reality truly remarkable.

The story revolves around the inmates, the guards, some wives, and a teeny little mouse. Maybe it sounds completely crazy, but you end up falling in love with this tiny creature.

The reason I give this book four stars and like it so very much is because the characters have become so incredibly real to me. I have come to care deeply about them. What happens to them has become of great importance to me. Moreover, the questions the book raises keep you engaged in thought.

What the characters say is not always pleasant, but it is real. The dialogue is at times crude and vulgar, but what emotions and thoughts lie beneath? That's what matters. There is kindness, goodness, friendship, and love intertwined with the terrible and the evil. There is also humor, if you dare to recognize it. The dialog is excellent, and the metaphors make you stop and think. Yep, it's exceptionally good prose.

If you want to be moved, read this tale. It will make you extremely angry at some of the figures. You will feel sadness and compassion for others.

The story is told by Paul Edgecombe in 1996, when he is an extremely old man. He is living in the Georgia Pines nursing home in the South. Beside him is Elaine Connelly, who is not his wife but someone he has come to love dearly……and another, but I'm not telling you who. And another, or at least someone who reminds Paul of that year 1932 when he was the block supervisor of death row, where at the end of the “green mile” the electric chair, “Old Sparky” sat. Paul writes in 1996 about what happened in 1932.

You will encounter many characters in this story, and many of them have more than one name. This initially confused me. After a few chapters, when I was muddled about who was who, I started over from the beginning. The second time around, I made a character list. This was necessary for me; perhaps it won't be for you. By the end, you will have come to know each character intimately—he who is constantly combing his hair slicked with Brilliantine, he who licks the pencil tip, and others, many others. Guards, wardens, supervisors, reporters, sheriffs, deputies, some of the victims, and the inmates, one of whom is John Coffey. He is enormously large, simple-minded, and black. His name sounds like coffee but isn't spelled that way. This inmate is accused of the rape and murder of twins. Is he guilty? That's a question you will ask, and what if he isn't and still has to walk “the green mile” anyway?!

The book poses all kinds of questions. How should a life be lived, and when is it acceptable for it to end? When is it right to bend the rules? The themes covered are numerous—the racial divide in the South, the need to hold onto a job during the Depression years, aging, love, and honesty.

I have come to really like this book! I am impressed by Stephen King's ability to blend fact and reality, to use fantasy to prompt readers to stop and think, not just once, but twice and three times about life and what is right and what is wrong. He made me alternately love and despise his fictional characters.

The audiobook is narrated by Frank Muller. It contains the six volumes that were originally released separately as monthly installments from March to August 1996. Stephen King thought it was fascinating to play with his readers as Charles Dickens had done. I have rated Frank Muller's performance with three stars. I don't like how he elongates Paul's lines. Clearly, he does this to add suspense, but I find it irritating. The voices of all the other characters are very well done.

«Whether we like it or not, time heals everything. Time takes everything away and in the end, only darkness remains. Sometimes we find others in that darkness and other times we lose them in it.»

Paul Edgecombe.

I have just finished this book, and wow, what a remarkable read it has been.

I have never been a fan of horror, whether it be in books or films. For years, my boyfriend has been trying to persuade me to read Steven King, but I have avoided him like the plague. I was aware that he wrote other types of books, mainly through the remakes of these books into Hollywood films such as 'The Shawshank Redemption', 'Stand By Me', and of course, 'The Green Mile'. However, I was still hesitant to approach his works.

It was only after my boyfriend read this book and persistently nagged me into doing the same that I finally picked it up. And I'm extremely glad that I did. The characters are written so beautifully that I'm not ashamed to admit that I shed many tears, even though I knew precisely what was going to happen, having seen the movie numerous times. If you are a fan of the movie, you cannot help but fall in love with the book because the movie is one of those rare exceptions that remains very true to its original source. The joy of the book, as is often the case with books, is that it delves into much more detail, especially with the character of Mr Jingles.

This book perfectly illustrates how versatile King is as a writer, and in the years to come, he will probably be regarded as one of the great literary geniuses of the Twentieth century.

When I made the decision to read The Green Mile, I was completely and utterly convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that it would never come close to the brilliance of the movie. Oh, how wrong I was!

Every single one of the characters (including the charming Mr. Jingles) is drawn with such vivid detail and authenticity that you are instantly transported into the heart of Cold Mountain State Penitentiary in 1932. You feel as if you are right there, sharing in their joys, their sorrows, and their every emotion.

This story is truly magical and unforgettable. It has the power to rip your heart out and leave you in a state of awe. If I could rate it higher than 5 Stars, I would do so without a moment's hesitation. What more can I say except for the profound words: "Time takes it all, whether you want it to or not." This simple yet powerful statement sums up the essence of this remarkable tale.

Five Stars and a Half

In this review, I want to talk about a truly remarkable experience that I had. It was like receiving five stars and a half!

Let's start with the service. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. They went above and beyond to make sure that I had everything I needed.

The quality of the product or service was also outstanding. It exceeded my expectations in every way.

The atmosphere was inviting and comfortable, making it a great place to relax and enjoy.

Overall, I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a top-notch experience. It truly deserves five stars and a half!