Whew! I kicked off the new year with this remarkable collection of novellas and short stories by the one and only Stephen King.

It has literally taken me the entire year to devour this literary gem. In a strange way, it seems to neatly encapsulate my 2020.

This collection is truly a treasure trove of weird and deeply unnerving tales. I was completely enthralled by The Mist, Gramma, and The Ballad of the Flexible Bullet - some of the longer pieces that really stood out. Each one is upsetting in its own unique way. They all possess that spine-chilling feel that comes from King's masterful and suspenseful descriptions. It's like you're wandering through a twisted and haunted house, knowing full well that something dreadful is about to occur, but having no idea which direction it will take you. If you have a penchant for psychological horror, this is an absolute delight. King is a true maestro when it comes to playing with different genres, always managing to unearth the scary and the horrific within them. His talent is simply astonishing!

The Monkey, Mrs. Todd’s Shortcut, The Jaunt, Paranoid: A Chant, Word Processor of the Gods, The Man Who Would Not Shake Hands, Beachworld, The Reaper’s Image, For Owen, and Morning Deliveries (Milkman #1) are among the other stories that I adored in this selection. The characters are so interesting, engaging in crazy or even unspeakable acts. There's the nondescript character who commits a heinous act against his neighbors. The lady who drives like a bat out of hell or perhaps is actually in hell itself. The men who land on the unforgiving terrain of a barren planet. Even objects that are manipulated by other forces take on a life of their own and become characters. As a mother, the stories about children who are victims of the terrible things in life are the hardest to read.

I truly wish that short stories were still a regular and integral part of magazines and the publishing world. It is far more challenging to craft a coherent and rousing short story than it is a novel. A writer has a limited amount of time to make a lasting impression. King, for the most part, does a magnificent job with these stories. There are a few that didn't quite hit the mark for me, but they are few and far between. Overall, this is an outstanding collection that will linger in the reader's mind long after the lights have gone out.

The main task that I set for him, King coped with - to amuse and stir up a brain tired from "intelligent" books (by no means do I mean that King is for the unintelligent).

There were stories in which the speed of turning the pages was very high and one wanted to know the solution sooner, and there were stories that I forgot immediately after reading.

But overall, out of 22 stories, 11 were liked directly, another 7 were quite good, and the others just passed by.

If you are bored with Mr. Stephen's creativity - "The Skeleton Crew" is a concentrate of King's style and high quality.

But be careful and choose the dosage (which I should have done), and breaks of a few days (sometimes more) between stories can be very useful.

After finishing this book, I must confess that it was an incredibly cathartic experience.

It was one of those rare books that have the power to make you stop and reflect after every chapter.

The story was so engaging and thought-provoking that it forced me to take a step back and really consider the implications of what I had just read.

Each chapter seemed to build on the previous one, leading to a climax that left me feeling both satisfied and enlightened.

I found myself completely immersed in the world created by the author, and by the end of the book, I felt as if I had gone through a personal transformation.

This is definitely a book that I would recommend to anyone looking for a deep and meaningful read.

There are two short stories that I have read repeatedly.

The Mist has always been a favorite of mine. I am truly amazed by how many people have not read Survivor Type! It is simply awesome.

I have actually lost three copies of this story because I keep lending it out. And please don't ask if you can borrow it! ;o)

These two short stories have had a profound impact on me. The Mist creates a sense of mystery and dread that keeps me on the edge of my seat. On the other hand, Survivor Type is a gripping tale of survival and human perseverance.

I highly recommend both of these stories to anyone who enjoys reading. They are sure to leave you entertained and thinking long after you have finished reading.

Skeleton Crew is truly a remarkable collection of tales by Stephen King, often compared to the iconic Twilight Zone. It encompasses a wide range of genres. Some of the stories are science fiction, taking readers on mind-bending adventures through otherworldly realms. Others are filled with paranoia, making you question the reality around you. And then there are those that are simply strange and otherworldly in nature, defying easy categorization. As expected from Stephen King, most of these stories are downright horrifying, capable of sending shivers down your spine.

This collection is a bit of a mixed bag for me. There are a few stories that didn't quite hit the mark for me, such as "Uncle Otto's Truck," "The Wedding Gig," "Big Wheels: A Tale of the Laundry Game," and "The Reach." However, the majority of the stories are brilliantly executed. In fact, there are several that I believe will stay with me forever. "The Mist" is a standout, with its intense atmosphere and terrifying creatures. "Survivor Type" is body horror at its most gruesome, making you cringe and yet unable to look away. "The Ballad of the Flexible Bullet," "The Raft," and "The Reaper's Image" are also excellent, each with their own unique charm.

"Gramma" is horrifying in its simplicity, while "Mrs. Todd's Shortcut" is haunting and leaves a lasting impression. "The Jaunt" is disturbing, exploring the dark side of human nature. "The Monkey" is pure creepy fun, perfect for a quick scare. "Cain Rose Up" and "Morning Deliveries" have incredible shock value, making you gasp in surprise. Overall, Skeleton Crew is not my absolute favorite collection of King's short stories, but there is certainly a lot here to enjoy. The audiobook, which is well-read by several talented people including Matthew Broderick, Michael C. Hall, Paul Giamatti, and Frances Sternhagen, adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the reading experience.

I just want to say that I started reading this book on March 18, 2019, and it's very likely that I would never have finished it if it weren't for this virus and isolation.

The virus has brought so many changes to our lives. We are confined to our homes, unable to go out and socialize as freely as before.

But in this situation, I found myself with more time to focus on reading.

This book has become my companion during this period of isolation. It has taken me to different worlds and allowed me to experience different emotions.

Although the virus has caused a lot of difficulties and challenges, it has also given me the opportunity to discover new interests and hobbies.

I'm grateful for this unexpected gift that has come out of this difficult time.

Maybe when all of this is over, I will look back on this period of isolation and remember the books that I read and the experiences that I had.

**"A Diverse Collection of Stephen King's Tales"**

4 stars for the collection as a whole


I recently reread a Stephen King classic with my SpecFic buddies, decades after my first encounter. This collection offers a wide range of stories that showcase King's versatility as a writer.

The Mist (4/5) The terror of the unknown lurks outside as a group of strangers seek refuge in a supermarket. The ordinary setting makes the horror all the more palpable, as it's something anyone can envision happening. King masterfully builds tension and explores the complex dynamics among the characters.

Here There Be Tygers (3/5) The imagery in this story is its strongest point, vividly描绘出 emotions and sense experiences. While it may not be a traditional story, it effectively demonstrates how King can convey powerful feelings in a short space.

The Monkey (4/5) Possessed cymbal-smashing toy monkeys are inherently creepy, and King capitalizes on this to create a scary tale. The exploration of the father-son relationship adds depth and makes the story more relatable.

Cain Rose Up (2/5) Similar to "Here There Be Tygers," this story focuses on quickly painting a sense experience rather than developing a full narrative. However, it lacks the exploration of motivation that would have made it more engaging.

Mrs. Todd's Shortcut (4/5) The idea of taking the roads less traveled and discovering unknown realities is an old one, but King gives it a fresh twist. The complex layering of the narrative showcases his storytelling skills.

The Jaunt (3.5/5) Although not the best-written story in the collection, the concept of the side effects of teleportation has always intrigued me. Some of the SF details may have aged, but the underlying idea remains compelling.

The Wedding Gig (3.5/5) The prohibition era setting and narrative voice add authenticity to this story. While not a horror tale, it's an interesting and well-crafted piece.

Paranoid: A Chant (NR) I skipped this poem as I'm not a big fan of poetry.

The Raft (5/5) This is a perfectly scary horror story that takes a common activity and turns it into a nightmare. It taps into the fears we had as children and makes us question what if.

Word Processor of the Gods (5/5) I really enjoyed this story. It has a great setup that quickly establishes the characters and then leads to an unexpected and somewhat happy outcome.

The Man Who Would Not Shake Hands (3.5/5) Harking back to "The Breathing Method" from Different Seasons, this story visits the strange Club at 249B East 35th. I found it even more enjoyable after recently reading about the Club.

Beachworld (4/5) This story reminded me of the original Twilight Zone, with its eerie setting and sense of mystery. Two men crash on a planet of endless sand dunes, and the story explores their struggle for survival.

The Reaper's Image (3/5) While this haunted mirror story was okay, it was a bit predictable and didn't stand out from others in the genre.

Nona (3/5) This story has a dreamlike quality that suits a supernatural tale. However, I felt it could have been more grounded to make it more impactful.

For Owen (NR) Another poem that I skipped.

Survivor Type (4/5) This story is like a darker version of Mark Whatney getting shipwrecked. The protagonist's positive attitude keeps him alive, but also leads to some questionable decisions.

Uncle Otto's Truck (4.5/5) King's talent for creating vivid characters and settings is on full display in this story. The small town Maine atmosphere, the crazy uncle, and the derelict truck all come to life.

Morning Deliveries (Milkman #1) (4/5) The juxtaposition of clean and innocent images with more ominous ones in this descriptive piece creates a sense of unease. I loved the way King uses language to paint a picture.

Big Wheels: A Tale of the Laundry Game (Milkman #2) (3.5/5) The writing in this story is excellent, especially the portrayal of the drunken conversation. However, the ending felt a bit abrupt and left me a bit confused.

Gramma (5/5) This is a fantastically creepy story that captures the essence of childhood fears. The writing is superb, and the sense experience is vividly brought to life.

The Ballad of the Flexible Bullet (4/5) A long and slow-paced story that builds anticipation until the very end. The reveal of the fantastic element is well-done and makes the wait worthwhile.

The Reach (2.5/5) This nebulous meditation on life and death in a small community didn't quite resonate with me. While I appreciate the sentiment, the story felt a bit too abstract. Overall, this collection is a must-read for Stephen King fans and anyone who enjoys a good horror or speculative fiction story.

Stephen King once again proves his talent for captivating me and his ability to take me, always willingly, to the darkest places. And this is not easy to do when it comes to short stories, where he doesn't have the possibility to make long and elaborate constructions of the stories or fully develop his characters, as he usually excels in almost all his novels. It's true that I liked Different Seasons and Four Past Midnight more, but that's because the stories there are fewer and denser. Skeleton Crew has no less than 22 stories, and I've chosen the ones that charmed me the most - if it can be said like that when it comes to King.

The Mist - a mysterious fog begins to take over a town in Maine. A group of people gets trapped in a supermarket, and as time passes, monstrous creatures emerge from the darkness. Only that people can also become monsters when tensions and fear take the place of reason and empathy. This is one of the few cases where I saw the movie with Thomas Jane before reading the story, but this didn't influence the reading. And one of the few cases where the ending of the adaptation is much more dramatic and shocking than the one in the story. A TV series was also made, which I thought was weak and only lasted one season. The Mist was written and published in 1976, before the debut with the first novel, Carrie.

The Monkey - an evil toy monkey that belonged to Hal Shelburn in his childhood appears in his and his family's house. Now he has to get rid of it again, this time definitively, before a new series of inexplicable accidents that happened many years ago starts again.

Mrs Todd's shortcut - the story of a gardener who makes a bet with his speedomaniac boss when he doesn't believe that she knows a shortcut that takes her in record time to the nearby town. But this shortcut goes through a forest that seems to have its own life...

The Jaunt is a science fiction story about teleportation. How does teleportation work and how was it discovered? Mark's children want to find out when they are preparing for a trip to Mars. What happens if you stay awake during the transit? Nothing good, I assure you. And one of the children will find out that curiosity doesn't always bring satisfaction. Sometimes it brings suffering.

The Raft - Four teenagers take advantage of a sunny October day for a short escapade on a lake. There someone has left a raft that is perfect for relaxation in the middle of the calm water. Calm until the four notice the presence of a strange black substance on the water's surface. Which begins to approach the raft... After this story, which I like the most after "The Mist", a short film was made, quite successful, in the well-known horror miniseries Creepshow from the '80s. It was published in 1969 under the title "The Float", and rewritten in 1981 with the current title.

The man who would not shake hands - this story is related to "The Breathing Method", which appeared in Different Seasons. Here, as in the other volume, a group of poker-loving friends share strange experiences they have had or heard. The man in the title avoids any contact at all costs, as any physical interaction had unwanted, even deadly consequences for others.

Survivor type - I even had a hard time swallowing this one, and that's because of its realism. A morally corrupt surgeon who has problems with the law is shipwrecked on a small and desolate island. Only that, unlike Robinson Crusoe, he doesn't have a Friday and resources at hand. And then, how far are you willing to go for your own survival? Where does the limit of self-preservation stop? How much can you sacrifice of yourself to live? A very tough story.

These aren't the only ones that I liked, and not all of them I liked, but these seven seemed to me the best.

My very first foray into King's short story collections was truly an eye-opening experience.

Overall, I was extremely impressed. There were an abundance of great themes explored within the pages, which not only added depth but also engaged my mind on multiple levels.

Moreover, the tie-ins to his unique world, especially Castle Rock, and the various characters were simply fascinating. It was like being able to step into a well-crafted universe and explore its nooks and crannies.

After this initial encounter, I have no doubt that I will be delving deeper into his shorts. I can't wait to discover more of the hidden gems and captivating stories that he has to offer.

And eventually, I also plan to get into his longer works, as I'm sure they will provide an even more immersive and unforgettable reading experience.

I'm excited to see where this literary journey with King will take me.

Skeleton Crew is my least favorite Stephen King story collection.

It's not that it's a bad collection, but there's just something that felt off about it.

The six stories that I loved are probably some of my favorite Stephen King stories. However, the rest were just blah!

The Good:

1) The Raft is my favorite story in this collection. A group of friends on a raft find themselves being picked off by some mysterious black slug in the water. It's a thrilling and suspenseful tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

2) Word Processor of the Gods. A man who hates his life discovers he can delete or add people and things in his life through his new Word Processor. This story has a unique and interesting concept that makes it stand out.

3) The Reapers Image is one of King's best stories period. As someone who has actually seen an inexplicable image in a mirror, I love scary stories involving mirrors. This story does not disappoint.

4) Survivor Type is so disturbing that while I loved it, I will never read it again. A surgeon is stranded on an island and finds that one particular meat is tastier than the rest. The description and the events in this story are truly horrifying.

5) Uncle Otto's Truck, Stephen King loves a haunted car and I think this story is the best of all of his haunted car stories. It has a great atmosphere and a creepy plot that will give you chills.

6) Gramma I've heard or read this story before but I can't remember where. Gramma never dies. It's a short and sweet story that has a nice twist at the end.

I'm not going to go into detail on the bottom 3 because I just don't care enough.

The Mist was a disappointment because I had such high hopes. It didn't live up to my expectations.

The Wedding Gift was pointless and not funny in the least. It felt like a waste of time.

Beachworld was boring. I just couldn't get into it.

Skeleton Crew is a good collection but with Stephen King I've come to expect greatness. If you love Stephen King I would still recommend this but for the casual King reader maybe skip it.

Hooked On Books September Read-A-Thon

A collection of stories kicks off with the novella "The Mist." There are several truly fantastic stories within, while the rest are also good. However, I wasn't too keen on the inclusion of two poems. Overall, the ratings averaged out to a solid four. This is King's second short story collection, but I have to say that I enjoyed his first one, "Night Shift," the best.

1. "The Mist" - I had already reviewed this when it originally appeared in the anthology "Dark Forces." You can refer to my review there. (5/5)

2. "Here There Be Tygers" - It's a short and strange piece. There's a tiger in the boy's bathroom. It's interesting but seems to lack a clear point. (2/5)

3. "The Monkey" - This one is great! I absolutely loved it! Typical King style. Two brothers discover an evil toy that causes death, and the narrator manages to get rid of it. But twenty years later, his son finds it again, and he has to try and get rid of it for good before anyone else dies. (5/5)

4. "Cain Rose Up" - A short little story where we get inside the mind of a college kid who decides to go on a sniper spree on the college campus from his room. It ends mid-action. (3/5)

5. "Mrs. Todd's Shortcut" - I had a vague memory of this one as I read it. An old caretaker tells his friend what happened in the few months before a rich summer visitor woman disappeared. It has elements of magical realism and is a very satisfying read. (5/5)

6. "The Jaunt" - A very compelling science fiction story set three thousand years in the future. While a family waits to teleport to Mars, the father tells the story of the invention of teleportation. The narrative switches from the father telling the story to the inventor's point of view in the past. It has a shock ending. (5/5)

7. "The Wedding Gig" - A mob story involving the Irish, Italian, and Greek. The Irish "boss's" very large sister gets married, and the reception is where the Greek gets even with him. It's an intriguing story. (4/5)

8. "Paranoid: A Chant" - A poem. I didn't like it at all. (1/5)

9. "The Raft" - A fantastic horror story! Four college kids swim out to an anchored raft at a deserted beach in October, and that's where evil finds them. This one also came back to me. (5/5)

10. "Word Processor of the Gods" - This was really good! A writer who is depressed about his life receives a word processor from his recently deceased nephew. He discovers that the "execute" and "delete" buttons make whatever he writes come true. (5/5)

11. "The Man Who Would Not Shake Hands" - I love, love, loved this one! A group of men gather around a fireplace, and one man tells a tale. It's George's turn, and his story is truly riveting. (5/5)

12. "Beachworld" - Another excellent story! This one reminded me of classic science fiction. A ship crashes on a planet that is entirely made of sand. Two of the crew survive, but one is hypnotized by the sand right away. It has an excellent creepy ending. (5/5)

13. "The Reaper's Image" - A creepy story about a supernatural mirror. The story unfolds slowly and finally reveals the mirror's power at the end. It's good. (4/5)

14. "Nona" - A man in jail writes about what got him in there, his murder spree, and a supernatural force. It's pretty good. (3/5)

15. "For Owen" - Another poem. It's boring. (0/5)

16. "Survivor Type" - This is the story that I was excited to read again. It completely freaked me out the first time I read it, and it was just as good as I remembered! It's a really creepy (and gross) story. (5/5)

17. "Uncle Otto's Truck" - The suspense builds from start to finish in this excellent tale with a common King theme of a malicious vehicle. (5/5)

18. "Morning Deliveries (Milkman #1)" - A strange little story about a milkman who occasionally delivers poisoned goods. It has an odd ending that leaves the reader feeling a bit creepy. (3/5)

19. "Big Wheels: A Tale of The Laundry Game (Milkman #2)" - A strange story that I couldn't quite make sense of. It's related to the previous story but is incomprehensible. However, the story is quite readable. (2/5)

20. "Gramma" - One of the best stories in this collection and probably my favorite. It's a story of fear. A boy is left alone with his grandmother, whom he is terrified of. His fear grows and grows until something happens, and then the fear turns into terror and continues to rise until the twisted end. It's very creepy! (5/5)

21. "The Ballad of the Flexible Bullet" - The second longest story in the collection after "The Mist" and by far one of my favorites in the whole book. It's a fascinating story of madness. Five people in the literary business are having a get-together - an agent, an editor, a writer, and two wives. The single editor then proceeds to tell the story of a writer he knew in the late sixties and how both of them descended into madness and suicide. Even though it's quite long, it was a fast read. (5/5)

22. "The Reach" - The oldest woman on an island tells her story. We learn about her life and the events leading up to her death. It's a tale of living in one place your whole life and all the death that occurs in a long life. It's a good choice for a final story. (4/5)

A Fun and Creepy Story Collection!!

The audiobook of this collection was truly great. The use of different voice actors really enhanced the experience for me. It added an extra layer of authenticity and excitement to each story.

Now, let's talk about the stories themselves. Were some of them a bit out to lunch in the usual Stephen King fashion? Of course!! But that's what makes his work so unique and captivating. I sorta love it when it's completely insane. It takes you on a wild ride and makes you question your own sanity at times.

The collection features a diverse range of stories, each with its own unique charm and horror. Some are psychological thrillers, while others are more straightforward tales of terror. But they all have one thing in common - they will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

If you're a fan of horror and looking for something new and exciting to listen to, then I highly recommend this audiobook. It's a must-have for any Stephen King enthusiast or anyone who loves a good scare.