I first read this book during my time at a rather lousy college in Oregon. A friend of mine was really into Stephen King, and I had just discovered that I liked his works too. So, I voraciously plowed through all of this guy's King books within a single semester, and that included The Stand.

This particular book has remained with me the most, and it's the one I keep coming back to. While the fourth "Season" titled The Breathing Method never really did much for me, the other three stories in it - Apt Pupil, The Body (Stand By Me), and Shawshank - are truly astounding. This was King before he became hugely and massively famous, and before his publisher would have had the faith in him to publish all of these things separately. Interestingly, all three of these stories have been made into films, which should tell you something significant.

If your exposure to King has only been through his massive novels or through the movies or TV series based on his work, then I highly recommend reading this book. This is a side of King that most people don't know. He is clever, sincere, almost innocent (certainly by comparison), and above all, extremely sensitive. Two of the books deal with adolescents, and at that time, King was still close enough to the topic to handle it masterfully. This is most likely King before he got into the habit of using coke, typing away in his laundry room after a hard day of teaching, and it really shows. The stories are sentimental without being silly, touching without being overly mushy, and they have an impact when you least expect it. This is King's first work that blurs the line between Literature and Genre Fiction. Sadly, the fact that these works are remembered more as films than as his original stories is a bit of a pity.

I often listen to the audio versions of the three stories I love from this collection. Read by Frank Muller, they are flawless interpretations that bring wonderful new life to these familiar stories. I would definitely read this book to my kids when they reach around 13 or so.

Fantastic collection! It truly proves that King was (and still is) so much more than just a horror writer.

Like everyone else, I have watched the movies The Shawshank Redemption and Stand By Me countless times. I have a deep love for those films, so I was certain that I would also love Rita Heyworth and The Shawshank Redemption and The Body. In fact, those stories far exceeded my already high expectations. In my opinion, these two stories contain some of the best work that King has ever produced. They are both stories that I plan to revisit time and time again. These two outstanding stories alone are enough to give this collection a 5-star rating.

Apt Pupil and The Breathing Method were pleasant surprises. I had never seen the film version of Apt Pupil, and I only had the vaguest idea of what it was about before reading. I did not anticipate such a disturbing read. Although, in hindsight, perhaps I should have. I went into The Breathing Method completely blind, and I really enjoyed it. It was strange, and I'm still not entirely sure what I just read, but I liked it nonetheless.

This collection is a must-read for any Stephen King fan or anyone who enjoys great storytelling.

I read this article during my college days. It was truly a remarkable piece that captured my attention from the very beginning. The moment I started reading, I was drawn into its world, filled with interesting ideas and engaging stories.

I found myself completely immersed in the text, unable to put it down until I had finished. The author's writing style was so captivating that it made the reading experience a pure joy. Every word seemed to be carefully chosen to convey the intended message.

As I delved deeper into the article, I discovered new perspectives and insights that broadened my understanding of the subject matter. It made me think critically and analyze different aspects of the topic. I loved how it challenged my thinking and encouraged me to explore further.

Overall, this article had a profound impact on me. It not only entertained me but also educated and inspired me. I will always remember the lessons I learned from it and cherish the experience of reading such a wonderful piece of writing.

If any other author were to pen this, it would surely mark the zenith of their career. Here we have four near-flawless stories all bundled together in one collection.

The Shawshank Redemption - 5/5. Undoubtedly the most renowned of the bunch, everyone and their grandmother has either seen the movie or at least heard of it. I was a bit taken aback to discover that Red was a white guy, yet as I delved into the tale of him and Andy, I couldn't envision anyone else but Morgan Freeman. How I wish we could have had a section from Andy's perspective.

Apt Pupil - 5/5. Apt Pupil is hands down one of the most terrifying things I've ever read. Todd and Dussander are both utterly terrifying, each for completely different reasons. Todd is scary because there are real people like him, those who are so fascinated by the Nazis that they will imitate them. Dussander, on the other hand, is just a straight-up psychopath. I will never be able to forget that harrowing scene of the cat and the oven. The ending was also completely nuts.

The Body - 4.5/5. This one took a little while for me to fully absorb. The sections of Gordie's writing really slowed down the pace and killed the momentum, which is why I chose to skip them. However, the friendship between Gordie, Chris, Vern, and Teddy is one of the best in the entire Multiverse. They remind me of me and my pals, and each of them has a unique trait that not only sets them apart but also makes them extremely likable. This novella also poignantly explores themes of grief and the loss of innocence in a way that only King can masterfully write.

The Breathing Method - 4/5. Objectively speaking, this is the weakest of the stories, but it's still a great read. I just wish it had been longer.

Masterful writing and storytelling are the hallmarks of Stephen King's works.

I had long avoided his books, believing them to be nothing but horror that would scare me. And indeed, he does write horror. But in this collection of four novellas, the horror is deeply rooted in the shadow of the normal human being, using Jung's nomenclature. The way it is exposed and played out through his exquisite writing makes it all the more terrifying. The beauty of his prose somehow makes the ugliness more prominent and yet, strangely tolerable.

Sometimes, a writer with a deep personal motivation will reveal it, and for King, it comes through in a quote from the novella "Apt Pupil." It's about an all-American sociopathic boy who gets involved with a Nazi living incognito in his small town. The quote goes: "The things that happened in those camps still have power enough to make the stomach flutter with nausea.... maybe there is something about what the Germans did that exercises a deadly fascination over us—something that opens the catacombs of the imagination. Maybe part of our dread and horror comes from a secret knowledge that under the right—or wrong—set of circumstances, we ourselves would be willing to build such places and staff them. Black serendipity. Maybe we know that under the right set of circumstances the things that live in the catacombs would be glad to crawl out."

I can completely relate to this. It's the very reason I write as well—to expose the flaws within us. We often delude ourselves into believing we don't have certain things or, if we know they're in our "catacombs," we imagine or hope they're well hidden. The delusion that we are, or at least appear, "all-good" makes us capable of cruelty rather than compassion. Stephen King exposes it all with elegance (even though he denies it in his Afterword), eloquence, and sometimes even an erotic touch.

I am a journalist and fiction writer, but I mainly make my living as an editor. I've edited numerous memoirs and a few novels by first-time writers. The most sensitive issue I deal with is getting them to write flawed, or "real," characters as their first-person protagonists. Most people want to portray themselves or fictional characters they identify with as "right" or "noble" in an environment where others are "wrong" or "just don't understand." This leads to flat, unreal stories. As a storyteller, no matter what you're writing, you must simultaneously identify with and know more than all of your characters. You must love and believe in them as they believe in themselves, but also expose their hidden parts and delusions for the reader to see. As readers, we can immediately spot when characters are flat, but so many writers who are identifying with their own rightness and are unwilling to appear wrong become blind to this.

Stephen King, on the other hand, has 20/20 vision. He writes real characters, whether it's a murderer or a falsely accused prisoner in "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption"; a Nazi war criminal, a sociopathic kid, or a concentration camp survivor in "Apt Pupil"; four boys on a rite-of-passage quest that is both revolting and exciting, sad and lonely, and a testament to friendship all at once in "The Body"; or a severed-headed superwoman in "The Breathing Method."

By being willing to love the darkness and the monsters that inhabit it, he forces us to see and identify with them if we dare. And for that, I am truly grateful.

Stephen King is an incredibly brilliant writer. His works have the power to captivate readers and keep them on the edge of their seats.

Each of his stories is unique and haunting in its own special way. Whether it's a tale of horror, mystery, or the supernatural, King has a talent for creating vivid and unforgettable characters and settings.

His writing style is engaging and immersive, drawing readers into the story and making them feel as if they are right there with the characters.

The way he weaves together plotlines and builds suspense is truly masterful. It's no wonder that he is one of the most popular and successful writers of our time.

His stories have been adapted into countless movies, TV shows, and other forms of media, further cementing his status as a literary icon.

If you haven't yet discovered the world of Stephen King, you're in for a treat. Prepare to be scared, entertained, and amazed by his brilliant storytelling.

Shawshank Redemption is a remarkable film that has received an A+ rating. It tells a powerful story of hope and redemption within the walls of a prison.

Apt Pupil, on the other hand, has been given a B+ grade. It explores a complex and disturbing relationship between a young boy and a former Nazi.

The Body is a coming-of-age tale that has been rated B-. It follows a group of friends on a journey of self-discovery.

Finally, The Breathing Method has earned an A. This short story delves into the mysteries of life and death.

Each of these works offers a unique and engaging experience for the reader or viewer. Whether it's the inspiring story of Shawshank, the psychological thriller of Apt Pupil, the coming-of-age adventure of The Body, or the thought-provoking exploration of The Breathing Method, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Here is a collection of stories that surely don't need an introduction or my undoubtedly inadequate review. I just pause for a moment on the story that gives the title to the collection.

After the introductory page, which is already a small masterpiece in itself, one of the best King delves into an area very congenial to him. It deals with friendship, with that true friendship, with that which today is often diminished in its profound meaning, with that which, far beyond the vicissitudes of life, like a slow underground tide, powerfully traverses all our small existence, giving itself and making it special.

With the exception of It, nothing more than this story could so perfectly enclose and express such a magic.

This collection seems to be a treasure trove of emotions and experiences. Each story has its own charm and allure. They draw the reader in and make them explore the depths of human nature and the various aspects of life.

The writing style is engaging and captivating, making it difficult to put the book down. Whether it's the description of the characters, the setting, or the events, everything is vividly brought to life.

Overall, this is a collection that is well worth reading and exploring. It will leave a lasting impression on the reader and make them appreciate the power of storytelling.

Hello to all the Constant Readers out there!

Wow. It's been an incredibly long time since I last delved into a collection of short stories by King. In fact, it's been approximately twenty years, dating all the way back to my high school days. And let me tell you, I can't stop smiling. This collection was simply outstanding. It truly deserves a solid 5 stars all around.

In the Afterword by Stephen King, he shares an interesting anecdote about his first editor, Bill Thompson. Thompson cautioned King that if he continued to pen "scary" stories, he would be pigeonholed as a Horror author. However, King was perfectly fine with that. Some of his greatest inspirations and beloved writers were indeed considered Horror authors. But when people inquire if Horror is the only genre he writes in, King firmly replies no!

If you've been led to believe that King is solely a Horror writer and nothing more, simply because that's all you've ever heard, I can attest from personal experience that this is not the case. He writes across multiple genres, and I have adored them all. Of course, I have a particular affinity for his Horror works, but I find something even more chilling about real people engaging in truly heinous acts, not because they've been compelled by supernatural forces that go bump in the night.

This collection of short stories and novellas predominantly features contemporary tales of ordinary people going about their daily lives, with just a hint of human horror thrown in. Normally, when I read a collection of stories, I only discuss my favorites. However, in this particular collection, there are only four stories, so I'll touch on all of them. I must admit, I can't decide which one was my absolute favorite as they were all brilliant in their own right.

Story one - Hope Springs Eternal "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption". If you haven't yet seen the amazing adaptation directed by Frank Darabont, you simply must. I used to watch the movie starring Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins on repeat during my high school years. If you're familiar with the movie, you'll be pleasantly surprised to discover that everything that was in the novella is also present in the film. The movie serves as a wonderful extension, enriching and deepening the story even further.

If you haven't watched the movie, Shawshank Redemption is the story of a banker, Andy Dufresne, who is tried and convicted for the murder of his wife and her lover. Andy spends 16 long years in a god-awful prison, always maintaining his innocence but not fully knowing the whole truth. It's truly an amazing story, and like the movie, I found myself getting teary-eyed at the end with those powerful words, "I hope....."

Story two - Summer of Corruption "Apt Pupil" is about a 13-year-old boy named Todd who becomes absolutely fascinated with World War II, especially the more gruesome aspects. After conducting extensive research on concentration camps, S.S. officers, and the war in general, Todd realizes that a very important and dangerous war criminal, Mr. Arthur Danker (also known as Kurt Dussander), lives in his town. This discovery piques Todd's interest, and he decides to pay the old man a visit. What starts as a simple visit quickly turns into a form of blackmail or extortion. The trade? Dussander must share his experiences as an S.S. officer, leaving out no gruesome detail, and in return, Todd won't turn him into the police.

The story takes a crazy turn very quickly, and the more you read, the more you'll find yourself rooting for Mr. Dussander, even though he is the embodiment of evil. At least, that's how I felt.

Story three - Fall From Innocence "The Body" - This story has also been adapted into a movie that people claim is really good. I haven't seen it yet, but I plan to pick it up in the next few weeks. I'm not completely in the dark, though, as I've seen snippets of it growing up. However, because it only features boy characters, I tended to ignore it. That is, until I got older and "The Sandlot" came out. That movie is also about boys, but it's just great!

Back to the review, as I mentioned, I haven't seen the movie adaptation called "Stand By Me", so I can't compare whether all or only some of the novella is in the movie. What I can say with certainty is that the novella is really good. It features the same kind of storytelling we see in "IT" when the main characters are young. King has an amazing talent for writing adolescent kids. It's quite funny because as you're reading "IT" or "The Body", you'll find yourself thinking that these kids sound like adults. They banter and cuss like adults! Well, back in the day, we weren't overly protective of our kids' ears, at least not in the neighborhoods where I grew up. Kids actually talked like this. Maybe they used different slang, but we all teased each other, and it was all in good fun.

"The Body" is about four boys growing up in a lower working-class neighborhood. They all have their own problems. They come from less-than-ideal homes and are either ignored or beaten by their parents. One day, one of the boys overhears a story from his older brother about a dead kid near the train tracks a few miles away from their town. This boy then runs to the main club/tree house and excitedly tells his friends the tale. They all decide that it would be a great idea to hike the couple of miles to the body and take a good look. Maybe they can bring the body back and become famous for a moment. The boys are completely unprepared for their adventure, and we get to read about all of their missteps. However, the boys do learn something that day, at least a few of them do. I really liked this story because it's also about a writer documenting his childhood. I've always loved it when the "author" of the story is describing their past.

The last story in this collection and the only one that has a stronger creep factor is called "A Winter's Tale" "The Breathing Method". I mentioned earlier that I couldn't pick a favorite, but this one comes pretty darn close. It's the shortest novella in the bunch and is about an older gentleman named David Adley who works at a firm. I believe he's a lawyer, but not one of the big names in the building. David is invited to a gentleman's club for "duffers" by George Waterhouse, one of the big shots in the firm. David is completely flabbergasted because he didn't even think Waterhouse knew who he was. As we continue reading, we realize that David is a bit of a homebody and often doubts his own worth. Especially on the day Waterhouse invites him to attend this "club" the following Thursday. Once Adley arrives at the club, he discovers that it's more magical than any "normal" club for older gentlemen. There's a sense of peace and tranquility here. He's able to sit comfortably, read books, sip scotch, and relax among others around his age. He's also a bit protective of this place, telling his wife that it's just okay and that he may or may not go again. The story is, of course, about David and his new "club", but it's also about what the club really is and what goes on in this mysterious house. I won't say any more because it's definitely a fun and eerie read.

Overall, this is one of the first collections of short stories and novellas that I've ever read. I'm extremely happy that it was a King book, but I'm also glad that I discovered more stories to love. Now, I have to watch all the adaptations!

Story: 4.5/5
Narration: 5/5

Shawshank Redemption: 5/5
This is a truly remarkable story of hope and perseverance. Set in a prison, it follows the journey of Andy Dufresne as he endures the harsh realities of incarceration while never losing his spirit. The narration is excellent, drawing the reader in and making them feel every emotion.

Apt Pupil: 5/5
Another great addition to the collection. This story delves into the dark and twisted mind of a young boy who becomes fascinated with a Nazi war criminal. The tension builds throughout, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.

The Body: 4/5
A coming-of-age tale that is both touching and engaging. Four boys set out on a journey to find the body of a missing boy, and in the process, they learn about themselves and the world around them. The narration captures the essence of youth and friendship.

The Breathing Method: 5/5
A haunting and atmospheric story that will leave you chilled to the bone. Set in a gentlemen's club, it tells the tale of a strange and disturbing ritual. The writing is masterful, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after you've finished reading.

Overall, this collection of stories is a must-read for any fan of Stephen King. The stories are diverse, ranging from the hopeful to the terrifying, but all are united by King's unique brand of storytelling.

**"An In-depth Look at 'Different Seasons' by Stephen King"**

Different Seasons is a remarkable work that showcases Stephen King's versatility as a writer. It goes beyond the realm of horror and delves into various themes and emotions.

A few weeks ago, the book on my shelf seemed to call out to me, especially as autumn arrived. The collection consists of four novellas, three of which are quite well-known. Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption was a pleasant surprise. Despite my initial concerns about the prison setting, it turned out to be an engaging and heartwarming story. The bond between the two main characters was truly special.

I also had an interesting encounter in a movie store. A woman in her 50s and I discussed Stephen King. When she asked about my thoughts on Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, I shared my love for the story, even though Rita Hayworth wasn't what I expected. Her reaction made me laugh.

Apt Pupil was a dark and disturbing story that really got me thinking. It made me question human nature and the role of corruption. Todd's transformation was both terrifying and fascinating. I had many complex thoughts about this story and the characters.

The Body is a coming-of-age story that brought back memories of my own childhood. It made me long for the carefree days of being 13. The growth of the four boys in a matter of hours was amazing to read about.

Finally, The Breathing Method was a story that I found completely different from what I expected. It was a fascinating tale of life, loss, and the will to save others. The club and the breathing method added an element of mystery and intrigue.

Overall, Different Seasons is a collection that fits together perfectly. The change in season and mood in each story shows King's thoughtfulness. The emotional depth of the stories and their connection to human experiences make this collection a favorite of mine. It's one of the best short story/novella collections I've read by King.

Classic, classic, classic King.

Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption is truly a cultural touchstone. It is the source of one of the greatest movies of all time. There's no denying its significance. Phineas and Ferb even has a Shawshank episode. IMDB lists fifty shows that do the same, and that's just the beginning. The problem is that it's nearly impossible to read the original story without hearing Morgan Freeman's narration and envisioning the entire movie in your head. On this reread, I noticed how little the screenplay added. The novella is essentially the screenplay, with only very minor adjustments.

Apt Pupil showcases Uncle Steve's classic pantser style. He writes without an outline, letting the story develop on its own. This is evident in this story, as there seems to be no real plan. The characters, a young Nazi and an old one, don't develop much beyond their initial introductions. It's interesting to see how the Holocaust was written about forty years ago, when it was still relatively recent. King's take on it has aged in an odd way. I'm not sure how to fully express my thoughts on this piece.

The Body, which was the basis for Stand By Me, may have faded in our cultural consciousness, but the story itself remains of high quality. It's surprising that this is only the third published work (excluding short stories) of King's featuring a writer, considering how often he has written about them. It's a very different work for America's favorite horror author, and easily the most literary piece in this collection. It's unapologetically American, set in the 1950s, in a small town, focusing on a boy's life and the working class. I'd love to know which parts might be autobiographical.

The Breathing Method is the shortest, the last written, and the most likely to elicit a "Huh?" from a casual Constant Reader. I remember it clearly from my first reading as a teen, as the idea of a Lovecraftian gentleman's club captured my imagination. King revisits this setting in a later story (only once, I think), and I became a long-term fan of this trope.