Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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One of the four previously unpublished short stories is "Quitters, Inc." It tells the story of a company that claims to be able to make you quit smoking for good.

As one might anticipate, their approach is quite severe. "Quitters, Inc." delves into the extremes that people may be willing to go to in order to overcome their most ingrained vices.

It has a touch of silliness and perhaps seems a bit more outdated in a time when Nicorette exists and the public is well aware of the dangers of smoking. However, it still provides an astute examination of human nature.

Despite its flaws, the story offers a unique perspective on the lengths people will go to in their attempts to break free from harmful habits. It makes us think about our own vices and the measures we might be willing to take to overcome them.

Overall, "Quitters, Inc." is an interesting and thought-provoking short story that, while perhaps a bit dated, still has something to offer in terms of understanding human behavior.
July 15,2025
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What a brilliant book!

I happened to come across this book after reading about Mark Adams and the cult of extreme productivity. In this cult, people make commitments to change their lives. If they fail, the cash they have given in escrow upfront is paid to the Nazi party, or even worse, Jeremy Corbyn's election campaign. It's truly astonishing and rather disturbing.

This book, it seems, could potentially be the inspiration for that cult. It employs methods that are not too dissimilar. It makes one wonder about the power of ideas and how they can be taken to such extreme and perhaps even dangerous lengths. The whole concept is both fascinating and somewhat concerning, as it blurs the line between self-improvement and something much more sinister.

It makes you stop and think about the impact that books and the ideas they contain can have on people's lives and actions.
July 15,2025
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This is such an entertaining short read.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. The whole idea behind it is really great.

Thank goodness there was no over-description of any sorts here like in King's other works.

I actually liked this one more than The Boogeyman.

Also, when I thought about being in Morrison's situation, I felt very uncomfortable.

I'm sure I'll never be smoking.
July 15,2025
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While I initially had high hopes for the story based on its interesting premise, I was ultimately left feeling rather let down. The narrative itself turned out to be incredibly bland and lacking in excitement. It failed to engage me on a deeper level and simply didn't have the spark or energy that I was hoping for. The characters seemed one-dimensional and the plot didn't really go anywhere. It was a disappointment to say the least. I had expected so much more from a story with such a promising starting point. However, it just didn't deliver and left me with a sense of dissatisfaction.

July 15,2025
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My Favorite Stephen King Story

It is a well-known fact that among all of Stephen King's extensive body of work, which includes many lengthy and complex tales, my personal favorites often tend to be the shorter ones. And \\n  Quitters, Inc.\\n holds a special place as it is arguably Stephen King's shortest story. Originating as part of his collection of short stories titled \\n  Night Shift\\n, it also had the distinction of being one of the three stories featured in the 1985 movie Cat's Eye.

The premise of this story is deceptively simple yet ingeniously crafted. Imagine if you were to visit a non-smoking clinic that was secretly run by the mafia. Dick Morrison encounters an old friend who has successfully given up smoking and this friend tells him that if he pays a visit to Quitters, Inc., they will not only help him kick the smoking habit but also transform his life for the better. Morrison initially dismisses the suggestion with a laugh, but eventually, out of sheer curiosity about their methods, he decides to go for an initial consultation.

I am unable to reveal any more details about this extremely short story without spoiling it. However, I can say that their methods are far from being approved by the AMA (American Medical Association), yet miraculously, they do work.

The story is brought to life by Academy award nominated actor Eric Roberts. Roberts delivers an understated performance, as if he is a man sharing a story at the end of a bar after a long and eventful night. This style of delivery works perfectly with the characterization of the mobster counselor at Quitters, Inc., adding an extra layer of authenticity and intrigue to the story.

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July 15,2025
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Beware of companies that make incredible promises! This is a lesson I have learned firsthand, albeit not in such extremely可怕的 ways. From Facebook ads that claim to offer a camera lens for your cell phone or the entire vinyl collection of the Rolling Stones, it all sounds too good to be true. And in every single case, it was indeed a scam. The products were junk and not at all what they appeared to be. I am aware that scammers have been around for a long time, but King seems to have been prescient in predicting the emergence of TV shows like The Biggest Loser or programs created by people like Bikram Choudhury. These shows and programs often make exaggerated claims about weight loss or other benefits, luring people in with false hopes. It is important for consumers to be vigilant and not fall for such empty promises. Do your research, read reviews, and be skeptical of anything that seems too good to be true.

July 15,2025
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This one was okay.

I will admit, it was suspenseful. However, I had a couple of issues that I just couldn't get past.

For example, why was the wife of the main character so understanding after she got electro-shocked? All of that seemed so glazed over.

I also can't figure out why these women stay with their husbands after horrible things happen to them. I would be out that door so fast, especially after having a finger cut off.

What happens if a client doesn't have a wife/husband or kids? Why didn't the main character go to the police? He said he would and never did.

Why recommend this place to your friends? I also hated the main character. I thought it was fitting his name was 'Dick'.

It seems that the story has some plot holes and characterizations that are not fully developed. The lack of explanation for the wife's reaction and the women's staying with their abusive husbands makes it hard to believe the authenticity of the story.

The main character's failure to go to the police and his recommendation of the place to his friends also raise questions about his judgment and morality.

Overall, while the story had some suspenseful moments, it could have been improved with more detailed and believable characterizations and a more coherent plot.
July 15,2025
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The ability to pen truly remarkable short stories is a captivating art form that numerous renowned writers may not fully master. There exists a certain allure within good short stories that novels often lack, and Stephen King has an uncanny knack for seizing that very charm.

This particular short story is one that I repeatedly come back to, and it unfailingly brightens my day. I have endeavored to persuade my friends who are smokers to give it a read, but alas, they never do. I suspect that this story might prove to be an extremely unpleasant read for someone who smokes.

Perhaps it's the way the story delves into the consequences or the emotions related to smoking in a way that hits a little too close to home for them. Or maybe it's just their disinterest in the subject matter. Whatever the reason, it's a pity that they are missing out on the magic that this short story holds.

Nonetheless, I continue to cherish this story and the unique experience it provides whenever I pick it up.
July 15,2025
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This is a short story penned by the renowned Stephen King, and it has recently been made available in audio format.

The story was dramatized in the movie “Cat’s Eye” way back in 1985. This movie featured three of King’s short stories, and this particular one is a classic example of his style.

It is a typical King story - dark and twisted, with a touch of dark humour. It revolves around a man who is a heavy chain-smoker. He happens to run into an old college friend who gives him the business card of a firm called “Quitters, Inc.” The friend claims that this firm helped him to kick the smoking habit.

The main character, Dick Morrison, decides to contact the firm. However, his motivation is more out of curiosity rather than a genuine desire to quit. And as it turns out, the results are far from what he expects!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

It was narrated by Eric Roberts. Although, I did find the jazz music playing at the beginning of the book to be a bit of a distraction. It made it quite difficult to hear Eric’s narration clearly until the music gradually faded into the background and finally stopped.

Overall, it was an interesting listen.
July 15,2025
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\\n  'Quitters, Inc.' by Stephen King.\\n



\\n    'I hope you rot in hell,' he told Donatti.

Donatti sighed. 'If I had a nickel for every time someone expressed a similar sentiment, I could retire. Let it be a lesson to you, Mr Morrison. When a romantic tries to do a good thing and fails, they give him a medal. When a pragmatist succeeds, they wish him in hell. Shall we go?'
\\n





Rating: 4.0/5.




Review:
Stephen King's Night Shift collection is truly a treasure trove of captivating stories. Each one seems to be a banger, pulling the reader in with its unique charm. 'Quitters, Inc.' is no exception. While it may not be a traditional horror story that makes your hair stand on end, it is alarmingly disturbing in its own right.

As a healthcare professional, I have had the opportunity to work with numerous individuals who are grappling with addiction issues and those who are valiantly trying to overcome them. I know firsthand how difficult it is to break free from the clutches of addiction. This book's portrayal of the struggle is both realistic and harrowing, with Stephen King adding his signature twists and turns to keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

What I found most astonishing about this story was how effortlessly it sucked me in and made me feel empathetic towards Morrison's attempts to conquer his addiction. As the events unfold, I was right there with him, experiencing his highs and lows. I was as horrified as he was when he succumbed to his urges and his wife had to bear the brunt of his mistake.

The concept that someone could be constantly monitoring you and your family and taking such extreme measures to keep your addiction in check is truly terrifying. It makes you wonder about the lengths that people will go to in order to achieve their goals. Stephen King is a master at portraying the human psyche, and I can't help but wonder if he was drawing on his own experiences or demons while writing this particular story. Overall, 'Quitters, Inc.' is a thought-provoking and disturbing read that is sure to stay with you long after you've turned the last page.
July 15,2025
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4.5 Stars WOW THIS WAS TRULY FANTASTIC!!


It was an absolute delight to read this short story. The way it was written was both chilling and wonderfully executed
July 15,2025
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Way back in history, specifically in 1985, Stephen King was on the verge of taking over the world, and he released the anthology movie Cat's Eye. Among the various episodes in the anthology, the story Quitters Inc. was always my absolute favorite. It might be because James Woods stars in it, and I have had an unwavering obsession with him ever since watching Videodrome. But for whatever reason, this story just firmly stuck with me.

Imagine my extreme glee when I discovered that it was actually a short story! Even better, I managed to find a free copy here. For the record, I want to make it clear that I do not condone pirating intellectual properties, and I'm quite certain that this is a legitimate copy.

This short story is almost scene for scene the same as the one I remember seeing as a youth. The only notable change is the substitution of a rabbit with a cat, and the protagonist now has a son in the story. Drew Barrymore is a fine young actress in this movie, but she would have faced a challenge in playing a boy. So, go ahead and give this 14-page short story a try. It's a darkly humorous tale that explores just how far some "made men" will go to ensure their clients quit smoking. I truly don't think you will be disappointed.

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