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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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This is one of those books or novellas that I read many years ago. Due to the passage of a long time, I decided to go ahead and re-read it.

Of course, my memory for this story is better than that of some others, probably because I not only read it but also remember the movie.

It was as good as I remembered. Also, when addressing my questions about what I would encounter while re-reading some of these books and stories that I originally read many years ago, there are things that I think about differently now.

I am at a point in my life where my children are the age I was when I originally read these things. They are now young adults, old enough to be out on their own, having finished college (except for graduate school), and in one case, with children of their own.

During my college years, when my children were young, I had no time at all for "pleasure reading." However, I tried to make the most of the long commute by listening to audiobooks. I was in my second full-time year of college when I discovered that the library had many titles available that I could listen to in the car. So, I listened as long as no unusual driving conditions took too much of my attention.

"The Body" is told from the perspective of a middle-aged man looking back on a time when he was about 12 years old. He tells the story of a very particular "adventure" or task that he went on with a group of friends. But much of the telling includes discussions about how friends come and go, how priorities and the importance of issues change over time, and how the past can have a strong impact on future events, influencing both those who are already dead and those who are still living.

I am now much more like that "middle-aged" character, looking at youth from a distance, rather than a young adult just over a decade above the 12-year-old characters as I was the first time around. This distance has definitely made me agree more with the narrator's assertion about how those past events shape us in ways we can't even imagine.

A peacekeeper at 12 is more likely to be a peacekeeper at 22, 32, or 42 if she reaches that age, while a "delinquent" is more likely to become a bar fly than a lawyer. Of course, there are always exceptions, but my point is that the "middle-aged" me listening to this audiobook is more likely to think differently about this than the more idealistic young adult.

I will definitely read more of the "old" books I read years ago, if only to assess how my own perspective has changed.
July 15,2025
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My most favourite story by King is truly a masterpiece. It has a captivating plot that keeps me on the edge of my seat every time I read it. The characters are so well-developed that I feel like I know them personally. The way King weaves the story together is simply amazing. He has a talent for creating a sense of mystery and suspense that lasts until the very end.


I make it a point to read this story every few years. Each time, I discover something new and gain a deeper appreciation for it. It never gets old or loses its charm. It's one of those rare stories that can be enjoyed over and over again.


I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves a good read. It's a must-read for fans of King and for anyone who enjoys a thrilling and engaging story.

July 15,2025
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Reading this book truly brought back to my mind just how deeply I cherish reading books that are either told from the perspective of a child or have children as the central characters. This particular story was an outstanding coming-of-age tale. It had the power to make me smile widely, burst into laughter, and also feel a sense of pity for the kids. It is a wonderful narrative that beautifully showcases the essence of friendship and childhood. This happens to be my third Stephen King novella, and one thing I've keenly observed is that all of his books seem to have references to his other works. For instance, in this very book, the fictional prison of Shawshank is mentioned. This, of course, is a reference to Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption. It's really quite cool how he weaves these connections. All in all, it was a fast-paced and enjoyable read. I would highly recommend it to others.


Now, I'm off to check out the movie adaptation of this book! I'm really curious to see how they've brought this wonderful story to the big screen.


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July 15,2025
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The most important things in life are often the hardest to express. They are the things that make us feel ashamed, as words seem to diminish their significance. What appears limitless in our minds shrinks to a more mundane size when put into words. But there's more to it than that. The most crucial matters are deeply rooted near our hidden hearts, like precious landmarks that our enemies might want to steal. We might reveal these secrets at a great cost, only to have people look at us strangely, not understanding what we've said or why it was so important that we almost cried while sharing. That, I think, is the worst part. When the secret remains locked within, not because there's no one to tell, but because there's no one to understand.

I was twelve, almost thirteen, when I first witnessed a dead human being. It was in 1960, a long time ago, yet sometimes it doesn't seem that way to me. Especially on the nights when I wake up from dreams where hail falls into his open eyes.
If you can't recognize the profound truth in these words and don't feel compelled to keep reading, you probably haven't spent more than a few seconds thinking about anything deeper than whether Charlie Brown will always fall for Lucy's football trick. "The Body" beautifully captures the coming-of-age experience of Gordon Lachance, a big-shot writer who once skulked around Castle Rock in the 1960s, taking dares, playing cards, avoiding home, and thinking about the changes ahead while trying to avoid melting into the blistering pavement under the late August sun. In short, it portrays what it was like to be a young boy in America "back then" without glorifying it. There was nothing to glorify. You couldn't leave your doors unlocked, even in a sleepy town like Castle Rock, and middle-class small towns had just as many demons and dysfunctions as our bustling inner cities. The novella's relatability across generations is a testament to its staying power and the enduring nature of the American experience, at least for males. I can see parts of my own childhood, twenty years later and across a continent, unchanged in sentiment and psychology. This isn't surprising, given King's obsessive fascination with childhood. One gets the sense that he's spent years reflecting on his own experiences, extracting the essence of the American experience, and presenting it in a way that reaches the core of our being like no one else can.
"The Body" is sentimental but doesn't hold back. The underlying subtext is one of closure, finality, and loss. Despite the financial and personal success that awaits Lachance, the narrator, there's a distinctly dark and hopeless tone to the experience that makes the word "nostalgia" not quite fit. It's not an experience he wants to return to. It just is. The death of childhood, or the Fall from Innocence as the novella is subtitled, is a tragedy that some people never recover from. Attempts to recapture it often end in more pain than the initial separation, but there's a strong urge to sometimes, like feeling out a cavity with your tongue or poking at a cut to see if it still hurts.
For me, the heart of the story isn't Gordon Lachance's maturation; it's the tragedy of Chris Chambers. All the characters come from dysfunctional homes and suffer on a spectrum from neglect to abuse, but none have it worse than Chambers. There's a beauty in his struggle against poverty, genetics, and small-town politics that makes you root for him on a profound level. He's what charismatic and tough guys like Ace Merrill could be if they weren't consumed by their own selfish desires and self-centeredness. He's the hero of the story, and his friendship with Lachance and his protectiveness of the gang are so mature and admirable that they tug at your heartstrings. Nowhere is this more evident than in his seminal advice to Lachance. Prescient, wise, and selfless, it's one of the most poignant statements of friendship in fiction.
And its reciprocation later in life, after the choices have been made, the lumps have been taken, and the die has been cast, seems to fall tragically short. It's almost there but remains forever incomplete; it's a scar that Lachance carries with him for the rest of his life. It's a scar we all carry when we look back on the past and think of the debts we owe to those people in our lives at that pivotal moment.
So, sit back and let the master take you on a journey through your own childhood by sharing his.
July 15,2025
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Здоровско!


This is a Russian word that means "health" or "well-being." It is often used as a greeting or an expression of good wishes.


In our daily lives, health is of utmost importance. Without good health, it is difficult to enjoy life to the fullest. We should take care of our bodies by eating a balanced diet, getting enough exercise, and getting enough rest.


We should also pay attention to our mental health. Stress, anxiety, and depression can all have a negative impact on our well-being. We can manage these emotions by practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga, and by seeking support from friends, family, or a professional counselor.


In conclusion, zdravstvo is a reminder to us all to take care of our health and well-being. By doing so, we can live happier, more fulfilling lives.
July 15,2025
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The Body is my absolute favorite story penned by Stephen King, and quite possibly one of the most cherished stories of my entire life. After spending two hours engrossed in its pages, I was left in a state of utter shock, excitement, and unease all at once. King skillfully delved deep into the psyches of four young boys who embark on an adventure and must surmount numerous obstacles.


The movie adaptation, "Stand By Me," has received widespread critical acclaim no matter where you look. All four child actors in the movie give remarkable performances. However, the short story still holds a special place in my heart as my favorite when compared to the movie. Perhaps it's because I read the story first and was completely captivated by the characters.


I can't stress enough that you should stop wasting your time reading this short review and instead rush to read "The Body" for yourself. It's a story that will leave you with a lasting impression and a newfound appreciation for the power of storytelling.

July 15,2025
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There is no one who writes about adolescence at the age of 12 better than Stephen King, except perhaps Charles Dickens, and maybe they were equal in their wonderful, concise, and profound works. King presents to us the four misfits through the voice of one of them: Gordie. \\"\\"


The brother who suffers from the loss of his brother and the neglect of his parents after that, and he is a favorite character in King's literature.


He decides to accompany his three friends on a journey to find the corpse of a missing schoolmate. And during the journey, they find themselves, of course. We get to know the cruel, broken families that amaze us in the new industrial town. It will make you wonder again and again: Why do those wretched families always have the best children? Or is it the bleak circumstances that make men?


So will the friends find the corpse? Will their folly be cursed? Will their journey end with the discovery of themselves all? The \\"first-person narrator\\" style gives the novel a special charm. It is a thrilling psychological novel about the impact of oppression on a child's soul and its role in shaping his future. And it is within a collection called \\"Different Seasons\\" that is widely distributed in Egypt as a pirated photocopy. And a wonderful and famous film was made from it called Stand by Me.

July 15,2025
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This audiobook has an incredible power that takes me right back to the movie.

Stephen King, the master of horror and suspense, has a way with words that is truly remarkable. His descriptions are so strong, as if they can leap off the page and into your mind. They are crystal clear, painting vivid pictures that you can almost see with your own eyes.

As I listen to the audiobook, I find myself completely immersed in the story. King's words have such an emotional impact on me that they bring tears to my eyes. It's not just the horror and the excitement, but also the depth of the characters and the complexity of the plot that draw me in.

This audiobook is not just a listening experience, but a journey into a world created by one of the greatest storytellers of our time. It's a world that I can't wait to explore again and again.
July 15,2025
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Stephen King's "The Body" is a truly unique novel that sets itself apart from his other works.

Rather than delving into the realm of horror, King takes a different path and crafts a captivating coming-of-age story.

The narrative follows four teenage boys as they embark on a journey into the wilderness in search of the body of a missing boy.

Along the way, they create lasting memories, share personal stories, and form deep bonds with one another.

In the end, they come to the realization that the importance lies not in finding the body, but in the memories they have made and the unbreakable relationships they have formed.

I was so enamored with the movie "Stand By Me," which is based on King's book, that I decided to pick up the novel and give it a read.

Once I started, I couldn't put it down. I was completely drawn into the story and couldn't wait to see what would happen next with each passing day.

This coming-of-age novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a heartwarming and engaging story.
July 15,2025
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It took me some time to read the story because in several parts it is rather flat, and that makes it tiring as you feel that it doesn't progress.

However, it is a beautiful and interesting narration about friendship and determinism.

The author has managed to create a world that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

The characters are well-developed and their relationships add depth to the story.

Despite the slow pace in some areas, the overall narrative is captivating and keeps the reader hooked until the end.

It makes you reflect on the importance of friendship and how it can shape our lives.

Moreover, the theme of determinism adds an extra layer of complexity to the story, making it a truly unique and memorable read.

Overall, I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a good narrative about friendship and the mysteries of life.
July 15,2025
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An interesting novella that vividly portrays the lives of four young boys - Teddy, Chris, Vern, and Gordon (also known as "Gordie," the narrator who later becomes an author) - as they grow up in the early 1960s. Set in the typical small town of Castle Rock, it not only showcases the charm and idiosyncrasies of small town life but also makes references to other King works like Cujo. As the story unfolds, we witness the boys gradually losing their innocence and childhood. They embark on a journey to look for the body of Ray Brower, which inevitably makes one think of Henry Bowers from It. The novella delves deep into various aspects of their lives, including violent fathers, the process of getting acquainted with women and bedding them, the presence of bullies, the books that shaped their minds, and the direction their lives took as they grew older. It is a brilliant coming-of-age tale that is both melancholic and sad in some parts yet vibrant and full of life. This novella is absolutely recommended for its engaging narrative and profound exploration of the human experience.

July 15,2025
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Ojalá le pudiera poner más de 5 estrellas.

It is a small story filled with emotion. It is the most raw and vivid story that I have read and perhaps it is due to its size.

I feel distressed for what happened in the story and for how it ended. At the same time, I am relieved that it ended.

It contains many beautiful quotes about writing, important things, and brilliant minds. It also has an ironic, bitter, and sad part.

This story takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster, making them feel a range of emotions from start to finish.

The author has done an excellent job of creating a story that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Despite its small size, it manages to pack a powerful punch and leave a lasting impression on the reader.

I would highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys reading short stories that are full of emotion and depth.

It is a true gem that is sure to be enjoyed by all who read it.
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