Even though I had a significant phase of devouring Stephen King's works in middle school and had a few revisits during high school, his prolificacy is such that I constantly feel like there are new treasures to discover.

Recently, while searching for a new audiobook to enjoy during my car rides, I chanced upon RIDING THE BULLET. A bit of research revealed that this was the first of his works to be initially released exclusively as an eBook, which likely explains why I wasn't previously aware of it. It was short and its premise sounded intriguing, so I decided to give it a go.

The story follows Alan Parker, a college student in Maine, who learns that his mother has suffered a stroke. With no car and no one available to drive him the few hours home, he resorts to hitchhiking. During his hitchhiking adventure, he encounters several odd characters, but none as strange as George Staub. As Alan finds himself in a cemetery between rides, beside Staub's grave, he soon finds himself riding in a car with a ghost who forces him to face a choice that could have life-altering consequences.

What I particularly liked about this book was its unique twist on the common urban hitchhiking ghost legend. Instead of the typical scenario where the passenger is the ghost, in this case, it's the driver. Moreover, the object left behind, a button with the inscription "I Rode The Bullet At Thrill Village, Laconia," is not forgotten but rather thrust upon the passenger. King also masterfully weaves in thought-provoking questions about the debts children may owe their parents, the complex dynamics between mothers and children, and the concept of culpability over time. From the very beginning, he builds tension effectively, even in seemingly harmless and somewhat sad situations. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire listening experience, eagerly anticipating the inevitable climax. Although it may have dragged on a little longer than necessary towards the end, causing the tension to wane slightly, overall it had me exclaiming "noooooo" in my car on multiple occasions. Additionally, Josh Hamilton's performance as the reader was excellent. I recognized him from his roles in Broadway shows like AB FAB (as Serge) and the miniseries THE 60s. He did a great job of bringing the various characters to life and setting the appropriate tone.

RIDING THE BULLET was a quick and enjoyable listen. While it may be a bit more subdued compared to some of King's other stories, I believe his fans should give it a try for the deeper existential questions it poses.

What a truly perfect and spine-chilling spooky story this is to listen to!

The narrator, without a doubt, does an absolutely fantastic job when it comes to portraying all of the various New England accents. Each accent is brought to life with such authenticity and detail that it really adds to the overall atmosphere of the story.

This story would undeniably be a great campfire tale. Just imagine sitting around a crackling campfire, with the night sky above and the darkness all around, as this spooky story is being told. It would send shivers down your spine and keep you on the edge of your seat. The combination of the engaging story and the wonderful accents would make it a memorable and enjoyable experience for all who listen.

Whether you're a fan of spooky stories or just looking for something entertaining to listen to, this one is definitely worth checking out.

This has to be one of the ugliest covers for a rather satisfying read that I've seen in a minute.

It's quite ironic really. The cover may not be visually appealing, but the story within is truly engaging.

"Fun is fun and done is done."

This simple phrase holds a certain truth. Sometimes we engage in activities for the pure enjoyment, and once they're over, that's it.

Never ever wanted to hitch hike and now I never ever will.

Hitch hiking can be a dangerous and unpredictable endeavor. After reading this story, my aversion to it has only strengthened.

I enjoy horror for the reason that it captures your attention in a way that it cannot be faked.

The sense of disgust and the inability to look away is what makes horror so captivating. It forces you to confront your fears and emotions.

In this case, I was surprisingly satisfied to see that the main character's horrible moment turned into an appreciation for family and life.

It shows that even in the midst of horror and despair, there can be a glimmer of hope and a realization of what truly matters.

This story has left a lasting impression on me, despite its unappealing cover.

This is a truly engaging and concise story penned by the renowned Stephen King.

It has the remarkable ability to captivate readers and keep them in a state of constant wonder.

The narrative blurs the lines between what is real and what is not, leaving the audience guessing and second-guessing at every turn.

King's masterful storytelling skills are on full display as he weaves a tale that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

You'll find yourself completely immersed in the story, unable to put it down until you've reached the final page.

Whether you're a die-hard King fan or new to his work, this short story is sure to leave a lasting impression.

So, sit back, relax, and prepare to be taken on a wild ride through the mind of one of the greatest horror writers of our time.

What to say, this short fiction will definitely be worth your time. It's a must-read book.

Alan, who lacks his own vehicle, needs a ride to visit his mother in the hospital after she had a stroke. So, he attempts to hitchhike. When he is picked up by the first car, the driver is an old man who repeatedly tugs at his crotch in a car that stinks of urine. Frightened and glad to escape the vehicle, Alan starts walking and thumbing for his next ride. Coming upon a graveyard, he begins to explore it and notices a headstone for a stranger named George Staub (in German, Staub means dust), which reads: "Well Begun, Too Soon Done". Ironically, the next car to pick him up is driven by George Staub, complete with black stitches around his neck where his head had been sewn on after being severed and wearing a button saying, "I Rode The Bullet At Thrill Village, Laconia." The story then shows the decision that Alan needs to make to ensure the fate of his sick mother. Eventually, he does pass that matter, but not for long as the twist is yet to happen in the tale.

This short fiction is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. It explores themes of fate, chance, and the unknown, making it a thought-provoking and engaging read.

Montado en la bala, by Stephen King.

This horror story is a milestone in the history of literature as it was the first to be globally premiered on the internet. Alan Parker, a university student, receives a call from his neighbor who tells him that his mother is hospitalized. Mrs. Parker is a smoker and the cigarette has taken its toll. It doesn't take long for our protagonist to go and visit his mother, but for that he has to travel on the road in different cars, after deciding to hitchhike, you know, stick out your thumb and ask for a ride. That's how he meets a character surnamed Staub. The strange thing about the matter is that Staub is dead, and during the conversation Alan tells him something that will torment him in the following pages of the book.

In general, it's a reading that I liked. It's been a while since I read King, and looking for short books with a different layout format than the usual, I found this gem in Gigamesh last Saturday.

Highly recommended.

Montado en la balla scores 8.5 out of 10 possible pins that say "I HAVE RIDEN ON THE BALL OF THRILL VILLAGE, LACONIA" and a rating of notable.

Good job by King.

I listened to the audiobook version of this book, and it was truly an enjoyable experience.

I found myself listening to it while engaged in various activities. For instance, I would listen while straightening my hair, taking those moments to immerse myself in the story.

It was also a great companion when waiting for something, passing the time in an interesting way.

Even while doing house chores, the audiobook made the mundane tasks a little more bearable.

It wasn't because I had no other good things to listen to. Instead, it was because the story itself had a genuine charm that intrigued me.

I'm keeping this review relatively short.

In conclusion, if it's a Stephen King book, it usually has a certain level of worth.

I am giving this book a 3 out of 5 stars, indicating that it had its good points but perhaps wasn't a perfect masterpiece.

"Fun is fun and done is done"

This is the first book of King that I have read in English, and I am very glad about it. It is a very short story, but it hooks you from the very first moment.

The phrase "Fun is fun and done is done" seems to imply that while something may be enjoyable in the moment, once it's over, it's over. It makes me think about how we often focus on the fun and excitement of an experience, but sometimes forget that it will eventually come to an end.

Reading this story in English has been a great learning experience for me. It has helped me improve my language skills and has also introduced me to the unique writing style of King. I look forward to reading more of his works in the future.

So I had to read this short story twice to truly understand it.

It is about a son who, in essence, left his mom to pursue his college education.

However, fate had other plans as his mother falls ill.

In a desperate situation, he has no choice but to hitchhike in order to reach her side.

We all know that our moms have always told us never to hitchhike.

It is considered a risky and dangerous behavior.

But in this case, the son's love and concern for his mother override his fear and caution.

He is willing to take the risk and do whatever it takes to be with her in her time of need.

This story highlights the powerful bond between a mother and son and the lengths one would go to for the ones they love.

It also makes us think about the choices we make in life and how they can have unforeseen consequences.

Overall, it is a touching and thought-provoking story that leaves a lasting impression.

Classic Stephen King ghost story - not over the top scary - but enough to give you the chills. A college kid receives the distressing call that his mother has had a stroke and is in the hospital. Without hesitation, he drops everything to rush to her side. The only hitch is that his car isn't functioning. Desperate to ensure his mom's well-being, as she is the only family he has, he decides to hitchhike the 120 miles. He manages to thumb a ride, and then another. However, the drivers are not who they seem. In fact, there is something amiss about the entire evening. It might take him a significantly longer time to reach his mother - if he ever gets to see her again. The story is quick-paced, filled with suspense, and ultimately satisfying. I found the ending to be particularly thought-provoking and not at all what I had anticipated.

While the story of "The Man in the Black Suit" completely lost me, with this short novel, I reconnected with Stephen King. Short, dull, and with that touch of angst and anxiety that I love for passing the time at least if I have recently suffered from panic attacks :v.

  
    "—¿Subiste a la Bala? ¡Qué cabrona! Yo cuatro veces. ¡Joder!"
  

The story focuses on a trip that Alan Parker had to take after receiving news about the condition of his mother, the same trip that would bring to the surface mixed feelings regarding his life.

  
    "Ya estábamos montados en la bala. Los muertos conducen deprisa—. Sí, la Bala. Sí que subimos."
  

Although the premise seems very poor, I really liked how King developed it. I could really participate in the emotional shock that Alan faced when he had to relive all the experiences he had with his mom, pushing him to a very sad moral crossroads.

  
    "—Siempre se dice lo que se quiere decir —contestó el conductor sin perder la sonrisa"
  

I also really enjoyed the ending. I loved that ambiguity that is presented around the pin of The Bullet. It wasn't my favorite story, but I had a good time with it.

  
    "Ahora sé algo más que antes: que las peores historias son las que se han oído toda la vida. Son las verdaderas pesadillas."
  

There are so many more shadows at night, have you ever noticed that? Even with a light on, there are so many shadows. The long ones could be the shadows of anything, you think. Anything at all. - p. 5

I've always been impressed by Stephen King's work. His imagination is truly extraordinary. He can always make the simplest of things terrifying and spine-chilling. It's no wonder he's given the title of the King of Terror.

From this 66-page book, I could feel tense, sad, and it also made me reflect. At the beginning of the story, Mr. King starts building a creepy atmosphere by introducing strange characters. In the middle, the tone becomes more horror and supernatural with the presence of a scene in the cemetery. In my opinion, the conclusion is just average, although it deviates from expectations. But in the end, I was actually reflecting and thinking... because there is a kind of reminder for me in Mr. King's work.

The narration is from the first-person point of view, that is, the main character is telling the story and it feels like he is sharing a paranormal experience during a night in a camp. It's interesting to read.

In conclusion: I like this creepy and sad story. It's not thick, only 66 pages, and because the story is interesting to read, it doesn't feel like it's over already. I recommend it to you who like horror stories (the light type, not the gory and full of terror type), for those who haven't dared to read Mr. King's books because most of them are thick and bloody (this is for you), and for readers who just want to try reading his books.