This collection of 4 Bachman/King books was, overall, just okay.

I had high expectations, but I didn't feel that it truly lived up to the hype.

"Rage" was good and, considering when it was written, it was a bit prophetic.

"The Long Mile" was also good, but it left me with a sense of wanting more.

"Road Work" was just okay.

However, "The Running Man" was by far the best of the four. I found it extremely engaging and fast-paced.

I could definitely envision Hollywood creating a movie or series based on it.

So, overall, I'm glad I read this collection, but there are indeed better options available when it comes to King's works.

I would recommend this collection to those who are die-hard King fans or are interested in exploring his early works under the Bachman pseudonym.

But for those who are new to King or are looking for his best works, I would suggest starting with some of his more well-known and highly regarded novels.

The Bachman Books by Stephen King (Signet 1986) is a collection of four novellas that offers a unique perspective on King's writing. Under the pseudonym of Richard Bachman, King explores different themes and genres than his typical horror tales. The four novellas included in this volume are Rage, Roadwork, The Long Walk, and The Running Man. Each story is distinct and engaging, with well-developed characters and compelling plots. I found that I liked the Bachman stories much better than the typical Stephen King horror. They have a different tone and feel, and I was able to connect with the characters on a deeper level. Overall, I would rate The Bachman Books a 7/10. I finished reading it in 2008 and have since recommended it to several friends. If you're a fan of Stephen King's writing, I highly recommend giving this collection a try. You might be surprised by what you find.

This isn't really a real book review. Instead, I'd like to tell you the tale, of how hard I had to work to get this book.

I love this book. It was the late 1900's, and I was at my grandma's. Outside, it was sweltering hot. I was one of those children who had an aversion to other children, being outside, and such things. My dad was at work. Only the wealthy had the internet. It was incredibly boring. My grandma, knowing my love for books, told me I could read anything from her shelf. I looked around, and to my disappointment, there were tons of romance novels. Then, I spotted this book. I snatched it up, scurried to the couch, and opened it. I adored it. I was young and certain I wasn't supposed to be reading such things, which made it even better.

As an adult, I searched for this book, but unfortunately, it was no longer in print. So, like some others in this situation, I found an online used bookstore. I ordered my copy and patiently awaited its arrival. When the mail came, I excitedly opened my package to find... a romance novel. The bookstore promptly refunded my money, and I continued with my life. Some time passed, and I ordered another copy from another online store. I waited patiently... and... another romance novel. This bookstore said they had another copy and would send it right away. Great! But when the package arrived, it was a third romance novel. By this point, I felt like I was doomed to read a romance novel or something. I took a break to recover mentally and then decided to try again and really find this book! I ordered a copy through a platform I hadn't used in a while, without thinking. And then I realized... my precious book was being shipped to my ex's house. Grinding my teeth, I informed him of the mistake, and he, with an air of contempt, agreed to give me the package when it arrived. So, after all these attempts and having to deal with my ex, this used, tattered, old copy that I now own is one of my most cherished possessions, and I'm happy to be able to read it as often as I like.

These four novellas are almost as good as their counterparts from \\n  Different Seasons\\n. It's truly a pity that the Columbine Shootings led to the best of the four stories, Rage, being relegated to the dustbin of publishing history. With its everyone-can-find-some-angle-to-relate-to protagonist Charlie Decker, who thrashed in his sleep in the marescape of The Cherokee Nose Job, this story is now difficult to come by. Young readers today will have to search for older, worn editions to experience the thrilling fractured-mirror empathic pulses from the original teen instigator of Let's Take the Class Hostage and Commence Playing Operation Mindfuck. In light of past events, the decision is understandable, but in my opinion, it's rather lamentable.

My memories of Rage are especially fond. One hash-filled evening during my eighteenth year, a beautiful Croatian woman read select passages from the narrative of Charlie Decker to me, accompanied by one of the most exquisite handjobs I've ever had. She worked it like the shifter of a banana yellow Porsche 928. Until the day I die, I will always associate Rage with that pleasant sharing with a slender story friend. Ah, those summer nights.

The other three stories, unfortunately, have no such erotic recollections attached to them, but they are still excellent. The Long Walk appealed to my temperament at that age, and I can still remember the tension induced by the rifle whipcrack as the first of the futuristic, neo-gladiatorial walking dudes was ticketed, even though I knew it was coming. King/Bachman often struggles with endings, but the final sentences of The Long Walk are truly outstanding. The Running Man was a far better dystopian experiment than the rather goofy movie that followed, and the underrated Roadwork had a sweaty midwestern charm that I grew to appreciate with each reading. However, it was the powerful opening of Rage, with its portrayal of teenage torment, that always drew me back. It just won't be the same without Charlie Don't Mind If I Do! Decker and his Ted-baiting antics greeting the curious reader and enticing him towards Getting It On.

I truly hate to rate this book 3.5 stars. However, the story Roadwork really brought the overall rating down significantly.

The other three stories in this book were actually quite decent. Among them, The Long Walk was my absolute favorite. You can easily find the separate reviews that I have written for each one of these stories.

King did an outstanding job in creating distinct writing styles between King and Bachman. I must give him credit for that. It was truly refreshing to read something that was a little different. His ability to switch between these styles so seamlessly is truly remarkable and adds an extra layer of depth and interest to the book.

Overall, despite the disappointment with Roadwork, the other stories and the unique writing styles make this book worth reading for any fan of King's work.

Four early non-horror novels come to mind.

Rage - I read it well before Columbine, at a time when school shootings were rare and would be news-worthy for about a week, not years later as they are now. To be honest, I didn't like it then either. :-)

The Long Walk was truly excellent. However, having only one out of three that I really liked wasn't enough to make me keep the book.

Roadwork - Gah! Can I have my time back? I felt a certain amount of sympathy for the main character, but I didn't actually like him as a protagonist.

The Running Man - The movie, which had almost nothing in common with this novella, was actually better. The phrase "He had to split" still manages to make me giggle whenever I think about it.

These early works of King offer a glimpse into his evolving writing style and the different themes he explored even outside of the horror genre.

I read these back in 2015.

These stories truly have a profound impact on me, constantly making me think of Stephen King's short story, UR.

Just imagine a parallel universe where Stephen King had chosen to write literary fiction instead of his renowned horror works.

I have an unwavering love for his literary fiction, with The Long Walk being one of my absolute favorites.

I am simply in awe of his genius when it comes to creating literary contrasts.

In his rather controversial book, Rage, I found myself in a rather strange situation.

I couldn't help but laugh at the killer's dark humor, yet at the same time, I was trying to stop myself.

It felt incredibly wrong to be laughing in such a context, but there was something about the way King presented it that had this strange allure.

It made me question my own reactions and the power of his writing to evoke such complex emotions within me.

Overall, Stephen King's works, whether in the horror or literary fiction genre, continue to fascinate and engage me to this day.

His unique storytelling abilities and masterful use of language never fail to leave a lasting impression.

I look forward to exploring more of his works and seeing where his creative mind takes him next.

Just another reason to be a Constant Reader.

Reading is an activity that offers numerous benefits. It not only broadens our knowledge but also enhances our imagination and vocabulary.

When we are constant readers, we expose ourselves to different ideas, cultures, and perspectives. This helps us to become more open-minded and understanding individuals.

Moreover, reading can be a great stress reliever. It allows us to escape from the daily hustle and bustle and immerse ourselves in a different world.

In addition, being a constant reader can improve our concentration and focus. It trains our minds to stay engaged and attentive for longer periods of time.

So, if you haven't already, make reading a regular part of your life. Discover the joy and benefits of being a constant reader and see how it can transform you.

Overall, I rate these four stories with 4 stars.

Rage is a story that follows a student who takes his classmates hostage. As the plot unfolds, various truths are revealed, and the choices made become irreversible. However, this story is not my favorite among the four.

The Long Walk tells the tale of participants in an annual trek that turns out to be more ominous than initially imagined. No one wants to lose, but the question remains: what is the price of winning? This story ranks as my second favorite.

Roadwork focuses on the decline of a man caused by the building of a highway. It offers an interesting character study with more depth than meets the eye, and it secures the third place in my ranking.

By far, my favorite is The Running Man. Set in a near future, specifically in 2025, it depicts a crumbling and unfair society where reality shows are the main source of entertainment. The story is engaging, fast-paced, and truly brilliant, making it stand out among the others.

Each of these stories has its own unique charm and qualities, but The Running Man manages to capture my attention and imagination the most.

Rage:

One of King's earliest works, Rage wasn't published until he had firmly established himself. And when it was, it was released under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. This novel is truly raw in numerous aspects. The story focuses on a student who shockingly kills his teacher in front of the class and then holds the class hostage for most of the day. During this time, he and the students discuss a wide range of issues, with the main conversation revolving around what led him to such a drastic act. King's narrative skills and character development are excellent, pulling the reader deeply into the story. There is enough tension to keep the plot moving even when it seems to be getting dull. Although not the most action-packed or scariest of King's novels, it still manages to be a page-turner. Just from the story-telling aspect alone, I rank it among the top of his novels.

The Long Walk:

The Long Walk is another of Stephen King's novels written as Richard Bachman. In the traditional style of his Bachman writings, it is much more gritty and raw than most of his other works. I really enjoy this change in style as it adds even more realism to his writing and makes the story even more intense. The Long Walk isn't so much a horror tale as it is a story of friendships formed under extremely dire circumstances. We witness up close how these interpersonal relationships grow, dissolve, and reform with great frequency throughout the race. It also explores the strength of the human spirit. When pushed to its limits, the human mind continues to drive the body into realms that the rational mind would never deem possible. The story is good, albeit a little predictable. Even though it moves at a slower pace than some, it's almost as if we are right there with the walkers as follow-along spectators. Rich in detail and character, the slow pace doesn't make you want to stop reading; in fact, it enhances the tension. I truly enjoyed rereading this novel and look forward to revisiting it again in the future.

Road Work:

This is my lowest rated King book so far. However, that doesn't mean it's a bad book or that I would dissuade anyone from reading it. It's just that it's definitely not on the same level as the majority of King's other works. As always, the character development is top-notch and the plot itself has no major flaws. My issue with the book is that it really takes a long time to get anywhere. The basic premise of the plot is that we see a man's descent into madness as everything he has worked his entire life for is being taken away from him. He methodically sets out to destroy everything he has left and tries to find a way to exact vengeance against the powers that be who have ruined his existence. I have no problem with this storyline, but the way it plays out, a lot of it feels like a rehash of what happens to the mind of Jack Torrance in The Shining. It's not nearly as crazy as The Shining, nor does it have the supernatural overtones of Roadwork, but I just got the general impression that I had experienced the feel of this novel somewhere else. Anyway, I don't want to condemn this story in any way. The main character is compelling and endearing in his own way, and the novel definitely has some strong moments here and there. I just felt that it took a bit too long to get to some of them.

The Running Man:

It's the future and Ben Richards makes his way to the Network Games Building to apply for a job as a contestant in order to earn the money to feed his family and provide medicine for his sick infant daughter. The job he gets turns out to be more than either he or the Network expected! The Running Man is a fairly well-written tale set in the now not-too-distant future. Interestingly, the country is glued to their free-vees to watch what is essentially an unending stream of reality television game shows. It makes me wonder if Mark Burnett based some of his ideas on this book and the (sort of) related movie. Once Richards has completed the application process, the action moves along at a pretty fast pace and there are some really nice elements of storytelling throughout. My only complaint is that King tries a little too hard to create the future setting and goes overboard with the names and slogans of things in his setting. At times, especially in the beginning of the book, it's a bit cheesy and distracting.

Rage ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a truly intense and gripping story. It takes the reader on a wild ride filled with emotions and action. The characters are well-developed, and the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. You can't help but be drawn into the world of Rage and feel the anger and frustration that the characters experience. It's a must-read for fans of thrilling and exciting literature.

The Long Walk ⭐⭐⭐

The Long Walk is a unique and thought-provoking novel. It explores themes of survival, endurance, and the human spirit. The story follows a group of young men who are forced to participate in a deadly walking competition. As they face various challenges and hardships along the way, their true nature is revealed. The Long Walk is a captivating read that will make you question what you would do in a similar situation.

RoadWork ⭐⭐

RoadWork is an interesting but somewhat flawed book. The story has its moments of excitement and tension, but it also feels a bit disjointed at times. The characters could have been developed more fully, and the plot could have been more tightly woven. However, despite its shortcomings, RoadWork still manages to hold the reader's attention and offer some interesting insights into the world of construction and the people who work in it.

The Running Man ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Running Man is an absolute classic. It's a thrilling and action-packed adventure that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. The story is set in a dystopian future where a man is forced to participate in a deadly game show. As he races for his life, he must outwit his pursuers and overcome numerous obstacles. The Running Man is a masterful work of fiction that combines elements of science fiction, thriller, and social commentary. It's a must-read for any fan of the genre.

Updating this review after 12 years.

Road Work is the only weak link in this book. Although legend has it that Rage is out of print finally (probably to King's great relief). Update: I still find this to be the weakest of the four stories. However, now as a more adulty-adult than I was when I first read it, I can recommend it for its understanding of the mindless machine of government "progress," and of the terror of being an adult and still having no control over your world. It's not a bad story, it's just not as great as the others.

Rage - 20 years before high school massacres started in America, King wrote this story of a misunderstood and clearly mentally ill kid going apeshit and holding his classroom hostage. Update: In my personal opinion, this book should not be out of print. This should be a conversation we're all having, all the time. This is a story about mob mentality, as much as it is about a mentally ill person with a gun. This story turns out to be even more prescient than The Running Man. It's a hard read in today's environment, but may end up being standard reading in school in 50 years.

The Long Walk - Once a year, one representative from each state, all boys around 18, set off walking at 4 MPH. If they slow down, they get warned. After the 3rd warning...let's just say that the fabulous prize afforded to the winner probably isn't worth it. This story is ALL character development. Update: Two things. 1) 4 MPH is a preposterous speed. 2.5 to 3 would make more sense. Someone told me that King has since acknowledged that, but it's easy enough to ignore. And 2) "All character development" is not meant as a bad thing. It's an amazing character-driven story.

The Running Man - This story just proves that Stephen King is a visionary, given when it was written and the state of TV today. I would love to see this done as a real movie, not the Richard Dawson/Governator crap version that came out in the 80s. In a dismally dystopian future, the networks are running the government and reality tv rules supreme. Ben Richards, out of options for raising money to care for his sick daughter, signs up to be a contestant and lands the ultimate gig - "The Running Man," the most popular show on tv. The trick - stay alive while hunted by assassins. For every day he stays alive, more money gets pumped to his family, but what starts as a noble sacrifice on his part leads to rage and revenge when he realizes the game is rigged. Update: Everything I said before still stands true. I will add that, with a game show host in the White House at the time of this writing, the looming threat (and delivery) of global warming, and the racism in America, this story keeps getting more and more plausible.