3.5 stars

This rating of 3.5 stars indicates a certain level of quality and performance. It implies that the subject being evaluated has both positive aspects and some areas that could potentially be improved. With 3.5 stars, it shows that it is above average but not quite at the level of excellence. It might have features or qualities that are值得称赞, such as good functionality, decent design, or satisfactory customer service. However, there could also be some minor flaws or不足之处 that prevent it from receiving a higher rating. Overall, a 3.5-star rating suggests that it is a viable option, but consumers may want to consider other alternatives or weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.

This was truly four novels combined into one. They weren't extremely long, yet two of them progressed at a slower pace compared to the others.

The Long Walk was an intensely cerebral and arduous read. It took me the longest time to get through. All of the novels had an impending sense of doom hanging over them.

Rage was the one about the school shooter and it received an unfair reputation simply because of its plot. Roadwork left me muttering to myself as I read.

The Running Man was completely different from the movie. These novels are all so very close to the writing style and voice of King (even though they were written under a pseudonym) that it makes me wonder how he thought nobody would notice.

Nevertheless, all of them were enjoyable reads and I would rate them a solid 4 stars. They offered unique stories and perspectives that kept me engaged from beginning to end.

Despite their differences in pacing and subject matter, they all shared a certain essence that is characteristic of King's work. It was a fascinating collection to explore and I would recommend it to any fan of his writing.

I'm not entirely certain why it took me such a long time to complete this reading, especially since it was a reread.

Perhaps, despite my claim that one of the stories, "The Long Walk" (which is excellent, brutal, and far ahead of its time), didn't traumatize me as much this time around, it still had some impact.

Anyway, when I first read this several years ago, I could barely recall the other three novellas, possibly due to the aforementioned traumatization.

Now, I can say that they are all good, and "Rage/Getting It On" was very, very good, considering how young King was when he wrote it.

If you truly want to understand how the modern dystopia novel trend began (sorry, Ms. Collins!), and you also enjoy psychological stories about what modern life can sometimes drive people to do, then look no further than this little gem.

Overall, I would rate it 3.5 stars.

Average rating 3.5

The Long Walk - 3.75
I truly liked this story, but unfortunately, there were several plot holes that couldn't be ignored. I really wish that King had taken the time to explain the background in more detail and done a better job with the worldbuilding. Despite these flaws, it was still a good read. It constantly bugged me as to why the marathon was such a significant event. What was the purpose behind it?

Roadwork - 2.75
This one was just pretty average. I didn't have a great love for it. To be honest, it felt dragged out and unnecessary. If I had a copy of this story separately, I probably would have given up on it. It lacked the excitement and engagement that I was hoping for.

The Running Man - 4.25
I really, really liked this one. It actually made me cry, believe it or not. This story was truly amazing. It had me completely hooked from the very beginning all the way to the end. However, there were still a few points that could have been better explained. Overall, though, it was a great read.

This book brings together the four earliest works by Richard Bachman, a pseudonym that Stephen King used for a period of time... at least until this secret was revealed.

The first book, "Rage", tells the story of a school shooting incident. In many aspects, it is eerie how accurately King captured the essence of such events in this story, which was written before the significant increase in school shootings in the United States. The story is told from the perspective of the shooter, delving deep into the challenges of adolescence and the possible motives that could drive someone to commit such an act.

"The Long Walk" could easily have served as an inspiration for "The Hunger Games" or even "Squid Game". Scarcity and poverty have truly influenced entertainment, and the opportunity to improve one's social status in the future has led to reality television being taken to extremes. In this case, it is not so much about a road race but rather about who can endure the longest. One hundred men begin the race, but only one manages to survive long enough to emerge victorious.

In "Roadwork", readers get to explore the concept of eminent domain from the perspective of a man who is losing both his workplace and his home due to a highway extension project that requires the demolition of both buildings. Although he has the opportunity to assist with the relocation to new buildings at different addresses, he is almost paralyzed by what is happening, and ultimately loses everything in a very different and unexpected manner.

Finally, there is "The Running Man". While this is likely a well-known title due to the popular 1980s film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, the book upon which it is based is actually quite different. Although the concept of the game remains the same - the running man hopes to stay alive in a terrifying reality game show where everyone else is either trying to kill him or cheering for his death - there are numerous differences. Richards, the main character, is running because his family is so impoverished that his daughter is likely to die from pneumonia. He enters and is chosen for the game, finding himself sneaking around New England in the hope of surviving long enough for his family to receive the funds they need for his daughter to obtain the medical care she requires.

Overall, the stories are all extremely dark. They are more tragedies than horror, with the protagonists trapped in situations where they have become ensnared by horrible societal norms. They are part character studies and part social critiques. Most importantly, they are truly captivating.

However, a warning for the faint of heart: the stories are filled with gory, gruesome violence, and there is a significant amount of uncomfortable bigoted language scattered throughout all of the stories.

I'd purchased this collection several years ago. Despite it constantly staring at me from the bookshelf for such a long time, I've only recently managed to get around to actually reading it.

Of course, I don't have any regrets about leaving it unread for so long. As it turns out, I wasn't really missing out on much. Although this was penned by Stephen King, it didn't give me the same feeling as the King works that I truly enjoy. When compared to The Shining, Pet Sematary and The Green Mile, this collection seemed rather average.

This collection consists of three stories. The first one is 'The Long Walk'. It's a disturbingly crazy adventure involving 100 teenage boys who are essentially walking for their lives. It's a test of endurance as they have to walk across three states without any stoppages or toilet breaks, and are only provided with a thin tube of pureed tuna for nutrition. There's no time to rest during this walk, and if a boy receives three strikes, he is shot dead. Only one can emerge as the winner at the end. I find the creativity behind this story quite fascinating, but it has a few issues. Firstly, the rules of the game are never clearly explained to the reader. I mean, how and why would people support such a game, cheering them on to their deaths from the sidelines? There are numerous questions left unanswered. I'm also not sure if people would physically be able to walk that far without a break, considering all the terrible conditions. Finally, the way the teenage boys were chatting during the walk didn't seem realistic to me. It sounded more like older men chatting, those who had more life experience.

The second story is 'Roadwork'. This was my least favorite among the three. It's about a person's descent into madness. While I can appreciate this theme in stories, I thought this one was written in a rather tedious manner, and I was relieved to have finished it.

The third and final story is 'The Running Man'. It's essentially a story about a game of death, with a huge jackpot at the end for the winner. It had excellent world-building and maintained an atmospheric tone until the end, but it still wasn't enough to increase the rating I'm giving this collection.

Overall, this was a passable collection from King, but I simply wasn't captivated by any of it.

Rage - no rating, but an interesting uncomfortable story. It delves into the darker side of human nature, leaving readers with a sense of unease.

The Long Walk - 4 stars, very bleak. The story描绘了 a harsh and unforgiving world, where hope seems almost nonexistent.

Roadwork - 0.5 only the Exorcist refs got it the half star. This one is a bit of an oddity, perhaps not quite hitting the mark for most readers.

The Running Man - 5 stars, this was incredible. It's a thrilling and action-packed tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The characters are well-developed and the plot is full of twists and turns that will leave you breathless. Overall, it's a must-read for fans of the genre.

The Long Walk is an extraordinary experience that takes you on a journey like no other. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of nature and challenge yourself physically and mentally. With each step, you feel a sense of accomplishment and a connection to the world around you.

Roadwork is another activity that demands your attention and determination. It requires you to overcome obstacles and push through the pain to reach your destination. Whether it's a long stretch of highway or a winding mountain road, Roadwork tests your limits and helps you build character.

The Running Man is a thrilling adventure that gets your heart pumping and your blood flowing. It's a chance to let loose and embrace your inner athlete. With its fast-paced action and exciting challenges, The Running Man will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you wanting more.

All three of these activities share a common theme: they require you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the unknown. Whether you're looking for a new way to stay fit, or simply want to have some fun, The Long Walk, Roadwork, and The Running Man are all excellent choices.

I actually have a great affection for a significant portion of what Stephen King has penned.

His works often possess a unique charm that draws readers in. However, it must be noted that some of his writings, such as The Gunslinger, give the impression of being written in a rather hasty manner and are overly long.

Nonetheless, this particular collection stands out as one of the better ones.

In particular, I had a special liking for The Long Walk (1979).

The story in The Long Walk is captivating and engaging, taking the reader on a thrilling journey.

It showcases King's ability to create vivid characters and a tense atmosphere that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

Overall, while there are some flaws in King's works, this collection and The Long Walk in particular offer an enjoyable reading experience.

Rage: It is an extremely intense emotion that is both concerning and fascinating. It can consume a person and lead to explosive outbursts or a simmering anger that festers beneath the surface.

The long walk: This activity has good pacing, allowing for a steady progression and a sense of achievement as the distance is covered. It can be a great way to clear the mind and enjoy the outdoors.

Roadwork: Meh. It is very confusing in the beginning and it takes a while before the story starts to unfold. The lack of clarity and direction can make it a bit frustrating to follow.

The running man: This is butt-clenchingly exciting. The anticipation and紧张 build up throughout, leading to a satisfying end that leaves the reader on the edge of their seat. It is a thrilling and engaging experience.

Overall, each of these elements has its own unique characteristics and can have a significant impact on the overall experience. Whether it's the intensity of rage, the pacing of the long walk, the confusion of roadwork, or the excitement of the running man, they all contribute to the rich tapestry of our lives and emotions.

I purchased The Bachman Books in 2020 with the specific intention of reading Rage. This collection has been sitting on my shelf for several years, and I deeply regret waiting such a long time to explore these captivating stories.

Among them, Roadwork and The Running Man were the ones that I enjoyed the most. Roadwork delved into the mind of a man on the verge of losing everything, his desperation palpable on every page. The Running Man, on the other hand, was a thrilling tale of survival in a dystopian world, filled with heart-pounding action and unexpected twists.

These stories not only entertained me but also made me think about the human condition and the lengths we will go to in order to achieve our goals or protect what we hold dear. I would highly recommend The Bachman Books to any fan of Stephen King or anyone looking for a great read.

I read this collection not long ago and felt extremely glad to obtain it before it went out of print. This was because one of the stories, “Rage”, was regarded as a possible inspiration for school shootings. “Rage” is indeed a very dark, raw, and captivating story. Among the four stories, my favorite is “The Long Walk”. It offers a look into a dystopian and totalitarian future United States, along with a merciless yearly ritual that truly makes it a page-turner. I vividly recall reading this story in one sitting. As for “Road Work” and “The Running Man”, I don't remember a great deal, but I did enjoy them. They were a bit different from King's typical horror, as most of his works published under the Bachman name are. It's interesting to see the variety in his writing styles, and this collection definitely showcases that.