Just finished the Bachman books.

I skipped through The Long Walk because I had already read it.

I found Rage and The Running Man both fascinating in their own unique ways.

Rage had this intense psychological depth that really drew me in, making me constantly wonder about the characters' motives and actions.

The Running Man, on the other hand, was filled with thrilling action and a sense of impending doom that kept me on the edge of my seat.

However, I hit a slump with Roadwork.

I can almost say I hated it, hahaha.

The story just didn't click with me, and I found myself losing interest quite quickly.

If you're into intense psychological dramas like Rage or heart-pounding action thrillers like The Running Man, I totally recommend giving these books a try.

You might just find yourself as captivated as I was.

I love all four of King's novels in 'The Bachman Books' collection. Currently, I've just reread THE LONG WALK, a book I reread every year. It's truly that good, and I never tire of it. Each time I read it, I'm again amazed by the prescience of Uncle Stevie. It's as if he foresaw a possible future for North America. There's no supernatural element here, just the all-too-real monsters of humanity and capitalism.
Stephen King is a genius. This story, published in 1979 but written in the 1960s, predicted a future for humanity that's scary in its accuracy.
The book is set in America's future, where 'The Long Walk' has become a TV, game, sports, and betting sensation. Every year, 100 desperate, poverty-stricken teenage boys are chosen to walk. Starting in Maine, they walk until only one is left. The prize? Anything they want for the rest of their lives. It's an appealing reason to enter, especially in this desolate future. But there's a 99% chance they'll die.
With army tanks and soldiers following, the walkers must continuously walk at a pace of 4 miles an hour. Any reason for dropping speed, like fatigue or urinating, will earn a Warning. Get 3 Warnings and they'll 'buy their ticket' and be shot dead.
King's prescience is remarkable. He wrote this story before reality TV even existed. The setting shows a future America that's unstable, impoverished, and militaristic, where the 'Long Walk' is almost a religion.
The Walk is a distraction and a source of hope for the poor. The 10,000s of boys applying have nothing to lose, and betting on the Walk is the biggest money-maker. The US economy runs on the suffering of these desperate children.
The Walk begins in Maine and goes south. Ray Garraty is the main character, and through his eyes, we experience the Walk. King does many great things in this book. Discussions of important issues feel natural, and capitalizing certain words makes us question big ideas.
I've given away copies of this book three times because it's that good. But I still have a copy in my paperback Bachman collection, which I'll never part with. This short, brutal, and amazing book is a must-read. -Jen from Quebec :0)

Rage was an extremely predictive work!

It's truly a relief that it is no longer in print. However, at the same time, I'm equally glad that I had the opportunity to read it first.

This book had the power to anticipate certain events and trends with remarkable accuracy.

Perhaps it was the author's keen perception and deep understanding of the human condition that allowed for such prescience.

Reading Rage was an eye-opening experience that made me think about various aspects of our society and the world we live in.

Although it may no longer be widely available, the impact it had on me will always remain.

I'm grateful to have had the chance to explore its pages and gain insights that might not have been possible otherwise.

Overall, while I'm happy it's no longer in print, I'll always cherish the fact that I was among the fortunate few who got to read Rage.

What a truly mixed bag of experiences these books have been.

I absolutely adored "The Long Walk." Its imaginative plot was a real page-turner, and the in-depth character study was simply outstanding. Who could have ever imagined that a book centered around walking could be so incredibly intense and gruesome? Honestly, "The Hunger Games" pales in comparison to this remarkable piece of work.

"Roadwork," on the other hand, left me rather bored. I could see the intention behind it - mainly depicting the slow descent of the main character into madness - but I just couldn't seem to focus on the story. What was his motivation? Why was he so stubborn? I understand that the house held more significance than just being a material possession for this man, but I simply could not sympathize with him or get behind his point of view.

"Running Man" sort of brought back the glorious exploration of survival that I had loved in "The Long Walk," but once again, it failed to completely engage me. The characters weren't as fully developed, and the ending was rather lackluster.

To those who are unfamiliar with Richard Bachman's writing, I can say that in my opinion, Stephen King created this pseudonym as a no-pressure foray into the realm of psychological thrillers, rather than his usual horror genre. I'm somewhat on the fence about these attempts, but I will most definitely recommend "The Long Walk" to anyone who is interested in checking out that particular side of King's work.

The Long Walk: 4 stars.

This thrilling novel takes readers on an intense journey. It keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The story is filled with action and adventure, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

Roadwork: 3 stars.

Although not as highly rated as The Long Walk, Roadwork still has its merits. It offers an interesting look at a man's struggle with the changes happening around him. The writing is engaging, but the plot may not be as gripping for some readers.

The Running Man: 4 stars.

Another great addition to the collection, The Running Man is a fast-paced and exciting read. The concept is unique and the story unfolds in a way that keeps you guessing. It's a book that you won't be able to put down once you start.

Overall, these three books offer a diverse range of stories and reading experiences. Whether you're a fan of action, adventure, or character-driven dramas, there's something here for everyone.

4⭐ for Rage

5⭐ for The Long Walk

2⭐ for Roadwork

5⭐ for The Running Man


Wow. I must say that I really had a great affection for The Running Man and The Long Walk.

When compared to The Hunger Games, these two works are simply outstanding. They possess a unique charm and intensity that sets them apart.

Rage, on the other hand, was also good and held my interest with its interesting plot. However, it did tend to ramble on for a while, which slightly affected my overall enjoyment.

Unfortunately, Roadwork was just extremely boring. It failed to engage me from the very beginning and I found myself struggling to get through it.

I truly wish that The Long Walk and The Running Man were actual lengthy books. I feel that there is so much more potential in these stories that could have been explored and developed further if they were longer. It would have allowed for a deeper understanding of the characters and a more immersive experience for the readers.

Overall, while each of these works had its own strengths and weaknesses, The Running Man and The Long Walk stood out as the clear favorites for me.

I've been eager to obtain The Bachman Books for quite some time. Three of the books within it are easily accessible, but Stephen King has chosen to keep Rage out of print. This decision came after he heard that it might have had an influence on a few school shooters. It requires some effort to track it down, and although it's a bit pricey, it's significantly cheaper than getting a copy of Rage separately. However, it's well worth the search; The Bachman Books is a must-read for Stephen King enthusiasts, especially the three collected novels.

*SPOILERS*

Rage

It's truly a pity that King removed this book from circulation because it's a brilliant piece of work. A deeply troubled high school student brings his father's gun to school, shoots a couple of teachers, and takes his class hostage. What follows is an in-depth exploration of the cycle of violence and the frustrations of teenagers in a world that doesn't understand them and won't allow them to understand each other. If Rage were written today, it might be a preachy and overly simplistic lecture on gun control. But because it was created before everyone became overly cautious, it offers a fascinating look at kids and their place in society. Charlie makes it clear to his classmates that he has no intention of hurting them, and he uses the hostage situation as a means to conduct a therapy session where the kids can work through their anger and fears, reconcile, and overcome their insecurities, ultimately becoming closer to each other. Students who previously despised each other for ridiculous reasons dictated by societal "rules" form friendships, and the popular kid is revealed to be a bumbling fool just as confused as the rest. (The fact that he is the only student who sees the horror in Charlie's actions further complicates matters.) The underlying idea is that if any of the kids were pushed far enough, they could be the one with the gun, and they all seem to understand this. It's a disturbing book, but also a challenging and rewarding one.

The Long Walk

Set in a future where America is under the rule of a tyrannical government, the Long Walk is an annual contest where 100 teenagers walk across the country until only one remains. The winner receives a fortune, while the losers are executed as they fall along the way. As the walk progresses, we learn certain things about this future world and the Walk itself. Much of this is through implication, such as the strong hint that the Walk is the government's way of thinning the societal herd, particularly of its less-desirable members. The walkers also gain insights into human nature, like what the desperate will endure for a chance at financial security and how the threat of death brings out someone's true nature. Even some of the tactics the boys use are indicative of what this type of situation can do to a person's personality. For example, one boy who seems savage and murderous is actually using a vile demeanor as a defense mechanism so he won't grow close to the people he needs to die in his place. What stayed with me the most were the glimpses of altruism when the boys would help each other survive, even though the survival of their fellow walkers would mean their own deaths. The ending is brilliant, depicting the destruction of the soul, psyche, and self when surrounded by death for so long and relying on it to survive.

Roadwork

Bart Dawes is slowly losing his mind due to the government's plan to build a new freeway in his town. Using the eminent domain law, they are forcing his business out of its factory and him and his wife out of their home. His denial of the situation snowballs into the destruction of his personal and professional lives, ultimately culminating in a savage display of independence in the face of the crippling government machine. Roadwork is good, but I was a bit disappointed that there wasn't more focus on the government's encroachment on personal freedom and property. It was more about Bart being insane, which is fine, but something King has done many times before, often with better results (as seen in Rage, for example). Bart was already crazy; the freeway was just the final straw. He is a sad character, and although he is clearly insane, it's hard not to sympathize with him as he struggles to escape the ghost of his dead son. I also wish the climax had more impact; when something is built up like that, it should be a spectacular display of violence, not someone who refuses to hurt anybody. However, while it's definitely the least of the four stories, Roadwork is still an enjoyable read.

The Running Man

In a cruel futuristic society, Ben Richards, desperate to provide for his impoverished family, signs up to be a contestant on one of the fascistic government's many game shows. He is ultimately selected for The Running Man, where he must survive for thirty days while law enforcement, specifically a group of men called Hunters, try to kill him, and the populace is encouraged to turn him in and compelled not to help him. As Richards struggles to stay alive, he learns a thing or two about the government's Orwellian tactics and that freedom is just another word for having nothing left to lose. The Running Man is filled with suspense as Richards is constantly in danger, never knowing if the people he encounters will betray him or if his next hiding place will be his last. Along the way, he meets others like himself who are poor and learns of the lengths they are willing to go to maintain their integrity and resist the despots who rule them. The finale is a shocking twist that is both perfect and satisfying, albeit a bit sad.

A common theme running through all four stories is the idea of the individual being crushed and forced to conform, with varying degrees of success. Charlie must conform to society's definition of a "normal" kid; Ray Garrety must seek the downfall of others to be considered a hero by his government; Bart Dawes must give up the only world he knows because the state wants to build a road; and Ben Richards can only hope to save his daughter's life if he surrenders himself to certain death at the hands of the government. All of their endings have a significant element of tragedy, but while one completely loses himself, one successfully makes his statement before being locked away forever, one goes out on his own terms, and one takes his oppressors with him, changing the world and proving that even the most powerful regime can only push a person so far. While I wish Roadwork had focused more on this theme, I still enjoyed how the two dystopian sci-fi stories and the two grounded tales of a believable lone nut were connected in this way.

The Bachman Books is an outstanding collection that Stephen King fans should definitely seek out. It may be a bit challenging to obtain now, but it's well worth the effort and the money.

Rage: Charlie Decker, filled with anger towards the world, makes a fateful decision to bring a gun to school one day. He shoots two teachers and takes a class hostage. This story, written in the 1960s, fails to leave a lasting impression. The plot becomes dull after being confined to the classroom for the first few chapters. What's more, Bachman's decision to have Charlie rank the girls in his class by their virginity is out of place and unnecessary. Although Bachman attempts to provide a background for Charlie and explain his actions, it feels forced and stereotypical, blaming the parents for his messed-up state. None of the characters are memorable or redeemable, making it difficult for the reader to care about them or continue reading. The ending is lackluster and does nothing to improve the novel, which wasn't particularly good to begin with. It's fortunate that this novel is no longer in print as it's not worth the read.

The Long Walk: On the first day of May, one hundred teenage boys embark on a walk known as "The Long Walk". Breaking the rules earns them warnings, and three warnings lead to a gruesome fate. This story is fascinating and intrigues the reader. The concept is unique and different, which piques the reader's interest. However, Bachman's writing style leaves something to be desired. There are moments of beautiful, descriptive writing, but there are also instances where the characters express misogynistic and derogatory thoughts, detracting from the story. The characters are interesting, but Bachman's attempt to make them mysterious leaves the reader confused and wondering about their motives. The ending feels rushed and leaves the reader cheated, as certain events seem to come out of nowhere. Overall, this isn't a bad story, but it could have been better.

Roadwork: When the area where Bart Dawes lives is scheduled to be demolished for a new highway, Bart refuses to move. For the most part, this is a well-told story that grips the reader as they watch the plot unfold. Although it starts to become predictable, there are still elements of unpredictability that keep the reader engaged. The ending is a real surprise and completely changes the reader's perspective on the entire book. It makes them question Bart's motives and wonder if he's as crazy as he seems. Bart is an unlikeable character, which makes the story difficult to read at times, but the reader is still curious to see what he'll do next. The backstory provided on Bart helps to explain his behavior to an extent. Overall, this is a strong story with an unpleasant main character.

The Running Man: Set in the future, in 2025, Ben Richards finds himself on a reality Free-Vee show where he's being hunted by Hunters who are trying to kill him for entertainment. This novel reads like it was written by someone from the 1980s imagining the future, as the technology is laughable in 2022. Bachman takes 1980s technology and gives it strange enhancements that feel comical and don't add much to the story. He also briefly touches on an airborne illness that causes cancer, but doesn't explore it further. There's a lot of potential in the ideas he mentions, but they're not fully developed. Instead, the story reads like a fever dream, and the reader never really knows what's going on. While the plot is unpredictable, it's also hard to stay connected to the story. Additionally, the main character, Richards, is so unlikeable that the reader doesn't care what happens to him. He has no redeeming qualities and no character development. Overall, this novel has a lot of potential but fails to deliver.

This is a remarkable collection that brings together four of Stephen King's early novels. These novels were initially published under his well-known pseudonym, Richard Bachman.

The Long Walk and The Running Man can arguably be placed within the realm of science fiction. They offer unique and engaging storylines that draw readers into imaginative worlds.

Roadwork, on the other hand, is a very interesting character study. It delves deep into the psyche of its protagonist, providing a captivating exploration of human nature.

Rage is perhaps the most chilling of the bunch. It presents a foreshadowing vision of events like Columbine and subsequent incidents, sending shivers down the spine of readers.

What makes these novels particularly notable is that they are all substantially shorter than almost all of his later works. They possess a pure and exhilarating verve and enthusiasm, a "full-speed-ahead-and-damn-the-torpedoes-and-lets-tell-this-story" attitude that many of his later, stuffier, and more carefully crafted books seem to lack.

I wholeheartedly recommend this collection unreservedly for his iconic Constant Readers. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of King's writing career and showcases his raw talent and creativity.

Roadwork and The Running Man, which were reviewed elsewhere, received ratings of 2 and 4 respectively. Additionally, Rage got a solid 2, while The Long Walk received an impressive 5. When rounded off, that averages out to about 4.

Rage is a good book. It presents a very in-your-face and depressing/angering story. However, it doesn't really go much beyond that.

The Long Walk, on the other hand, is absolutely relentless and terrifying. The description of 100 teenage boys participating in a "march-until-death" is a tough and spellbinding read. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next and how these boys will endure such a grueling and ultimately fatal ordeal. It's a book that truly makes you think about the human spirit and its ability to persevere in the face of extreme adversity.

Rage

This is a rather intense and perhaps controversial piece. It might explore themes of anger, frustration, and the darker side of human nature. However, it didn't quite resonate with me as much as I had hoped.

Running Man *** and a half

This one had its moments. It was an exciting read with a lot of action and a sense of adventure. The story kept me engaged, and I could see myself reading it again in the future.

Roadworks**

I have to admit that Roadworks didn't really do it for me. It felt a bit flat and uninteresting. The plot didn't seem to go anywhere, and I found myself losing interest quite quickly.

The Long Walk ****

This was by far my favorite of the bunch. It was a powerful and thought-provoking story that really made me think about life, death, and the human spirit. I will definitely be reading it again, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great read.

Overall, my experience with these books was very mixed. While I loved The Long Walk and had some enjoyment from The Running Man, I really wasn't keen on Rage and Roadworks. However, I'm always open to giving books a second chance, and I'm sure there are many other great reads out there waiting for me to discover.

I purchased this out of curiosity, as Rage is no longer in print.

This particular collection was not at the very top of my Stephen King preferences. The stories, to be honest, didn't strike me as being extremely interesting.

Certainly, the most captivating one was The Long Walk, and it was also the one that I derived the most enjoyment from. The other three stories were okay, but I don't envision myself reading them again.

Rage, in my opinion, was rather predictable and had a slow pace. Moreover, the final two stories simply failed to hold my attention. It's a bit of a disappointment considering it's a Stephen King work, but perhaps not every collection can be a masterpiece.

Nonetheless, I'm still glad I gave it a try, if only to satisfy my intrigue about the out-of-print Rage.