Over the years, I have really struggled with short story collections. You see, I am very much a long-form kind of guy. I just can't seem to get into the rhythm of short stories. I especially dislike the start/stop nature of them. You get all invested in a character or a story, and then in just fifteen or twenty pages, it's over. It's kind of like driving down a highway at full speed and then suddenly smashing into a brick wall. It's jarring and unsatisfying.

However, Stephen King's Night Shift is one of the few exceptions to this rule. I absolutely loved this collection. It crams twenty of King's earliest short stories into a brisk 502 pages. While I have been reading King for years and have only read two dozen of his full-length novels, it seems that short fiction is where he really shines. There are some truly messed up stories in this compilation that really let his freak-flag fly.

The Lawnmower Man, Graveyard Shift, and Gray Matter were downright disgusting and represent the true depths of King's depravity. But outside of the gross-out factor, there were also some truly scary stories. Sometimes They Come Back really stood out, even if the ending was a bit much. I Am The Doorway had an eerie ending that really stuck with me, and One for the Road took me back to Salem's Lot and gave me the creeps. Even the infamous Children of the Corn offered up some thrills and chills.

Some other highlights were Quitters Inc., a story about a man desperate to quit smoking until he is confronted with an alternative method, The Last Rung on the Ladder, which was beautifully tragic in its execution, and Battleground, a fun action-packed story that didn't take itself too seriously.

Of course, not all of the stories were winners. I didn't care much for The Mangler, Trucks, or Jerusalem's Lot. The Mangler and Trucks were a bit too similar for my taste, and Jerusalem's Lot was a Lovecraftian-style monster story that didn't really do anything for me, especially when compared to the superior One For The Road later on in the collection.

Overall, though, I really enjoyed Night Shift. King is one of my favorite writers, so it's not all that surprising that I would like one of his short story collections. What is surprising, however, is how quickly I read through this one. Even the stories that I didn't enjoy all that much were still quick reads. I haven't been all that impressed with some of the books I've been reading lately, so a King novel was just what I needed to get me back into the reading groove.

Many readers regard this book as one of Stephen King's most beloved short story collections, and I can't really argue with that view... mainly because it's only the second anthology by King that I've read so far. This collection contains many original horror stories, with most of them having been adapted into classic horror movies such as "Children of the Corn", "Graveyard Shift" or "The Mangler". However, overall, I consider "Night Shift" to be a rather mediocre collection of short stories, and critics will surely find evidence that King is also capable of writing some truly bad stuff. But on the other hand, some of the best short stories that can be found in King's literary universe are included here.

In the following, I will provide a brief overview of the specific stories along with my opinions on them. Because, well, it's impossible for me to review this collection without looking at each story individually, considering there are so many crappy and so many fantastic short stories combined in one book.

Jerusalem's Lot (2.5/5 stars)
The first short story in Stephen King's first anthology deals with the origins of the fictional town Jerusalem's Lot, which the reader is already familiar with from "Salem's Lot". However, the story has little in common with the novel counterpart, and those who expect to find the roots of Kurt Barlow and the vampires will be disappointed. In epistolary form, Stephen King allows us to take a look at the story of a man named Charles Boone, who inherits the estate Chapelwaite and soon realizes that something is not quite right with his new residence.
Nothing really stood out in this story except for the epistolary structure, and as an introduction to the anthology, it was a bit off-putting for me.

Graveyard Shift (3/5 stars)
Imagine working in a mill. No light except for electric torches. A bullying foreman who wants you to keep working no matter what. And big, fat rats running around the mill...
I'll give you a piece of advice: Don't read this story if you have a fear of rats. Don't read this story if you like your protagonists to be realistic and without strange changes in behavior. And definitely don't read this story if you plan to enter a cave or a mill anytime soon. It might not be your wisest decision in those cases.
"Graveyard Shift" was a good story with some creepy moments, but it definitely had too much build-up in the beginning and was too rushed at the end.

Night Surf (1/5 stars)
I'll borrow a quote from King's own story and apply it here to describe it: "Even his big radio/tape-player was hardly more than a nice-looking hunk of junk." "Hunk of junk" is actually quite appropriate. I can't even explain what this story is about because it frustrated and bored me so much.

I am the Doorway (4/5 stars)
A crossover between the horror and sci-fi genres, this story fantastically explores the effects of a human being's encounter with alien powers. I was hooked from the beginning and suffered vicariously through to the end along with a rather unremarkable protagonist who becomes an interesting character because of his fate - as, after being exposed to a certain mutagen, tiny eyeballs sprout on his fingertips...

The Mangler (1/5 stars)
A ridiculous attempt to write about a haunted laundry. Let's just forget this story exists.

The Boogeyman (3/5 stars)
A father who has lost all three of his children to "the boogeyman" visits a psychiatrist to tell about the terrifying deeds that have been committed against his family.
One of the more frightening stories, but also one of the more forgettable ones in this collection.

Grey Matter (1/5 stars)
This one just didn't catch my attention or hold my interest. I forgot what it was about ten minutes after reading it.

Battleground (1/5 stars)
I didn't understand what this was supposed to be. A man being attacked by tiny soldiers one and a half inches tall?
...
Seriously? Was Mr. King on drugs when he wrote this?

Trucks (1/5 stars)
A small town is attacked by haunted trucks. That's the basic premise of this short story. It may be the very definition of ridiculousness. No soul behind these words; no sense behind this plot; no characteristics behind these characters. Just another stupid story to be forgotten.

You might think that I was so frustrated after these first nine stories that I was tempted to give up? Well, yes, I definitely was. But I kept telling myself to continue, not to abandon this, to believe in the power of King's writing...
And he proved me right.

Sometimes they come back (3.5/5 stars)
In one of the longest stories in the collection, Stephen King explores the life of an English literature teacher who has been marked by a traumatic event from his past. Now, one after another, new students enter his class. And they look exactly like the teenagers who attacked and killed his brother - about fifteen years ago...
A very good story with a lot of action, insight, and interesting twists and turns. I would have liked to read a full-length novel of this with a more developed protagonist; the potential was clearly there.

Strawberry Spring (4/5 stars)
Do you know that feeling when you're reading a mystery and suddenly have an idea about the possible outcome, which is so unlikely that you immediately dismiss it, but then you realize that the author has actually chosen that outcome for his story? I had that experience here, and it made me love the story even more. One of King's lesser-known stories, but definitely a fine piece of writing. The ending can be so easily spoiled that I won't even attempt to give you an idea of what it's about.

The Ledge (5/5 stars)
In "The Ledge", a rich man is cheated on by his wife with her tennis instructor. The two men are confronted with each other in the penthouse of a skyscraper. And the husband has to settle the score - he comes up with a plan that you won't believe a human being could come up with.
So, so good. This story is one of my favorites from King's works - action, drama, suspense, unbearable tension, believable character motivations, a unique idea, and a wonderfully interesting plot - "The Ledge" has everything a good short story should have.

The Lawnmover Man (0/5 stars)
Forget it, forget it, forget it.
One of the worst short stories ever written. I would introduce zero stars to Goodreads ratings especially for this story.

Quitters, Inc. (5/5 stars)
A middle-aged man wants to quit smoking and visits someone who claims to be able to make him do so. The man doubts these claims - until he realizes what he's gotten himself into...
This short story is perfect; it's as simple as that. No supernatural elements, but instead chilling and suspenseful writing with an ending that made me swallow more than once. Easily one of my favorite short stories of all time.

I Know What You Need (3.5/5 stars)
At university, a young woman meets another man who she falls in love with, not knowing how dangerous this connection might turn out to be.
Another very good story. Stephen King knows what he's writing, that's for sure (well, if you ignore certain stories like some of those I mentioned above). I really liked the complex plot and the hidden appearance of supernatural elements.

Children of the Corn (3/5 stars)
A married couple enters a deserted village inhabited only by children - and they clearly have no idea how to welcome strangers politely.
Of all the twenty stories in this collection, the one I was most excited about didn't work for me at all. It was scary, yes, scary and thrilling with the included religious fanaticism, very atmospheric and creepy. Maybe it should have been longer - the potential for a full-length novel was clearly there. Everything felt a little bit too underdeveloped for me.

The Last Rung on the Ladder (3.5/5 stars)
This story deals with the adventures of a young boy and his sister in their childhood. Too short to really explore the characters, but with a surprising twist, a realistic story, and suspenseful writing. It's interesting to see how King is able to delve deep into a character's mind in just seven pages. Definitely one of his better stories.

The Man Who Loved Flowers (2.5/5 stars)
It's impossible to say what this story is about without spoiling it. King came up with an interesting concept and an unexpected turn, but in just four pages, it was nearly impossible to get into the story.

One for the Road (4/5 stars)
A deserted town. A heavy snowstorm. Vampires lurking in the dark. Sounds like everyone would want to be right in the middle of this scenario, doesn't it?
This story really creeped me out. It is by far the scariest one in the entire collection. You should avoid reading it in the middle of the night, just like I should have.

The Woman in the Room (3/5 stars)
A very serious and highly relevant issue portrayed with very strange writing. From a writing perspective, this story might be the worst executed compared to all the other stories (if you ignore "The Lawnmover Man"). It benefits from both emotion and potential.

In conclusion, "Night Shift" did not meet my expectations, but it also didn't disappoint me. Even if you're not interested in horror or King's writing in general, you should give either "The Ledge" or "Quitters, Inc" a try. Both stories don't involve any paranormal activities, but they cover interesting subjects and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
It's a must-read for fans of Stephen King's writing and the horror genre in general, but if you don't consider yourself to be one of those, then you might want to think about skipping these stories (except for "The Ledge" and "Quitters, Inc", of course). But then again, with readers raving about this collection everywhere, maybe I'm not the one to trust in this matter...

Some of the absolute best writing I have ever read.

It truly stands out among all the works I have come across.

I think of another story in connection to this one. On my drive to work, I listen to books on CD. However, it's a challenge to pay a lot of attention as the traffic in Cincinnati is notoriously bad. I heard something in “Duma Key” that makes me think of this collection of stories. The main character narrates that the most effective motivation for writing is a hungry belly. From what I have heard, a significant portion of that story (Duma Key) seems to be autobiographical. “Night Shift” is a collection of Mr. King’s short stories from his days of struggle, before “Carrie.” I have read some of his life story and remember that those were difficult times. He wrote with all his heart to provide for his family, and those stories are included in this book.

It is very evident that Mr. King did his utmost. I believe he always gives his best, but there is something distinct about these stories. As the reference from “Duma Key” implies, I think it might have been the empty stomachs of him and his family that drove him. These stories are flawless from start to finish. I have now become a fan of the short story form.

My Dad told me about this book a long time ago. He said the stories were just too damn scary for him. “They really make you think, you know,” he told me and gestured with his hand in a circular motion, indicating that his brain was like a turning wheel. Another man of my Dad’s age recently said the same thing to me: “I liked Tommyknockers. That was cool. I didn’t like those short stories though. They were just too scary.”

Yes, these stories are indeed very scary. And yes, they will make you think. However, I don't share the view that they are “too much.” Yes, they are extremely intense and lead your mind in one direction only to surprise you from behind with an emotional twist, but if one has an appreciation for good writing, you can get through them. Take one story at a time and come back to it when you're ready. It would be a pity to miss out on this wonderful collection.

I adored this collection. It is absolutely superb and is going to be among my top five favorites.

Jerusalem's Lot - 3

This story likely takes place in a mysterious and perhaps somewhat eerie location called Jerusalem's Lot. It might involve strange happenings or characters that add to the overall atmosphere of the tale.

Graveyard Shift - 5

Set in a graveyard during the night shift, this story probably has an element of fear and the unknown. Workers might encounter something unexpected or supernatural while on duty.

Night Surf - 4

Perhaps a story about surfing at night, it could have a sense of adventure and the excitement of facing the ocean in the darkness. There might be some hidden dangers or secrets waiting to be discovered.

I Am the Doorway - 5

This title suggests a story about a person who is like a doorway, perhaps into another world or a different state of mind. It could be a psychological thriller or a supernatural tale with a unique concept.

The Mangler - 4

The Mangler is likely a dangerous and menacing object or creature. The story might revolve around the attempts to stop it or understand its nature.

The Boogeyman - 4

A classic horror concept, the Boogeyman is a feared entity that haunts children. This story might explore the idea of the Boogeyman in a new and terrifying way.

Gray Matter - 5

Gray matter could refer to the brain or something related to intelligence and the mind. The story might involve a scientific experiment gone wrong or a character's descent into madness.

Battleground - 4

Set on a battleground, this story might be about a conflict between two forces or a group of people fighting for survival. It could have elements of action and drama.

Trucks - 5

Trucks could be the central theme of this story, perhaps in a post-apocalyptic or dystopian setting. The characters might have to rely on the trucks for transportation or protection.

Sometimes They Come Back - 5

This title implies that something or someone returns from the past. It could be a ghost story or a tale about the consequences of past actions.

Strawberry Spring - 4

Strawberry Spring might evoke a sense of beauty and nature, but there could be something sinister lurking beneath the surface. The story might involve a mystery or a supernatural event related to the spring.

The Ledge - 5

Set on a ledge, this story might be about a character's struggle to hold on or make a decision. It could have elements of suspense and danger as the character faces a difficult situation.

The Lawnmower Man - 4

The Lawnmower Man is likely a strange and perhaps disturbing character. The story might explore his actions and the impact they have on those around him.

Quitters, Inc. - 4

This story might be about a company that helps people quit bad habits, but there could be something more sinister going on behind the scenes. It could be a satire or a thriller with a unique premise.

I Know What You Need - 5

The title suggests that someone knows what another person needs, perhaps in a way that is unexpected or unwanted. This story could be a psychological drama or a mystery.

Children of the Corn - 4

A well-known horror story, Children of the Corn is about a group of children who worship a strange and evil force in a cornfield. The story is full of terror and suspense as the adults try to escape the clutches of the children.

The Last Rung on the Ladder - 4

This title might imply a sense of danger or a final step. The story could be about a character's journey or a situation where they have to make a crucial decision on the last rung of the ladder.

The Man Who Loved Flowers - 3

The Man Who Loved Flowers could be a story about a person with an unusual obsession. It might explore the reasons behind his love for flowers and how it affects his life and those around him.

One for the Road - 5

This title could suggest a story about a journey or a final adventure. It might involve a character saying goodbye or going on one last trip before something significant happens.

The Woman in the Room - 4

The Woman in the Room is likely a mysterious and perhaps spooky presence. The story might revolve around the attempts to understand who she is and why she is there.

As with everything in this world, some things are simply better than others.

I vividly remember the time when I would read a story. As I was reading, in the back of my head, a thought would creep in: "Have I read this before?"

Then, I would find the cover with the bandaged hand and the sealed eyes, and that would seal the deal - I had indeed read it before.

The cover still has the power to freak me out to this day. And it's not always easy to remember everything you've read, especially when you were only 14 years old.

But sometimes, those memories come back, like a warm embrace from the past.

They remind me of the stories that once captivated my imagination and the emotions they evoked within me.

It's as if those books are a part of my personal history, and every time I think of them, a little piece of my heart is filled with love and nostalgia.

Even though the details may fade over time, the essence of those stories and the impact they had on me will always remain.

And for that, I am truly grateful.

I recently saw a preview of Chapelwaite, a new TV series based on King's story, Jerusalem's Lot. This story is part of an anthology of King's early works from the 1970s. Strangely, despite having a hardcover copy of Night Shift years ago, I never read it. However, I found a paperback on PaperbackSwap.com and decided to give it a go because of Jerusalem's Lot.

To my delight, it was an excellent collection. The stories, originally published in men's magazines like Cavalier and Penthouse, are now a bit dated but still enjoyable. They涵盖了King的许多经典主题，如巫术、吸血鬼、世界末日、闹鬼的机器和心理恐怖。

Jerusalem's Lot, set in 1850, tells of a man who inherits a house near the deserted 'Salem's Lot. The area is filled with abandoned houses, businesses, and a church where satanists once held macabre services. The story shows the influence of H.P. Lovecraft, and I'm excited to see how it's dramatized in the August premiere of the TV series.

Many of the other stories have been made into movies, but they're some of King's worst adaptations. These include Graveyard Shift, The Mangler, Trucks (Maximum Overdrive), Sometimes They Come Back, The Lawnmower Man, and Children of the Corn. I've seen most of these movies and agree they're not great. The stories themselves are much better. In fact, The Lawnmower Man movie had nothing to do with King's story except for the title. King sued the studio for using his name and title without permission.

Some of these stories are precursors or supplements to King's best novels. Jerusalem's Lot and One for the Road relate to 'Salems Lot, Night Surf is a precursor to The Stand, and The Mangler and Trucks are related to Christine. I'm glad I finally read this collection and look forward to reading more of King's anthologies.

Stephen King is a renowned author, and one of his short story collections caught my attention.

The first few stories in the book were rather slow-paced, and it wasn't until the second half that I really got hooked.

For me, it was a 3.5 out of 5.

"The Children of the Corn" is a very good story, and so is the last one in "Salem's Lot".

King has a unique way of creating atmosphere and building tension, which is evident in these stories.

However, some of the earlier tales felt a bit拖沓 and failed to engage me immediately.

Nonetheless, as I delved deeper into the book, I found myself more and more immersed in King's world of horror and mystery.

The characters were well-developed, and the plots had enough twists and turns to keep me on the edge of my seat.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read, although not without its flaws.

The media's rating of the 20 stories in the book would be below four stars. However, because there are two stories related to Salem's Lot (and any connection to Salem's Lot is very welcome), because there is also a Boogeyman, a Strawberry Spring, or Children from the Corn, or The Man who loved flowers, and because I liked the preface and the Acknowledgments section, it remains Four.

This book seems to offer a diverse collection of tales. The two stories related to Salem's Lot likely bring a certain allure and anticipation. The presence of other well-known and perhaps eerie tales like those of the Boogeyman, Strawberry Spring, Children from the Corn, and The Man who loved flowers adds to the overall intrigue. The preface and Acknowledgments section, which the author liked, might have provided some interesting insights or set a good tone for the book. Despite the media's initial rating, there are enough elements within the book to keep readers engaged and perhaps even earn it a solid four-star rating in the eyes of some.

The first short story collection I've read by Stephen King has been a truly interesting experience.

Jerusalem's Lot, an epistolary prequel to 'Salem's Lot, offers a peek into the town's founding and the hidden evil. However, it lacked the atmosphere of its predecessor, and the letter writing style made me feel detached.

Graveyard Shift did a great job of setting an atmospheric scene with its creepy rats, even freaking out someone like me who isn't usually afraid of them.

Night Surf, a Stand short story, had dislikable characters, but with the background knowledge, it wasn't too bad. Still, it felt a bit pointless.

I Am the Doorway, with its horror undertones and the descent into despair of a former astronaut, was an interesting read, although the science fiction elements didn't fully grab me.

The Mangler, a sentient and malevolent laundry press, was my favorite so far. I loved the foreboding and the idea of other evil objects lurking out there.

The Boogeyman, despite its ridiculous ending, was a strong short story with allegories for domestic abuse and familial relationships.

Grey Matter, with its creepy mold and build-up, was another great one.

Battleground, a fun and light-hearted story compared to the others, was like Toy Story on steroids with guns.

Trucks, similar to Christine but with 8 wheelers, started off chaotic but ended up being a great read.

Sometimes They Come Back, a longer story, reminded me of an early Buffy episode with its occult drama and vicious teens.

Strawberry Spring, inspired by Ted Bundy and Jack the Ripper, was too short to leave a lasting impression.

The Ledge, a high octane thriller, had anxiety-inducing scenes of a man on a ledge, making it a heart-pumping read.

The Lawnmower Man, a bizarre and surreal story with Greek mythology elements, was both entertaining and bonkers.

Quitters Inc, a well-rounded and thought-provoking story, shows King's personal experience with addictions.

I Know What You Need, an examination of the male psyche and control, was a great short story, although a bit abrupt in ending.

Children of the Corn, one of King's best known short stories, is suitably scary with its atmospheric build-up.

The Last Rung on the Ladder, a sad story of sibling love and rivalry, had a nice sentiment but wasn't very memorable.

The Man who Loved Flowers, a short but well-done story with a subtle hint at the twist, was enjoyable.

One for the Road, a return to 'Salem's Lot, was creepy and atmospheric, making it a great addition to the collection.

The Woman in the Room, however, felt anticlimactic and pointless, with an odd and disjointed writing style. The collection would have been better off ending with the previous story to complete the full circle. Overall, I really liked the vast majority of these stories, which is rare for me. King's creativity and ability to craft engaging stories are truly impressive.

I have created an entire reading vlog for this book. You can check it out here: https://youtu.be/HP4vVSk_3Ts

Now, let me share with you my individual ratings for each story in this collection.

"Jerusalem's Lot" - I gave it a 2/5 ⭐️. It had some interesting elements but didn't quite grip me.

"Graveyard Shift" - This one was a real gem, scoring a 4.5/5 ⭐️. The story was intense and full of suspense.

"Night Surf" - Another 2/5 ⭐️ for this one. It didn't have the same impact as some of the others.

"I am the Doorway" - I rated it 4/5 ⭐️. The concept was unique and kept me engaged.

"The Mangler" - A perfect 5/5 ⭐️! This story was terrifying and well-written.

"The Boogeyman" - Also a 5/5 ⭐️. It played on our deepest fears.

"Grey Matter" - A 3/5 ⭐️ for this one. It was an okay read but not outstanding.

"Battleground" - Scored a 4/5 ⭐️. The action and tension were high.

"Trucks" - A 2/5 ⭐️. It just didn't do much for me.

"Sometimes They Come Back" - A 3/5 ⭐️. It had its moments but could have been better.

"Strawberry Spring" - Another 3/5 ⭐️. It was an average story.

"The Ledge" - A 4/5 ⭐️. The plot was exciting and had a good twist.

"The Lawnmower Man" - A 4/5 ⭐️ as well. It was a fun and engaging read.

"Quitters, Inc" - This one got a 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️! It was one of the best in the collection.

"I Know What You Need" - A 3/5 stars ⭐️. It was an interesting premise but didn't fully deliver.

"Children of the Corn" - A 4/5 stars ⭐️. It was a classic Stephen King story.

"The Last Rung on the Ladder" - A 2/5 ⭐️. It was a bit too平淡 for my taste.

"The Man Who Loved Flowers" - A 2/5 ⭐️. It didn't have much substance.

"One For the Road" - A 3/5 ⭐️. It was an okay conclusion to the collection.

"The Woman in the Room" - A 3/5 ⭐️. It was a simple yet effective story.

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I made a firm decision to embark on a remarkable re-reading of Stephen King's short stories, and I chose to do it in chronological order. Thus, I commenced with this first and astonishing collection of his. This is most definitely one of those books that left an indelible mark on me and transformed me into a King enthusiast during my early teens. So, I was filled with curiosity as to how it would fare now, thirty years later. Even though they didn't terrify me in the same way they did back then, I still deeply appreciate the extensive range of horror it encompasses and all the doors it opened for contemporary tropes. From the Lovecraftian elements to creature features, from the modern vampire tales to the post-apocalyptic scenarios, from the monstrous entities to things coming alive and attacking humans, from serial killers to nasty people, and creepy corn kids.

My personal highlights were, of course, "Jerusalem’s Lot", which is a reimagining of H.P. Lovecraft’s "Rats in the Walls". Then there was "I Am the Doorway", which centers around an astronaut who becomes infected with a kind of mutagen during an outer space mission and through the small eyes that open in the palms of his hands, provides little doorways for aliens to observe and spy on humans. "The Man Who Loved Flowers" plays with appearances and perspectives. And finally, my absolute favorite in the collection was "The Lawnmower Man", which I had completely forgotten about, and what an absolute gem of an absurd piece of writing it was!!

"Night Shift" was truly a literary feast, and I'm extremely glad that I took my time to re-read these short stories. I most definitely desire to continue with his other collections.