the body book review stephen king

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Originally penned under King’s pseudonym Richard Bachman, Thinner follows the life of Billy Halleck, a morbidly obese and self-centered lawyer whose life takes a sinister turn after a fatal accident involving a Romani woman. Despite being responsible for her death, Billy gets away with it because of his high-powered connections, however, the deceased woman’s 106-year-old father, harboring a deep-seated grudge, curses Halleck with a chilling affliction: “Thinner.” At first, the rapid weight loss seems like a welcome change, but soon it becomes clear that his drastic transformation is anything but benign—it's becoming deadly. Terrified, Billy watches in horror as the weight he once struggled to shed melts away alarmingly fast. Billy becomes determined to find the man responsible for this, hoping to persuade him to revoke the curse. This leads him to come to the sudden realization that he must not only confront his inner demons, but he must take accountability for his past and the selfish decisions he made. This book is available on Simon & Schuster and is a perfect read for anyone who is fascinated by the concepts of justice and horror.

8. 11/22/63 ( 2011)

In the book 11/22/63 , King uses investigative research, historical fiction, suspense and his vivid imagination to create a compelling fantastical saga of time travel and moral decisions. Positioned in past and present times, 11/22/63 i s a book that is complete with intricate plotting and moral scrutiny. The protagonist, Jake Epping, is a high-school teacher who discovers a magic black diner portal that transports him back in time to 1958. Tasked with a mission to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, Jake sets out on a life-altering mission to alter moral dilemmas and by doing so, alter history as the world knows it. Readers who enjoy intricately plotted stories and historical fiction will be drawn to King’s rich storytelling in this book, which it is available on Simon & Schuster . Although he had the idea for 11/22/63 before he published his first novel, Carrie , he did not publish it until 2011.

Stephen King at the W Hotel in Los Angeles in 2003.

7. The Gunslinger (1970)

King’s The Dark Tower series has been an active part of his journey as a writer for more than four decades. The writing that literary critics — and King himself — have deemed his magnum opus combines several genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror and westerns, to create one of the top book series of all time . The first novel in King’s The Dark Tower series, The Gunslinger , is one of the more popular and praised books because of its character evolution and beautiful writing. At the center of The Gunslinger is Roland Deschain, the last gunslinger, who sets out on a quest to reach the Dark Tower, the remnants of a higher realm. Straddling the American Old West and feudal medieval society, the book recounts the gunslinger’s lone journey through desolate nations and unravelling mysteries. This is a perfect read for mystery and fiction readers who like books that have a little bit of everything. Find The Gunslinger at Simon & Schuster .

6. Carrie (1974)

King’s iconic debut novel, Carrie , is about Carrie White, a tortured high-school outcast who is viciously bullied by her peers and physically abused by her fanatically religious mother Margaret. As Carrie goes through the ebbs and flows of adolescence she discovers her latent powers and eventually wields them in a string of bloody disasters as a way to exact revenge on her tormentors. After a cruel prank at prom pushes Carrie to her breaking point, her suppressed telekinetic rage is fully unleashed, and this results in a blood-bathed disaster that leaves the town of Chamberlain reeling. Readers who are fascinated by stories that explore themes of isolation, trauma and revenge will be drawn to King’s haunting portrayal of Carrie’s electrifying descent into vengeful madness. The book is available for purchase at Penguin Random House .

5. Salem’s Lot ( 1975)

King’s Salem’s Lot is a frightening book that transports readers to the eerie little town of Jerusalem’s Lot, where everyone is just a little bit off. Life in Jerusalem’s Lot isn’t quite as innocent as it seems. After years away, protagonist Ben Mears moves back to Salem’s Lot, the small town in Maine where Ben spent his formative years. Returning for the first time in several decades, Ben’s memories of his childhood are cropping up in the form of constant thoughts and feelings of childlike longing, and he finds himself haunted by the illusion of a strange whimpering sound coming from Marsten House, which sits high above the center of town. Ben learns that the whimpering sound is something far worse than his father’s drunken exploits of his youth – it’s the sound of the undead, who are essentially vampires themselves. These creatures are under the control of a mysterious figure named Kurt Barlow, who chooses his prey based on whatever most appeals to him. From the older woman who runs the library to the youthful Mark Petrie, who asks mores questions than the town services are equipped to answer, the denizens of Sal his friends as a ragtag group of heroes — including Mark Petrie – Ben Mears fights for everything that’s right before the town is overrun with evil. This books is for horror fans who enjoy a creeping feeling of dread and terror combined with edgy, unsettling suspense. Salem’s Lot is available at Penguin Random House .

4. Misery (1987)

Misery introduces readers to the claustrophobic world of acclaimed author Paul Sheldon, who finds himself at the mercy of his self-proclaimed number-one fan, Annie Wilkes, after a car accident. Trapped in Annie’s secluded home, Paul is subjected to Annie’s sadistic measures, all while she demands that he resurrect her most beloved fictional character, Misery Chastain. Annie, who is a former nurse, uses her knowledge as a former medical professional to carry out this sadism. The pulsating struggle between captor and prisoner forms the core of the story and is a riveting read for people who like to be on the edge of their seats. In the 1987 psychological horror thriller, King underscores the dark underbelly of fame and the potential obsession that can often ensue because of it. Misery is available for purchase on Simon & Schuster .

3. Pet Sematary (1989)

King’s Pet Sematary is set against the backdrop of the idyllic town of Ludlow, Maine, where sinister secrets seem to find their home. Shortly after Dr. Louis Creed and his family move to Ludlow for his new job, they find out that their new home shares a border with a pet cemetery that has a misspelled sign that reads, “Pet Sematary.” While this seems like an innocent discovery at first, little do they know that beyond the location lies an ancient burial ground with a sinister power that brings the dead back to life. This graveyard has seen generations of children bury their pets there and when tragedy strikes and the Creed family suffers a devastating loss, Louis is faced with a challenging choice: to go against the laws of nature and resurrect his loved ones, or to let them rest in peace. Readers who are fascinated by suspense, the afterlife and visceral terror will appreciate this book. Pet Sematary is available on Simon & Schuster .

Stephen King speaks at Book Expo America in New York City, 2017.

2. IT (1986)

King’s hit novel IT is a fantastic depiction of trauma and fear in childhood, brought to life through a demonic entity known simply as IT. IT primarily appears as Pennywise the Dancing Clown, and the novel takes place over two time periods: the ‘50s and ‘80s, when a group of children are being terrorized by this otherworldly monster as part of a 27-year cycle in Derry, Maine. The children, banded together by Pennywise as individuals who prefer “to live alone,” call themselves the Losers’ Club and fight back against this creature, which assumes different forms in order to play on their individual fears. Once these kids grow up and forget about IT, the creature resurfaces 27 years later, and the now-adult Losers are called back to Derry to fulfill a childhood oath sworn to kill IT if it ever returned. IT is as much a coming-of-age as a horror novel as it takes readers through the friends’ experiences and fears in Derry while exploring the power of memory in survivors of trauma and the need to return to those horrible circumstances in order to emerge as adults who are no longer cowed by their nightmares. IT is a classic novel that is a perfect read for fans of classic horror and hair-rising terror brought to life through pages. The book is available on Simon & Schuster .

Stephen King attends a special screening of "IT" at Bangor Mall Cinemas 10 on September 6, 2017 in ... [+] Bangor, Maine.

1. The Shining (1977)

Literary critics and fans often say that The Shining is one of King’s most important novels, and with good reason. The story follows Jack Torrance, his wife, Wendy, and his son, Danny, to the ominous and haunted Overlook Hotel, located quietly along the edge of secluded mountains in Colorado. Jack is a recovering alcoholic and writer who takes a job at the mountain resort as a winter caretaker, hoping to earn some money while finding some inspiration for his writing. Danny has “the shining,” which are psychic premonitions that give him insight into the sinister history of the hotel. The hotel’s dark aura begins to weigh heavily on Jack’s psyche causing him to lash out in dangerous violent frenzies that threaten his wife and son. The Shining is a good read for fans who enjoy psychological thrillers that merge with horror. The book is available on Penguin Random House .

Below is a comprehensive list of Stephen King books in order of release.

• Carrie - Novel, 1974
• Salem's Lot , 1975
• Rage , 1976
• The Shining , 1977
• The Stand , 1978
• T he Long Walk , 1978
• The Dead Zone , 1979
• Firestarter , 1980
• Roadwork , 1980
• Cujo , 1981
• The Running Man , 1981
• The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger , 1982
• The Body , 1982
• Apt Pupil, 1982
• The Breathing Method , 1982
• Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption , 1982
• Christine , 1983
• Pet Sematary , 1983
• The Talisman , 1984
• Thinner, 1984
• Cycle of the Werewolf , 1985
• The Bachman Books , 1985
• The Eyes of the Dragon , 1987
• Misery, 1987
• The Dark Tower: The Drawing of the Three , 1987
• The Tommyknockers , 1987
• The Dark Half , 1989
• T he Stand: The Complete & Uncut Edition , 1990
• Secret Window, Secret Garden , 1990
• The Langoliers , 1990
• The Library Policeman , 1990
• The Sun Dog , 1990
• The Dark Tower: The Waste Lands , 1991
• Needful Things , 1991
• Gerald's Game , 1992
• Dolores Claiborne , 1993
• Insomnia , 1994
• Blind Willie , 1994
• Rose Madder , 1995
• The Regulators , 1995
• The Green Mile: The Two Dead Girls , 1996
• The Green Mile: The Mouse on the Mil e, 1996
• The Green Mile: Coffey's Hands , 1996
• The Green Mile: The Bad Death of Eduard Delacroix , 1996
• The Green Mile: Night Journey , July 1996
• The Green Mile: Coffey on the Mile , 1996
• Desperation , 1996
• The Dark Tower: Wizard and Glass , 1997
• Bag of Bones , 1998
• The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon , 1999
• Hearts in Atlantis , 1999
• Heavenly Shades of Night Are Falling , 1999
• Low Men in Yellow Coats , 1999
• Why We’re in Vietnam , 1999
• The Green Mile: The Complete Serial Novel , 2000
• Black House , 2001
• Dreamcatcher , 2001
• From A Buick 8 , 2002
• The Dark Tower: Wolves of the Calla , 2003
• The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger (Revised), 2003
• The Dark Tower: Song of Susannah , 2004
• The Dark Tower , 2004
• The Colorado Kid , 2005
• Salem’s Lot Illustrated Edition, 2005
• Lisey’s Story , 2006
• Blaze , 2006
• A Very Tight Place , 2008
• Duma Key , 2008
• Under the Dome , 2009
• Blockade Billy , 2010
• 11/22/63 , 2011
• The Dark Tower: The Wind Through the Keyhole , 2012
• Joyland , 2013
• Doctor Sleep , 2013
• Mr. Mercedes , 2014
• Revival , 2014
• Joyland Illustrated Edition, 2015
• Finders Keepers , 2015
• End of Watch , 2016
• Gwendy's Button Box , 2017
• Sleeping Beauties , 2017
• Elevation , 2018
• The Outsider, 2018
• The Institute, 2019
• If It Bleeds , 2020
• Mr. Harrigan’s Phone , 2020
• The Life of Chuck , 2020
• Later , 2021
• Billy Summers , 2021
• Gwendy’s Final Task , 2022
• Fairy Tale , 2022
• Holly , 2023

Because King's pen is always on the move, the horror master has an upcoming book called You Like It Darker , which will be a compilation of 12 stories within one book. The book will explore the underbelly and nuanced nature of life in a way that is true to form for King, yet excitingly new. The book will be available on Simon & Schuster .

Bottom Line

Stephen King has proven that he is not only a literary giant, but a cultural shaper whose pen has created some of the most horrifyingly heart-pounding and suspenseful fictional works of our time. His uncanny ability to get into the human imagination and capture the reader’s imagination is unparalleled. From the iconic horrors of Carrie and The Shining to the gripping plots of 11/22/63 and Misery , King has repeatedly shown that he has earned the global honor of being the Master of Horror.

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No David Cronenberg Scene Is More Disturbing and Hopeless Than This One

The master of body horror knows how to devastate.

The Big Picture

• Body horror genre explores violent distortion of human form, forcing viewers to reflect on self-image.
• David Cronenberg’s Videodrome delves into media indoctrination and extremism, showcasing loss of reality.
• Max's descent into obsession in Videodrome culminates in his gruesome transformation, a chilling reflection of societal manipulation.

Body horror cinema is among the most disturbing and potentially upsetting subgenres of horror. Unlike slasher or paranormal films in which an exterior threat is responsible for terror, the body horror genre frequently features the violent and grotesque contortion of the human body. By violating an identifiable aspect of the human experience, great works of body horror can force their viewers to think critically about the way they view themselves. Although the subgenre has many great innovators , no one has contributed more to body horror than the Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg .

Ever since his directorial debut Shivers , Cronenberg has succeeded in presenting viewers with ghastly images using brilliant makeup and practical effects. Cronenberg has proven that body horror can take many shapes and forms; while Scanners and The Fly took a science fiction slant on the subgenre, films like Dead Ringers and The Brood examined the misappropriated application of medical science. Although each of his films contain shocking moments of brutality, no Cronenberg scene is more upsetting than the violent ending of his 1983 masterpiece Videodrome .

What Is ‘Videodrome’ About?

Examining themes of media indoctrination and violent extremism that were relevant at the time of the film’s release, Videodrome is a prophetic warning about losing one's grasp of reality . Set in Cronenberg’s hometown of Toronto, the film centers on the aggressive, highly egotistical television station president Max Renn ( James Woods ) whose station CIVIC-TV runs extremely disorienting programming intended to provoke extreme reactions from desensitized viewers. While Renn is constantly looking for potentially appealing content, his employer Harlan ( Peter Dvorsky ) shows him an illicit program known only as "Videodrome." Supposedly broadcast from Malaysia, Videodrome features graphic “recreations” of torture and murder.

The initial footage is disturbing enough, as the graphic content would be upsetting regardless of its authenticity; the notion that viewers would in any way find enjoyment in viewing the program only exemplifies the disturbing aspect of human nature that Cronenberg is analyzing with the film . However, revelations about the origins of Videodrome complicate the viewers’ understanding of the program's intentions . Max begins to suspect that the footage is not fake, and is broadcast by the actual torturers; it also appears that the broadcasters aim to use the program to kickstart a revolutionary political movement by appealing to disturbed individuals.

While he is not a likable protagonist in any way, Woods does a great job of showing Max’s descent into obsession . His job broadcasting disturbing material has made him desensitized to graphic footage, but Videodrome speaks to him in a way that no other program has; the enigmatic nature of its creation drives Max to succumb to his worst impulses as he tries to learn more about why the program is being spread. The film shows how Max’s obsessionist attitude allows Videodrome to expand its influence; after spending marathon sessions viewing the program, Max begins to help Videodrome find new viewers.

‘Videodrome’s Ending Is the Most Disturbing Cronenberg Scene

Throughout the film, Max’s obsession with Videodrome leads him to have violent fantasies about harming himself and others. A conversation with Videodrome producer Barry Convex ( Leslie Carson ) leads Max to realize that Spectacular Optical Corporation has recorded his fantasies to inspire future programming. The disturbing twist that Max uncovers is that Videodrome has been weaponized by Harlan to attack viewers across the continent who have become obsessed with its illicit sexual and violent content. Realizing that he is a pawn in a larger political movement, Max desperately tries to free himself from Videodrome’s influence. The film's most disturbing moment comes when Max completely forsakes his humanity ; after being brainwashed by a Betamax tape inserted into his body by Convex, Max ruthlessly murders his former coworkers and attempts to attack his love interest Bianca O'Blivion ( Sonja Smith ).

‘Videodrome’ Review: David Cronenberg’s 1983 Visionary Body Horror Still Feels New

This is an extremely upsetting ending because it shows that Max has completely lost any sense of individuality ; he has become yet another faceless drone whose singular motivation is to recreate the footage he sees through Videodrome . The greatest tragedy within Videodrome is that Max is incapable of freeing himself from the program. Although he retains some of his consciousness as he flees murder charges, Max realizes that he must ascend to the next level of the program so that he can “leave the old flesh” behind. The notion that this would in any way prevent the spread of Videodrome is utterly preposterous, but given Max’s warped worldview in this instance, it makes logical sense to him. Max’s brutal suicide makes for a shocking conclusion that speaks to the way violence continues to permeate. Max’s story is sadly one of many; Videodrome feeds off of the subjugation and seduction of easily corruptible people.

Videodrome' s ending sees Max literally transform into a weapon, as the program has corrupted his mind and forced him to shed his human shell. The grotesque way that his body envelops suggests that by sacrificing himself to Videodrome , Max has become a tool within the program's continued reign. Max slits his stomach in a way that resembles a VHS player; in this way, Cronenberg implies that he has become more machine than human. What's most horrifying is that there is a brief flash of recognition in Max's eyes; it's as if he realizes what is happening to him, yet is helpless to stop it. The brilliant practical effects from Rick Baker make the sequence even more upsetting.

‘Videodrome’ Is Cronenberg’s Scariest Film

Although he is known for making experimental horror films , Videodrome ’s commentary on the dangers of media obsession makes it Cronenberg's scariest . While Cronenberg does not suggest that art in itself would drive people to commit acts of violence, he does indicate that viewers have learned to have less empathy by distancing themselves from the content that they consume. Initially, the viewers of Videodrome are introduced to the program under the notion that what they are watching is “fake”; by the time they realize the content is legitimate, they’ve already succumbed to the program’s influence. Films like The Brood and Shivers , while terrifying, appeal to the most primal elements of horror; Videodrome presents a horrifying window into what technological oppression is capable of.

Videodrome shows that Cronenberg’s best films combine psychological dread with graphic content . The film is terrifying not just because of the violent nature of Max’s demise, but for how it tracks how a character like him could gradually become part of a mind control conspiracy. Unlike other protagonists in Cronenberg's films, Max is initially willing to subjugate himself to Videodrome's influence and understands only too late that he's no longer in control of his thoughts. In 1983, Videodrome was a breakthrough work of imaginative horror; today, its commentary on the way that violent extremist groups garner new members is horrifically prescient.

Videodrome is available to rent on Amazon.

Rent on Amazon

Screen Rant

M. night shyamalan’s new horror movie is a thrilling replacement for season 4 of stephen king show with 91% on rt.

M. Night Shyamalan's upcoming horror movie, Trap, calls to mind the premise of a 2014 Stephen King book, which was turned into a three-season TV show.

• Shyamalan's Trap draws comparisons to Stephen King's Mr. Mercedes in a terrifying pop concert scenario.
• Similarities between Trap and King's novel involve settings and serial killer dynamics, promising twist-heavy storytelling.
• While Mr. Mercedes' show ended after 3 seasons, Shyamalan's movie may offer a similar, fresh take on the villain's twisted schemes.

M. Night Shyamalan’s upcoming horror movie, Trap , bears similarities to a major plot from a Stephen King-based TV show that ended in 2019. Following his adaptation of the thriller Knock at the Cabin in 2023, Shyamalan’s next project is the movie Trap , which sees a father (Josh Hartnett) and teenage daughter attend a popstar’s concert only to discover that the police have set a trap to catch a serial killer known as the Butcher. The first trailer for Trap suggests that Hartnett’s character is, in fact, the Butcher, leading to plenty of theories about whether a bigger, more unexpected twist is in store for Shyamalan’s movie.

While Trap is based on an original story , the setting and certain character dynamics bear similarities to an acclaimed novel by Stephen King, which was later adapted into a three-season TV show. Though known as the certified King of Horror, Stephen King hasn’t written too many stories with non-supernatural serial killers at the center, meaning those outside of his characters like IT ’s Pennywise, The Stand ’s Randall Flagg, and Doctor Sleep ’s Rose the Hat. Furthermore, few of those stories have given the serial killer an equal point-of-view to the main protagonist, and it seems Trap is offering a similar twist-heavy narrative to King’s 2014 detective novel and subsequent TV show.

Trap will be released in theaters on August 9, 2024.

M. Night Shyamalan's Trap Premise Is Very Similar To Stephen King’s Mr. Mercedes

A 2014 stephen king book features a plot similar to trap's central premise.

Trap ’s concept of the authorities trying to trap and capture a serial killer at a pop concert with a primarily teenage girl audience calls to mind the ending of Stephen King’s 2014 novel Mr. Mercedes . The book centered on retired detective Bill Hodges as he received taunting messages from the titular serial killer, whom he had failed to capture and identify a few years before. Mr. Mercedes ’ final act saw the killer, Brady Hartsfield, plan an attack in which he would bring a bomb into a popstar’s concert, blow himself up, and cause numerous casualties.

Josh Hartnett's New Horror Movie Brings His Career Full Circle, 26 Years After Halloween H20

In the end, Hodges and his associates were able to stop Brady’s plan from within the concert venue, with the book’s final moments seeing the Stephen King book villain , now publicly confirmed as Mr. Mercedes, awaken from a coma. King followed Mr. Mercedes with two more Bill Hodges novels, Finders Keepers and End of Watch , with the trilogy later being adapted into a TV show. Mr. Mercedes ’ show ended up enjoying substantial critical acclaim, as the series’ overall score on Rotten Tomatoes is at 91% from critics . The show fittingly came to a close after only three seasons, but happened to make some major plot changes from Stephen King’s book, including the event that bears similarities to Shyamalan’s Trap .

One of the biggest changes that Mr. Mercedes season 1 made to the eponymous novel was the final capture of Brady Hartsfield, with the TV show having Bill and his friends apprehend Brady at an art center opening rather than at the concert venue . Consequently, M. Night Shyamalan’s Trap is much closer to bringing the serial killer/concert venue plot from King’s Mr. Mercedes book to the screen. However, it doesn’t appear that the Butcher has any intention of attacking the concertgoers in Trap , which terrifyingly wasn’t the case for Brady in King’s novel. While Mr. Mercedes never received a fourth season, Shyamalan’s Trap appears to be a compelling replacement watch.

However, it doesn’t appear that the Butcher has any intention of attacking the concertgoers in Trap , which terrifyingly wasn’t the case for Brady in King’s novel.

Shyamalan’s Trap Could Put A Twist On The Stephen King Story That Mr. Mercedes’ Show Avoided

Mr. mercedes seasons 2 & 3 didn't adapt one of brady's traps from king's books.

Similar to how Mr. Mercedes season 1 changed the context of the capture of Brady Hartsfield, season 3 departed significantly from King’s third Bill Hodges and Brady Hartsfield book, End of Watch . In the Stephen King book , Brady found himself with supernatural abilities that allowed him to enter peoples’ susceptible minds and persuade them to take their own lives. Consequently, Brady eventually concocted a scheme to lure Bill Hodges into the game he created to increase his targets’ mental susceptibility, then trap Bill and deceive the authorities in order to fulfill his revenge plan.

Mr. Mercedes: Stephen King's Gory Cameo Role Explained

Mr. Mercedes seasons 2 and 3 didn’t fully feature this storyline, but it seems as if M. Night Shyamalan’s Trap could have a similar plot in which the Butcher is actually trying to trap the authorities rather than the other way around. Shyamalan’s movies are known for their shocking twist endings , and Trap ’s trailer suggests that the “twist” isn’t simply that Hartnett is the Butcher. Rather, it could potentially be that Hartnett’s serial killer character is trapping the police in order to fulfill some plan outside the concert, similar to Brady’s attempt to trap Bill and the authorities in End of Watch , tying it in with the concert location missing from Mr. Mercedes season 1.

It could potentially be that Hartnett’s serial killer character is trapping the police in order to fulfill some plan outside the concert, similar to Brady’s attempt to trap Bill and the authorities in End of Watch .

Why Mr. Mercedes Season 4 Never Happened

Mr. mercedes ended after three acclaimed seasons.

Mr. Mercedes came to a close in 2019 after three seasons, with no indication of a fourth-season renewal or language that indicated it was “canceled.” Instead, it appears that Mr. Mercedes ended on its own accord , having concluded the trilogy that King wrote about Bill Hodges and Brady Hartsfield. King hadn’t extended the story beyond what Mr. Mercedes ’ seasons had already covered, so season 3 was a logical place to end the show. With the release of M. Night Shyamalan’s Trap , however, it wouldn’t be surprising if there were more calls for an original continuation of the show with Mr. Mercedes season 4.

Source: Rotten Tomatoes

Mr. Mercedes

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Based on Stephen King's Bill Hodges novels, Mr. Mercedes is a crime drama series starring Brendan Gleeson, Harry Treadaway, and Kelly Lynch. It tells the story of retired detective Bill Hodges and his quest to bring down a psychopathic killer who mowed down a crowd of people using a stolen car. 

7 Stephen King Books That Should Be Movies, Ranked

S tephen King is, as his name suggests, the king of horror fiction (while occasionally delving into other genres). The combination of his vivid writing style, characters with unique personalities and special abilities, and epic stories that unfurl with riveting suspense make his work rife for cinematic interpretation. Within these spine-chilling stories, King infuses keen observations on the human condition, and how evil — both supernatural and real — manifests in our society. Stephen King's literary works have produced some of the greatest films of all time including Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining, " Brian De Palma's "Carrie," and Rob Reiner's "Stand By Me." Over 70 of his novels and short stories have been adapted into films or television shows, but since he is such a prolific writer — often churning out several books each year — there are countless that have yet to be adapted. This list ranks seven of Stephen King's engrossing page-turners that would be incredible to see on screen.

Read more: The 15 Best Horror Movie Directors Of All Time

"Later," Stephen King's version of "The Sixth Sense," features a teenage boy named Jamie Conklin with the ability to communicate with ghosts who cannot tell a lie.  Blumhouse was set to produce it as a miniseries starring Lucy Liu, but there have been no updates on the project since 2022. Similar to M. Night Shyamalan's acclaimed film, "Later" blends poignant moments of sadness, chilling gore of the ghosts' gruesome deaths, and thoughtful contemplation of our mortality and connection to dearly departed loved ones. "Later" also uses the gritty backdrop of New York City, with its corners and shadows rich in history and hidden mysteries, to foreground a story that juxtaposes Jamie's coming-of-age with the contemplation of mortality. But what would make a film adaptation of "Later" so exciting is its balance of different genres, specifically the intense emotion of bildungsroman narratives with the intrigue of a crime thriller.

Not to be confused with  Christopher Nolan's compelling Alaskan mystery "Insomnia," Stephen King's novel of the same name employs the disease as a catalyst for his protagonist's connection to the supernatural. After the death of his wife, Ralph Roberts begins having bizarre and unsettling visions and wandering on the street in the middle of the night. The use of strong visual effects could make the images of his nightmares really pop on screen. "Insomnia" takes place in Stephen King's renowned Derry, Maine, and features references to both "It" and "The Dark Tower." "Insomnia" could help expand the Derry Cinematic Universe! Much like his epic "It," the dense novel is over 800 pages, making film adaptation a challenge. Nevertheless, it would be fascinating to see how a filmmaker interprets the complex inner workings of Ralph's mind, especially the blurs between reality and hallucination.

The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon

Stephen King's "The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon" would be perfect for an indie filmmaker because the simple narrative takes place in the Appalachian wilderness and would require a very limited cast. Since the story centers on a nine-year-old girl named Trisha McFarland who separates from her mom and brother on a hike, a film adaptation would have to rely on a phenomenal, star-making child performance. 20 years ago, this certainly could have starred Dakota Fanning. Once Trisha's food and supplies dwindle, she begins to imagine having conversations with her idol, the baseball player Tom Gordon, and has strange visions of an evil lurking in the woods. A genre with roots dating back to "The Lord of the Flies," survival horror has often included younger children, allowing the audience to experience unsafe environments through the heartbreaking prism of their innocence. It would be fascinating to see a director frame the foreboding woods subjectively to reflect Trisha's growing blur between reality vs. her imagination as her hunger and thirst creep in. A film adaptation with Chris Romero serving as a producer was announced in 2019, but there's been no movement as of publication.

With Guillermo del Toro tackling "Frankenstein" and Maggie Gyllenhaal reimagining "Bride of Frankenstein," it seems the perfect time for a filmmaker to breathe life into Stephen King's electrifying version of this classic tale. While not directly taken from Mary Shelley's novel, "Revival" melds its existential questioning of our origins and the afterlife with a Lovecraftian finale of epic proportions and scathing religious critique. Much like the finale of "It" with the giant spider, there are large-scale visual nightmares that would be difficult to pull off, but very haunting if done well. "Revival" explores the lives of Jamie from his childhood in New England to his heroin addiction as an adult, and his stalker Charles Jacobs, a pastor who becomes a carnival husker and experiments with electricity after the death of his wife and child. Since the story spans the main characters' lives across decades, it would require a pair of heavyweight actors to give their intricate relationship the chilling tension it deserves.

One of the coolest aspects of "Duma Key" is the Florida setting; Stephen King uses the sweltering heat, jagged shells, abundant foliage, and haunted ghost ships to create a striking coastal atmosphere for his spooky story. It revolves around Edgar, a wealthy contractor who loses his arm and suffers a brain injury during a worksite accident. After his wife leaves him due to his psychological instability, he rents a bright pink beach house on the island of Duma Key. In another attempt to find some inner peace, he returns to his former hobby of making art. His paintings become supernatural windows into psychic visions and unleash an ominous force of evil. It's a really inventive concept, and the focus on such a visual medium makes the story ideal for cinematic interpretation, especially when combined with the vivid tropical setting and its labyrinthine mysteries of the shore and sea.

The Long Walk

It's been a while since we've seen a captivating dystopian thriller, and "The Long Walk" would make a excellent addition to the genre. However, it would take a skilled director to make what is, as the title implies, one long walk feel suspenseful and terrifying on screen. "The Long Walk" is set in a future America overruled by a totalitarian regime that hosts an annual event forcing teenage boys to walk four miles per hour without stopping. Three strikes, you're out. The last man standing wins. The prize? Whatever the winner wants for the rest of their life. "The Long Walk" brings to mind other popular movies such as "The Hunger Games" or "Squid Game." Audiences have a strange fascination with stories about life-and-death competitions for wealth and happiness. Perhaps it's because this era of economic and political instability has made it feel like even more of a dog-eat-dog kind of world. A film adaptation of "The Long Walk" could be a truly pulse-pounding and thought-provoking viewing experience. It's apparently going to get the live-action treatment thanks to "The Hunger Games" director Francis Lawrence , but things are still in pre-production.

Carnivals, depicted in films such as "Nightmare Alley" and "Freaks," have always been a mesmerizing cinematic backdrop, one that juxtaposes sparkling wonder with enigmatic oddities. It has always been a space for both joy and terror. Stephen King's "Joyland" is his pulpy homage to crime novels that follows a young carnival worker who hunts for the killer of a young girl brutally murdered on the haunted house ride. Her spirit still haunts the amusement park. Stephen King uses this setting to paint a colorful world with its own vernacular and cast of quirky characters. It would be interesting to see how a director would bring King's detailed rhythms of midway life onto the screen, juxtaposing the jovial iconography of cotton candy and puppy dog mascots with the twisted mystery of the funhouse or hall of mirrors — bringing to mind Jordan Peele's boardwalk sequence in "Us." "Joyland" blends nostalgic warmth, the supernatural, and the gritty underbelly of the fairground lifestyle. It has a thrilling climax that takes place on a swaying Ferris Wheel in the middle of a raging storm that would look amazing on screen.

Read the original article on SlashFilm .

Stephen King Shares Perfect Reaction to Netflix's Dark and Disturbing Surprise Hit

Stephen King has shared a very short and perfectly accurate review of Netflix's incredible stalker drama.

• Baby Reindeer astounds with its initial charm turning disturbing, earning high praise from horror king Stephen King.
• The series' unexpected success, minimal promotion leveraged word of mouth, surprising viewers with gripping storytelling.
• Fans are urged not to speculate on the real-life identities behind Baby Reindeer 's haunting characters.

Stephen King shared his very short but accurate view on Netflix’s stalker drama Baby Reindeer . As someone who has created his fair share of disturbing characters, it seems that the dark and troubling events of the series, which are inspired by real events , have affected even the world’s most renowned horror writer.

Created by and starring Richard Gadd, Baby Reindeer is adapted from Gadd’s own one-man show, and recounts his harrowing experiences of being stalked and sexually assaulted in his 20s. The seven-episode series, begins fairly innocently with Gadd’s comedian Donny meeting Martha and offering her a free cup of tea while working in a pub. However, Martha very quickly becomes obsessed with Donny, and things escalate very quickly from there.

Baby Reindeer (2024)

Baby Reindeer is a dark comedy series based on a true story and a stage play of the same name. It centers around Gus, a barista who becomes the focus of an intense and unsettling obsession by one of his customers, Martha. After a seemingly harmless interaction, Martha's fascination with Gus spirals out of control and begins to wreak havoc on his life.

King often shares his thoughts on the movies and TV shows he has been indulging in, and Baby Reindeer ’s tale of obsession and dependence has thematic similarities to King’s own classic Misery . When it comes to his astute review of Baby Reindeer , the author praised the series with a very striking statement on his X/Twitter account .

BABY REINDEER. Holy sh*t

The power of the series comes from its initial deception of gently lulling viewers into the belief that the story is a quirky one of an over-friendly admirer – the set-up of many comedy movies over the years – but its switch to a much more unsettling scenario has struck a chord with many and seen the show rocketing to the top of Netflix ’s TV charts. King’s reaction will no doubt have driven even more people to check out the series in the last couple of days.

Baby Reindeer Has Been a Surprise Hit on Netflix

Critically, Baby Reindeer has been a resounding success, with high scores on Rotten Tomatoes—97% from critics and 84% from audiences – and a place at the top of Netflix’s daily TV chart over several days. In claiming the number one position, the fairly low-key series pushed aside the big-budget sci-fi series 3 Body Problem . The impact of the series certainly flies in the face of the belief that huge productions and expensive marketing campaigns are required.

The minimal pre-release promotion by Netflix, something that was in stark contrast to the multiple trailers that many shows and movies receive ahead of their debut, allowed audiences to find the series on their own, and be shocked and surprised by what they discovered. Word of mouth is still one of the most powerful marketing tools in the world, and as social media lit up with the intriguing title that many people knew nothing about, it was enough to drive viewers to the show.

Baby Reindeer has already done everything required of it and more for Netflix, but the series has also found itself being drawn into talk of having a good chance of making an impact on the Emmys. While there are many strong contenders circling the upcoming nominations' announcement, a series like Baby Reindeer , which does not rely on a fandom or past franchise connection, could become a shock winner in a battle against some much bigger projects.

Baby Reindeer Has Instigated an Online Hunt for the Real Versions of Some Characters

The success of the show has also seen many viewers turning detective in an attempt to work out the real-life inspirations behind the series. In the last week, Jessica Gunning, who stars as the dangerously obsessive Martha, urged fans to stop trying to discover the identities behind the characters and just focus on the show itself. She said in an interview on BBC Scotland’s The Edit :

"If you like the show and you are a fan of it, you should stick with the story of Martha and Donny being what connects you, not trying to do any detective work and find out any real identities.”

Baby Reindeer Stars Urge Fans to Stop Doing 'Detective Work' and Harassing People

Gadd himself addressed the problem of viewers picking out people they believed to be the real-life counterparts of the characters in the series, particularly singling out British actor, writer, and director Sean Foley, who was targeted by online hate when “deduced” to be the real version of the character Darrien, one of Donny’s abusers in the show. Gadd said:

"People I love, have worked with, and admire (including Sean Foley) are unfairly getting caught up in speculation. Please don’t speculate on who any of the real life people could be. That’s not the point of our show ."

Baby Reindeer is now streaming on Netflix.

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November 15, 2022

Written by Erin Kodicek, Amazon Books

Amazon’s book editors announce 2022’s best books of the year

Page overview

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow

by Gabrielle Zevin

“After devouring this novel, you’ll walk with a bounce in your step, a full heart, and the buzzy feeling that this is one of the best books about friendship—in all of its messy complexity and glory—you have ever read, which is why we named it the Best Book of 2022. Gabrielle Zevin has written a novel perfect for this moment, when connection is what we crave and hope is what we need.” —Al Woodworth, Amazon Editor

by Javier Zamora

“Neil Gaiman once said, 'Fiction gives us empathy…gives us the gifts of seeing the world through [other people’s] eyes.' Solito is one of those rare nonfiction reads that achieves the same thing, and puts a human face on the immigration debate—that of a 9-year-old child making a harrowing journey from South America to the United States, and the found family who eases his way. A heart-pounding, heart-expanding memoir.” — Erin Kodicek, Amazon Editor

by Johann Hari

“We can’t stop talking about Stolen Focus. It’s vital and mesmerizing, examining why we as individuals and as a collective have lost our attention spans. Suffice to say, Hari’s three-month tech-detox and his findings will make you immediately want to stop scrolling the internet, quit thinking in slogans and 280 characters, and engage authentically in sustained thought so that we can tackle global issues like poverty, racism, and climate change. Deeply satisfying and affirming and full of light-bulb moments, this is a book everyone should read.” — Al Woodworth, Amazon Editor

by Barbara Kingsolver

“In this mesmerizing novel, Kingsolver peers into the neglected hollers of Appalachia to tell an insightful and razor sharp coming-of-age story about a boy called Demon Copperhead. Born behind the eight ball of life, Demon faces hunger, cruelty, and a tidal wave of addiction in his tiny county, but never loses his love for the place that claims him as its own. With the soulful narration by this kind, conflicted, witty boy, Kingsolver gives voice to a place and its people where beauty, desperation, and resilience collide.” — Seira Wilson, Amazon Editor

by Geraldine Brooks

“One of the best American novels we’ve read in years—galloping backward and forward in time to tell a story about race and freedom, horses and art, and the lineage of not just ancestors but actions. From Kentucky to New Orleans, from the 1850s to present day, Pulitzer Prize-winning Brooks weaves together a story centered on one of the fastest thoroughbreds in history and the Black groom that catapulted Lexington to the front of the track. A heart-pounding American epic.” — Al Woodworth, Amazon Editor

by Taylor Jenkins Reid

“We reveled in Carrie Soto’s fiery energy—Taylor Jenkins Reid ( The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Daisy Jones & The Six ) has written another book you’ll inhale in a day. Soto is a former tennis champ who returns to the game to defend her title. She’s unapologetic, ambitious, and willing to put everything on the line. This is a big-hearted story about her relationship with her father, taking risks, and standing up bravely in a world that doesn’t necessarily want to see strong women succeed.” — Lindsay Powers, Amazon Editor

by Stephen King

“Fairy Tale’s Charlie Reade joins the ranks of King’s best characters, and the story he tells—of a curmudgeonly neighbor with dangerous secrets, a parallel world ruled by an unspeakable monster, a child-eating giant, and a dog who has lived more than one lifetime—is wonderous. Fairy Tale is fantasy, coming-of-age, friendship, and adventure—it’s good versus evil, a boy and his dog on a perilous quest; it’s King doing what he does best: setting our imagination on fire.” — Seira Wilson, Amazon Editor

by Celeste Ng

“Celeste Ng joins our Best of the Year list for the third time with her most gripping story yet. A mom mysteriously disappears amid a nationalistic movement that feels chillingly close to reality—launching her young son on a courageous quest to find her, aided by everyday heroes in unexpected places. The prose sings as the pieces click. This is fiction as revolution, serving as a warning, a dystopian fairy tale, and a suspenseful thriller with moments of hope that buoyed us as we read.” — Lindsay Powers, Amazon Editor

by Jonathan Freedland

“This is the true story of one of the few people who escaped Auschwitz, but that only touches on what this book is about. Rudolf Vrba set out to tell the world about the atrocities he had witnessed in the concentration camps, but much of the world was not ready to hear it. The author, Jonathan Freedland, paints a vivid, moving portrait of what Vrba experienced, both during and after the war. Vrba was a hero, for sure, but he was human as well. This is a forgotten story that you won't soon forget.” — Chris Schluep, Amazon Editor

by Don Winslow

“Don Winslow ( Power of the Dog trilogy, Broken ) is, without doubt, one of the best crime fiction writers in decades. And in City on Fire, he’s written one of the most immersive, head-turning, heart-stopping crime family novels since The Godfather . It’s about loyalty, love, fraternity, family, belonging, betrayal, and survival. But no matter how epic its themes, it’s Winslow’s eye for the small, personal details that will sear these characters in your heart and in your memory.” — Vannessa Cronin, Amazon Editor

These are readers’ most popular Kindle highlights from the books we loved.

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin “What is a game?” Marx said. “It’s tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow. It’s the possibility of infinite rebirth, infinite redemption. The idea that if you keep playing, you could win. No loss is permanent, because nothing is permanent, ever.”

Solito: A Memoir by Javier Zamora "Our bodies are the texts that carry the memories and therefore remembering is no less than reincarnation.”

Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention—and How to Think Deeply Again by Johann Hari "So, to find flow, you need to choose one single goal; make sure your goal is meaningful to you; and try to push yourself to the edge of your abilities."

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver "People love to believe in danger, as long as it’s you in harm’s way, and them saying bless your heart."

Horse by Geraldine Brooks "They were, all of them, lost to a narrative untethered to anything he recognized as true. Their mad conception of Mr. Lincoln as some kind of cloven-hoofed devil’s scion, their complete disregard—denial—of the humanity of the enslaved, their fabulous notions of what evils the Federal government intended for them should their cause fail—all of it was ingrained so deep, beyond the reach of reasonable dialogue or evidence."

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid "We live in a world where exceptional women have to sit around waiting for mediocre men."

Fairy Tale by Stephen King "There’s a dark well in everyone, I think, and it never goes dry. But you drink from it at your peril. That water is poison."

Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng “Whoever thinks, recalling the face of the one they loved who is gone: yes, I looked at you enough, I loved you enough, we had enough time, any of this was enough?"

The Escape Artist: The Man Who Broke Out of Auschwitz to Warn the World by Jonathan Freedland “Only when information is combined with belief does it become knowledge. And only knowledge leads to action. The French-Jewish philosopher Raymond Aron would say, when asked about the Holocaust, ‘I knew, but I didn’t believe it. And because I didn’t believe it, I didn’t know.’"

City on Fire by Don Winslow "Lesson: Don’t hold on to something’s going to pull you into a trap. If you’re going to let go, let go early. Better yet, don’t take the bait at all."

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As the countdown to the Met Gala continues, celebrities are pulling out all the stops to make sure their faces look as flawless as their couture.

Neinstein Plastic Surgery in New York City has become a go-to for those seeking a red carpet glow, and I had the opportunity to stop by the practice’s gorgeous office above Bergdorf Goodman to try out two non-surgical treatments stars swear by.

First up? The $400 Aquagold facial, which promises to deliver serious results in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect treatment to squeeze in during your lunch break.

“The Aquagold facial is going to infuse your skin with Vitamin C, Vitamin A and hyaluronic acid to really give you that no-downtime glow,” nurse Tara Adashev tells me.

It also stamps ​​neuromodulators into the skin, which is why Aquagold’s sometimes referred to as a “Botox facial” — but those with a fear of injections (or freezing their facial muscles) needn’t fret. I found the treatment relatively painless, even without numbing cream.

“Botox is going to go right into the muscle, so you’re injecting a little deeper into the skin,” Nurse Tara explains, whereas “[Aquagold] is very superficial, so that way you see the glow right away.”

This also makes the results temporary — ”a few weeks,” the nurse estimates — so it’s ideal for scheduling ahead of a big event like the Met ball.

Next, Nurse Tara treated my face with the Lutronic Ultra laser, which she says “helps to brighten the skin from the inside out” when paired with Aquagold. Since it’s non-ablative — meaning it doesn’t damage the top layer of the skin — it requires less downtime than other lasers on the market.

“It’s creating little microchannels in the skin — it breaks up pigmentation from multiple sources such as freckles, red spots, acne scars or even active acne, and shrinks pores while helping to stimulate collagen and brighten the skin,” she says, adding that she recently used the device on Teresa Giudice’s daughter Gia to diminish the look of some scars on her leg.

Priced at $699 per treatment, the Lutronic Ultra laser made my face feel warm and feel a little “spicy.” The following day as my skin started to heal, I noticed that it felt a bit like sandpaper — to be expected, as Nurse Tara had told me — and looked a bit flaky, both side effects that can be minimized with proper aftercare.

“You want to make sure you’re moisturizing. No makeup, no retinols, no toners, lots of SPF and no sun for 72 hours,” she says.

Unlike the immediate results you can expect post-Aquagold, this particular laser treatment is best scheduled at least a week before a big event — meaning stars are likely booking theirs at this very moment.

And it’s not just famous ladies hitting up Dr. Ryan Neinstein’s practice ahead of the first Monday in May; per Nurse Tara, about 40% of their patients are men, mostly of whom are opting for lasers or Botox.

“We definitely have a very large male [following] looking to stay glowy and fresh,” she says.

As for which procedures have fallen out of favor?

“People are definitely following trends of the celebrities, so as people start to dissolve fillers, there’s a downtrend in fillers,” Nurse Tara notes.

“I would say people are looking for maintenance, and they’re looking for volume replacement. They’re not looking to augment their face and have huge cheekbones, or a huge chin, so it’s very much a natural approach right now.”

Regardless of the desired outcome, however, Neinstein Plastic Surgery “could not be busier” at the moment.

“We are open the weekend prior [of the Met Gala] and two weekends prior for anyone that wants to come in for that extra glow,” Nurse Tara tells me.

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