The Long Walk, by Stephen King – A Book Review

Stephen King wrote less than 10 books under the pseudonym, Richard Bachman. In 1977, ‘The Long Walk’ became the second one. With the movie coming out next month, I figured this was the perfect time to grab this book. I went into this knowing nothing about the premise other than some kids are walking. I could not have anticipated how dark it would get.

The Story for ‘The Long Walk’

As soon as you open the book you’re introduced to the main character, Ray Garraty. His mom is dropping him off to compete in the annual Long Walk. It’s a national competition. However, Ray’s mom is not happy about it. Other parents are doing the same. One hundred teenage boys are suddenly gathered and ready to compete. In the end there is to be only one winner, and ninety-nine body bags.

Overall Grade: 7.5/10

Going completely blind into this book, left me shocked when the first long walker was taken out. A scene shown in the trailer below. I quickly thought, what did I get myself into? As a mother with kids their age, and older, the last thing I want to see is kids being taken out like that (or at all, but I do enjoy horror movies). However, it’s Stephen King so of course it goes so much deeper.

These teenage boys are given rules, rations, and no rest. The winner must be the last man standing as they walk to an imaginary finish line. They’re temporary celebrities as the world watches. Whoever survives will have all their wishes granted. While, survival depends on the death of everyone around you, friendships are still made. Decisions are questioned. Fight or flight is tested. The whole book takes place during the days of the long walk, and Stephen King keeps you on edge for every step the boys take.

Check out the review for another Stephen King book: Duma Key

The one thing I wanted more of in the book, was why. How did the world get to this place of sacrificing teenage boys for entertainment. While, that may also be the point, based on the trailer below we may get some of those questions answered in the movie. A movie directed by Francis Lawrence, who was also one of the directors of ‘The Hunger Games’ franchise.

All in all, if you’re looking for something creepy, suspenseful, and thought provoking, while keeping you thoroughly engaged for 400 hundred pages, grab the ‘The Long Walk.’ There’s still time before the movie comes out.

You can grab this book at many different retailers by clicking HERE.

Check out the trailer for the movie adaptation coming to theatres September 12th.

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Are you a Stephen King fan? What’s been your favorite book?