The Long Walk Mass Market Paperback – April 19, 2016

Stephen King has always had a way of making you feel like you are part of the story. My legs feel tired with each chapter. I got to know all the characters and love each one of them in their own way.I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did and stick around to see who wins THE LONG WALK!

I had to hey a physical copy of this book especially since it’s been announced a movies is going to be made on this book. I’m so happy to read it and have a copy of this book before the stickers get on this version of the book

In an uncaring world with a thirst for blood and death. There is The Walk. A walk for young men to find themselves and view of others. A sport where people gamble on death. A sport where you literally die to finish.

I just finally finished reading, or rather, taking 'The Long Walk' last night. And it was exhausting.The idea of a 100 young men walking on a suicide mission sounded so different from King's other horror-type novels that I had to check it out.Though, for me, it did try my patience. Especially towards the last 100 pages or so. I even found myself going back often, rereading certain chapters, trying to remember who was who, who got what warnings, and who was ticketed.Though I found the story in whole riveting, and at times downright horrific, I was somewhat put off when King would jump narrative and start swimming in and out of poetic passages. It just alienated me from the core action.But yet I get it. I totally understand why so many people enjoy this book. Some of King's detours are so beautiful and out of the blue that they truly are haunting.Here are a few moments, or characters, that I found myself obsessing over during 'the Walk'. Spoiler Alerts!Early on, Garraty watches Stebbins, the boy in purple pants and green jacket, eating a jelly sandwich in a tree and starts to wonder about him throughout the entire race. It gets to the point where Garraty is so fixated on this mysterious kid that it starts to border homoeroticism. The more Garraty pondered about the jelly eating boy, the more I pondered too.Their strange connection forms into a love/hate relationship that is tested to the very last minute of the race. And, it turns out, that Stebbins has a few secrets of his own, that really caught me off guard. There's also a moment during a rain storm where Stebbins is clutching his stomach as Garraty watches, thinking that he may be in trouble. But it turns out that he is only trying to protect his last jelly sandwich from getting wet. These little moments were so fascinating to me that I felt like I was actually taking the walk with them.Another standout moment for me was when the little hick boy wearing overalls, a curious spectator, simply starts walking along with the guys in the game. Then, after about a mile, gets tired and plops down on the side of the road and watches them go by. How ironic and bittersweet. For all we know, this same curious little boy could be walking the race, for real, in the next five years and taking a bullet in the head. This passage was so powerful to me that I dog-eared the page just so that I could go back and read it over and over again. No kidding.And, towards the end, when Garraty starts to loose it while watching the last of his friends wither down, like death walking in a parade, was pretty hard to take. Creepy stuff to swallow.What made all of this frustrating for me is that I wanted the boys desperately to revolt against the soldiers. For Garraty to confront the Major. But I knew it wasn't that kind of tale. But I guess, that just shows how invested I was in the story. But, nevertheless, it was still frustrating at times. And it just seemed like it was stuffed with too much padding.By the way, I have my own take on the ending, but I would like to hear other people's opinions.Did Garraty just go bonkers at the end? Running away when the Major came to honor him? I'm sure anyone in that situation would. And, him seeing all the dead walkers coming up the road behind him was also an interesting bit. Knowing King's fascination with the supernatural, could this have been intended for the open-minded? Maybe I'm reading too much into it for being so close to the fire right now. But, it still would be intersting to hear from others. Thanx for reading- Kevin Brian

This is a great story about strangers going through an ordeal, only to make stronger connections as they go. In the end, as they die, they know they made friends and knew the meaning of friendship.

Stephen King's "The Long Walk" beckons readers into a hauntingly dystopian world where endurance is not merely a choice but a stark reality. In this dark masterpiece, King weaves a tale of psychological intensity, exploring the thin line between survival and surrender."The Long Walk" unfolds in a society where an annual event forces young boys to participate in a grueling trek until only one remains standing. The title itself becomes a metaphor for the journey into the abyss of the human psyche, where physical and mental resilience are put to the ultimate test.The narrative thrusts readers into the shoes of protagonist Ray Garraty as he navigates the unforgiving path ahead. King's ability to create a sense of impending doom is palpable, and the tension builds with each step, mirroring the relentless march of the participants.The characters are intricately developed, each with their unique quirks and backstories. Ray's internal struggles and the dynamics within the group add layers of complexity to the narrative. King delves into the psychological toll of the walk, exploring themes of desperation, camaraderie, and the haunting specter of death that looms over the participants.King's prose is both evocative and atmospheric, painting a vivid picture of the dystopian world. The desolate landscapes and the ever-present threat contribute to the story's intensity, making it impossible for readers to escape the suffocating atmosphere of the long and winding road.While the pacing is deliberate, mirroring the slow, methodical nature of the walk itself, it serves a purpose in building suspense. The narrative is a gradual descent into the darkness of the human soul, and the deliberate pacing allows readers to feel the weight of each step and the toll it takes on the characters.One of the novel's strengths lies in its exploration of the psychological toll of the walk. As the characters face physical exhaustion and mental anguish, King invites readers to question the limits of the human spirit and the choices individuals make when pushed to the brink.The climax is both poignant and gut-wrenching, delivering a powerful emotional punch that lingers long after the final page. The resolution leaves room for contemplation, inviting readers to reflect on the themes of mortality, sacrifice, and the indomitable nature of the human will.In conclusion, "The Long Walk" is a gripping exploration of the human condition, masterfully crafted by the maestro of horror himself. The title becomes a metaphor for the journey into the depths of despair, where every step brings the characters closer to the edge. With its rich character development, atmospheric prose, and psychological depth, this novel stands as a testament to Stephen King's storytelling prowess, earning it a well-deserved four stars.