Customer Reviews

The Bachman Books

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I haven't ventured into Stephen King's world in quite some time and ran across this while looking for something new of his to read. I have a well-worn copy of The Bachman Books. I used to have so many of his works and have lost all of them in moving or lending; all except for this one. I had no idea that he had self-censored "Rage", a short novella considered by many to be one of his best (it involves a boy who plans a school shooting). The original book contained that novella while the online version doesn't. Still, I would recommend the book because it contains what is, in my mind, his best work: The Long Walk. That novella is the reason I have kept my copy of The Bachman Books over all these years.

"The Long Walk" is by far the best novella in this collection, and in my opinion is one of Mr. Kings best. "The Running Man" is entertaining and bears no resemblance to the Arnold Schwarzenegger film of the same name. "Road Work" doesn't feel like your typical Stephen King story and is probably not everyones cup of tea, but I found it a welcome departure from his normal stuff. The real reason I'm writing this review is to point out that this edition of The Bachman Books is missing one of the novels that was in the earlier editions. It was called "Rage" and it was about a psychotic teenager who takes his class hostage and kills his teacher. Stephen King had this book taken out of print after the Columbine shooting back in 1999. I'm disappointed that Mr. King made that decision, as I don't believe his book was at all responsible for that shooting or any other shooting. It is Mr. King's book though and it is certainly his decision whether or not it remains in print. If you are interested in reading the complete version of The Bachman Books I would recommend buying a used copy from another seller on Amazon. Who knows...maybe it will be worth money some day if Mr. King continues to keep "Rage" out of print.

Stephen King is now an institution. Here are three of his earlier stories. While not on par with some of his later works, they offer a good insight into the master of horror's earlier ideas and the beginnig of his development as a writer.

My favorite is The Running Man which was made into a movie which is nothing like the story. The Long Walk is quite tense, and Roadwork, while not a big fave of mine, is readable and interesting.

Recommended if you want to experience King before he became the legend he is today.

For lovers of this genre I also recommend:

Christine

Phantoms

It is not hard for any Stephen King fan to recognize the Bachman books as Stephen King writing under an alias. The Bachman books are just as satisfying as any King book with lots of suspense, gore, mystery and supernatural phenomenon that every King fan expects and wants. I collect all King's books, and they sit on the shelf right below my collection of literary classics. For a horror thriller, I always choose King. I don't need to read reviews. I know what I'm buying when I buy a King book, and he never fails to satisfy.

i purchased this book for a gift. although it was used, it was in excellent condition. it was very much appreciated by the person i gave it to.
thanks to the seller!!!