Reading Journal 2024: You Like It Darker
Author: Stephen King
A new collection of short stories from the master of horror. Always a worthwhile investment. The collection is made up of a mix of new and previously published works, although it was all new to me, anchored by a multi-chapter mini novel (also subsequently the best of the bunch) in the middle.
What struck me about this collection is the way it weaved through the different stylings of his illustrious career, moving fluidly between classic feeling and sounding stories (Fifth Steps) to fresh visions (Red Screen), familiar takes (The Dreamers) and even a follow up to Cujo (Rattlesnakes). There is scenario driven horror and psychological horror, but perhaps most striking is how subtly he weaves some understated supernatural elements into the mix. It might be a reach, but I honestly felt like it was designed to function as a cohesive whole, and even as a reflective piece that is wrestling with some of the bigger questions of life and death and the unknown mysteries of both. My second favorite, The Answer Man becomes a poetic climax to the overall journey in this regard.
Overall very impressed with this one. It’s an easy read too, and definitely one that will be good to have around to return to from time to time.
The Stories of my Life 