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Ultra-marathoner Dean Karnazes claims "There is magic in misery." While it would be easy to write off his habit of running for 100 miles at a time—or longer—as mere masochism, it's impossible to not admire his tenacity in pushing his body to reach one extreme goal after another. Sure, it's gory to read about how he lost one of his big toenails from shoe friction during the Western States Endurance Run. But what registers more is that here's a guy competing in an event that includes 38,000 feet of elevation change--the equivalent of scaling the Empire State Building 30 times.
Despite his considerable athleticism, "Karno" argues that the first half of any race is run with one's body, and the second half with the mind. Without delving into excessively touchy-feely territory, he explores "the possibilities of self" as he completes an ultra-marathon in 120-degree heat in Death Valley, and later the first-ever marathon at the South Pole. It's an odd combination: a California surfer dude contemplating how, as Socrates said, "Suffering leads to wisdom." But Karnazes's self-motivation is utterly intriguing, and it's impossible to read this memoir without wanting to go out and run a marathon yourself.--Erica Jorgensen
Book Description
There are those of us whose idea of the ultimate physical challenge is the 26.2-mile Boston Marathon. And then there is Dean Karnazes. Karnazes has run 226.2 miles nonstop; he has completed the 135-mile Badwater Ultramara-thon across Death Valley National Park-considered the world's toughest footrace-in 130-degree weather; and he is the only person to complete a marathon to the South Pole in running shoes (and probably the only person to eat an entire pizza and a whole cheesecake while running).
Karnazes is an ultramarathoner: a member of a small, elite, hard-core group of extreme athletes who race 50 miles, 100 miles, and longer. They can run forty-eight hours and more without sleep, barely pausing for food or water or even to use the bathroom. They can scale mountains, in brutally hot or cold weather, pushing their bodies, minds, and spirits well past what seems humanly possible.
Ultramarathon Man is Dean Karnazes's story: the mind-boggling adventures of his nonstop treks through the hell of Death Valley, the incomprehensible frigidity of the South Pole, and the breathtaking beauty of the mountains and canyons of the Sierra Nevada. Karnazes captures the euphoria and out-of-body highs of these adventures.
With an insight and candor rarely seen in sports memoirs, he also reveals how he merges the solitary, manic, self-absorbed life of hard-core ultrarunning with a full-time job, a wife, and two children, and how running has made him who he is today: a man with an überjock's body, a teenager's energy, and a champion's wisdom.
Customer Reviews:
Explodes the "overtraining" myth.......2007-09-28
Many other reviewers have discussed high points in this terrific book, so let me just mention one other revelation. Whenever magazines, newspapers, or TV journalists discuss exercise, they alway warn against the horrors of "overtraining." Working out the same muscle groups on consecutive days is always presented as a recipe for disaster.
It's sheer nonsense, and a book like this proves it. With obesity and Type 2 diabetes rampant in this country, we could all use a fewer warnings about "overtraining" and more encouragement to get out there every day and push ourselves. The human body was designed to be in almost constant motion every day, not stuck in a chair playing video games. The more grueling events Karnazes performs, the better and stronger he becomes. A marathon is not an amazing example of human endurance, it's a rather normal part of a hunter-gatherer's day, which is what we all are, genetically speaking. Thanks, Dean, for showing us the truth about the human body and what it can really do!
highly motivational.......2007-09-14
Well written and very insightful. Details the ways that he motivates himself to keep going even after most rational people would have hung up the towel and cried. I'm glad I read it, and it has helped me to push through my own mental and physical barriers while running.
Interesting, to say the least.......2007-08-06
There is something wrong with Dean Karnazes. In fact, not just him, but there is something wrong with anyone that does what these men and women do and I find it entirely interesting. To train and run these 50 mile hikes/runs or to run Badwater or to do these runs is just not normal and that is why it makes these books so much fun to go through. Its fun because it is hard to understand how someone would have that kind of drive and determination to do it. Karnazes does and tries to explain it.
There are some things that I found confusing or a little lacking. He describes how he re-picked up running again after nearly a decade of not running. You are kind of given the impression that he just picked it up and and worked his way up and that he knows what someone goes thru in starting to run. My experience was nothing like his...I ran 1 mile and then tried to do the same the next day. His first day of running? 30 miles all done thru the middle of the night. I guess we are all wired differently.
I didn't care much for the first marathon at the South Pole. It seemed silly. It seemed to be of little purpose but I guess it gave him the exposure that he needed and so that it was worth it to him.
OK, the parts that I did enjoy? There were many. I loved hearing of his first marathons. I enjoyed hearing how he would run to the marathon (7-10 miles) and get there right when the marathon started. It was very entertaining to hear of his first 50 miler as well as the Badwater runs. He is remarkable and those that do the runs with him or competing against him are remarkable as well.
There can be questions about him taking the time away from his family to do these runs...but is it really our business? I enjoyed the book quite a book and it has inspired me to go out and run 1-2 miles tonight. Impressive, huh?
Amazing!.......2007-07-30
Let me preface my review by stating that I am not an avid reader, in fact, I can not remember the last book I read...
This book is absolutely wonderful! Any runner, or athlete will achieve a sense of motivation from reading this book - not to mention the pointers and learning points along the way. I was enduring a mid-summer burn out, read this book in 2 days, and have a new found appreciation for the sport of running. Whenever I am struggling on a 10-mile jog, I think of Dean's 100 miler and it doesn't seem so bad. This book also includes great nutrition information and advice and is a great starting point for learning to eat the right foods. I can't recommend it enough!
Dean is human.......2007-07-27
Very insightful book by Dean. he reveals not only his motivations but also some common themes for ultrarunners. I used to be one.
Average customer rating:
- Bachman Books
- A glimpse of things to come
- The Greatest
- Deep Inside King
- Rage is horrifying
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The Bachman Books : Four Early Novels by Richard Bachman (Rage / The Long Walk / Roadwork / The Running Man)
Stephen King , and
Richard Bachman
Manufacturer: Plume
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ASIN: 0452277752 |
Customer Reviews:
Bachman Books.......2007-06-16
Purchased this book as a gift for my husband. It's a classic!!!The Bachman Books : Four Early Novels by Stephen King (omnibus of Rage, The Long Walk, Roadwork and The Running Man)
A glimpse of things to come.......2007-02-26
These stories were written by a young King, before many of his more well-known works were published. After reading The Bachman Books, it is easy to see the talent Mr. King possessed at an early age.
Rage is the reason this book is sought-after, and it won't disappoint most readers. It is a great study of social cliques, adolescent psychology, and shifts of power. The controversy surrounding the story may lead people to misguided expectations. This is not a story with huge body counts of high-school students and faculty. My second-favorite story in the book.
The Long Walk is a brilliant character study. Possibly a metaphor for the Vietnam War (my personal opinion there, not necessarily King's), this story focuses on a handful of "walkers" participating in a field of 100. Rules are simple and are enforced strictly. Characters meet sides of themselves they never knew they possessed when faced with situations you wouldn't normally encounter. This story alone is worth seeking out this book. I'd place The Long Walk right up there with other King short stories like The Mist, The Raft, 1408, The Body, and Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption.
Roadwork, although my least favorite of the four, still has its place. It is also a character study, but after reading The Long Walk any story would have a tough act to follow. You can empathize with the main charcter even as he slips into madness and King writes him in a way that you almost root for him.
The Running Man was a pleasant surprise. I'd seen the film that was LOOSELY based on the story (and by loosely, I mean the character name, the reality game show, and the future dystopia is about it) and altough I enjoyed it I soon realized that the story was infinitely better (isn't that usually the case?). The story paints a very bleak, not-too-distant future where the haves and have-nots are separated to an extreme that frighteningly may not be that far off. Our protagonist runs in order to help his family, and the hunters seeking him aren't rejects from the WWE. It's about a man pushed to his limits and how he's forced to choose his victories.
It's spooky how King wrote two stories in this book about futuristic reality game shows, and today these shows--although not nearly as extreme as King's versions--are so popular and prevalent. All the stories are worth reading and a couple of them are excellent. If you can locate a copy of this book I strongly suggest picling it up.
The Greatest.......2006-10-07
This is going to be a shory review. The Long Walk has got to be one of the greatest stories I have red in my life, I can not find anything wrong with it. Rage, all I can say about Rage is "WOW". I"m glad I got this before the school shooting and all, cause it is such a great story about standing up for one's self but going too far doing so. Roadwork and The Running Man, were also good stories the the first two I mention is whhat made buying the book worth it. If your a KING fan you must buiy the book.
Deep Inside King.......2006-09-07
When Stephen King first started to gain prominence in the mainstream public eye, there were a series of works that were published under the name of Richard Bachman. Supposedly Bachman was a New Hampshire dairy farmer who suffered from insomnia and spent his nights writing. After the publication of THINNER, it was revealed that Richard Bachman was actually Stephen King--he had taken on the alter-ego so that he could publish more book in one year. THE BACHMAN BOOKS is a collection of the first four novels that King wrote under the Bachman pseudonym. The four novels are:
RAGE--this collection is about the only place you can find a copy of the novel RAGE. After the Columbine shootings King had the book pulled from shelves across the country and didn't want it to be published again. In the story a very disturbed and troubled high school student, Charlie Decker, in a small town community shoots one of his teachers and takes control of the school. Keeping the students under a sort-of hostage control, Charlie leads them in an examination of their inner lives.
THE LONG WALK--one of King's best novels of all times. In a future where a dictatorship controls the U.S.A, a group of 100 young men sign up to participate in the nation's favorite sporting event and pastime, the Long Walk. Walkers participate for a chance at winning The Prize, which is anything you want for the rest of your life. However, only one person can win and everyone else dies.
ROADWORK--a common man stands up against the system and decides to get even before his home is destroyed for the roadwork for a new highway because of eminent domain.
THE RUNNING MAN--in 2025 the hottest television show is "The Running Man". A man who is pushed to the brink is selected to participate and runs not only for his life, but for the life of those he loves.
THE BACHMAN BOOKS includes an introduction by King entitled "The Importance of Being Bachman." In the intro King tells about FBI investigations concerning RAGE, why he wrote as Bachman, etc.
Including both some of King's roughest works (RAGE) and some of his best writing (THE LONG WALK), THE BACHMAN BOOKS is a good collection of writing that most fans of King will enjoy.
Rage is horrifying.......2006-08-05
I've only read Rage, so far, and haven't finished it yet, but am so stunned by the sickening events that have taken place in this story that i was shocked to find that so many people on this board liked the story so much. After what's happened in Rage, so far, i'm not sure i even want to finish it. I just finished the part where the 'pretty girl' was telling the class about her relationship with Ted and their 'first time' together. I couldn't believe she revealed so much personal stuff about them--in front of their whole class ! I think Ted was just as shocked as i was lol. I was equally stunned at the way Charlie talked to the psychiatrist. I hope that would not be a realistic way for a crazed student to handle a doctor/psychiatrist in a situation like that.. i don't remember hearing about that kind of thing happening at Columbine. I sure hope no one else dies in the story (except Charlie, of course) but i might not finish reading it.
I'll read the other stories and see how i like those.
Book Description
Sharon McCone is hired by her husband's security firm to track down "the ever-running man," a shadowy figure who has been leaving explosive devices at their various offices. She doesn't have to search for long. When McCone narrowly escapes an explosion at the security firm's San Francisco offices, she catches a glimpse of his retreating figure. The ever-running man is dangerously close--and anyone connected to the firm seems to be within his deadly range. To complicate matters, McCone is forced to question her intensely private husband, Hy, about his involvement in some of the firm's dark secrets. The history of corruption may jeopardize their marriage, but uncovering the secrets of the firm may be the only way she can save her husband's life, and her own.
Customer Reviews:
More excellence in the McCone series.......2007-09-13
Simply stated: Marcia Muller is a winning author. This book continues the McCone series in a fascinating manner with some tension again between Hy and Shar. Other characters are beginning to be more developed and add to the storyline. As usual, I read the entire book too quickly, and thus as usual, can't wait for the next in the series.
A flat read.......2007-09-05
First Sentence: "Here's what we have on the ever-running man," Hy said.
PI Sharon McCone is hired by her husband as someone is blowing up properties owned by RK Investigations, the security firm, of which Hy is one-third owner. A figure has been seen leaving the scenes and has become known as "the ever-running man." Although Sharon knew Hy had done things of which he was not proud, there seem to be other things he has not told her. This case may be the end of both Hy's firm and their marriage.
Muller always writes a good story, but one of the things I like best about the series is that her character grows and changes. The present McCone is a long way from the first book. The other things I enjoy are her strong sense of place and her excellent dialogue. On the other hand, I felt the story read flat, as though I were reading a case report. I just didn't have the sense of danger or involvement I usually do. Even with the conflict between the major protagonists, there was never any real question how it would end. This is a series which really should be read in order as character development, which not completely missing, is minimal and relationships have been built throughout the series. Don't get me wrong, I'm not about to give up reading Muller but, for me, her mid-series books, starting with "Wolf in the Shadows," were some of her best.
really good!.......2007-08-23
I love the Sharon McCone series, and I appreciate the fact that Muller allows the character to grow and change. The mystery was a little thin, but I keep reading mainly because of the relationships between Sharon and her family members. I enjoyed it!
The race is on--the PI or the bomber???.......2007-08-17
Newly married Sharon McCone is hired by her husband's security firm to find out who's trying to literally blow RKI off the map, one location at a time. The bomber is only seen running away, thus the tag. People die and buildings burn, one partner is killed, and another disappears. Sharon's marriage is on the brink of collapse.
Marcia Muller takes us on a sprint through a maze that is the past of the three RKI partners; Sharon's husband being one of them. All are implicated in questionable Middle East activity. Assumed identities and intertwining plots come together in an exciting and entertaining story.
Review by Wanda C. Keesey
A spell-binder filled with plots & sub-plots.......2007-08-16
What A Wonderful painting of character personalities plus continuous intrigue!
Marcia Muller has the keenest manner of painting the full picture without being maudlin or overly emotional along the way. She leaves precisely noted pictures with just the right amount to be filled-in by the intuitive reader! She waits until the final fifty pages before she lays the neat groundwork for the identity of the Ever-Running Man. Her hints are simply sparse as other reviewers have noted. Her writing is totally tied together with knots, loosely woven and threaded together!
It took me about the first 40-50 pages before I became hooked into her story of the Security firm of RKI for Renshaw-Kessell Investigative Agency. It is indeed one more page-turner and spell-binder!!! Retired Chap Fred W Hood
Average customer rating:
- Forget the piece of crap film, this is the real version of the story.
- Not Free SF Reader
- Solid book
- My favorite
- Running for a Reason.
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The Running Man
Stephen King , and
Richard Bachman
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Stephen King (writing as Richard Bachman) crafted The Running Man early in his career, though after such mega-hits as Carrie and The Shining. A bit of a departure from the supernatural horror that is most frequently associated with his work, the novel describes a science fiction dystopia where market capitalism and television game shows have spiraled out of control, and the separation between the haves and the have-nots has been formalized with separate currencies. King establishes characters quickly, creating sympathy in the first few pages for Ben Richards--whose 18-month-old baby girl is suffering from a horrible cough, perhaps pneumonia. Not able to afford medicine, Richards enters himself in the last-chance money-making scheme of the Free-Vee games. The games include Treadmill to Bucks, in which heart-attack prone contestants struggle to outlast a progressively demanding treadmill, or the accurately named Swim the Crocodiles. After a rigorous battery of physical and mental examinations, Richards is assigned "Elevator Six"--the path of a chosen few--that leads to The Running Man game. In this game, the stakes and the prizes are raised. Success means a life of luxury. Failure means death. Unfortunately, few ever win the game; in fact, as the producer tells Richards, in six years no one has survived.
The Running Man is a short book, tightly written to be read and enjoyed quickly. The future world it depicts is vividly captured with a few essential details. The action is also fast paced and, though the novel differs from much of King's other work, the sardonic social commentary reveals a pleasing glimmer of King's characteristically twisted sense of humor. --Patrick O'Kelley
Book Description
The year is 2025. The Running Man is America's favorite television game show. Ben Richards is the program's latest contestant-and the Hunters' latest target in a rigged game of death.
Customer Reviews:
Forget the piece of crap film, this is the real version of the story........2007-09-04
I finished this book just today. It was my first Stephen King book that he wrote under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, and I must say, it was very good. The movie is garbage that should be avoided. The plot of the novel was very well done and the detail had style. The ending was great. The reason I give it four stars instead of five is because of a couple disturbing moments in the last 4-5 pages before the ending. Other than that, it was good, and I recommend it to all Stephen King fans.
P.S. Until Blaze came out, this was the only one of the Bachman books that was worth reading. I am going to read Blaze and will review it when I get a chance.
Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03
A nasty dystopia that is definitely a little bit closer today.
A completely stratified society has the whole bread and circuses thing going, with all sorts of deadly reality tv type entertainments to keep people occupied.
A young man of the underclass has a very sick child, and in order to get money to make her well, decides to try and enter one of these game shows.
He ends up in the lethal Running Man game, that no-one has ever come out of alive, and has to find a way.
Solid book.......2007-04-30
For those who have only seen the movie, this book will not be what you expect. It seems that the producers of the film only wanted the bare concept about a life and death TV game show and then made up their own story from there. This Ben Richards is a volunteer who wants to earn enough money to pay for his daughter to get medical care. He is a fairly bitter man in a bleak world and the overall tone of the novel is largely pessimistic.
Regardless of the dark tone, this is still an entertaining book. Richards is not the most likable character, but the network executives and hunters are so odious that you can't help but root for the underdog. The story moves along fairly briskly and there is enough character development to make you care what happens to Ben and his helpers. This may not be one of King's best novels, but it makes for an entertaining read and I would recommend it on that level.
One word of warning, however. King has added an introduction in which he gives away the ending to the book. Why an experienced writer has done something so foolish is beyond me but the knowledge badly damaged my ability to read and enjoy the book. If you have not read Running Man before, I highly encourage you to skip the introduction until after you have read the story.
My favorite.......2006-10-28
Yes, this book has flaws. The pacing is choppy, there are some pretty improbably events, but this is one of my favorites of all time, and definately my favorite King story. Why? I think in the foreword to the edition I have King says it best himself: "It's all story."
Running for a Reason........2006-09-07
Years before reality tv was even thought of by television companies, Stephen King presented the idea (writing under the pseudonym of Richard Bachman) as being a mass-opiate to the public. Set in a dystopia future in 2025, THE RUNNING MAN revolves around Ben Richards, a down-an-out common worker who can't get a job because he won't fit into the system. Being unemployed and practically unhirable, Richards' 18-month-old-baby-girl begins suffering from a chronic cough and he and his wife have no way to pay for medicine. Knowing that his child will die unless she gets the medicine she needs, Richards registers and enters himself in the Free-Vee games. People can win lots of money on these reality shows, but they're also highly dangerous and usually lethal. Richards knows he's not old enough for Treadmill to Bucks, so he hopes for a shot at a show like Swim the Crocodiles. Instead, Richards finds himself selected for the biggest money show of them all, The Running Man. Presented to the public as a wretched criminal, Richards is released into the public. For every hour he stays alive, he earns money. If he can stay alive without being caught for a predetermined amount of time, he'll win a life of luxury. The catch is, no one has ever survived--everyone is eventually hunted within a few days. But, Richards is a man living not for himself and every moment he's alive gives his baby girl a better chance of surviving.
THE RUNNING MAN is a very tight and action-based book. It fits more into the genre of science fiction than the horror/suspense that King is usually known. However, except for the motivation of Ben Richards, the book lacks any characterization that King writes so well. The book is a quick read, but not as fulfilling. Also, in the post-9/11 world we live in some people may have concerns about the novel's ending. I, however, enjoyed THE RUNNING MAN, but didn't find it as fulfilling as much of King's other works.
Customer Reviews:
The Long Read.......2006-10-04
"The Long Walk" is my favorite novella in this series. Never in so few pages can any author amaze me like King can. The way he writes is so matter-of-fact in this story.
I bought the book when I was in Jr. High, but things were much different then. People kept their problems to themselves and suffered in adolescent silence. Because of recent events concerning the youth of today, the book containing "Rage" has since been banned, I heard. Maybe it's for the best. If you're a preteen and you're reading this, it probably should be best read by mature audiences only.
Treasure this book if you don't like to read his longer volumes. His snippets suffice for your horror fix.
Classic King.......2004-09-14
Long ago, before Stephen King was hit by the money bus - and later a real van - he could actually write. This collection of novellas helps celebrate that time; a time before slavish devotion to formula had him cranking out the same story over and over. A time before King's new-found relgious zealotry had him extolling the virtues of steadfast belief in a higher power at the core of his every over-long, soapy new novel. This four-story collection is a distillation of the writer King used to be.
I have retained my copy of this set since I was a kid. Luckily it is a hardback, so it has withstood the test of time relatively well. Every now and then I pull it out to re-read one of the stories and I am reminded of just how good this guy was. There is real talent between these covers.
Unfortunately the collection starts off with what I feel to be the weakest story of the bunch. Perhaps I'm just not a fan of self-indulgent adolescent revenge fantasies. "Rage" is just that. It is markedly similar to "Apt Pupil" and a short story, found in one of the ten thousand compilations King has cranked out, about a college kid going amok with a sniper rifle. A lot of the other reviewers have decried the so-called censorship that has removed this story from publication. Frankly I applaud King for realizing how harmful the story is. It is a pointless revenge fantasy in which a student kills a teacher and threatens his fellow schoolchildren with a gun. Romanticizing this behavior is only harmful, as is evidenced by those who post how "prophetic" this is. As if the kids who shot up Columbine or the other copycat incidents were wounded, tortured souls who wanted to discuss philosophy. They were petty thugs. This story asks us to empathize with such petty thugs. While there is a good bit of King's patented adolescent angst writing (he must have had a crappy childhood), the story itself is just creepy.
In my mind, this first story seriously cheapens the collection. I read it once, when I first got the book, and haven't read it since. Perhaps the publisher could re-release the collection without "Rage". Unfortunately to fill it out they might include "Thinner", which is awful for different reasons.
The other three novellas in this collection are nothing short of sublime. "The Long Walk" is an amazing tale about a futuristic game in which 100 volunteers walk until only one man is left. Anyone who flags beneath the required speed is shot. Anyone who tries to desert is shot. They never stop, walking and walking until all but one can walk no more. Overall this sounds like a boring concept, but King works his psychological wonders with the characters and has you turning page after page, empathizing with them and actually caring about them.
"Roadwork" is an odd story. It, too, is a revenge tale but is much less reprehensible in that the person attempting to get revenge does so without taking hostages, without shooting innocent people, and without putting himself up on a soapbox. The hero sees his world falling apart and lacks the desire to reconstruct it. So he just goes along for the ride. In the introduction King says that he wrote this story to deal with his own grief when a loved one died. The truth of that statement shines through. This is a very powerful piece.
The final story, "The Running Man", simply shows the raw talent King embodied. Apparently the entire story was written in a span of 72 hours. Another futuristic game show tale, this one is about a society which is heavily splintered into have and have-not; the have-nots appearing on game shows to try to earn money to survive. The lead character, trying to earn money to take his daughter to the hospital, applies for a game show spot and is given a slot on the titular show, which sets a man loose to run while professional hunters - and all of society - track him down. The rules state that if he eludes capture for 30 days he wins, but there are reasons to doubt that. An effective update of "The Most Dangerous Game", this story grabs you and holds you. If all you know of "The Running Man" is the godawful Schwarzenegger film, you definitely need to read this one (the book version will definitely never be filmed, at least not with that ending).
So three novels of four are must-reads. I highly recommend picking this one up, even if you have to buy it used.
The most frightning stories King has written.......2004-08-04
These four early stories all share the same theme of a terrifing not to distant future that strikes as close to reality as a book can. The first story, Rage is a dark psychologial portrit of teenage boy who loses grip of his sanity yet at same time feels alive for the first time in his life. The most frightning thing about the story is that it has happened in real life, more than once. The second story, The Long Walk really got to me. Its a chilling tale of a disasociated American watching and waiting for a group of runners to get their "ticket" one by one. Helped inspire the contraversial Japanese satire film Battle Royale (amazing film, see it!!) The third book Road Work is the story of a man whos life and mental state detiriorate around him along with his home, job, and marrige. Until he reaches the point of no return and lashes out at society. The final story, The Running Man is the tale of a decayed and apathetic America, where the poor are expendable, and people get their thrill by watching desparate people run for their lives on the Running Man. Some of these stories are cautionary tales. Some are stories that mirror reality in a frightiningly real manner.While others are a pesimistic Freudian analisyis of the human race. All in all this is a must read book. So buy it already!!
I'm looking for the book.......2004-05-04
I have heard every thing about this book. I have been looking for it for the longest time. If any body knows how or when to get it please e-mail me.
krisstarlee28@earthlink.net
Thank you,
Persephone Star
An Excellent Anthology.......2003-08-01
Wow. I am amazed by these stories that Stephen King wrote so early in his carreer. They are all impressive and well written. They all have lasting impact. The first two are excellent psychological thrillers, complete with plenty of interesting philosophy. The third is a slow moving, character analysis of a schizophrenic. The final story is a fast moving action story. All of the stories are excellent.
Rage(5/5)- This is the reason that you won't be finding this anthology in stores. This story is about a school shooting incident. In it, a boy named Charlie Decker takes over his class after shooting his math teacher. I know it sounds ludacrously violent, but it isn't. There aren't many deaths, but alot of excitement and plenty of philosophy. It is told from the first-person (unusual for King) point of view of a killer. You get to watch his sanity slowly slip away. Very intriguing.
The Long Walk(5/5)- A tie with Rage for my favorite Bachman Book. This one involves a grim future in the style of my favorite book, 1984. In this grim, 1984-esque, future, there is a marathon held every year with 100 boys starting off on the U.S.-Canada border and they simply walk. If they go below 4mph for 30 seconds they recieve a warning. If they walk for one hour without a fresh warning they lose an old warning. If they acumulate three warnings, then stop again, they recieve a ticket a.k.a. a bullet in the head. This is the story of one walker - Ray Garraty - who enters the contest. He and others, including Pete McVries, Hank Olson, Art Baker, Barkovitch, and Stebbins. A bit predictable, but haunting and disturbing.
Roadwork(4/5)- This one is interesting. It isn't the best in the collection, but it is still an excellent story. It is a character analysis of a schizophrenic man pushed over the verge. The stoy involves a man named Bart whose house and business are threatened by a new construction project. He speaks to his dead son Charlie in his head. It should be known that in these conversations, Bart is George and Charlie is Fred (they called each other by their middle names).
The Running Man(4/5)- A fast paced story about a game show in the future where a man tries to avoid assassins. It is similar to The Long Walk just as Roadwork is similar to Rage. I like it, I just wish it had more of the philosophy that the others had. This one would be the best for young or immature readers while Roadwork would be really good for serious readers.
All in all it is an excellent anthology filled with
(disturbing moments)
Great storytelling. I really liked King's characterization and philosophy. The stories are fairly short and can each be read in a single sitting (except maybe Roadwork). Read 'em. Ponder 'em. Love 'em.
Book Description
Journalist Kirk Johnson knows painmind-numbing, body wracking pain. When his beloved older brother commits suicide, Kirk starts runningrunning to escape, running to understand, running straight into the hell of Badwater, the ultimate test of endurance equal to five consecutive marathons. From the inferno of Death Valley to the freezing summit of Mt. Whitney, alongside a group of dreamers, fanatics, and virtual running machines, Kirk will stare down his limitations and his fears on a journey inwarda journey that just might offer the redemption of his deepest and most personal loss. Kirk Johnson is a Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist whose transforming experience in Death Valley raises To The Edge beyond the realm of simple sports narrative. With its story of heartbreaking loss and profound survival, To The Edge is reminiscent of the New York Times bestselling Into Thin Air (Villard, 1997).
Customer Reviews:
Great book, inspiring, second purchase of book. A novice writes of Badwater Ultramarathon 135 mile footrace through the desert........2007-07-07
I read a great review of this book, so after finishing it I lent it to a friend. Ended up missing it enough when it wasn't returned to buy another copy. Very inspiring book describes a little-known Ultra Marathon, the Badwater Ultramarathon, which is a 135-mile footrace from the lowest, hottest spot in the west, to the highest point in the US. Well-written, non-running audiences will appreciate it for its focus on pushing oneself past your perceived limits, following through on a goal or dream, or overcoming loss and fear. Also really makes you appreciate your own less-strenuous workout, and the levels some people will go to in preparing for a grueling race, the equivalent of 5 back-to-back marathons in 120-degree heat. Interesting sub-culture of over-the-top endurance races, helps you understand the appeal, and may give some insight in how to prepare if you are planning to do it yourself. Provides details on what went wrong, what he did right, what to expect, and how to avoid the author's mistakes, how he got through it, and perhaps whether the race is really for you or not. Read it just to learn something about ultra-endurance road training, or to get ready to do the race yourself. Also explores the suicide of a sibling, spirituality, and emotional healing.
Moving in many ways.......2007-05-28
I was not going to write a review of this book because it has been several months since I wrote it. Here is what happened. I found the book at a used book store. I am a retired so to speak runner (also an aspiring future marathoner). I took it home and could not put it down. I loved every part of it. I passed it to my sister in law who also loved it. She passed it on to her runner son. Yesterday he returned it to me. I had forgotten about the loan--but I will never forget the book.
Johnson had a good story and told it in a great way. No, it is not a manual on how to prepare for this race (as if there could be such a book). Instead it is the story of a human struggle--possibly it is the story of THE human struggle.
As I said, I was not going to write a review because of the time since I read it. However, before I put it away on my shelf, I thought that I would see how the reviews have gone. I was very surprised to see any reviews less than 5 stars so I decided to add these few words.
I think that the folks who were looking for more specifics on training etc. are missing the point. For those people in particular this is a great book. It can appeal to and be enjoyed by countless people who never have and likely never will step up to a starting line or even onto a track or treadmill. At the same time it will probably motivate more than a few to get off the coach and take a few laps and maybe even inspire a few to change their lives and build some miles!
Sorry that I am light on specifics, but you get the idea that I (and my nephew and sister in law) loved the book.
Wonderful account of what it takes to run Badwater........2006-12-08
Kirk Johnson is a gutsy person and this is a great account of his running adventures. You can feel the doubt, anticipation, pain and triumph in every word. It's almost like being next to Kirk each step of the way. And what an adventure of self-discovery it is! A very well written and highly enjoyable book!
Accurate portrayal of an amazing event.......2006-09-26
This book inspired me so much that I underlined passages of it and insisted that my crew members read them to me as I ran Badwater myself in 2002. Kirk Johnson's wit and honesty provided a delightfully endearing account of the highs and lows of Badwater training, suffering and finishing. Although I personally believe that words alone will never suffice in explaining why we do what we do, Johnson's attempt to unlock the mystery is as close as anyone will ever get.
What an adventure, pure reading enjoyment.......2006-06-05
It was so fabulous to read this highly enjoyable chronicle of Kirk Johnsons journey from nonrunner, basically, to ultrarunner and badwater finisher. Amazing. As an avid runner and ultrarunner, it was refreshing to see the sport from his eyes. Ihad first learned of him in the documentary on the Badwater 135,Running on the Sun. this book chronicles how he first learned about the race, his trianing and time leading up to the race, and the race itself. It was a great book. I recommend it to runners and nonrunners alike.
Average customer rating:
- IS IT SAFE?...
- Not Free SF Reader
- See the movie, forget the book
- Don't Ever Let A Nazi Dentist Work On Your Teeth
- A swift, suspenseful page turner of the highest order
|
Marathon Man
William Goldman
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0345439724
Release Date: 2001-07-03 |
Book Description
William Goldman's remarkable career spans more than five decades, and his credentials run the gamut from bestselling novelist to Oscar-winning screenwriter to Hollywood raconteur. He's beloved by millions of readers as the author of the classic comic-romantic fantasy The Princess Bride. And he's notorious for creating the most harrowing visit to the dentist in literary and cinematic history--in one of the seminal thrillers of the twentieth century. . . .
MARATHON MAN
Tom "Babe" Levy is a runner in every sense: racing tirelessly toward his goals of athletic and academic excellence--and endlessly away from the specter of his famous father's scandal-driven suicide. But an unexpected visit from his beloved older brother will set in motion a chain of events that plunge Babe into a vortex of terror, treachery, and murder--and force him into a race for his life . . . and for the answer to the fateful question, "Is it safe?"
Customer Reviews:
IS IT SAFE?..........2007-10-08
This is an excellent spy thriller filled with international intrigue and double-dealing characters. It leaves one wondering just who are the good guys and who are the bad guys. While it sometimes seems a little dated in parts, the book will not fail to capture the imagination of the reader with its intricate plot, clever characters, and humor. Written in a straightforward, cogent style, this book was made into a major motion picture that starred Dustin Hoffman and was a big hit in its day.
Thomas Babington Levy, known as "Babe" to his family, is a Rhodes Scholar, a graduate student historian at Columbia University, and an amateur marathon runner. He has a wealthy older brother, Henry David Levy, whom he affectionately calls "Doc" and believes to be a successful business man.
When Babe meets a beautiful blonde named Elsa Opel, he is in seventh heaven, believing that he has met the woman of his dreams. When he introduces his brother to Elsa, Babe shortly thereafter finds himself enmeshed in international intrigue. It seems that all is not as it has seemed. There is someone out there that believes that Babe has valuable information, and this person will stop at nothing to get that which he most desires.
This is a quick, page turning read that those who like international spy thrillers, replete with old-fashion skullduggery, a Nazi war criminal, multiple murders, and a fortune in diamonds, will enjoy.
Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03
Not a fan. For a thriller, I would say this is too overblown, and it is not quite far enough to the other type of writing to get a good horror book, either. The bad guy being a killer dentist is close to that end of the spectrum, it would seem. Then there is a bit much of the whole running, running, running, theme throughout.
See the movie, forget the book.......2005-11-11
I read this book after seeing the movie, which may have been my first mistake, but nevertheless I was disappointed with the book, considering how much I enjoyed the film.
I had a huge problem with William Goldman's style of prose. His technique is that he writes the prose as though it were the rambling thoughts of the characters that are the focus of whatever section of the book he's writing. So while it may give you a better insight into those characters and their way of thinking, it is very uncomfortable to read because he tends to ramble in long, disjointed sentences that end up driving you crazy by the book's end. I'm a firm believer in good, flowing prose that makes it easy for the reader to continue reading.
Another problem with the prose is that it fails in its intention to put the reader into the minds of the characters. The reason for this is that by the time you're halfway through the book, you realize that Goldman makes no particular effort to differentiate the thoughts and viewpoints of each character. You'll find that Babe, Doc, and Szell all have the same cynical worldview and make the same mental comments to themselves.
To conclude, don't miss out on the movie version with Dustin Hoffman as Babe and a mind-blowing and memorable performance from the late, great Sir Laurence Olivier as the sadistic Szell. Leave the book in the past where it belongs.
Don't Ever Let A Nazi Dentist Work On Your Teeth.......2005-03-03
Ever wonder where all the Nazis that escaped Allied Justice, the ones that weren't allowed to escape that is. Most went to Latin America, which is here Szell "The White Angel," spirited off to alfter the Third Riech fell, Paraguay to be exact. There he stays until the man, his father, who is the man intrusted with Szell's vast wealth of diamonds dies. So Szell needs those diamonds to live. Doc, our hero's big bro. is a spy, but apparently spies need some extra cash now and then so he worked as a courier for delivering the diamonds to wherever they needed to go.
The White Angel thinks Babe (the main character) knows whether or not its safe to get the diamonds, torture of Babe insues. The old Nazi is a dentist so you can imagine how he tortures.
Though I wasn't too impressed with the story itself, already having seen the movie, and they are pretty much just alike, Goldman's prose on the other hand was outstanding, a fast paced well written little book. His dialogue was to die for, quick and witty, giving the characters a 1930's noir aura.
Really if just want to skip the novel and watch the book, feel free. Or if you have seen the movie and want experience the book, you really don't need to. They are nearly identical. Which makes since of course because Goldman wrote the sceenplay, so you'd think he'd stay true to his own work.
A swift, suspenseful page turner of the highest order.......2004-11-21
A well crafted thriller with interesting, complex characters. It is one that I did not want to put down. I only wish there were more pages to it with more background of the characters and more details. It is one that I did not want to end but couldn't wait to get through it to get the whole story.
This is a spy classic. It hasn't lost its edge over time at all. It is some of the best suspense, action writing I have read--skillful and artistic not like some of the packaged, thesaraus writing milled out by some of today's writers.
Go for it; you will be pleased I think.
Book Description
At the request of a local journalist, genealogist Torie OShea sets out to research her Missouri hometowns two mayoral candidates: incumbent Bill Castlereagh and his challenger, Sheriff Colin Brooke, Tories stepfather. With the discovery of a body linked to the Chicago Mafia, Tories research into the mayors genealogy turns up more questions than answers. As the case unravels, the mayor flees town and Torie makes a shocking discovery that might lead to her own demise.
Customer Reviews:
Another good one.......2006-07-02
Rett MacPherson does it again. Her Torie O'Shea continues to be an entertaining character. Genealogy is a big draw and I find tidbits in the story that help in searches. She keeps the pages turning and I hate waiting for the next entry in the series.
Where is the series headed?.......2006-06-05
I have been a fan of Torie's from the first book. However, after finishing this one, I'm left wondering if the author wouldn't be better off wrapping things up here for the O'Sheas, and introducing a new protaginist; I wouldn't mind at all if that were Collette, by the way. I found the antics here a bit over-the-top, but don't want to say much more for fear of spoiling things. Much is made of Rudy's perceived "henpecked" (to use the polite term) status among the townspeople, but I had trouble buying into that based upon what we've seen in the series so far.
One thing that wasn't addressed before, and is not in this book either: Colin lives in Wisteria and runs for New Kassel mayor!? Even *if* there were no actual residency requirement for that position, you'd think it'd be a huge issue nonetheless. I would really like to know whether other readers noticed this issue, and if so, did it bother you, too - or were you able to work around it to get through the story?
One of the better one's.......2006-06-01
I thought this book was pretty good, although there didn't seem to be a murder for quite sometime, more of a disappearance. I did like the interaction of the characters, even Torie's reaction to her husband and stepfather (will not spoil it by going into detail). Gave the character's more life. I am hoping Collette will settle in New Kasel, I love this character and liked the way she turned into somewhat of a side kick for Torie. I feel this is a series that should be started at the beginning and read in order. Several characters that are mentioned in this book could make it confusing to a first time readers. Don't worry though, you will enjoy reading all the books in this series. Highly recommended.
amusing fascinating mystery.......2006-04-22
In New Kassel, Missouri, reporter Sam Hill asks genealogist Torie O'Shea to investigate the background including family trees of the two candidates running for mayor in a close intense election. Though she hates the incumbent Bill Castlereagh and his opponent is her stepfather, Sheriff Colin Brooke, Torie agrees.
She soon finds some interesting oddities in Castlereagh's past that do not add up. Before she can dig deeper, the mayor and his wife vanish. At about the same time a Mafioso from Chicago takes a room at the Murdoch Inn while bikers fire shots at people taking a hayride. Refusing to allow the Mafia to force her off her investigation especially since she has found ties between the gang and the missing mayor and upset with her husband who seems to want her also off the case, Torie keeps probing the past and the present while her marriage appears heading towards incineration.
As always Torie drives the men including the newcomers (and some women) in New Kassel crazy with her escapades. The story line is interesting as the heroine's marital troubles take a back seat to her need to learn what is happening in her small town though Torie is more comfortable digging into the past then the present. She remains an amusing fascinating protagonist able to carry the fun tale, but most readers will have figured out the solution to the mystery early on.
Harriet Klausner
Books:
- Watchmen
- A Mind for Pool: How to Master the Mental Game
- Aftershock: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide
- Alien Contact: Top-Secret Ufo Files Revealed
- Alla Prima: Everything I Know About Painting
- Back To Eden
- Bacteria for Breakfast: Probiotics for Good Health
- Bartlett's Familiar Quotations: A Collection of Passages, Phrases, and Proverbs Traced to Their Sources in Ancient and Modern Literature (17th Edition)
- Cannibal Moon (Deathlands)
- Ceres, Celestial Legend, Volume 9: Progenitor
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