The Running Man by Stephen King Summary and Reviews
|
List Price: Our Price: $4.16 You Save: $3.83 (48%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.40 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of The Running Man
Book Review: Don't think of the movie!
Summary: 5 Stars
I read several Stephen King books before attempting this one. No, it wasn't long like 'The Stand' or 'Bag of Bones', and in fact, it is one of his shorter books, just over 300 pages long. But I saw the movie, and, well, I hated it. I thought it was terrible, really, and somehow I thought the book might be the same. I am aware that books are nearly always better, but come on! How could a movie go so astray from the book? It seemed to happen here. First, the book is broken into 100 chapters, and at 300 pages for the book, each chapter is only about 3 pages long. I think the longest is 5, which means you breeze straight through it in less than a day if you try. The action is non-stop, the plot is great, and you're hoping that Ben Richards survives when you close it again. However, with such a great plot and ideas, this book should have been longer. LONGER?! Yes, I know, I never thought I would want a Stephen King book to be longer, but this one should have...I just hated to see it end.
Since reading it, I have borrowed the book to a few friends, and they all love it, too. (Much for the same reasons!) There are no monsters or spirits in this book, but a man fighting for survival in the near future. And with CBS's 'Survivor' and ABC's 'The Mole' now airing on TV, it looks like the world may soon reach 'The Running Man'. That's what makes this book so scary; it's just too real for words. So if you're looking for a quick read--like for a roadtrip or for a plane flight--or just for your own enjoyment, grab this one. But if you're looking for something to get completely involved with for the next 3 months, think about a different title. You'll love the characters, but it might not be long enough for some people.
Book Review: Dragged on a bit, but still an excellent read
Summary: 4 Stars
I found this book well written, and had a thrilling edge to it. It almost felt like I was the one being chased! I would rate it five stars if they would have made the movie better, and shortened the chase a bit. His running from the hunters dragged on, when I would of rathered King write more about his life before.Book Review: Eerily prophetic action novel
Summary: 4 Stars
The Running Man is a quick and exciting read - nonstop action will keep you turning the pages. In 2025, reality television dominates the airwaves, putting health and even lives at stake. King's vision in 1982 is uncomfortably close to the current state of entertainment media. It's more unsettling to read today than back in the early eighties.For a Stephen King novel, The Running Man is unusually concise and not too gory. He describes only what's necessary to sketch out a bleak future. Unfortunately, this is also why his characters suffer a bit. The hero has but one motivation (to stay alive) and his feelings aren't really discussed. However, as a plot-driven story, it's understandable that character development takes a back seat.
The Running Man is designed to thrill and chill! Recommended for any fan of science fiction and action movies!
Book Review: Enjoyed the book. Don't read the preface from King!
Summary: 5 Stars
First off, do *NOT* read the preface from King. He gives away the ending. Arggh. His comments should come at the end of the book.
Good, enjoyable easy read. Little darker than the movie.
Book Review: Excellent
Summary: 5 Stars
Excellent book! When I picked up this book, I couldn't place it down until I was at the last page.