Textbook example of a missed opportunity

Two quick things before I jump in. First - AUDIBLE HAVE RESOLVED THE ISSUE WITH THE SPOILER. King's chapter, where he discusses the 'twist', has been moved to the end. So please, don't worry about that. Second... for anyone familiar with the movie, it was an extremely loose adaption, with very little to do with this novel. Now that's out of the way...

First, the concept behind this novel is one of the best King ever came up with. The idea of a man 'running' across the entire US, in a slightly dystopian but recognizable near-future, chased by groups of 'hunters', is top notch. However, you won't be surprised to hear that King does not *quite* live up to the promise of that pitch. That framing idea, like a zombie apocalypse, feels like an opportunity to come up with a thousand theories about how you'd go about surviving (in this case, by making it to 30 days). However, King does not take many of those opportunities. Instead of thinking carefully about his plan in the few days he has before going on the run, the main character Ben Richards downs a few bottles of whiskey and eats burgers... which was not a wise use of time. The most obvious plan (head straight for the wilderness) would admittedly make for a boring book; but also, there's a mechanic where Richards has to mail in videos of himself every day, which would make that difficult (this is a very 1970s version of the future, without cellphones or CCTV). That does not, however, preclude hiding in derelict towns outside of cities (of which we're told there are many). Disguises are briefly touched on, but not nearly enough - literally the first thing I'd do in this situation is completely shave my head. I'd get a stray dog, and I'd walk it everywhere whenever I dropped off a video. I'd 'act old'. I'd get a tattoo. Etc. Basically, the first rule of going on the run is don't run - WALK. Blend in. Hide in plain sight. Richards does very little of that here. Additionally, many of his later decisions are just... questionable. They rarely make logical sense as the best course of action at that point. Now, it's a stressful situation, fair enough. But in a few spots, it does stretch credulity a bit. It feels like King is simply making it up as he goes along... which, if you are a constant reader like me, you know is pretty much always the case. But in reality, you can't sell me on the idea that a bright person wouldn't spend their time coming up with sensible plan As, Bs, and Cs. As for the final 'twist'... well, I saw that coming literally five miles off, and so should you. It's screamed at you during the final third of the book. But Ben Richard's actions during the ending... again, they did not make total sense, and also made it hard to root for him. Without giving anything away, there were many, many other routes he could have taken,

On thing that's worth pointing out is that, like many of King's novels of this time, there are a few moments that might be... 'problematic' for modern listeners. Moments would never, ever, EVER get published today (even in King's own works). I'm far too old to be bothered about them, but if you are, well, considered yourself warned.

For the narration, Kevin Kenerly gives an absolutely stellar performance throughout. Literally top notch, and six stars out of five.

Overall, this is far from the worst of King's output, but it's also a long way from the best - and a textbook example of a missed opportunity, despite an absolutely stellar premise. It's good - but not REAL good. If I could give it 3.5 stars overall I would - but I can't in all good conscience give it 4.

- A constant reader

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1 person found this helpful

Good story, mediocre performance.

Good story, spoiled by whispering performance. Also skip the introduction, there is a spoiler for the ending.

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Great narration, mediocre story

The narrator is great, the story itself seems like a first draft. If King really wrote it in 72 hours I wouldn't be surprised.

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A great listen (No spoiler at the start anymore)

The plot spoiler "Importance of being Bachman" is now at the end of the book.
The book starts at minus 100 and counting, so press play and enjoy the ride. I really enjoyed the book and the narration of Kenerly.
I don’t normally buy book less then 10hrs with credits, glad I picked this up in the ‘buy 1 get 1 free’ and will be trying some more Richard Bachman books.

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even better on audio

I'm a big fan of the Bachman books but these are a bit pricey as individuals books but that's the only negative.
the narrator delivers the story well and is convincing in different characters .
definitely worth a credit and don't let the film cloud your judgement.

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3 people found this helpful

Don't be put off by the cheesy 80's movie

A bleak and absorbing book from King's darker alter ego. Very little in common with the 80's movie. Very well narrated. Highly recommended.

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3 people found this helpful

emotional rollercoaster!!!

well upon reading this after seeing the film I can't help but think the movie did not require a change of story, although I'm crushed and feel for the character Ben Richards I just feel this is how it should be portrayed! a real eye opener, just wish for a little more.

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Opening chapter spoils the ending.

Great book, great narrator. Opening chapter spoils the ending, one of my favourite King novels.

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Great short story - shame about the spoilers in the foreword

Great story ruined by king spoiling the ending in the foreword.

Skip the intro if you don’t want the running man spoiled along with some of his other books too.

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Better than expected

This is a title I always wanted to read or listen to but put it off until now because the film version I watched years ago wasn’t that great. Glad I finally got around to listening to the story.

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