Elevation by Stephen King (Audiobook)

Goodreads Description

The latest from legendary master storyteller Stephen King, a riveting, extraordinarily eerie, and moving story about a man whose mysterious affliction brings a small town together—a timely, upbeat tale about finding common ground despite deep-rooted differences.

Although Scott Carey doesn’t look any different, he’s been steadily losing weight. There are a couple of other odd things, too. He weighs the same in his clothes and out of them, no matter how heavy they are. Scott doesn’t want to be poked and prodded. He mostly just wants someone else to know, and he trusts Doctor Bob Ellis.

In the small town of Castle Rock, the setting of many of King’s most iconic stories, Scott is engaged in a low grade—but escalating—battle with the lesbians next door whose dog regularly drops his business on Scott’s lawn. One of the women is friendly; the other, cold as ice. Both are trying to launch a new restaurant, but the people of Castle Rock want no part of a gay married couple, and the place is in trouble. When Scott finally understands the prejudices they face–including his own—he tries to help. Unlikely alliances, the annual foot race, and the mystery of Scott’s affliction bring out the best in people who have indulged the worst in themselves and others.

My Thoughts

Elevation is Stephen King’s latest release.  It’s a short book compared to most of his but it still packs a pretty big punch. What I admire about King’s writing is how he embroils you in his characters lives within minutes of starting one of his stories. This book is no different.

Scott Carey has been losing weight steadily even though to everyone else he looks the same. Even stranger he weighs the same in or out of his clothes even with the pockets weighted down. He confides in Doctor Bob Ellis but even he has no idea what’s going on with Scott. Will Scott continue to lose weight until he disappears entirely…

What I liked most about this novel is how it tackles things like intolerance showing us that it shouldn’t be. That kindness and generosity take us a lot further in life. How Scott’s illness brings together a group of people who never would have been friends otherwise.

The novel also includes a really short story at the end. At first I didn’t like it but in true King fashion he pulled me into the character of Laurie as well. This one had a bit more of the normal King horror in it.

Audio Thoughts

I enjoyed the audio. It is narrated by King himself and he has a really good reading voice. He adds emphasis in the most perfect spots bringing his story alive for the listener.

Recommendation

I can’t say this was a favourite of mine as far as King novels are concerned but I still enjoyed it and think King fans will as well. The added bonus of King’s narration is a true treat.

 

Source: Personal copy.