Revisited this story in audiobook form after many, many years. It was rather a different experience, more frightening, than the first time I read it in my late teens. Maybe the teenager me was more comfortable with the idea of the boy's monstrous transformation. Or it may simply be that it feels more real, more possible, to me now than it did 30 years ago. There are so many monstors hiding behind wholesome, smiling masks. Frank Mueller narrates it perfectly, as always. ( )

Great book of novellas. The first story, Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, was just as good as the movie. I was surprised just how faithful the movie was to the story. Apt Pupil was a creepy a disturbing story, as was the movie, which feels like it could happen in real life. The Body, which Stand by Me was based on, was also a great read. Hard to say if the book or movie was better in this case since I really enjoyed both equally. The last story, The Breathing Method, doesn't have any movie adaptations I am aware of and was the weak link in this collection. I was not a bad story per se but didn't hook me nearly as much as the other three did. I definitely recommend this book. ( )

Shawshank Redemption: 3/5
Apt Pupil 3/5
The Body 3.5/5
Breathing Method 3.75/5 ( )

Enjoyed this ( )

Disturbing