Difference between revisions of "The Running Man"

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(Review)
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===Ugly===
 
===Ugly===
* The introduction of a later reprint spoils the book's ending.
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* The introduction of the 1996 and subsequent reprints spoils the book's ending.
  
 
==Media==
 
==Media==

Revision as of 11:14, 30 August 2022

The Running Man is a dystopian thriller novel by Stephen King, published under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, in May, 1982. The book was adapted into a film with significant changes, and a poorly received video game.

The novel is set in the United States in the year 2025. Following years of economic recession, crime is on the rise, and most Americans are in poverty, while I small majority own most of the wealth. To placate the masses, television has turned to violent game shows where poor contestants can win big money if they don't mind being humiliated, injured, or killed. The most popular show is "The Running Man" where contestants earn money by running from a group of bounty hunters who are trying to kill them. Each contestant is given some money and a head start, and, the longer they survive, the more money they win.

Personal

I saw the film adaption after it was released on home video, probably around 1990, not knowing it was originally a book. Much later in life, I discovered it was an adaptation of a Stephen King novel, but I had no interest in reading it. Then, while looking for a new novel to read, and wanting to expand my knowledge of King's work (without committing to a massive tome), I started this book. I'm currently listening to the audio book read by Kevin Kenerly.

I do not own this book.

Review

Good

  • King has a lot of really good word usage, especially his descriptions and use of similes.
  • Naming the chapters 100 and counting, 99 and counting, etc., is a creative touch.
  • The story creates a lot of palpable tense moments.

Bad

  • Even in the violence-loving world King creates, it doesn't make sense to reward a Running Man contestant with money for killing cops.

Ugly

  • The introduction of the 1996 and subsequent reprints spoils the book's ending.

Media

Links

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