The Life of Chuck

De: Stephen King

Narrado por: Danny Burstein

Stephen King’s “The Life of Chuck,” is a “phenomenal” (USA TODAY) tale of life and legacy—now a feature film directed by Mike Flanagan and starring Tom Hiddleston, Mark Hamill, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Karen Gillan—available for the first time in a beautiful stand-alone edition with a new introduction by Stephen King and a design surprise.

Originally featured in the acclaimed story collection If It Bleeds, this unforgettable, mind-bending tale unfolds in reverse, taking listeners through the extraordinary life of Charles “Chuck” Krantz.

In a crumbling world plagued by natural disasters, collapsing infrastructure, and mass panic, bizarre billboards and advertisements appear throughout town: “Charles Krantz. Thirty-nine great years. Thanks, Chuck!” Marty Anderson, a schoolteacher, becomes obsessed with these messages as the world, inexplicably linked to Chuck’s life, seems to be approaching its end.

Told in three acts, presented in reverse order, The Life of Chuck explores one man’s past. We see him in middle age on a business trip in Boston as he is seduced by a busker into spinning a gorgeous sidewalk dance. And we see him as a child, in a house haunted by a terrible secret, learning to dance with his grandmother. In this book King reminds us that life’s quotidian pleasures are even more glorious because they are fleeting: the outrageous good fortune of a beautiful blue day after a string of gray ones; the delight of dancing when every move feels perfect; a serendipitous meeting. King’s ability to describe pure joy rivals his ability to terrify us.

Now a major motion picture and winner of the Toronto International Film Festival People’s Choice Award, The Life of Chuck is a glorious story about community and about humanity at its best, a celebration of joy, mystery, existential wonder, and the multitudes contained in all of us.

©2025 Stephen King (P)2025 Simon & Schuster Audio

Food For Thought

Food For Thought! This was a REALLY, REALLY great book. You never really know what to expect from The King, ☺️so I’m always a little surprised with the stories he comes up with. This one was really good. I loved this character Charles Krantz 🥰- forgive me if the spelling is incorrect- I listened to the audiobook version so I don’t know how he actually spelled it in the book. Anyways, this story just made me smile, and just feel GOOD!! The relationships were all palpable. 😊So, Stephen made me consider the question: if you could know the date/way you were going to die would you want to know? My answer is yes because I would spend less time worrying about what I do now. 😃And just like that you realize there’s life to be lived! 😉 Thank you Sir King!! Now I want to see this movie.

The wonder of it all

Loved how it reminds us that life is just encapsulated moments, and to cherish every one.

Felt So Good!

I felt so good while listening to this! I always love reading a book before watching the movie or TV show. I could feel his joy while dancing - it's a passion of mine that my older bones don't agree with much. I could see the grandparents so clearly, like I was sitting at the table with them. I am looking forward to the movie.

The love between the characters

Didn’t circle back to other characters after the stars went out. Good night Chuck, it’s been nice.

The Lifr of Chuck

I enjoyed the rhythm and the pace of the reading. I always enjoyed Stephen King's books. listening has become easier than reading. I can still work & do chose while listening....

Thought Provoking

It was too short. Interesting idea. I am looking forward to seeing the movie

Excellent!

I cannot wait to see the movie after listening to this story! Very unexpected story line, and quite symbolic. Stephen King is my hero!

Typical Stephen King brilliance

The story was great. I wish it was longer. Makes me wonder why I never thought of it myself but then there is Stephen King with his wonderful brain. I’m especially looking forward to the movie. Tom Hiddleston dancing? What’s better than that?

A bittersweet read.

This is one of those stories that takes up residence in the recesses of your mind, never to be forgotten. In the beginning, I, too, wanted to know who Chuck was. Now, having learned about him and his short life, I'll never forget it.

I don't understand it, but that's what I love about it

I had lots of questions, such as, why? How? But, then again, does any of that matter? This isn’t a story with a plot that has a beginning, a middle, and an end. It's contemplative and even philosophical. If Stephen King wasn't such a brilliant, creative writer, this novella might not have even been published. The way King weaves such unique insights into these pages, not only is the lack of a plot forgiven, it's forgotten.