Elevation

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: Stephen King

Length: 3 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Stephen King reads his latest novel - plus a bonus story, “Laurie,” unavailable in book form!

“As the narrator, King enhances the story’s good-hearted appeal with this twangy, aw-shucks delivery. He gives a strong portrayal of everyman Scott Carey, whose strange affliction sends him on a quest of self-discovery and neighborly kindness. And King’s isn’t just a pleasant voice. He crafts a polished aural experience with a keen sense of pacing and fun accents for his motley Maine characters.” (AudioFile)

Number-one New York Times best seller

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.

From Stephen King, our “most precious renewable resource, like Shakespeare in the malleability of his work” (The Guardian), Elevation is an antidote to our divisive culture, as gloriously joyful (with a twinge of deep sadness) as It’s a Wonderful Life.

©2018 Stephen King (P)2018 Simon & Schuster

Good not great.

The story was good, but the ending wasn't really as much as I hoped for.

And then what?

Like others, I thought the two stories would have a connection. At the end of Laurie, I kept thinking I had missed something - the tape had skipped to the end and there were chapters still unheard. I gave these 2 stories three stars because Laurie was actually very good... except the ending, which just kind of sat there. Disappointing because it could have been so much better. Elevation needed to be more believable (yes, this is an oxymoron when talking about SK books... but we needed at least a clue as to what happened and why). Overall, not his best - not by a long shot. :-(

Wonderful.

These two stories both deserve the best reviewed that I could give them. Elevation what’s sad but it was also very touching and inspiring. Scott was an absolute hero and he brought an entire town together before having to leave. Lori was equally fabulous. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time because I lost my dog in August and I kept waiting for something terrible to happen to the dog, especially when the alligator came along. Anyway, good job from a long time constant reader. I would recommend the stories to anyone.

Two great pieces of Fiction by King, master of character development

Main story is wonderful and uplifting. Second story also a beautiful work that will speak to anyone who has ever loved a dog. Stephen King should record every single one of his books. I have listened to every King Audiobook. Lot’s of great readings, but the ones he does himself, are always my favorites.

Mixed Feelings About it, but Overall a Good Short

Elevation was an interesting short story that makes you kind of think about what you'd do if you know time was running out on a meaningful life. Not sure I'd want to go out like that, but hey, if you're willing...

Stephen King's narration is always one that semi-amazes me and simultaneously doesn't do anything for me. A great storyteller and an okay orator

Fun Stories That Make You Think

I love that Stephen King can take the absolute ordinary things in life and weave a story in such a way that you start to believe in them. Losing weight can mean something so much more when you are actually losing gravity.

A Quick One

Short, and therefore not as satisfying as it could be. This is a decent Stephen King story, but it feels more like the beginning of a longer story. It would also make sense as one of 4 novellas published together like Four After Midnight or Different seasons.

I'm not always a fan of Stephen King reading his own material, but he did a great job with this one.

Spoiler alert(?). The included extra story (previously published) is a good one.

I feel the Triumph and pain

both stories drag me in as a listener and gave me visual as the triumph of the first story all the way through his anguish to later turning to a delightfully suprise ending, Second Story was just the right amount of length and told the tale that we may have heard before minus a few added details but was still heartfelt and had a Stephen King twist at the end

Two Good, Short King Stories

Elevation contains the title story "Elevation" and the shorter story "Laurie"

Elevation is about Scott Carey, a web designer living in Castle Rock Maine who suddenly discovers he is losing weight, while simultaneously not losing any mass. This mysterious process is slowly but surely speeding up as he finds himself wound up in the affairs of his neighbors, a lesbian couple who are encountering the prejudice of the town.

The story is short and sweet. Scott's genuine desire to help these people while grappling with his strange situation results in a heartwarming story about friendship, understanding, and grief. It has been criticized for its more overtly political subject matter, but in telling a story of prejudice, it would be unrealistic to avoid talking about the political issues faced by the characters. If that turns you off from the story before getting too deep in, I'm afraid you'll be missing out on the more charming and enjoyable turns the story takes as it moves on.

Laurie tells the story of a widower whose sister brings him a puppy to help cope with the loss of his wife. This is a very simple man and his dog story. its heartfelt and in some ways saccharine, while building up to an unexpected finale.

King's narration is well served in this audio book. His reading lends a personal and emotional touch that comes from a writer reading his work as he envisioned it, similar to the effort put forward in the Bag of Bones audio book. It may not be for everyone, but I find that his Maine accent helps to ground the story in its setting.

All in all, as short as this book is I thoroughly enjoyed the stories.

Elevation

Read this book to find your own "elevation" . I love the story and could not stop reading.