The Bazaar of Bad Dreams
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4.4 • 52 Ratings
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- $12.99
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
The short story OBITS won the 2016 Edgar for best short story.
The No.1 bestselling author delivers an 'outstanding' (USA Today) collection of thrilling stories, introducing each one with a fascinating piece on when, where or how he came to write it.
There is a treasure here for every reader: a man who keeps reliving exactly the same life, repeating his mistakes over and over again; a columnist who kills people by writing their obituaries; a poignant tale about the end of the human race and a firework competition between neighbours which reaches an explosive climax. And, exclusive to this paperback edition (and the eBook from 6 September), a brand new story 'Cookie Jar'.
'I made them especially for you,' says King. 'Feel free to examine them, but please be careful. The best of them have teeth.'
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE BAZAAR OF BAD DREAMS
Introduction
Mile 81
Premium Harmony
Batman and Robin Have an Altercation
The Dune
Bad Little Kid
A Death
The Bone Church
Morality
Afterlife
Ur
Herman Wouk Is Still Alive
Under the Weather
Blockade Billy
Mister Yummy
Tommy
The Little Green God of Agony
Cookie Jar
That Bus Is Another World
Obits
Drunken Fireworks
Summer Thunder
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
You’ll stay up much too late reading these shiver-inducing short stories from America’s best horror writer. Each tale is introduced by King himself, who describes his process and motivation. No matter what you fear most—illness, aging, abandoned spaces, carnivorous cars—the stories in The Bazaar of Bad Dreams will find their mark. Thanks to King’s trademark deadpan humour and unnerving insight into the sinister parts of human nature, this is a powerhouse collection with an amazingly good title. It's also an excellent reason to keep the lights on.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Renowned author King's impressive latest collection (after 2010's Full Dark, No Stars) wraps 20 stories and poems in fascinating commentary. Each work's preface explains what inspired it and gives readers insight into King's writing methods, with occasional tidbits of his daily life. The stories themselves are meditations on mortality, destiny, and regret, all of which showcase King's talent for exploring the human condition. Realistic and supernatural elements sit side by side. The tragic "Herman Wouk Is Still Alive" contrasts the charmed lives of two world-famous poets enjoying a roadside picnic with the grim existence of two single mothers who are taking one last road trip. "Under the Weather" tells of a man's fierce love for his wife and the terrifying power of denial. "Summer Thunder," a story about a man and his dog at the end of the world, is a heart-wrenching study of inevitability and the enduring power of love. Other standouts include "Ur," about a Kindle that links to other worlds, and "Bad Little Kid," about a terrifying murderous child (complete with propeller hat). This introspective collection, like many of King's most powerful works, draws on the deepest emotions: love, grief, fear, and hope.
Customer Reviews
Unimpressed
I had to force myself to read the entire book and ended up skipping over some stories. Some of the stories were great and very Stephen King and should have been made into novels - but others were rubbish ! I wish I had waited until this was available in the library instead of wasting my money.
The Baazar of Bad Dreams
I'm a big fan of Mr King, but unfortunately this was a disappointment. I couldn't make it through the book, it was becoming a chore to read. Gave up half way through it.