The Long Walk
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4.1 • 63 Ratings
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
In this #1 national bestseller, master storyteller Stephen King, writing as Richard Bachman, tells the tale of the contestants of a grueling walking competition where there can only be one winner—the one that survives.
Against the wishes of his mother, sixteen-year-old Ray Garraty is about to compete in the annual grueling match of stamina and wits known as the Long Walk. One hundred boys must keep a steady pace of four miles per hour without ever stopping...with the winner being awarded “The Prize”—anything he wants for the rest of his life. But, as part of this national tournament that sweeps through a dystopian America year after year, there are some harsh rules that Garraty and ninety-nine others must adhere to in order to beat out the rest. There is no finish line—the winner is the last man standing. Contestants cannot receive any outside aid whatsoever. Slow down under the speed limit and you’re given a warning. Three warnings and you’re out of the game—permanently...
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Ray Garraty along with 99 other teen boys has entered the Long Walk, a grueling march at four miles per hour that continues until only one person is standing. The losers receive bullets to the head. As the march progresses, the numbers dwindle, the challenges of continued marching increase, and the senselessness wears on the participants' state of mind. King (writing as his alter ego, Richard Bachman) delivers another psychologically dark tale with commentary on society, teenage life, and cultural entertainment that is still poignant decades after its original publication. Kirby Heyborne's skills shine in the narrative passages, which he executes with a good mixture of rhythm and emphasis. Heyborne's light and youthful-sounding voice exudes the needed attitude of the mostly male adolescent characters. However, some of his character voices for the teens feel created just for the sole purpose of clearly distinguishing them, rather than matching voice organically to personality. His female voices lack substance, but since there are so few of them, listeners will not be too distracted. A Signet paperback.
Customer Reviews
The Long Walk
Outstanding start, I can’t wait to read the marvellous action.
Thanks for adding it on this app!
The king read
Hmmmm. The long read it should be called. Not exciting. Simple plot. A take on the old man and the sea. I couldn’t relate to any of the characters. It was nice to have it end. However abruptly
This is kings alter ego and less impressive writings
Eye opening
The long walk gives perspective on what to be thankful for, the true meaning of self sacrifice as well the ability to give when all is lost, fate, friendship, love, and most importantly loss all while displaying the fragilties of mankind. Psychological warfare and the effects the mind have on the body are perpetual themes and make you believe you are enduring this enslavement of a walk. Incredible.