How much does an author’s name influence your liking or disliking of a book, consciously or otherwise? How far would you go before it changes your opinion? And I got to finally pick up Elevation by Stephen King, who is one of my favorite authors. Read ahead to see how it worked out for me!
Elevation by Stephen King is a novella that will hold your attention and won't haunt you like his other books. But that may not be entirely a good thing. Read more about here. Share on XAbout Elevation by Stephen King
Book Name: Elevation
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Fiction – Paranormal, Thriller
Characters: Scott Carey, Missy and Deirdre, Doctor Bob Ellis
Setting: Castle Rock, Maine, The United States of America
Plot Summary of Elevation
Set in the much beloved Castle Rock, the recent divorcee Scott Carey has a peculiar problem. He is constantly losing weight even though his form doesn’t change and he has been eating quite well.
He nor his doctor can find the reason and Scott doesn’t want to make a spectacle of himself by undergoing tests. What would happen to him when he finally reaches zero on the scale remains a mystery either of them.
Meanwhile his lesbian neighbors faces pressure from their conservative towners. While Scott doesn’t get along with them initially, he befriends them and tries to help them win over the others as well. What does it have to do with his losing weight?
You might have to read Elevation by Stephen King to know more.
Book review of Elevation
Obviously I picked Elevation because it was written by Stephen King and all the hype it received on the Goodreads. Well, he nor his writing disappointed me. I usually love him making his political stands in the story, even if they seem overdone sometimes. And well, I was given what I asked but the Castle Rock was color red? That was shocking.
I am not into Science Fiction, like at all. So I wasn’t prepared for sci-fi (I am being really generous about the label) to be sold as horror. It is not horror. I can’t believe how Elevation won the Goodreads Choice awards for horror in 2018. (What were you all thinking when you nominated/voted, people?)
Like many other books of his, it left me with a few unanswered questions. I wish it were a bit longer and gave a bit more depth to the characters. Well, I can only wish.
And to answer my own question, yes, I read and enjoyed Elevation only because of King’s name on it. And I can only wonder if I would have done either if it were someone else’s or even if it labelled correctly as fantasy, instead of horror.
Things that worked for me
- I loved King’s not so subtle dig at the USA’s political scenario.
- I liked the writing (obviously) and made me wish it was a bit longer.
- It is not the usual “horror” that we are used to in Stephen King’s books, and it is not entirely bad thing.
Things that didn’t work for me
- Well, it is not quite your usual King’s horror and it definitely not going to keep you awake all night.
- If you are someone who wants politics away from reading, then this might be a distraction.
Bottom-line
Elevation is a novella that will hold your attention and won’t haunt you like the other Stephen King’s. But that may not be entirely a good thing.
Similar reviews you might like
- Rose Madder by Stephen King
- Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
- Forsaken by J D Barker
- The Devil’s Prayer by Lucas Gracias
- Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
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Let us chat
Have you read Elevation by Stephen King? What are you reading currently? Do you feel disappointed with an author based on their other books? Let us talk.
Great review! I’ve been thinking about checking this out for some time. May just have to give it a go.
Let me know if you ever end picking it up!
Your review on Elevation is great and I definitely want to read it.
Thank you!
I always pick a book because of the author. I have never read Stephen King though my friends always go crazy over his writing but this year, I hope to change that.
I’m currently reading Kintu by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi, it’s brilliant and because it’s set in my own country -Uganda, everything is familiar. She talks about issues that were taboo.
I can’t think of any books I have read set in Uganda. I am definitely up for some recs!
Oh!! you look up Waiting by Goretti Kyomuhendo. You won`t regret it.
Oh I will check that out. Thank you!
I absolutely love Stephen King! The thing that would really hold me back on this one is the novella factor. They always seem too short and too abrupt. Great review!
I agree with that. Novellas are either too short or too long! They are weird size!
Have to yet read King! I know..I know.. and my plan is to start with his book on writing…
Let me know how it goes! My fingers are crossed..
I avoid all of his books.
Ha ha! That is understandable!
I’ve never heard of this one and I didn’t know he wrote anything besides horror. Thanks for sharing!
You are in for a surprise!
I honestly haven’t read any of his books!
You are missing out!
I’ve never read Stephen king, think I need to change that! Lovely review
You have to give his books a try at least.
I’m seeing mixed reviews on this one
Yes, I did the same.
Good to know about this not being a scary/horror read! His scary books are what I love, so I’ll probably stay away from this one.
Yes, going forward I am gonna do that too.
I’ve never read a Stephen King book, even though I own a few. I think a novella might be a good start. Great review.
Oh you are missing out on many of his good ones.
I thought all Stephen King’s books were horror so I’ve stayed well away from them. I’m very interested in reading this one now.
Let me know how it goes!
I feel like King writes a lot of genres but because it’s him and he mostly writers horror, everyone says it is when sometimes it isn’t! He writes pyschological thrillers, suspense, science fiction sometimes and all of it gets called horror! I need to read more of his fiction as well…
Olivia-S @ Olivia’s Catastrophe
I totally agree!