Every so often, a book reminds us of the importance of reading. It’s not just about the act itself; it’s also about the quality time it provides. Reading helps put life into perspective and offers opportunities for relaxation and downtime. The holidays are filled with nonstop activities, and like many others, I forget to take a moment to rest. I didn’t want to dive into another full-length novel because I felt exhausted; I’m sure many people can relate.
I was delighted to receive a gift from my daughter-in-law: a short story compilation by Stephen King titled “You Like It Darker.” This book indeed addressed my need for a more manageable reading experience.
Published in May 2024, it contains twelve short stories ranging from ten to 200 pages, allowing readers to choose a story based on the time they have available for reading. Although I rarely think of short stories, I believe they are a great way to incorporate mindfulness into reading, for which I am a huge proponent.
So far, I have read three stories, with nine left to go, and I am already impressed by them. They have a unique “Kingesque” touch that intrigues me. These stories lie somewhere between his usual level of horror and a profound darkness that is difficult to explain.
While I cannot speak for all the stories, the ones I have read so far question concepts of mortality and human behavior in a thought-provoking manner. They also blur the lines surrounding the controversy of alien existence and humanity’s urge to seek answers. How far should we go to uncover the truth? Are some secrets better left undiscovered? Sometimes, learning the truth can create chaos for those who discover it and for the people closest to them.
Five of the twelve short stories have never been published and are not connected to any of King’s novels. The remaining stories are based on other books or have been published as standalone novellas or short stories, creating a well-rounded collection.
Reading at a slower pace has given me a sense of calmness while reading I have not enjoyed lately. I blame myself because I always try to read a story until I finish it. Curiosity gets the better of me. I am glad I got this book because I found a new appreciation for short stories and for taking the time to digest the book.
I highly recommend it to anyone looking for quick reads and for those who question if there is life beyond what we see and hear in the physical world. Is there more to our existence, and can we find answers to questions in the spirit world? You like it darker, well, so do I!
You Like It Darker: Stories
From legendary storyteller and master of short fiction Stephen King comes an extraordinary new collection of twelve short stories, many never-before-published, and some of his best.
Writing has always been her passion and a voice for those who cannot speak. She considers herself fortunate to write every day and says her mantra is, “I drink coffee, write, and I know about people and technology.” Her writing is diverse and can be found online on websites like LifeHack, You Have a Calling, Medium, TechCrunch and, She Knows.
