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I live across the country from my Mom, and every now and then she likes to send me packages. I really dont mind, as the only other things I usually get in the mail are junk and bills (not much difference between the two of them). Her packages can contain anything, but more often than not, they contain a Stephen King book.
Stephen King is one of my favorite authors of all times. I could write a whole article praising him and everything hes written. Im rather lazy, and a bit pressed for time, so well leave this to the future. Let it be said, though, that he (along with Isaac Asimov) is the one that inspired me to both reading and writing when I was a kid. He still has the knack, too. Ive never come across another author as good at writing across multiple genres, and as bad at having movies of their works made. Im sure its not his fault.
In any case, recently my package arrived with a King book entitled Everythings Eventual. I found this title to be apt (especially given the timeliness of my articles), although when you read the title story, youll find it to mean something a bit different. It is a collection of short stories by Mr. King. Most of them I havent seen before, but "The Little Sisters of Eluria" appears in that huge Legends compilation.
Read the introduction. Read the comments for each story (either before or after, depending on the story). This is a great chance to not only understand what went into each stories, but to see the author as a person. This is important, somehow. It makes the stories feel more alive.
The stories themselves have a life of their own. "The Man in the Black Suit" is a rather silly (though not intentional) encounter between a child and a rather familiar stranger.
Everythings Eventual is an incredible story about a person with an incredible gift, and what would likely happen to them in this world of ours. "L.T.s Theory of Pets" is a humorous, yet dark story about how pets can be like people too. So true . . .
Few people can match Kings descriptive talents. Even "The Road Virus Heads North," a story about a picture that moves (and does other things as well), at under 30 pages, had me completely entranced. "The Little Sisters of Eluria" is one Ive previously mentioned. Its a parallel part of the Dark Tower series, and a perfect example of why Stephen King is such a popular author.
Its hard to find good short stories nowadays. This is truly sad, because they combine great story with convenience. If I only have a little time, and I dont feel like getting into a full novel (and I get into them, I think of nothing else until Im done), then the short story is the way to go. Even if a novel is what youre looking for, I still recommend this book. Each story has a connection that flows into the next
it makes the book a novel, one in which all the characters live in the same world, one not very far from this one.
-- Chris Reid
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