It has been suggested that Finn (short story) be merged into this article. (Discuss) Proposed since May 2024. |
You Like It Darker is a collection of twelve stories by American author Stephen King, published by Scribner in May 2024. It delves into the darker aspects of life, both metaphorically and literally. Exploring themes such as fate, mortality, luck, and the unexpected turns of reality, the book comprises a mix of new and previously published stories. Each narrative, distinct in its approach, collectively contributes to this volume, marking its first comprehensive assembly.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] The book was announced on November 6, 2023, via Entertainment Weekly, which provided a look at the book's wraparound cover, table of contents, and an excerpt from "Rattlesnakes", a sequel to King's 1981 novel Cujo.[8]
 First edition cover | |
| Author | Stephen King |
|---|---|
| Audio read by |
|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Horror |
| Publisher | Scribner |
Publication date | May 21, 2024 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover), eBook, Audiobook |
| Pages | 502 |
| ISBN | 978-1668037713 |
| Preceded by | If It Bleeds |
Stories edit
| # | Title | Originally published in | Type[9] |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Two Talented Bastids | Previously unpublished | Novella |
| 2 | "The Fifth Step" | March 2020 issue of Harper's Magazine | Short story |
| 3 | "Willie the Weirdo" | McSweeney's 66 (Spring 2022)[nb 1] | Short story |
| 4 | Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream | Previously unpublished | Novella |
| 5 | "Finn" | Finn e-book (2022) | Short story |
| 6 | "On Slide Inn Road" | October/November 2020 issue of Esquire Magazine | Short story |
| 7 | "Red Screen" | Red Screen e-book (2021) | Short story |
| 8 | "The Turbulence Expert" | Flight or Fright (2018) | Short story |
| 9 | "Laurie" | stephenking.com (2018)[10] | Short story |
| 10 | Rattlesnakes | Previously unpublished | Novella |
| 11 | The Dreamers | Previously unpublished | Novella |
| 12 | The Answer Man | Previously unpublished | Novella |
Selected stories edit
The collection has a diverse range of stories, each delving into aspects of the human experience, often through a lens of supernatural or psychological horror.[8] Each story in You Like It Darker offers an exploration of themes such as fate, grief, the supernatural, and the line between the known and the unknown.[4] Notable stories within the collection include:
Rattlesnakes edit
Serving as a sequel to King's 1981 novel Cujo, this tale follows a grieving widower who, in search of solace, travels to Florida. However, his journey takes an unexpected turn when he receives a peculiar inheritance, accompanied by significant conditions.[8][11]
Two Talented Bastids edit
This story unravels the concealed secret behind the remarkable abilities of the titular characters, offering a narrative rich in mystery and revelation.[8]
Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream edit
Focusing on the impact of a sudden and unprecedented psychic event, this tale explores the profound upheaval caused in numerous lives.[8]
The Dreamers edit
A narrative centered around a reticent Vietnam veteran who, upon responding to a job advertisement, discovers that certain realms of the universe are better left undiscovered.[8] Stephen King said that though it's very rare that he scares himself with what he writes, a story in the upcoming collection titled The Dreamers was "so creepy" that he "couldn’t think about it at night".[12]
The Answer Man edit
This story probes the dual nature of prescience, contemplating whether it constitutes good fortune or a curse, and reflects on how lives marked by profound tragedy can still hold significance.[8]
Publication edit
The collection was published on May 21, 2024 by Scribner. It is available in physical, digital and audio book formats.[13]
Critical response edit
The book debuted at number one on The New York Times fiction best-seller list for the week ending May 25, 2024.[14]
In his USA Today review, Brian Truitt commends Stephen King's You Like It Darker for its array of twelve dark and engaging stories. The collection is praised for revisiting familiar characters and settings while exploring new horrors, such as deadly snakes, ghosts, and mad scientists. Truitt highlights King's ability to blend horror with deeper themes of talent, unrealized dreams, and existential musings. Despite some less impactful stories, the collection is noted for its gripping narrative and ability to evoke fear.[15]
Kirkus Reviews points out that while some stories might feel less developed, the overall collection remains engaging. The review appreciates the familiar "King staples" and notes that the stories successfully revisit old haunts and characters, providing a mix of suspense and horror.[16]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ Pride, Philippa (2024). "YOU LIKE IT DARKER, A NEW COLLECTION OF STORIES, IS COMING IN MAY 2024". Stephen King Books UK. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
- ^ Constant, Paul (January 18, 2024). "The most anticipated books of 2024: from Stephen King to Kathleen Hanna". The Seattle Times. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
- ^ "You Like It Darker". Stephen King's Official Website. 2024. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
- ^ a b "You Like It Darker: Stories by Stephen King". Barnes & Noble. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
- ^ King, Stephen (2024). You Like It Darker. Stories by Stephen King. Scribner. ISBN 978-1-6680-3771-3. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
{{cite book}}:|website=ignored (help) - ^ King, Stephen (2024). You Like It Darker: Stories. Scribner. ISBN 978-1668037713.
- ^ "You Like it Darker, by Stephen King". Cemetery Dance Publications. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
- ^ a b c d e f g Collis, Clark (November 6, 2023). "Read the start of Stephen King's Cujo sequel in excerpt from story collection, You Like It Darker". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
- ^ Vincent, Bev (May 20, 2024). "Bev Vincent explores You Like it Darker by Stephen King". CemeteryDance.com. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
- ^ King, Stephen. ""Laurie"" (PDF). Retrieved 2024-01-22.
- ^ Lynn Tozan, McKenzie (7 November 2023). "We're Screaming: New Stephen King Short Story Collection & 'Cujo' Sequel: 'You Like It Darker". Lit Shark. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
- ^ Reed, Betsy (August 16, 2023). "Stephen King says he may continue the Talisman series". The Guardian. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
- ^ "You Like It Darker: Stories". Kazoo Books. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
- ^ "Combined Print & E-Book Fiction". The New York Times. June 9, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
- ^ Truitt, Brian (May 21, 2024). "Review: Stephen King knows 'You Like It Darker' and obliges with sensational new tales". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
- ^ "You Like It Darker by Stephen King. The disturbing stories in King's latest collection will seep into your psyche and haunt you". Kirkus Reviews. May 1, 2024. Retrieved 2024-05-31.