You Like It Darker is a collection of short stories from Stephen King, narrated by Will Patton. A mix of new and old stories filled with chill and thrills from the king of horror.

You Like It Darker
by Stephen King
Narrator: Will Patton
Length: 20 hours and 12 minutes
Genres: Horror
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x

‘You like it darker? Fine, so do I’, writes Stephen King in the afterword to this magnificent new collection of twelve stories that delve into the darker part of life—both metaphorical and literal. King has, for half a century, been a master of the form, and these stories, about fate, mortality, luck, and the folds in reality where anything can happen, are as rich and riveting as his novels, both weighty in theme and a huge pleasure to read. King writes to feel ‘the exhilaration of leaving ordinary day-to-day life behind’, and in You Like it Darker, readers will feel that exhilaration too, again and again.

‘Two Talented Bastids’ explores the long-hidden secret of how the eponymous gentlemen got their skills. In ‘Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream’, a brief and unprecedented psychic flash upends dozens of lives, Danny’s most catastrophically. In ‘Rattlesnakes’, a sequel to Cujo, a grieving widower travels to Florida for respite and instead receives an unexpected inheritance – with major strings attached. In ‘The Dreamers’, a taciturn Vietnam vet answers a job ad and learns that there are some corners of the universe best left unexplored. ‘The Answer Man’ asks if prescience is good luck or bad and reminds us that a life marked by unbearable tragedy can still be meaningful.

King’s ability to surprise, amaze, and bring us both terror and solace remains unsurpassed. Each of these stories holds its own thrills, joys, and mysteries; each feels iconic. You like it darker? You got it.

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Twelve tales to entertain you in this collection. Some have been previously published and a few are new. Either way, the perfect audiobook to take along on a road trip!

• Two Talented Bastids – This was a curious story about two struggling friends with a cabin in the woods who became successful, one an artist and the other a writer and how it all came to be. The story is told by the writer’s son after his passing. What happened in those woods? 5 cups.
• The Fifth Step – A creeptastic tale about a stranger’s confession on a park bench. 5 cups.
• Willy the Weirdo – I was familiar with this story and discovered it was published in McSweeney’s Issue 66. A strange boy and his chats with his dying grandfather. Creepy. 5 cups.
• Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream – When Danny awakens from a bad dream about a dead body, it’s so real he investigates and soon finds himself accused of the crime. King weaved a clever tale with interesting characters and I devoured it. 5 cups.
• Finn – This was a creepy tale about a young man with no luck who is accidentally mistaken for someone else. Creepy. 4 cups.
• On Slide Inn Road – A shortcut goes terribly wrong for a family traveling with their grandpa. 4 cups.
• Red Screen – Conspiracy theory hatched and what happens when people believe. A curious tale that will leave you uneasy. 4.5 cups.
• The Turbulence Expert– I will be flying in July and oh boy! 4 cups.
• Laurie- a grieving man receives a dog from his daughter. An interesting tale I listen to previously as a bonus on an audio.
• Rattlesnakes- a gripping tale and sequel to Cujo. This was a creepy tale that kept me listening. 4.5 cups.
• The Dreamers- a good tale that took me back. I could totally see this being a movie. 4.5 cups
• The Answer Man- a twisted tale that kept me listening. I am convinced I would not ask for answers. 5 cups.

You Like It Darker, was narrated by Will Patton and the perfect collections for fans of Stephen King. I loved listened because, hello- Will Patton. The man is perfect for narrating these chilling tales.

Amazon | Audible

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2024 Audiobook Challenge

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/06/you-like-it-darker-stories-by-stephen-king.html

In The Zeroth Day, Daniil Rozental masterfully crafts a dystopian narrative that blurs the lines between reality and virtuality. Former actor Nikolai Vasilyev, a man haunted by his past and the death of his wife, is thrust into a disorienting quest when he is asked to deliver a mysterious package in exchange for the alcohol he uses to drown his sorrows. This seemingly simple task forces Nikolai to question everything he once believed to be true in a world where reality and virtuality are indistinguishable.

Rozental’s novel is a profound exploration of a has-been actor’s search for meaning years after a devastating loss. The story provides a compelling commentary on a world increasingly leaning into the virtual and the impact this shift has on the human experience. Nikolai’s palpable grief and confusion make him a relatable and perfect unreliable narrator, drawing readers deeper into his disoriented perspective. Rozental’s evocative and inspiring imagery enhances the hauntingly real atmosphere of the story. The narrative is masterful, populated with entertaining and authentic characters, and written with a wonderful style that keeps readers engaged.

The Zeroth Day is an excellent choice for general fiction enthusiasts, it also appeals to those who enjoy fantasy. Whether delving into the deeper meanings of the plot or reading for sheer enjoyment, this novel offers something for everyone. Despite its occasional intentional ambiguity, it remains a relatively easy read that continuously intrigues and leaves readers eager for more.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/03/the-zeroth-day/

Stimulating children’s imagination can significantly enhance their social and emotional skills, and this is beautifully exemplified in Oh, No, Bunny – You’re Still Not Funny! by Michele L. Sayre. The story follows non-identical twins Sorcha and Dmitry, who each wish for a different pet. Their father responds by sharing a childhood tale of his imaginary friend, Yakov the bunny. Initially, the children underestimate the importance of the story, but the next day, they are visited by Yakov himself, who encourages them to enjoy a fun-filled day at the neighborhood block party, trying new and exciting things.

I found this book delightful for its easy-to-follow narration and humorous tone. The story is dynamic, with the children engaging in numerous activities in a single day, such as participating in a three-legged race and playing in a bounce house. This lively narrative will inspire young readers to invent their own games and activities. Additionally, the interactions between the characters are heartwarming; the children share a wonderful relationship with their father, marked by honesty and open expression, which serves as an ideal example of family bonding.

Yakov, the hyperactive bunny, adds a layer of excitement and chaos, making for some humorous and loving moments with the kids. The story itself is very creative, teaching children to be themselves while understanding the limits during play. Siblings Sorcha and Dmitry serve as excellent role models, demonstrating positive behavior and strong family bonds. In addition, the interactions between the father and children are relatable, making this book enjoyable for both kids and adults to read together.

Oh, No, Bunny – You’re Still Not Funny! is a captivating and fun story that encourages imagination, creativity, and strong family relationships, making it a wonderful addition to any child’s bookshelf.

Pages: 89 | ASIN : B0D2VQ4HGY

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/03/oh-no-bunny-youre-still-not-funny-happy-tails/

Torn by William A. Prin MD is a thought-provoking exploration of the complex and sensitive issues surrounding the pro-life and pro-choice debate. With a medical background that he regards with mixed feelings, Dr. Jack Conley provides a unique perspective that blends scientific insight with emotional depth, highlighting the stakes when the country’s fate hinges on these contentious discussions.

One of the book’s strongest attributes is its balanced approach. Prin doesn’t merely advocate for one side of the argument; he gives voice to both pro-life and pro-choice perspectives. This balanced view helps readers appreciate the nuances and deeply personal nature of the debate. The writing stands out for its clarity and accessibility, making complex medical and ethical concepts easier to grasp. Prin’s straightforward style ensures that even readers without a medical background can follow along and understand the key points. The book’s thorough exploration of its main arguments ensures that readers fully grasp the nuances of the pro-life and pro-choice debate. This detailed approach reinforces ideas and makes complex issues more accessible. Additionally, while the book strives for neutrality, it effectively sparks thoughtful reflection and discussion, encouraging readers to consider various perspectives based on their own viewpoints.

Torn is a valuable read for anyone seeking to understand the intricacies of the abortion debate and the interplay between health sector issues and politics. It encourages empathy and informed discussion, making it a significant contribution to this ongoing conversation. This book is a must-read for those looking for deeper insight into these critical issues.

Pages: 382 | ASIN : B0CV7PP55L

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/03/torn-2/

Little Ships, by Sandra J. Scofield, offers a poignant exploration of grief, loss, and the delicate process of rediscovering joy in life. This novel is artfully composed, treating its characters with a tender yet determined touch that echoes Lynne Bryant’s The Mother Gene. Set in Oregon, the narrative centers on the Beckers and the Sunderssons, two families linked by the marriage of Nick Becker and Karin Sundersson. Nick, Karin, and their daughters, Juni and Tilde, form a close-knit unit. However, Karin’s sudden death uproots them to the Becker household—home to Nick’s parents, Eleanor and Walter, his sister Alison, and her daughter Fiona.

The story unfolds through their adjustments and accommodations, from reallocating space in the house to managing personal keepsakes like Karin’s jewelry and planning the girls’ weekends with their grandmother Helve. Eleanor, at 59, anticipates retirement but instead finds herself at the center of her family’s needs, embodying a quiet determination to nurture her granddaughters and support her son. Her efforts to reconcile with past resentments and cope with emerging family secrets add depth to her character and the family dynamics. Scofield’s narrative style combines clarity with evocative brevity, effectively painting vivid scenes and emotions without overwrought descriptions. The early chapters, laden with pathos, gradually transition to reveal the complex relationships within the family, offering insights into how everyday life can both challenge and heal those in mourning.

Little Ships stands out for its balanced portrayal of tragedy and the essential role of a supportive family network in fostering hope and resilience. This novel skillfully captures the myriad ways life’s everyday flow can both erode and soothe the sharp edges of grief.

Pages: 339 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CT47B3K1

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/03/little-ships/

Petunia the Perfectionist follows a young girl who is determined to achieve perfection in everything, usually forgetting to relax and just have fun. What was the inspiration for your story?

My oldest daughter, now 11, and I have something in common: we are both perfectionists. We strive to be “perfect” in all we do, even at the cost of relaxing and enjoying life more. This has been something I’ve been working on since I was in my 20s, but seeing it in my daughter really hit home: I knew I needed to work harder at letting go of the need to be perfect, so I could model the importance of making mistakes — and learning from our mistakes — for my child. Truly, the book was deeply inspired by her first grade teacher, Ms. Bruce. On their first day of school, Ms. Bruce told the kids that she loves when students make mistakes, because every time you make a mistake, your brain grows. This helped us change the negative narrative around mistake-making, and taught us that making mistakes means we’re trying and learning new things!

Children today are often overwhelmed with social media and seeing “perfection” online, leading to an unrealistic view of themselves. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?

While Petunia doesn’t have social media in Petunia the Perfectionst, I agree that this is a huge problem in today’s culture (not just for children, but for adults too!). As I was developing Petunia’s character, I really wanted to portray her as the ultimate perfectionist — the child who is so afraid to make a mistake, that she’ll forgo having fun with her friends and family to read, color inside the lines, practice her guitar for hours, etc. She desperately wants to be perfect. This extreme personality trait was important to me so that when she actually does make a mistake — and realizes that something GOOD comes from it — it makes a bigger impact on readers.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

One major idea I wanted to convey in Petunia the Perfectionist is the importance of having a growth mindset and understanding that mistakes don’t mean we’re failures, but rather that they give us an opportunity to continue to learn and grow. I also wanted to convey the importance of self-compassion. In this book, Petunia lets her friends off the hook for making mistakes, but she won’t do the same for herself. Why? Why does she extend more grace and compassion to others, but holds herself to a higher standard? I want readers to understand the importance of SELF-love and compassion, and know that it’s OK to offer those things to ourselves, too.

What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?

To be determined — but when I’m able to share it with you, I will!

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/03/self-love-and-compassion/