A stunning collection from international bestseller Stephen King that displays his phenomenally broad readership (stories published in The New Yorker, Playboy, and McSweeney’s and including the 25,000 word story “Gingerbread Girl” published in Esquire). Stephen King–who has written more than fifty books, dozens of number one New York Times bestsellers, and many unforgettable movies–delivers an … bestsellers, and many unforgettable movies–delivers an astonishing collection of short stories, his first since Everything’s Eventual six years ago. As guest editor of the bestselling Best American Short Stories 2007, King spent over a year reading hundreds of stories. His renewed passion for the form is evident on every page of Just After Sunset. The stories in this collection have appeared in The New Yorker, Playboy, McSweeney’s, The Paris Review, Esquire, and other publications.
Who but Stephen King would turn a Port-O-San into a slimy birth canal, or a roadside honky-tonk into a place for endless love? A book salesman with a grievance might pick up a mute hitchhiker, not knowing the silent man in the passenger seat listens altogether too well. Or an exercise routine on a stationary bicycle, begun to reduce bad cholesterol, might take its rider on a captivating–and then terrifying–journey. Set on a remote key in Florida, “The Gingerbread Girl” is a riveting tale featuring a young woman as vulnerable–and resourceful–as Audrey Hepburn’s character in Wait Until Dark. In “Ayana,” a blind girl works a miracle with a kiss and the touch of her hand. For King, the line between the living and the dead is often blurry, and the seams that hold our reality intact might tear apart at any moment. In one of the longer stories here, “N.,” which recently broke new ground when it was adapted as a graphic digital entertainment, a psychiatric patient’s irrational thinking might create an apocalyptic threat in the Maine countryside…or keep the world from falling victim to it.
Just After Sunset–call it dusk, call it twilight, it’s a time when human intercourse takes on an unnatural cast, when nothing is quite as it appears, when the imagination begins to reach for shadows as they dissipate to darkness and living daylight can be scared right out of you. It’s the perfect time for Stephen King.more
Love King. Had read most of these over the years, but it was good to have them all in one book.
I know that I’ve said similar comments before but I’m not sure why I’m reviewing a Stephen King book. Everyone knows who he is and how he writes. My belief is that people will already have their mind made up one way or another about reading a book written by him; only a very small number of people will end up changing their mind after reading a review. I will point out that the bulk of the stories are reprinted from different publications. I read roughly a quarter of them before but still found them enjoyable. Personally I didn’t find this to be a strong collection of his stories but I still did find them enjoyable.
“The Gingerbread Girl” – I got sort of a INSOMNIA feel off this story. The main character is compelled to do something harmless that she doesn’t understand (taking up running, not jogging but running) and that pulls a thread in her life that ends up changing and saving her life.
“Stationary Bike” – I read this story before but it’s still a good one. The visuals of a team within his body working to keep the main character alive is one that stuck with me. King of course takes it further than a comforting visual.
“The New York Times at Special Bargain Rates” – A story about the dead reaching out and impacting the living. It left me feeling wistful and hopeful. And sad.
Mr King is ALWAYS worth the read
I believe I read this about 8 years ago, when I was at a low point in my life and looking to escape, if for only a short while. It worked its magic on me and, as with most King books, I plan to read it again someday. Highly recommended!
A fine collection of stories from one of my favorite authors. Thank you for “The Things They Left Behind”. This is the first fiction I’ve read that pays homage to the 9/11 tragedy. “A Very Tight Place” made me squeamish. I’m one of the readers who enjoys the author’s notes.
Excellent collection of King short stories
I’m not sure how I missed the publication of this collection of author King’s short stories. I usually buy or receive his books on the first day of publication. But it did make for a nice surprise to be able to read a new (to me) book by the master of the dark and unimaginable. This Constant Reader was a happy camper.
There are thirteen stories in this book and I enjoyed each and every one of them, although the last story in the book A VERY TIGHT PLACE almost made me puke. Ugh…what does it say about me that it was my favorite story in the book?
King, when he’s in top form, is the all-time best at short stories. He brings his characters, good and bad, alive on the page.
Oh, and another thing I liked about the book were King’s notes about each story at the end of the book.
I highly recommend this book if you aren’t plagued by nightmares or too vivid of an imagination.
Another great collection from a great writer. I love Stephen King’s work. If you don’t, first, what, really? How? And then if you don’t, second, okay, then pass on it. Otherwise, great read, great tales.
Total SK fan for years. I think some of his best writing is in his short stories.
He’s not just for horror anymore.
Love his short stories!
Just After Sunset is another collection of short stories by Stephen King. My absolute favorite in this collection is a Very Tight Place. I would call it classic King. It takes a very mundane set-up that everyone can relate to (a rivalry with a neighbor) and takes it to terrifying depths of fear and anger. If you’re claustrophobic in any way, you might want to skip reading this one.