Review to follow ( )

The book had two time periods. It started when Blaze was in his 20's, maybe older. It repeatedly flashed back to his pre-teen to late teen years, and then back to Current Blaze. I am not a fan. I would rather read a story sequentially. I think I was supposed to like Blaze but I could not get there.
4,426 members; 3.48 average rating; 6/2/2024 ( )

I truly don't understand the poor ratings and dislike for this book....I really enjoyed it. This is one of those rare King treasures that are unique from his typical work......ie, The green Mile, The girl who loved Tom Gordon, Delores Claiborne, etc...its more drama/thriller than true horror. I've always thought King excells in these stories. I loved it! ( )

I love nearly everything written by Stephen King but I didn't love this as much as I wanted to. I don't know if it was the narration or my concern for the baby - but this book was just so so for me. The premise of Blaze a man wants to kidnap a baby so he can do one big con and be set for the rest of his life. The only issue is that Blaze is a few fries short of a happy meal after being repeatedly being thrown down the stairs by his father as a child - for years he would pull cons with his buddy George, but ever since he was stabbed during a poker game he's been on his own. He's a gentle giant and too stupid to do much without George - but George's voice is guiding him on what to do and he wants Blaze to do this kidnapping. Can he pull it off? He is a sympathetic bad guy and the story will give you complicated emotions. I'm sad I didn't like it more. ( )

Not King/Bachman's best work, but certainly gripping (I read it in three days). A definite homage to Of Mice and Men that has you rooting for Blaze no matter how much you know he's clearly in the wrong and not going to triumph. ( )