Rating: 
Summary: Deeper and deeper we delve
Review: Most "Constant Readers" I know only see how this book ties into Mr. King's Dark Tower series...what people don't seem to realize is that nearly everyone of Mr King's standalone books are intertwined together into an intricate mesh of genius. Deadlights, Crimson King, ka, The Turtle, Flagg...All are in different books, but reside in the same world(s). "Hearts in Atlantis" is just another wonderful book by Mr. King, seething with possibility that some of those other worlds will be revealed to us soon by the true master of modern-day fiction.
Rating: 
Summary: Not the best, but fair
Review: What happened? Bag of Bones and The Girl who Loved Tom Gordan were great, although the latter's ending was a bit predictable. But, this new one is, well, dull. I'm not staying up at night scared for the characters or for myself. It is well written and it is as another "novice critic" said "a chronicle of the 60's", a tragic decade many of his readers have only heard about. It's a really good novel, just don't expect to jump out of your skin. If you do, you will probably be let down.
Rating:
Summary: Comes in with a bang, out with a wimper
Review: I would rate this book five stars - if King had just kept going with the first story (Low Men in Yellow Coats). This story is great, with a strong Lord of the Flies allusion, that actually continues on across the other stories in this collection. The characterizations of the mother, son and recent arrival in the neighborhood are strong. The story also has a subtle "creepiness" that kept me on edge. The other stories in the volume are much less satisfying, as the protagonists are less well developed, and generally less likeable. Hearts in Atlantic (story 2) is the best of the rest, because King succeeds in creating some suspense and an interesting view of the UMaine in the 60's. The other stories are sort of forced.
Rating:
Summary: Boring........
Review: I ran out and bought this book as soon as I heard it was out. I had high hopes for this book as the preliminary reviews said it was worth reading.Instead, what the book entails is four soporific tales that were about as scary as watching the cookie monster on PBS. The monsters / ghosts that were thrown into the four entertwined novellas came as more of an afterthought than an integral part of the story. The monsters did weird things but were never 100% explained. The set of stories start with a young kid growing up in the early 60's. Stories of Vietnam were in the paper, but no one paid any attention to them. As the stories, progress Vietnam and the tension of the times are depicted. Some of the characters from the first story show up in subsequent stories. The novellas wind up in 1999 with some of the main characters facing their final endings. I was left with an empty feeling upon reading many of the stories. They didn't seem to be conclusive and appeared to be an exercise of patience to get through them. King writes well and captures the essence and brand name items of the time ( he does this too well ) but fails to conjure a tale worthy of reading. I was all too glad to go on to a different book.
Rating:
Summary: for anyone who's played hearts or loved in college
Review: Stephen King has written some very good (the Stand / Different Seasons) books and he has also written some very bad (Gerald's Game / Christine) books. This is one of his best, as is what usually happens when he restricts himself and writes shorter pieces. Anyone who has not read his Dark Tower series will be confused as hell as they try to get through the first story Low Men in Yellow Coats, but those who are familiar will find themselves rewarded. King loves to interplay his work between each other and this one is no different. King takes a lesson from the Sound and the Fury here: each of these stories takes a view of a character, but the main link between all the stories (caddy in TSATF and Carol here) is never given a chance to be the focus. It works brilliantly, especially the second story, which will haunt anyone who has struggled through romance in college ("hearts are strong, Pete, most hearts don't break, they just bend") and for anyone who has ever cherchez la femme noire in a good game of hearts. One of the finer works of literature this decade by any writer.
Rating: 
Summary: Loved the First and Last Story
Review: Loved Low Men In Yellow Coats and the last story, not so wild about the ones in between. I felt that the first story had a touch of INSOMNIA as well. Overall, well worth my time!!
Rating:
Summary: Definitely one of his best...
Review: Wonderful novel where every story is tied together in some way...makes you want to keep reading! "Low Men in Yellow Coats" and "Hearts in Atlantis" held your attention and were a fast read. "Blind Willie" and "Why we're in Vietnam" were a bit tedious but brought everything together in their own way. I personally think, Mr King could have had Bobby Garfield and Carol Gerber's stories carry the whole book..I don't believe there was much interest in the other external characters. These 2 characters, in themselves, were interesting and complex. Still I believe this is one his best stories yet and on a more human level than past works .
Rating: 
Summary: Not one of King's better books
Review: Unlike "Bag of Bones" which I couldn't put down. I couldn't wait to finish this one...it was terrible after the first story. The only people who will understand the Vietnam references will be those who experienced it first hand. I was very dissappointed!!
Rating:
Summary: I Don't Rate Five Stars Often
Review: A great piece of work! I loved the way the stories interweaved and the way you learned more about the characters who may have had a minor role in the previous story but play a more important role in the narrative of the next - Each story connects and each adds brushstrokes to create a fabulous read. I also liked how the themes ranged from the supernatural evil of the "low men" to the mundane corruptness of Officer Wheelock. All ranges that no one does like King. I had tears in my eyes at the end. Keep them coming!!!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent comeback for the King!
Review: I have read all of SK's books, and I must admit, I was a little disappointed with some of his recent ventures (Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon, Bag of Bones, Storm of the Century), but Hearts in Atlantis has proved once again that Stephen is King! He's a fabulous storyteller and this book proves it. Since I was born during the Vietnam war, I cannot vouch for the authenticity of the historical perspective, but the story is amazing. And if you're hooked on the Gunslinger series (as I am), you MUST read "Low Men in Yellow Coats" - it *does* shed some light on the mystery...
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