Rating: 
Summary: This here review only concerns the brainstorming "Rage"!
Review: This is a Richard Bachman book. Here one male individual, due to some roadwork around his home, blows his top and gets destructive against this consumer's society that does not provide individuals with peace and quiet, security and a healthful and healthy future. he becomes berserk and he starts destroying anything that comes from there, from out there, from this society, and then symbolically this society itself. And he does that to celebrate Christmas and New Year. His solution is final and has no return. This book reveals that a society that does not provide people with an outlet for their desire for change, a procedure for them to change their society in a way or another, they have to turn violent one way or another, either violent against other people or violent against themselves. The development of globalization is a perfect demonstration of this phenomenon. The global process is not under the control of the people, so they become discontented and they may become violent : violent in demonstrations, violent in their everyday life, violent against other people or themselves, even suicidary. Their aim becomes the pure and simple destruction of everything they can lay their hands on and that represents, in their eyes, this global society. Here it will be a McDonald restaurant. There it will be a confrontation with the police. Overthere it will be the destruction and looting of stores. And so on without any limits. This book is a call for a society where every individual will be associate with the decisions and will be able to air their ideas, opposition or agreement, a society where the opinions of individuals will be absolutely crucial, asked for and respected. And this starts at the local level. This book is very pessimistic about our society, but maybe our society deserves this pessimism. Dr Jacques COULARDEAU
Rating: 
Summary: Very different
Review: I think that the best way to characterize these books would be to look at the reviews. People who have liked these books have also generally appreciated books like 'Salem's Lot--I take this to mean that these people have very little taste for the finer points of literature and are after only a story (which Lot still didn't provide very well--King misplaced some of his characters and abadoned a promising start, but that's for another review). If that's what you're in search of, you should be adequately satisfied here. As these books progress along a timeline, the presence of a story begins to become more and more evident. But, let's go one by one.Rage: By most standards, this book is really quite bad. It's obvious with it's point and decidedly unrealistic in its depiction of the students, their reactions, and the school system in general. King occasionally departs from reality even further in an attempt to make a point, as with Charlie's interchange with his psychiatrist. Overall, though, I found this story engrossing for reasons that I can't quite explain. I took an interest in Charlie, perhaps because I had a similar adolescence, and so I cannot call this book a complete failure, though it is a decidedly sophomoric entry. The Long Walk: Another obvious effort to get a point across. Both of these first two books were written before Carrie, so my conclusion is that King was probably naive enough at this point to think that an author deliberately went about inserting his message into his work. Perhaps he read Atlas Shrugged one too many times (a feat like that is difficult to duplicate). The analogy between the Walk and life is obvious, but still entertaining, and the story maintains a consistent pace and interest. At this point, the books are getting better. Roadwork: The best in the collection, by my standards. King still tries to make a point in this one, but he does so with a realistic character (at least at first blush) and a much lighter hand. Contrary to some reviewers, I found this story to be engrossing and entertaining, despite the fact that it was the only one of these books that I didn't read in a single sitting. King's natural talent for creating characters that the audience can relate to and feel for shines through in this book, and I'd recommend it even outside of the collection, though it is a little too mired in the environment and conditions of the late seventies for some younger readers to relate to. The Running Man: Here there is an abrupt dip in the message factor of the book (something that King admits to himself in the introduction). This is a story, plain and simple--there's no overtones to be had, just pure science fiction. As "just a story" the book is okay--it's decidedly predictable, and there's nothing new here for anybody who has even a passing familiarity with this sort of book (the apocalyptic, social control dystopia book), but it still manages to be entertaining in the fashion that most King books do. This is a book that most authors would not have written--I think that almost anybody else would have written it as a short story--but it still manages some entertainment value. Overall: This certainly isn't the best work King ever did, primarily because Bachman died before he finished developing as an author. Some of the books are decidedly sophomoric, but most King fans shouldn't be too disappointed. For the casual reader, I'd say that this is a great book to pick up for an air trip or a lazy afternoon if you can find it (due to issues with the Columbine shooting, Rage, and The Bachman Books as a corollary, have been taken out of publication), but it isn't what you'd call "serious reading."
Rating:
Summary: "Rage" against censorship!
Review: This is one of my favorite collections of Stephen King's short stories. It's really too bad he's decided to make "Rage" unavailable in future printings. I assume this is why he's released the three other stories in this collection, individually. While I can't say I agree with his decision, in fact it's very saddening to me, it IS his prerogative to do so. It's just a shame that today's society seems to blame the media for the actions of a handful of mentally unstable teenagers across the USA; while their actions are wrong, so are the actions of the bullies at school who've pushed one too many times, and the teachers and parents who turn a blind eye to these situations. That said, I really wish he'd reconsider his decision to pull the plug on "Rage". It was my second favorite story in this book ("The Long Walk" being 1st on my list!) and I'd hate to see it fade away like that. As a matter of fact, I tracked down another copy of this version of The Bachman Books for that reason alone. I find censorship to be detestable in any form, and hate the idea of not being able to read a story ever again just because of the actions of a few. Should "Catcher in the Rye" be banned as well, just because it's been found in some killer's possession? It all just brings up too many questions which require careful consideration and not a knee-jerk reaction to whichever way the wind blows today. If all "offensive" texts were censored, whether by the author or by the government or some other group, we'd be left with a sterile, more horrifying society - a place I surely would not like to live in. This is the main reason I wanted to write a review of this book. I love each story for different reasons. I love "Roadwork" because of the idea of fighting for what you believe in. "The Running Man" was quite disturbing, and definitely MUCH more worthwhile than the movie. "Rage" was an excellent story of a boy pushed over the edge by life in general, and all the thoughts that run through his mind. I've always been fond of stories that allow you a peek into the mind of the insane. "The Long Walk" is by far the BEST story in this book, and easily one of the most disturbing things I've ever read. One reviewer here said it was boring and repetitive. I couldn't disagree more. The horror of it all is slow to build, but you soon realize that you're caught in something WAY larger than you, much like a small fly in a spiderweb. In the same way Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" was terrifying, so is this, but in a much deeper, even more senselessly violent way. I also find it rather interesting that at least two of these stories are still quite relevant. It's no accident that "Rage" and "The Long Walk" are my two favorites... I explained why I love "Rage". "The Long Walk" is disturbing because it's really not that far from today's reality if you think about it. Sure, it's quite a leap, but there are many shows such as Survivor and Boot Camp where people are pushed to their limits, with actual danger involved if you're not strong enough (physically or mentally) or not resourceful enough. While these shows are a long way from murder, one wrong move and a participant's life could easily be in jeopardy - all for the almighty dollar and a bit of fame. Hey, kids... it's all fun and games till someone loses an eye, right? In conclusion, if you've never read these stories and you're a fan of the macabre, I'd highly recommend that you find a copy of all four of these stories, whether through this site's auctions or even your library. They're well worth it. There's not much of the supernatural in these books, if that's what you're looking for, but what's there is true psychological terror, which I find infinitely more interesting because of the possibility that these things CAN happen.
Rating:
Summary: AMAZING
Review: when I first read the bachman books I had already read all of Kings. I was not disappointed. The first two stories Rage and The long walk are my favorites. Rage is kings version of catcher in the rye. it talks about what all young kids experience and feel. (to an extreme extent ofcourse)
Rating: 
Summary: Almost 5 stars, but.......
Review: Before even taking this book out from the library, I had already read both 'The Long Walk' and 'The Running Man', and both are in my collection. I enjoyed these two novels, and in fact, they are high on my list of King's best books. ('Salem's Lot being the best.) However, I got this book for 'Rage' and 'Roadwork', and was both disappointed and satisfied. Here's why: I started with 'Rage' because it was the first in the book and I hadn't alredy read it. It started off all right, but something about Charlie--the main character who is insane--didn't seem right. I don't believe after attacking another student, they would allow him to stay at school, but that's what you get. The novel is short and has equally small chapters, but it seemed too strange somehow. I finished it but did not enjoy it very much. (The fact that he was killing in cold blood for no reason seemed odd for a King story. I am used to some strange ability or gift, not this. But, oh well.) I moved on to 'Roadwork'. I read it, and unlike other King books, the story took too long to develope. I continued on, however, and enjoyed the ending. Well, it could have been better, but it wasn't bad. So here's my opinion: if you're looking to buy this, make sure you enjoy at least 'Rage' or 'Roadwork' first. If you're still not sure, just buy 'Running Man' and 'Walk' separately. You'll save some money and be happier than having two other books you'll never read. My opinion is this: it got four stars because of the middle two novels...they are excellent and could only be the work of the one and only Stephen King.
Rating:
Summary: A good Stephen King primer
Review: At a time when Stephen King felt that he might be inundating the market with too many novels at once, he decided to publish several novels under the guise of Richard Bachman, pulp novelist. These novels would be simpler, quicker, less complex thematically and stylistically than the more mature novels he was beginning to create. In other words, these were novels he wrote for fun, not for artistic fulfillment, or profit. But, as he himself admits, it's hard to remain anonymous when the style is remarkably similar. While some have commented that the Bachman Novels represent a departure in style for King, it is in fact the opposite; the Bachman Novels, being more about storytelling and less about sales, are Stephen King at his essence. They are gritty, gripping tales that are only designed to entertain. This is Stephen King before he became enormous, and compelled to pen enormous tomes that would work just as well at half their length (Not that I didn't enjoy them, but sometimes [and it kills me to admit this] King could do with some judicious editing). These tales are to Stephen King as the BOOKS OF BLOOD are to Clive Barker: Concise, tight morality plays that are deeply disturbing and highly rewarding. RAGE, the first novel, is a quietly creepy tale of a high-school student going insane. In one heated afternoon, he kills his teacher, holds the class hostage, and proceeds to delve into the beginnings of his psychosis. It's THE BREAKFAST CLUB on acid. RAGE shows off King's ease at capturing a moment in time, one of those moments that remain in the memory forever. His evocation of a slowly draining mind is as effective here as it was in PET SEMETARY. Incidently, RAGE is the only novel that King admits he wishes he never wrote. Several similar incidents have occured across the United States, and RAGE has been mentioned in connection with them. Considering how sympathetic King is to his protagonist, it's easy to see how disillusioned teens would come to identify with its themes. THE LONG WALK is a bizarre tale set in a deeply restricted future, with echoes of 1984 and THE HANDMAID'S TALE. Every year in this warped society a contest is held, whereby young men volunteer to walk until they die, the winner receiving 'whatever he desires'. This could be seen as quite prophetic, considering the inanities that were inflicted upon the public recently in the SURVIVOR game show. While RAGE showed the disintigrating mind, THE LONG WALK adds the body to the equation, as the boys literally walk themselves into their graves. It is a grim, depressing story of friendship, hope, and eventual betrayal and madness. It also has parallels to Shirley Jackson's classic story, "The Lottery". ROADWORK is often cited as King's least work, and it's easy to see why: It is a 'serious' novel about one man's lone fight against the government. It has no real scares, and very little momentum. But King does manage to create another indelible character, and its sad little story is quite effective in parts. THE RUNNING MAN, adapted into a quite unimpressive Arnold Schwarzenegger film, may be the best story of the lot. It is not complex, or tremedously deep by any regard. But, as King states in his introduction, "It moves". THE RUNNING MAN starts off full speed, and never lets up. It follows one contestant in a game show where the rules are simple: Survive or die. It sounds similar to THE LONG WALK, but where WALK progressed at a slow, steady pace, allowing the reader to feel every ache of the walkers, THE RUNNING MAN is a breathless action piece, with an ending that ranks among King's most downbeat, and most effective. It would also make one hell of film, one far more effective and thoughtful than Schwarzenegger accomplished. Perhaps with a snarling Bruce Willis in the lead, or Willem Dafoe? Some have dismissed The Bachman Novels as sub-rate Stephen King, an excuse to make more money, and done more for novelty's sake than anything else. But clear your mind of these prejudices. These are really fine entertainments. Not works of art, but certainly better than anything Dean Koontz ever wrote.
Rating:
Summary: Richard Bachman beats Stephen King
Review: I've read nearly all the Stephen King books (including the co-authored with Peter Straub) and I must say that King has done his best work as Richard Bachman. Many years ago, when the Long Walk went to the bookshelves as it's own work, written by an unknown author named Bachman, I picked it up simply by accident. King had been my favorite author at the time, and after reading The Long Walk, I had found a new favorite author. Although it is now widely known that Bachman and King co-exist in the same mind, their writing styles definately differ. I encourage anyone that likes King to dive into a Bachman book, particularly The Long Walk. If The Long Walk isn't what you are looking, try The Running Man. The movie The Running Man, although based on the book, comes no where near the same intensity nor even the same plot as the book. The book, like most books against movies, is about 10 times beeter than the movie.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting
Review: So, since it's not possible at the moment to find every single Bachman-book I have to rate them here in this compilation. I won't ask why they left the fifth one away. But, why? If you know Stephen King you know it's not the same as Richard Bachman. It's the same person, but not the same author. The style is different, the themes, everything. It's not better or worst, it's just different. 'The Long Walk': One of the typical things of Bachman books is their strong pessimistic view of the world. This is one of the most pessimistic books I've ever read, but it's very effective and disturbing. Not an easy one. 'Rage': Maybe one of the simplest premises ever, but wonderful solved. It's very realistic and was written long before Littletown or something like that. It's a good one, not very easy too and quite disturbing, but better than 'The Long Walk'. 'Roadwork': Surely the most psychological one. It's very good I think, maybe the best of this collection. No ray of light is seen here again, but it's good anyhow. 'Running Man': Has nothing to do with the stupid movie. It's another wonderful idea, very similar to 'The Long Walk', but different somehow. A negative ending again and a pessimistic and depressive one. These books are not easy to read and they are NO horror books!
Rating:
Summary: Bachman Masterpeice
Review: I read this book last year in Jr. High when a friends of mine lent it to me during the excitement of Columnbine. By far, my favorite story was Rage; maybe because of Columnbine. Is definately worth this book and more. The Running man was another great one. These two could easily have made the book sell for more than what people ask for. King was always a great writter, I couldn't deny it after reading this. The running man is a kind of story that makes you reflect on where our world is going and it makes perfect sense. No doubt, maybe we will have game shows that people gamble their live on while $5 air filters cost $100 to keep the poor unhealthy and discriminated as if they were a large Leper Colony. A true Masterpeice
Rating:
Summary: Interesting
Review: I'd picked up a copy of "The Bachman Books" and some other King books at a used bookstore a few years ago, but I never read the former until recently. The stories are quite troubling, although they are PURELY FICTION. What especially made me think is the novella titled "The Long Walk." With today's game-show-win-a-million-dollars-I'll-do-anything-for-money craziness (AND with the public American audience currently eating it up), and in the wake of cinema and television violence, it seems like shows like "Survivor" will pave the way for future game shows like "The Long Walk" when our fickle American Audience cries for more commotion. Could a real-life version of "The Long Walk" be far behind? This collection really does make you think--and re-evaluate your dollar. After reading "The Long Walk" you might ACTUALLY want to get up and EARN your money, as opposed to "winning" in some sort of twisted competition. After all...let us remember a lesson from Shirley Jackson's wonderful story "The Lottery." Winning isn't everything...
|
