The “extraordinary” (Booklist) novel of one man’s quest to find the source of his nightmare and to reverse it before he becomes…nothing at all. This #1 national bestseller from Stephen King, writing as Richard Bachman, “pulsates with evil…it will have you on the edge of your seat” (Publishers Weekly).Billy Halleck, good husband, loving father, is both beneficiary and victim of the American Good Life: he has an expensive home, a nice family, and a rewarding career. But his is also fifty pounds overweight, heading, as his doctor says, into heart attack territory. One day, in a moment of carelessness, Billy sideswipes an old gypsy woman as she is crossing the street. The woman dies, but Billy has connections and gets off with a mere slap on the wrist. After the trial, the victim’s ancient father curses him with a single word: “Thinner.” Shedding weight by the week, Halleck is desperate enough for one last gamble…one that will lead him to a nightmare showdown with the forces of evil melting his flesh away.Beginning in suburban Connecticut and climaxing in rural Maine, this is a novel of unrelenting terror and growing horror as well as a nightmarish allegory about what lies beyond the limits of American complacency—and the responsibilities of human actions. With an introduction by Stephen King on “The Importance of Being Bachman,” Thinner oozes “undeniable suspense” (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution) and “genuine chills” (Kirkus Reviews).
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"Almost like an elongated short story or novella that had such a good set-up and punch that it warranted the extra hundred pages, ultimately this creepy tale of revenge and justice is a solid read. Probably falls closer to 3.5 stars, but I give it the bump since it was a childhood favorite..." — Tom (4 out of 5 stars)
"Almost like an elongated short story or novella that had such a good set-up and punch that it warranted the extra hundred pages, ultimately this creepy tale of revenge and justice is a solid read. Probably falls closer to 3.5 stars, but I give it the bump since it was a childhood favorite..."
" It kept me interested from beginning to end unique chilling plot "
" Not the best by Stephen King, but I don't think it was so bad. There were really good ideas in this book, but unfortunately the final was a crap. "
" The first Stephen King book I ever read. Hooked me on Stephen King for a while after that! "
" Fat people are evil. Skinny people are sexy. These are scientific facts. This book tries to oppose those facts and I'm not standing for it! "
" Gypsies don't work like that. If you can put a curse on someone making them skinnier and skinnier why the hell can't you fix your dang nose? "
" Scared the crap out if me. "
" THIS WAS CREEPY AND CONFUSING, my kind of book!! :) "
" Stephen King is hit or miss in my opinion. it's no "Carrie". This book is the equivalent to watching those predictable horror movies. It's a guilty pleasure. It serves its purpose, tames the beast. Isn't that what King is for? "
" Meh, good story line and there was a 30 page segment which was really captivating, but didn't live up to the buildup. "
" Very interesting with a crazy twist at the end. There is a very good lesson that goes along with this book, and it is an easy read. I really enjoyed it. "
" This is one of my favorite Stephen King's books. I read many of his books, but this one is the best. Be careful not to mess with the Gypsies. While traveling in Prague, I told some of the Czechs about this book. There is a lot of discrimantion against Gypsies in Europe. "
" Made me scared of gypsies! "
" The story was ok but not really that interesting. The ending had a nice twist though. Recommend checking this one out at the library and reading it once. "
" Well, my thoughts about this book are ambiguous. I liked the story and how he cooped with his problem, but in my opinion the ending was a bit farfetched, with the cake and all. "
" I read this a long time ago... It's about pie, right? "
" I hated this book it was so looooooooong and sooooooooooo boring... I would not reccomend anyone to read this because it will bore you to death! :DDD "
" I couldn't believe the disgusting consequences for everyone who was involved in an accidental murder "
" King comes up with some interesting ideas to start stories, but runs out of gas long before the finish. "
" not as good as i was told "
" As much as I'm a King junkie it is hard to admit that this is one of the crappier King-books. "
" Pretty creepy tale of a gypsy's curse. "
" Good but, not one of my favorites. "
" I read this wishing I had this curse. Then as the book progressed, I took back that wish. Creepy. "
" Very interesting story with likable characters... although at times, I found myself rooting for the "bad guys." "
" I read this before I knew it was written by Stephen King. My version still says Richard Bachman, but his writing style is undeniable. Typical S.K. "
" Read this book during a week of after school detentions in junior high. I remember getting a feeling of hope from this book, mainly Billy Halek is fat and seemed to be getting plenty of action. I had no such luck, had to loose the weight. "
" Richard Bachman is really Stephen King???!!! I remember being blown away when I found this out, but I don't really know why. I guess I just thought it was cool, that an author would have a psuedonym. How mysterious! "
Stephen King has written more than sixty books, many hitting the #1 spot on the New York Times bestsellers list. He has won the World Fantasy Award, several Bram Stoker Awards, and the O. Henry Award for his story “The Man in the Black Suit.” He is the 2003 recipient of the National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, and in 2007 he received the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America. His epic works The Dark Tower and It are the basis for major motion pictures.
Joe Mantegna is a versatile, seasoned actor on both stage and screen. He first garnered national prominence for his work with writer-director David Mamet, earning a Tony Award for Glengarry Glen Ross in 1983. His name has become synonymous with Robert B. Parker’s Spenser since he has narrated the entire series.
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