Recommended Read

Gwendy’s Button Box by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar

A personal appreciation for books extends back to childhood (no old jokes), as much a part of my youth as watching He-Man on television and playing with G.I. Joe action figures. Many a memory of traveling to the River Park branch library in South Bend, two sisters in tow, and emerging from the stacks with a smile and collection of the latest Garfield comics. It really wasn’t until the high school era, however, that an affinity for specific authors emerged; in particular, Stephen King. The influence of Mr. King, in fact, is what had me daydreaming of becoming a bestselling author someday. It’s also what kick-started my college career as an English major. While that particular road in life hasn’t come to fruition (yet), my fondness for the written word and SK remains unmatched.

Over the course of many years (again, no jokes about being old), I’ve done an adequate job in covering the ground of his extensive literary works; perhaps in the ballpark of 20 novels read. Nominating a favorite, without a doubt would be The Stand. When it comes to tales of Good vs. Evil, few writers can hold a candle. Trying to rank his other stories, that’s where it becomes increasingly difficult, and this isn’t the blog for attempting such a task. This week’s entry is to tout King’s latest release (co-authored with Richard Chizmar), Gwendy’s Button Box.

Gwendy Peterson is a 12-year-old girl growing up in the town of Castle Rock (that idyllic town which will ring a familiar bell for loyal readers). A life of relative normalcy is about to change, which is the crux of this narrative, when mysterious Mr. Farris appears (and disappears) from her life. Though Gwendy is familiar with the well-intentioned parental lecture about speaking with, much less accepting gifts from strangers, Farris and his shadowy persona yield a magnetic draw. A simple box is presented to her, an irony in that rarely is anything ‘simple’ in King’s world. A container that possesses little in the way of explanation, slightly more in terms of instruction, and a great magnitude when it comes to consequences. Gwendy’s bestowed upon task: protect the box and make good choices.

Gwendy’s Button Box is a quick-paced and enthralling read. At a mere 164 pages, I had half the book completed in a single afternoon. Notoriously a slow reader (pausing regularly for thought and consideration), this is one instance where I ravenously moved through the (brief) chapters. While it won’t require you to have all the lights on, or hide under covers, it fits King’s regular mantra of characters facing something much bigger than themselves. In previous incarnations, the monster is recognizable (think It or Pet Sematary). In others, lines become blurred when some of that darkness is what resides within (The Shining). The themes in Gwendy highlight familiar lessons that’re easily relatable. From the trials and tribulations of teenage years, falling in love, making and losing friends. Of course, there’s a twist to be had. There’s always a twist.

Rating: 4.7 out of 5

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This review is brought to you courtesy of YA Librarian, Chris.