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From a Buick 8 cover art

From a Buick 8

By: Stephen King
Narrated by: James Rebhorn, Bruce Davison, Becky Ann Baker, Peter Gerety, Fred Sanders, Stephen Tobolowsky
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Summary

For 20 years the officers in the Pennsylvania State Police Barracks have kept a secret in Shed B: a vintage Buick which lures the troopers to come and take a look. Young Ned Wilcox, son of the recently deceased officer Curt, has started hanging around the barracks. One day he can't resist peeking through the windows. And it's time to share the secret. The veteran troopers sit Ned down on the smoking bench and tell him every skin-curdling detail - from the Buick's arrival to the terrifying light-shows and what it sucks in and breathes out. For the Buick is a conduit to another world. As King puts it, 'when we confront the deep and authentic unknown, we glimpse that place where our familiar universe stops.'

©2002 Stephen King (P)2008 Simon & Schuster Audio Division, Simon & Schuster Inc.

Critic reviews

"One of his freshest and most original books... a beautiful excursion into new narrative territory, showing an accomplished storyteller... a portal into King's incredible imagination." ( Independent on Sunday)

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    4 out of 5 stars

Nice story

Nice story, very nice performance. Leaves you wanting more though. I might re-read Tommyknockers again.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Works much better as an audiobook

I've read several reviews of the book (not audio) where people were disappointed because it just dragged, and didn't really connect to the story within a story format.

Listening to the book as an audio performance, with 'characters' doing the storytelling you really do get the feel for what the author was aiming for. Personally I was riveted. I generally only listen in the car and found myself looking for ways to get out and drive, eventually just finishing the book at home while doing some work.

The performance and characterisations were perfect. And the story drew me in as any fireside chat would. It evolves in a very natural way.

While the style might not be everyone's cup of tea I personally loved it, but perhaps may have felt differently if I'd read it rather than listened to it.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Confused but hopeful.

A great book that's just a twist away from being amazing. When it was finished I was confused why it ended where it did but after letting it swirl round in my head I think the story is about hope in the end.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Entertaining enough

Not a classic and a little to reliant on folksy little town charm. There’s not a great development or variety in the plot but it’s ok.

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2 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Not his best

Narration excellent but pace slow. It feels lazy. Loose ends and no real plot. I've never read a bad story by this author, but this is as close as it gets.

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  • Overall
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excellent story

a truly gripping and wonderful story from the master of horror, beautifully narrated, great cast.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Not bad. Missed opportunity?

Interesting story line that I kind of enjoyed. I felt sure the car would exhibit behaviour patterns that the PSP crew would piece together, that the Buick would become some kind of conduit to a parallel world with Ned being reunited with his Dad. So I was a little disappointed that avenue and opportunity was missed. This is Stephen King. after all...

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Captivating story!

I've read this book twice before, but this is the first time I've listened to it in audio form. I've been listening to it while playing video games, and it's so captivating, and the narration is really well executed, and you get sucked right in, much like the -- no, I'll let you read the book and figure it out yourself.
All in all, a great story, great narration, and great entertainment.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Vintage King

great storytelling, interesting characters, an even more interesting Protagonist and a typical interesting King ending

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

I hate thinking up review titles

I really enjoyed this, I enjoyed the characters and their relationships the most to be honest. The car was kinda scary but tbh it felt like it couldn't go anywhere... It did progress, there was a nasty ending and it was better than I thought it could be. So good all round.

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4 people found this helpful