The Long Walk by Stephen King

The Long Walk: A Novel

by Richard Bachman, Stephen King

Summary:

In this #1 national bestseller, master storyteller Stephen King, writing as Richard Bachman, tells the tale of the contestants of a grueling walking competition where there can only be one winner—the one that survives.

Synopsis:

Against the wishes of his mother, sixteen-year-old Ray Garraty is about to compete in the annual grueling match of stamina and wits known as the Long Walk. One hundred boys must keep a steady pace of four miles per hour without ever stopping...with the winner being awarded “The Prize”—anything he wants for the rest of his life. But, as part of this national tournament that sweeps through a dystopian America year after year, there are some harsh rules that Garraty and ninety-nine others must adhere to in order to beat out the rest.

There is no finish line—the winner is the last man standing. Contestants cannot receive any outside aid, whatsoever. Slow down under the speed limit and you’re given a warning.

Three warnings and you’re out of the game—permanently...

About the Author: Stephen King

Stephen Edwin King, born September 21, 1947, in Portland, Maine, is a highly acclaimed and prolific American author known for his horror, supernatural fiction, and suspense novels. He is often referred to as "The King" or "The King of Horror". King's books have sold over 350 million copies worldwide and many of his works have been adapted into successful films and television series.

Early Life and Career:

King grew up in Maine with his mother after his parents separated when he was a toddler. He attended the University of Maine, where he wrote for the school newspaper and met his future wife, Tabitha Spruce.

• After graduating, he taught high school English while continuing to write short stories.
• His first novel, Carrie, was published in 1974, launching his career as a horror author.

Literary Works:

• King has written over fifty novels, two hundred short stories, and nine collections of short fiction.
• His works include The Shining, The Stand, The Dead Zone, and It.
• He also wrote under the pseudonym Richard Bachman.
• Many of his novels and short stories have been adapted into films, including The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, 1408 and Misery.

Personal Life:

• King is married to Tabitha Spruce and they have three children: Naomi, Joe, and Owen.
• He is also a philanthropist, supporting education and community programs through his foundation.
• King has battled drug addiction in the past, but he has overcome it and is now a recovered addict.