Hi all!
Welcome back to The Ultimate Reading Challenge! I outlined in 2022 how the new series will work here, so check that out before progressing further. For my ninth challenge, I read Needful Things by Stephen King. My brother-in-law lent it to me years ago! I am going to share my thoughts, as well as my prize for completing the prompt. Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Spoilers Ahead!
Plot: ‘Needful Things’ by Stephen King:
Leland Gaunt opens a new shop in Castle Rock called Needful Things. Anyone who enters, finds the object of his or her lifelong dreams. A prized baseball card, a healing amulet etc. In addition to a token payment, Gaunt requests each person perform a little “deed,” typically an innocent prank played on someone else. These practical jokes soon cascade out of control, causing chaos to the entire town. Only Sheriff Alan Pangborn suspects Gaunt is behind the population’s increasingly violent behaviour.
Review: ‘Needful Things’ by Stephen King:
I truly enjoyed Needful Things. Cursed objects and a demonic salesman = instant winner! Furthermore, it had references to Cujo, The Body, The Shawshank Redemption and The Dark Half, which was exciting. My one criticism about Stephen King’s writing, aside from the occasional racist language, is he tends to have a lot of filler in his books. Sometimes it takes him a while to get to the point. I felt the story dragged in the middle but really ramped up by the end. Leland Gault is a formidable villain and one I won’t soon forget.
A Word On The Film Adaptation:
I could only get through the first twenty minutes of the film adaptation before I had to turn it off. They made enormous changes, compromising the entire story. I was not a fan of the direction they decided to go in.
Prize For Completing The Challenge:
My prize for completing the prompt was this adorable mini notebook, with lined paper inside. Perfect for keeping in your bag!
Thank you so much for reading! I will see you next month for a new bookish challenge!
Peace & Love xoxo
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