Elevation

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: Stephen King

Winner of the 2020 Audio Publishers Association Lifetime Achievement Award

From legendary master storyteller Stephen King, a riveting story about “an ordinary man in an extraordinary condition rising above hatred” (The Washington Post) and bringing the fictional town of Castle Rock, Maine together—a “joyful, uplifting” (Entertainment Weekly) tale about finding common ground despite deep-rooted differences, “the sign of a master elevating his own legendary game yet again” (USA TODAY).

Although Scott Carey doesn’t look any different, he’s been steadily losing weight. There are a couple of other odd things, too. He weighs the same in his clothes and out of them, no matter how heavy they are. Scott doesn’t want to be poked and prodded. He mostly just wants someone else to know, and he trusts Doctor Bob Ellis.

In the small town of Castle Rock, the setting of many of King’s most iconic stories, Scott is engaged in a low grade—but escalating—battle with the lesbians next door whose dog regularly drops his business on Scott’s lawn. One of the women is friendly; the other, cold as ice. Both are trying to launch a new restaurant, but the people of Castle Rock want no part of a gay married couple, and the place is in trouble. When Scott finally understands the prejudices they face—including his own—he tries to help. Unlikely alliances, the annual foot race, and the mystery of Scott’s affliction bring out the best in people who have indulged the worst in themselves and others.

“Written in masterly Stephen King’s signature translucent…this uncharacteristically glimmering fairy tale calls unabashedly for us to rise above our differences” (Booklist, starred review). Elevation is an antidote to our divisive culture, an “elegant whisper of a story” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review), “perfect for any fan of small towns, magic, and the joys and challenges of doing the right thing” (Publishers Weekly, starred review).

Good not great.

The story was good, but the ending wasn't really as much as I hoped for.

And then what?

Like others, I thought the two stories would have a connection. At the end of Laurie, I kept thinking I had missed something - the tape had skipped to the end and there were chapters still unheard. I gave these 2 stories three stars because Laurie was actually very good... except the ending, which just kind of sat there. Disappointing because it could have been so much better. Elevation needed to be more believable (yes, this is an oxymoron when talking about SK books... but we needed at least a clue as to what happened and why). Overall, not his best - not by a long shot. :-(

Wonderful.

These two stories both deserve the best reviewed that I could give them. Elevation what’s sad but it was also very touching and inspiring. Scott was an absolute hero and he brought an entire town together before having to leave. Lori was equally fabulous. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time because I lost my dog in August and I kept waiting for something terrible to happen to the dog, especially when the alligator came along. Anyway, good job from a long time constant reader. I would recommend the stories to anyone.

Two great pieces of Fiction by King, master of character development

Main story is wonderful and uplifting. Second story also a beautiful work that will speak to anyone who has ever loved a dog. Stephen King should record every single one of his books. I have listened to every King Audiobook. Lot’s of great readings, but the ones he does himself, are always my favorites.

Mixed Feelings About it, but Overall a Good Short

Elevation was an interesting short story that makes you kind of think about what you'd do if you know time was running out on a meaningful life. Not sure I'd want to go out like that, but hey, if you're willing...

Stephen King's narration is always one that semi-amazes me and simultaneously doesn't do anything for me. A great storyteller and an okay orator