I avoid recommending dystopian books mostly because the genre has been way over-hyped these last ten years or so. There are a couple exceptions I will always make: The Giver by Lois Lowery and The Long Walk by Stephen King – yes he writes non-horror books. If I’m recommending a dystopian book, that means it’s worth your time, and you can bet your butt The Long Walk is well worth your money.

This book opens on a simple premise: 100 boys are competing in what’s known as “the long walk” (hence the name of the book, right?). Except that this walk is special. You see, it’s long. And the winner receives whatever he wants for the rest of his life. But it takes place in a dystopian world, so you know this is not just a really long walk. I’m not going to tell you what happens because it’s so worth reading.

Stephen King understands humans:  how we interact, how we behave, and what makes us the people we are. That’s what this book is all about, the highs and the lows of the human soul. I know you’re still thinking Stephen King only writes dark and gruesome books…well, he originally wrote this under the name of Richard Bachman.

Give it a read and try not to be changed. I dare you.

(oh, and reminder, if you buy the book by clicking on the picture or my links, I’ll end up with a few cents from your purchase, so thanks to you if you do, but thanks either way as long as you read the book)