Why I picked this book?
Let me start with a confession – I have not read Stephen King’s books. Well, in my defense, I don’t like the horror genre in any media, be it books or movies. So, I never even thought about picking up any book by Stephen King.
I mostly read fantasy, mythology, and even the occasional sci-fi. Basically, I love anything that has even a hint of magic or dragons.
So when I came across a book titled Fairy Tales, I was interested. When I saw it was written by Stephen King – the master of horror himself, I knew I just had to read this book.
About the book
Let’s talk about the story of this book, and I promise to stay far away from spoilers.
The story is about a young boy, an old dog, a grumpy old man, and a bag full of gold nuggets.
When Charlie was very young, he lost his mother in a freak accident. The grief pushed his father to alcoholism and forced Charlie to grow up too soon. When things get terrible, Charlie makes a deal with God that if his father gets better, he will do anything God wants him to do. Miraculously, his father finds the strength and support he needs to battle his addiction.
One day, Charlie rescues an old man. He thinks this act of service is where he gets to keep up his part of the deal with God. He takes care of the old man and falls in love with his dog, Radar. In no time, Charlie gets sucked into their lives and starts seeing unbelievable things like a bag full of gold nuggets the old man is hiding and strange sounds coming from the locked shed.
When the old man dies, he leaves everything to Charlie, including a tape in which he narrates a story that is hard to believe. Charlie realizes he has to go to the magical world from the old man’s story, as that’s the only way to save Radar.
He planned to come back in no time. But the most elaborate plans just makes God laugh. In a world full of magic and politics, survival is a challenge.
This fairy tale takes an unusual spin on all the fairy tales we grew up reading. It’s like Stephen King kept the body but changed the souls of your beloved fairy tales.
In essence, this is the story of a hero needing something, going to a faraway place, and finding what he needs but returning as a changed man.
Who should read this book?
If you like fantasy or magical stories but do not like the too-sweet Disney style, then this book is for you. This book is primarily light-hearted and funny in places, but it still has some very dark moments.
If you love horror, this might not be the book for you. Basically, I don’t think hardcore Stephen King fans would like this book. If you fall into this category and happen to love this book, then please comment below. I would love to be proven wrong.