I had never read a Stephen King book before this one, but then I didn't know he could write! After seeing the movie "The Shawshank Redemption" I found out King had written the story and I couldn't believe it, needless to say (why do we always say that just before we say something we want to say?), I went and got the book. The story of Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption is exceptional work, King is a real writer, and I'd wish he'd do more of it, but I suppose he understands what brings home the bacon. Another story in this book is Apt Pupil and I couldn't put this down, I had to know what was going to happen next. After talking with some of King's dedicated scary story fans most told me they weren't impressed with this book, on the other hand those of us who haven't been to impressed with King's fright fiction have come to appreciate what a wonderful and truly talented writer Stephen King is.