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The Button Box #1
Gwendy's Button Box
'A resonant novella set in one of King's signature the small town of Castle Rock, Maine' Washington Post
The small town of CASTLE ROCK, MAINE has witnessed some strange events and unusual visitors over the years, but there is one story that has never been told...until now.
There are three ways up to Castle View from the town of Castle Route 117, Pleasant Road, and the Suicide Stairs. Every day in the summer of 1974 twelve-year-old Gwendy Peterson has taken the stairs, which are held by strong (if time-rusted) iron bolts and zig-zag up the cliffside.
At the top of the stairs, Gwendy catches her breath and listens to the shouts of the kids on the playground. From a bit farther away comes the chink of an aluminum bat hitting a baseball as the Senior League kids practice for the Labor Day charity game.
One day, a stranger calls to 'Hey, girl. Come on over here for a bit. We ought to palaver, you and me.'
On a bench in the shade sits a man in black jeans, a black suit coat, and a white shirt unbuttoned at the top. On his head is a small neat black hat. The time will come when Gwendy has nightmares about that hat...
Journey back to Castle Rock in this chilling new novella by Stephen King, bestselling author of The Bazaar of Bad Dreams, and Richard Chizmar, award-winning author of A Long December.
111 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2017
3610 people are currently reading
55117 people want to read
About the author
Stephen King
2,439 books887k followersStephen Edwin King was born the second son of Donald and Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King. After his father left them when Stephen was two, he and his older brother, David, were raised by his mother. Parts of his childhood were spent in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where his father's family was at the time, and in Stratford, Connecticut. When Stephen was eleven, his mother brought her children back to Durham, Maine, for good. Her parents, Guy and Nellie Pillsbury, had become incapacitated with old age, and Ruth King was persuaded by her sisters to take over the physical care of them. Other family members provided a small house in Durham and financial support. After Stephen's grandparents passed away, Mrs. King found work in the kitchens of Pineland, a nearby residential facility for the mentally challenged.
Stephen attended the grammar school in Durham and Lisbon Falls High School, graduating in 1966. From his sophomore year at the University of Maine at Orono, he wrote a weekly column for the school newspaper, THE MAINE CAMPUS. He was also active in student politics, serving as a member of the Student Senate. He came to support the anti-war movement on the Orono campus, arriving at his stance from a conservative view that the war in Vietnam was unconstitutional. He graduated in 1970, with a B.A. in English and qualified to teach on the high school level. A draft board examination immediately post-graduation found him 4-F on grounds of high blood pressure, limited vision, flat feet, and punctured eardrums.
He met Tabitha Spruce in the stacks of the Fogler Library at the University, where they both worked as students; they married in January of 1971. As Stephen was unable to find placement as a teacher immediately, the Kings lived on his earnings as a laborer at an industrial laundry, and her student loan and savings, with an occasional boost from a short story sale to men's magazines.
Stephen made his first professional short story sale ("The Glass Floor") to Startling Mystery Stories in 1967. Throughout the early years of his marriage, he continued to sell stories to men's magazines. Many were gathered into the Night Shift collection or appeared in other anthologies.
In the fall of 1971, Stephen began teaching English at Hampden Academy, the public high school in Hampden, Maine. Writing in the evenings and on the weekends, he continued to produce short stories and to work on novels.
Stephen attended the grammar school in Durham and Lisbon Falls High School, graduating in 1966. From his sophomore year at the University of Maine at Orono, he wrote a weekly column for the school newspaper, THE MAINE CAMPUS. He was also active in student politics, serving as a member of the Student Senate. He came to support the anti-war movement on the Orono campus, arriving at his stance from a conservative view that the war in Vietnam was unconstitutional. He graduated in 1970, with a B.A. in English and qualified to teach on the high school level. A draft board examination immediately post-graduation found him 4-F on grounds of high blood pressure, limited vision, flat feet, and punctured eardrums.
He met Tabitha Spruce in the stacks of the Fogler Library at the University, where they both worked as students; they married in January of 1971. As Stephen was unable to find placement as a teacher immediately, the Kings lived on his earnings as a laborer at an industrial laundry, and her student loan and savings, with an occasional boost from a short story sale to men's magazines.
Stephen made his first professional short story sale ("The Glass Floor") to Startling Mystery Stories in 1967. Throughout the early years of his marriage, he continued to sell stories to men's magazines. Many were gathered into the Night Shift collection or appeared in other anthologies.
In the fall of 1971, Stephen began teaching English at Hampden Academy, the public high school in Hampden, Maine. Writing in the evenings and on the weekends, he continued to produce short stories and to work on novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 8,381 reviews
August 1, 2017
I listened to the audio version of this book through the library Overdrive but I'm going to buy a copy from Audible. Maggie Swift from Sons Of Anarchy was the narrator and she was awesome!
I loved that there was a little talk with Stephen King and Richard Chizmar at the end. Just listening to them was cool.
There is also a short story at the end of the first book called, "The Music Room." This is a tiny short story by Stephen King. Just a little tad bit of horror to add to your day.
I also have to say how much I love the cover of the book. When I first saw it I never really paid much attention to it. When I was listening to it I started to really look at the pictures and noticed all of the wonderful things that are added. You can see the suicide steps, the town, Gwendy talking to the man in the black hat. I just think it's lovely.
This isn't some big ole horror story. It's just a story of Gwendy and how she comes across the button box that she owns for a good portion of her life. There are secrets about the box. I thought they were pretty awesome. In some ways I could see how the box would be a terrifying thing to have in your possession for a few different reasons that I won't say.
I just fell in love with the story. I fell in love with Gwendy's character. And I hated one ole jerk in the book. I hated him really bad. Karma dude, karma.
I'm going to get a physical copy of the book too because there are just some books you love for whatever reason and you want to own them. It's just that simple.
Enjoy ♥
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
I loved that there was a little talk with Stephen King and Richard Chizmar at the end. Just listening to them was cool.
There is also a short story at the end of the first book called, "The Music Room." This is a tiny short story by Stephen King. Just a little tad bit of horror to add to your day.
I also have to say how much I love the cover of the book. When I first saw it I never really paid much attention to it. When I was listening to it I started to really look at the pictures and noticed all of the wonderful things that are added. You can see the suicide steps, the town, Gwendy talking to the man in the black hat. I just think it's lovely.
This isn't some big ole horror story. It's just a story of Gwendy and how she comes across the button box that she owns for a good portion of her life. There are secrets about the box. I thought they were pretty awesome. In some ways I could see how the box would be a terrifying thing to have in your possession for a few different reasons that I won't say.
I just fell in love with the story. I fell in love with Gwendy's character. And I hated one ole jerk in the book. I hated him really bad. Karma dude, karma.
I'm going to get a physical copy of the book too because there are just some books you love for whatever reason and you want to own them. It's just that simple.
Enjoy ♥
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
April 6, 2019
”She approaches the button box with as much stealth as she can muster. When she’s within a few feet of it, the image of a wild animal asleep in its lair flashes in her head, and she thinks: The button box doesn’t just give power; it is power.
‘But I won’t,’ she mutters. Won’t what? ‘Won’t give in.’”
It all begins with daily summer exercise on the cliffside stairs. Gwendy Peterson is 12 years old in 1974 and chubby. She will be going to middle school in the fall, and she does not want her nickname, Goodyear, tagging along with her from elementary school. At the top of the cliffside run sits a man on a bench in a black bowler hat, black jeans, black coat, and a white shirt. He has been there every day. She has ignored him. He has looked at her with an intensity that would make anyone uncomfortable, but especially a self conscious girl who thinks everyone is only looking at her flaws when they look at her.
Of course, he could be a perv.
There is always that.
He is, after all, reading a book called Gravity’s Rainbow, which frankly sounds like something a perv would read.
Richard Farris (he does introduce himself) convinces her to have a harmless conversation with him. He has brought a gift that he wants to intrust to her. A button box, but not just any button box; one that dispenses chocolates with one lever and silver Morgan coins with the other. In exchange for the box, her only job is to keep it safe.
It doesn’t take long for her to discover that the chocolates have some magical element that allows her to be good at...well...everything.
The buttons themselves have power beyond anything she can conceive, but with that power comes great responsibility. Farris is cryptic in his explanations, which makes one wonder if even he knows the true power of all those buttons. The black button can not be pushed under any circumstances. The red button is a wild card. Each of the other buttons are tied to specific geographical regions. If the chocolates weren’t so mouth watering amazing, a smart girl like Gwendy would have excused herself and broke into a fast trot back to the life that the fates had already strung for her.
Temptation is always swathed in alluring wrappings.
Stephen King and Richard Chizmar combine forces to return readers to Castle Rock, Maine. Castle Rock has provided the setting for many King books over the years and is a home away from home for many of his dedicated fans. The book is a quick read. I finished it in an afternoon. The button box is a conundrum, and I had no problems lurking in the shadows, observing events, and waiting for that black bowler hat, that appeared in many of Gwendy’s most disturbing dreams, to show up again with, hopefully, some much needed insight. This book quickly went into a third printing so copies are moving as fast as Cemetery Dance can print them. A book that will have you pondering...what would I do?...can I resist the urge to use the power that is at my fingertips?...when do I intercede and when do I turn a blind eye?
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at:https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten
‘But I won’t,’ she mutters. Won’t what? ‘Won’t give in.’”
It all begins with daily summer exercise on the cliffside stairs. Gwendy Peterson is 12 years old in 1974 and chubby. She will be going to middle school in the fall, and she does not want her nickname, Goodyear, tagging along with her from elementary school. At the top of the cliffside run sits a man on a bench in a black bowler hat, black jeans, black coat, and a white shirt. He has been there every day. She has ignored him. He has looked at her with an intensity that would make anyone uncomfortable, but especially a self conscious girl who thinks everyone is only looking at her flaws when they look at her.
Of course, he could be a perv.
There is always that.
He is, after all, reading a book called Gravity’s Rainbow, which frankly sounds like something a perv would read.
Richard Farris (he does introduce himself) convinces her to have a harmless conversation with him. He has brought a gift that he wants to intrust to her. A button box, but not just any button box; one that dispenses chocolates with one lever and silver Morgan coins with the other. In exchange for the box, her only job is to keep it safe.
It doesn’t take long for her to discover that the chocolates have some magical element that allows her to be good at...well...everything.
The buttons themselves have power beyond anything she can conceive, but with that power comes great responsibility. Farris is cryptic in his explanations, which makes one wonder if even he knows the true power of all those buttons. The black button can not be pushed under any circumstances. The red button is a wild card. Each of the other buttons are tied to specific geographical regions. If the chocolates weren’t so mouth watering amazing, a smart girl like Gwendy would have excused herself and broke into a fast trot back to the life that the fates had already strung for her.
Temptation is always swathed in alluring wrappings.
Stephen King and Richard Chizmar combine forces to return readers to Castle Rock, Maine. Castle Rock has provided the setting for many King books over the years and is a home away from home for many of his dedicated fans. The book is a quick read. I finished it in an afternoon. The button box is a conundrum, and I had no problems lurking in the shadows, observing events, and waiting for that black bowler hat, that appeared in many of Gwendy’s most disturbing dreams, to show up again with, hopefully, some much needed insight. This book quickly went into a third printing so copies are moving as fast as Cemetery Dance can print them. A book that will have you pondering...what would I do?...can I resist the urge to use the power that is at my fingertips?...when do I intercede and when do I turn a blind eye?
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at:https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten
July 8, 2023
“Gwendy's Button Box” by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar is the start of a trilogy I’ve been anxiously waiting to read for a while now. Believe it or not, I’ve yet to read a trilogy on my Kindle and figured if I’m going to start one, it needs to be by my all-time favorite author in King. I plan to read Gwendy's Button Box Trilogy consecutively and my goodness, the first book in this trilogy is fantastic.
Besides King, I’m also a huge fan of Chizmar having read several of his novels as his writing is also superb. It’s great to see these two together in writing a book like this as I genuinely loved it. This was a match made in horror heaven as these two combined truly wrote one hell of an entry to this trilogy that was a blast to read and even see in a few instances.
I’m a huge fan of books that have graphic illustrations either to start each chapter or sprinkled throughout to add another layer of immersion to the reading experience. I loved the graphic illustrations in “Gwendy's Button Box” as they were perfect and even creepy at times to truly set the tone of all the horror, mystery, and madness that awaited.
This was quite the pageturner and I simply could not put it down. The writing is excellent and Gwendy’s story is one that gripped me from the start and didn’t let go at all. I loved the intrigue of this whole button box and once things started to be revealed as I kept reading, it was so fascinating.
I loved how so much was going on and every second of it was unraveling things as it was a powerhouse of a read. If this is just the start, I can only imagine what awaits in the second and final entries of this trilogy. I’m beyond excited and even though I won’t ruin anything for you, the horror in this book was also top notch which isn’t surprising due to these two incredible horror authors that wrote it.
That one insane horror moment that happens in “Gwendy's Button Box” was so wild and descriptive, it made me make all sorts of weird faces while reading. I read that one scene a few times because it was that gruesome and being such a horror enthusiast, was brilliantly written to send a chill down your spine. It came at the perfect time and needless to say, was executed perfectly.
The ending was great since it wrapped things up nicely and now I can’t wait to let this book sit for a bit in my soul and move on to “Gwendy's Magic Feather” soon. I can’t wait because I have no idea what awaits with Mr. Farris and let me tell you, I never thought seeing a black derby hat would be creepy, and yet, here we are.
I give “Gwendy's Button Box” by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar a perfect 5/5 as I’m so happy I finally started my first trilogy on my Kindle with this one. It has everything I love in a horror novel and more as it also checks the mystery, suspense, and thriller boxes nicely. I look forward to continuing this trilogy to see what else awaits. If you’re looking for a solid entry to a fascinating trilogy filled with mystique, horror, solid characters, and an awesome story, start here with Gwendy's Button Box Trilogy. So far, this feels like it’s going to be one hell of a ride.
Besides King, I’m also a huge fan of Chizmar having read several of his novels as his writing is also superb. It’s great to see these two together in writing a book like this as I genuinely loved it. This was a match made in horror heaven as these two combined truly wrote one hell of an entry to this trilogy that was a blast to read and even see in a few instances.
I’m a huge fan of books that have graphic illustrations either to start each chapter or sprinkled throughout to add another layer of immersion to the reading experience. I loved the graphic illustrations in “Gwendy's Button Box” as they were perfect and even creepy at times to truly set the tone of all the horror, mystery, and madness that awaited.
This was quite the pageturner and I simply could not put it down. The writing is excellent and Gwendy’s story is one that gripped me from the start and didn’t let go at all. I loved the intrigue of this whole button box and once things started to be revealed as I kept reading, it was so fascinating.
I loved how so much was going on and every second of it was unraveling things as it was a powerhouse of a read. If this is just the start, I can only imagine what awaits in the second and final entries of this trilogy. I’m beyond excited and even though I won’t ruin anything for you, the horror in this book was also top notch which isn’t surprising due to these two incredible horror authors that wrote it.
That one insane horror moment that happens in “Gwendy's Button Box” was so wild and descriptive, it made me make all sorts of weird faces while reading. I read that one scene a few times because it was that gruesome and being such a horror enthusiast, was brilliantly written to send a chill down your spine. It came at the perfect time and needless to say, was executed perfectly.
The ending was great since it wrapped things up nicely and now I can’t wait to let this book sit for a bit in my soul and move on to “Gwendy's Magic Feather” soon. I can’t wait because I have no idea what awaits with Mr. Farris and let me tell you, I never thought seeing a black derby hat would be creepy, and yet, here we are.
I give “Gwendy's Button Box” by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar a perfect 5/5 as I’m so happy I finally started my first trilogy on my Kindle with this one. It has everything I love in a horror novel and more as it also checks the mystery, suspense, and thriller boxes nicely. I look forward to continuing this trilogy to see what else awaits. If you’re looking for a solid entry to a fascinating trilogy filled with mystique, horror, solid characters, and an awesome story, start here with Gwendy's Button Box Trilogy. So far, this feels like it’s going to be one hell of a ride.
November 19, 2024
A little box, a few buttons, and unspeakable consequences for pressing them.
Gwendy is a twelve year old girl, wide, school outcast. At the peak of some stairs in an elevated park of Castle Rock, a black suited stranger offers her a peculiar object. A little button box, with two tiny levers. A magic box that every now and then grants little gifts, but at a terrible cost. Pressing the different buttons carries dire consequences, and protecting the box, a grave responsibility. What if someone steals the box? What if one of the buttons is accidentally pressed? What would happen if someone presses the dreaded black button...
A little novella of the legendary Stephen King. An entertaining read, enjoyable, short, finishable in a few days, if not one. Good enough to spend the time, but not exactly recommendable. First encounter with King. I've watched countless of his movies (Cujo, It, Mist, Misery, Shining, others), but first time on book. And why did I never venture before with the master of horror? Who knows. But the first of many, I hope.
-----------------------------------------------
PERSONAL NOTE :
[2017] [171p] [Horror] [Not Recommendable]
-----------------------------------------------
★★★★☆ Elevation [3.5]
★★★★☆ The Monkey [3.5]
★★★☆☆ Crouch End
★★★☆☆ Gwendy's Button Box
-----------------------------------------------
Una pequeña caja, un par de botones, y horribles consecuencias por presionarlos.
Gwendy es una nena de doce años, ancha, marginada en su colegio. En la cima de unas escaleras en un parque elevado de Castle Rock, un extraño señor de traje oscuro le ofrece un peculiar objeto. Una pequeña caja de botones, con dos minúsculas palanquitas. Una caja mágica que cada tanto otorga diminutos obsequios, pero a un costo elevado. Presionar los distintos botones de la caja acarrea graves consecuencias, y proteger la caja, una enorme responsabilidad. Y si alguien roba la caja? Y si algún botón se presiona sin querer? Y si alguien presiona el temible botón negro...
Pequeña novella de cien páginas del legendario Stephen King. Una lectura entretenida, disfrutable, corta, liquidable en epenas un par de días, sino uno. Suficientemente buena para pasar el rato, pero no exactamente recomendable. Primera aproximación a King. Vi un sinfín de sus películas (Cujo, It, Mist, Misery, Resplandor y otras), pero primera vez en libro. Como es que nunca me aventuré antes con el maestro del terror? Quien sabe. Pero el primero de muchos, espero.
-----------------------------------------------
NOTA PERSONAL :
[2017] [171p] [Horror] [No Recomendable]
-----------------------------------------------
Gwendy is a twelve year old girl, wide, school outcast. At the peak of some stairs in an elevated park of Castle Rock, a black suited stranger offers her a peculiar object. A little button box, with two tiny levers. A magic box that every now and then grants little gifts, but at a terrible cost. Pressing the different buttons carries dire consequences, and protecting the box, a grave responsibility. What if someone steals the box? What if one of the buttons is accidentally pressed? What would happen if someone presses the dreaded black button...
A little novella of the legendary Stephen King. An entertaining read, enjoyable, short, finishable in a few days, if not one. Good enough to spend the time, but not exactly recommendable. First encounter with King. I've watched countless of his movies (Cujo, It, Mist, Misery, Shining, others), but first time on book. And why did I never venture before with the master of horror? Who knows. But the first of many, I hope.
-----------------------------------------------
PERSONAL NOTE :
[2017] [171p] [Horror] [Not Recommendable]
-----------------------------------------------
★★★★☆ Elevation [3.5]
★★★★☆ The Monkey [3.5]
★★★☆☆ Crouch End
★★★☆☆ Gwendy's Button Box
-----------------------------------------------
Una pequeña caja, un par de botones, y horribles consecuencias por presionarlos.
Gwendy es una nena de doce años, ancha, marginada en su colegio. En la cima de unas escaleras en un parque elevado de Castle Rock, un extraño señor de traje oscuro le ofrece un peculiar objeto. Una pequeña caja de botones, con dos minúsculas palanquitas. Una caja mágica que cada tanto otorga diminutos obsequios, pero a un costo elevado. Presionar los distintos botones de la caja acarrea graves consecuencias, y proteger la caja, una enorme responsabilidad. Y si alguien roba la caja? Y si algún botón se presiona sin querer? Y si alguien presiona el temible botón negro...
Pequeña novella de cien páginas del legendario Stephen King. Una lectura entretenida, disfrutable, corta, liquidable en epenas un par de días, sino uno. Suficientemente buena para pasar el rato, pero no exactamente recomendable. Primera aproximación a King. Vi un sinfín de sus películas (Cujo, It, Mist, Misery, Resplandor y otras), pero primera vez en libro. Como es que nunca me aventuré antes con el maestro del terror? Quien sabe. Pero el primero de muchos, espero.
-----------------------------------------------
NOTA PERSONAL :
[2017] [171p] [Horror] [No Recomendable]
-----------------------------------------------
March 24, 2020
I'm here for it.
Thanks to Raeleen for the recommendation via this episode of Books Unbound Podcast https://open.spotify.com/episode/3yVU...
Book 14 of 30 for my 30 day reading challenge.
Thanks to Raeleen for the recommendation via this episode of Books Unbound Podcast https://open.spotify.com/episode/3yVU...
Book 14 of 30 for my 30 day reading challenge.
October 25, 2024
‘People don't need a button box to do horrible things. There's plenty of evil fuckery in the human spirit.’
The Gwendy’s Button Box trilogy by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar is a blend of psychological suspense, supernatural elements, and coming of age themes. The trilogy starts with Gwendy’s Button Box, followed by Gwendy’s Magic Feather and concludes with Gwendy’s Final Task. I gave all three books in the trilogy the same rating and thus will be reviewing them together.
The first novel introduces Gwendy Peterson, a 12 year old girl in Castle Rock, who encounters a mysterious stranger, Mr. Farris, who gives her a box with buttons capable of altering reality. Each button represents a different continent, and its power is dangerous. The novel explores moral choices, the burden of responsibility, and the loss of innocence as Gwendy grows up with this box that could unleash catastrophic events. King and Chizmar craft a tight, suspenseful novella with a classic “what if” premise. The nostalgic setting in Castle Rock also connects it to King’s broader universe.
In the second book, Chizmar writes solo, continuing Gwendy’s story as an adult. Now a successful novelist and congresswoman, Gwendy is once again given the box when her life takes a darker turn. The novel maintains a tense, psychological tone as Gwendy faces both personal dilemmas and broader political challenges. While it lacks King’s direct involvement, Chizmar successfully captures the same moral weight and eerie atmosphere.
The final book brings King back as a co-author. Here, Gwendy embarks on a mission to take the box into space, far from Earth, to prevent it potentially falling into the wrong hands. The novel shifts in tone, blending science fiction with King’s familiar horror elements. As a conclusion, it ties up loose ends nicely and offers a reflective and emotional end to Gwendy’s journey.
The Gwendy trilogy is a fascinating mix of horror, sci-fi, and moral philosophy. King and Chizmar’s collaboration strikes a balance between supernatural thrill and the inner struggles of its protagonist.
As a whole, it’s an engaging trilogy for fans of King’s Castle Rock stories or those interested in character-driven horror.
I Highly Recommend.
‘Save your biggest smiles for the shitheads, and don’t take your eyes off theirs.’
4.5
The Gwendy’s Button Box trilogy by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar is a blend of psychological suspense, supernatural elements, and coming of age themes. The trilogy starts with Gwendy’s Button Box, followed by Gwendy’s Magic Feather and concludes with Gwendy’s Final Task. I gave all three books in the trilogy the same rating and thus will be reviewing them together.
The first novel introduces Gwendy Peterson, a 12 year old girl in Castle Rock, who encounters a mysterious stranger, Mr. Farris, who gives her a box with buttons capable of altering reality. Each button represents a different continent, and its power is dangerous. The novel explores moral choices, the burden of responsibility, and the loss of innocence as Gwendy grows up with this box that could unleash catastrophic events. King and Chizmar craft a tight, suspenseful novella with a classic “what if” premise. The nostalgic setting in Castle Rock also connects it to King’s broader universe.
In the second book, Chizmar writes solo, continuing Gwendy’s story as an adult. Now a successful novelist and congresswoman, Gwendy is once again given the box when her life takes a darker turn. The novel maintains a tense, psychological tone as Gwendy faces both personal dilemmas and broader political challenges. While it lacks King’s direct involvement, Chizmar successfully captures the same moral weight and eerie atmosphere.
The final book brings King back as a co-author. Here, Gwendy embarks on a mission to take the box into space, far from Earth, to prevent it potentially falling into the wrong hands. The novel shifts in tone, blending science fiction with King’s familiar horror elements. As a conclusion, it ties up loose ends nicely and offers a reflective and emotional end to Gwendy’s journey.
The Gwendy trilogy is a fascinating mix of horror, sci-fi, and moral philosophy. King and Chizmar’s collaboration strikes a balance between supernatural thrill and the inner struggles of its protagonist.
As a whole, it’s an engaging trilogy for fans of King’s Castle Rock stories or those interested in character-driven horror.
I Highly Recommend.
‘Save your biggest smiles for the shitheads, and don’t take your eyes off theirs.’
4.5
October 18, 2021
How many authors does it take to write a 171-page novella? Two apparently, if it’s Gwendy’s Button Box.
In a conversation between co-writers Stephen King and Richard Chizmar at the end of the audiobook, King explains that he wrote the beginning of the story but couldn’t end it. WHY he couldn’t end it he never shares, but he says he dusted off the languishing manuscript and turned it over to his buddy Chizmar to wrap it up. The resulting story feels seamless, which isn’t a surprise since Chizmar’s writing style is clearly heavily influenced by his (and Constant Readers’) Uncle Stevie.
The book delivers an enjoyable return to Castle Rock, beginning in 1974 when tween Gwendy is approached by a mysterious gentleman who gives her a button box to watch over. Prior to reading the book I thought the title alluded to a box full of buttons, but nope! It’s a box with buttons on the outside. The buttons have power, and pushing them makes things - minor or major - happen.
In the aforementioned audiobook conversation, King winks at the comparison between Gwendy’s button box and his typewriter/computer. What is his keyboard if not a magical box with buttons that can make anything happen? How cool is that idea?!
Because of its authorship, Gwendy’s Button Box is most often shelved as horror. I didn’t find it to be scary in the least though, and I’d classify it more as coming-of-age magical realism. An enjoyable, quick read that’s probably best appreciated by readers already familiar with the King universe. (Raise your hand if you’ve read it and noted that the box-giving, bowler hat-wearing stranger’s initials are R.F., an implication that he’s Randall Flagg?)
Blog: https://www.confettibookshelf.com/
In a conversation between co-writers Stephen King and Richard Chizmar at the end of the audiobook, King explains that he wrote the beginning of the story but couldn’t end it. WHY he couldn’t end it he never shares, but he says he dusted off the languishing manuscript and turned it over to his buddy Chizmar to wrap it up. The resulting story feels seamless, which isn’t a surprise since Chizmar’s writing style is clearly heavily influenced by his (and Constant Readers’) Uncle Stevie.
The book delivers an enjoyable return to Castle Rock, beginning in 1974 when tween Gwendy is approached by a mysterious gentleman who gives her a button box to watch over. Prior to reading the book I thought the title alluded to a box full of buttons, but nope! It’s a box with buttons on the outside. The buttons have power, and pushing them makes things - minor or major - happen.
In the aforementioned audiobook conversation, King winks at the comparison between Gwendy’s button box and his typewriter/computer. What is his keyboard if not a magical box with buttons that can make anything happen? How cool is that idea?!
Because of its authorship, Gwendy’s Button Box is most often shelved as horror. I didn’t find it to be scary in the least though, and I’d classify it more as coming-of-age magical realism. An enjoyable, quick read that’s probably best appreciated by readers already familiar with the King universe. (Raise your hand if you’ve read it and noted that the box-giving, bowler hat-wearing stranger’s initials are R.F., an implication that he’s Randall Flagg?)
Blog: https://www.confettibookshelf.com/
December 28, 2024
This was a re-read in order to end the year with some great short reads. Please see my original review below:
A wonderful collaboration between 'King of Horror' Stephen King and Richard Chizmar, who have been long-time friends but meshed their literary ideas into a single piece. This story is peppered with the New England flavour for which King is so well known and an innocent story that turns on a single item, something Chizmar surely influenced after being handed control of the story.
Gwendy Peterson is an energetic girl who seeks to change herself before heading into middle school, where the teasing she has undergone will only get worse. When a mysterious man, Richard Farris, engages her in conversation, Gwendy soon realises that this is not a man who seeks to do her any harm. Rather, he has a special gift for her, a mahogany box affixed with eight buttons, their convex surfaces and varied colours quite alluring. Farris explains the importance of each button, warning her away from pressing the red, unless she is sure of what she wants, as it packs quite the punch. With that, Farris is gone and Gwendy is left to fend for herself. She hides the box from everyone else, pulling it out only to feed off the delectable sweets that are compartmentalised along one side.
As the story progresses and Gwendy ages, she becomes tempted by the buttons, or at least the red one, and seeks to experiment. The result is anything but peaceful, but Gwendy knew that was a distinct possibility. With events around her playing out, Gwendy is left to wonder, could she be solely responsible? An interesting novella that pulls the reader in from the start and posits some interesting theories. A wonderfully entertaining read for any who enjoy some of the less macabre King work with this new spin that Chizmar brings to the writing process.
I have long been a King fan and can only hope that there will be more stories like this. King and Chizmar took on a seemingly innocent plot and allowed it to evolve and take shape, to the point that the reader is left to wonder just who Gwendy Peterson might be. She has moments of teenage naïveté that are contrasted nicely with some darker thoughts, especially when she knowingly uses the 'red button'. However, there is little attempt by the authors to turn her into anything sinister. The same goes for Richard Farris, who balances precariously on the fence from being that creepy 'man in the shadows' to an innocent stranger who seeks to offer up something interesting, akin to the magic beans that Jack received for his cow. King and Chizmar take the story from there and allow Gwendy to apparently control her destiny, while also placing much burden at her feet. Did her pressing the button lead to various newsworthy calamities? Without going too far off the beaten path, King and Chizmar force the reader to wrestle with destiny and the influence of choices on the larger scale. Call it The Butterfly Effect through the eyes of a teenage girl. A wonderful story that packs a punch and offers up much entertainment, one can only hope that King has more of these ideas rumbling around and that Chizmar is on hand to help spin them, in the years to come.
Kudos, Messrs. King and Chizmar for this wonderful novella. I am impressed and the early hype is right; you two are a wonderful team!
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A wonderful collaboration between 'King of Horror' Stephen King and Richard Chizmar, who have been long-time friends but meshed their literary ideas into a single piece. This story is peppered with the New England flavour for which King is so well known and an innocent story that turns on a single item, something Chizmar surely influenced after being handed control of the story.
Gwendy Peterson is an energetic girl who seeks to change herself before heading into middle school, where the teasing she has undergone will only get worse. When a mysterious man, Richard Farris, engages her in conversation, Gwendy soon realises that this is not a man who seeks to do her any harm. Rather, he has a special gift for her, a mahogany box affixed with eight buttons, their convex surfaces and varied colours quite alluring. Farris explains the importance of each button, warning her away from pressing the red, unless she is sure of what she wants, as it packs quite the punch. With that, Farris is gone and Gwendy is left to fend for herself. She hides the box from everyone else, pulling it out only to feed off the delectable sweets that are compartmentalised along one side.
As the story progresses and Gwendy ages, she becomes tempted by the buttons, or at least the red one, and seeks to experiment. The result is anything but peaceful, but Gwendy knew that was a distinct possibility. With events around her playing out, Gwendy is left to wonder, could she be solely responsible? An interesting novella that pulls the reader in from the start and posits some interesting theories. A wonderfully entertaining read for any who enjoy some of the less macabre King work with this new spin that Chizmar brings to the writing process.
I have long been a King fan and can only hope that there will be more stories like this. King and Chizmar took on a seemingly innocent plot and allowed it to evolve and take shape, to the point that the reader is left to wonder just who Gwendy Peterson might be. She has moments of teenage naïveté that are contrasted nicely with some darker thoughts, especially when she knowingly uses the 'red button'. However, there is little attempt by the authors to turn her into anything sinister. The same goes for Richard Farris, who balances precariously on the fence from being that creepy 'man in the shadows' to an innocent stranger who seeks to offer up something interesting, akin to the magic beans that Jack received for his cow. King and Chizmar take the story from there and allow Gwendy to apparently control her destiny, while also placing much burden at her feet. Did her pressing the button lead to various newsworthy calamities? Without going too far off the beaten path, King and Chizmar force the reader to wrestle with destiny and the influence of choices on the larger scale. Call it The Butterfly Effect through the eyes of a teenage girl. A wonderful story that packs a punch and offers up much entertainment, one can only hope that King has more of these ideas rumbling around and that Chizmar is on hand to help spin them, in the years to come.
Kudos, Messrs. King and Chizmar for this wonderful novella. I am impressed and the early hype is right; you two are a wonderful team!
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
June 24, 2017
King is back! . . . and he brought a friend . . .
A very nice novella indeed! A story of choices and mystery. Questions about what a person might do with almost God-like power. Would you choose to be merciful or would you let your inner demons make you the ultimate destroyer?
Whatever you decide, if you like a good thriller (and, perhaps in this case, don't have a lot of time to dedicate to a big book), I suggest you choose Gwendy's Button Box for a good dose of "what-ifs".
Side note: the version I read includes an additional short story called "The Music Room". A minor anecdote, really. Not much too it and not really worth hunting down unless you are a King completist.
A very nice novella indeed! A story of choices and mystery. Questions about what a person might do with almost God-like power. Would you choose to be merciful or would you let your inner demons make you the ultimate destroyer?
Whatever you decide, if you like a good thriller (and, perhaps in this case, don't have a lot of time to dedicate to a big book), I suggest you choose Gwendy's Button Box for a good dose of "what-ifs".
Side note: the version I read includes an additional short story called "The Music Room". A minor anecdote, really. Not much too it and not really worth hunting down unless you are a King completist.
May 20, 2017
4+ Stars
Fooled me.......not at all the ending I was expecting....And guess what....we're back in Castle Rock, Maine....as is The Man in Black.
Anyway....Richard Farris (RF) sits watching and waiting for 12 year old Gwendy Peterson to finish her run up and down the suicide stairs. She absolutely does not want to be called Goodyear...like the blimp... when school resumes this year....so when the mysterious man offers up his button box of powerful...dangerous...and life changing ...tricks and treats, the temptation is just too much and Gwendy succumbs to the task and risks of its safekeeping.
In GWENDY'S BUTTON BOX, as the years fly by, you'll find the usual school time relationships and activities to keep things light added to horrors from the dark side of life that result in tragic loss and heartbreak....and oh the ever present pressure for Gwendy to make use of the evil in the little box of tricks!
Stephen King has taught us to beware the man in black, but I found nothing here to give (me) chills or nightmares....just a fast paced read and most entertaining novella.....with a quick look at author, Richard Chizmar.
April 28, 2022
Many years ago it was with a sad heart I first read 'the last Castle Rock story' Needful Things and said goodbye to a town that stood alongside the likes of Narnia, Hobbiton and Gallifrey in my youth. King alongside Chizmar dare to bring it back, and to me it is a perfect love letter to Castle Rock fans! It almost feels like it was written in the Castle Rock hey days of the 70s an 80s, maybe intentionally so. The man in the black hat and his name, gave me such a cosy warm feeling.
The book only took me a shockingly short 70 minutes to read, but once started was un-put-downable. Thank you for taking me back to Castle Rock with a story centred around a girl standing up for herself and taking control of her life. Did you Constant Readers spot the cameo of another Castle Rock legend? On this, my third reading with my Castle Rock blinkers finally lifted I can say that it is a pretty clever but simplistic short read that only briefly engages with some of the issues it raises. A new reader may feel a bit cheated and also wonder about the target audience with the overall coming of age meets horror spin. One of those books that only really works on first reading. 6 out of 12.
2022 read; 2020 read (twice!!)
The book only took me a shockingly short 70 minutes to read, but once started was un-put-downable. Thank you for taking me back to Castle Rock with a story centred around a girl standing up for herself and taking control of her life. Did you Constant Readers spot the cameo of another Castle Rock legend? On this, my third reading with my Castle Rock blinkers finally lifted I can say that it is a pretty clever but simplistic short read that only briefly engages with some of the issues it raises. A new reader may feel a bit cheated and also wonder about the target audience with the overall coming of age meets horror spin. One of those books that only really works on first reading. 6 out of 12.
2022 read; 2020 read (twice!!)
April 3, 2025
I read this novella in one day.
It felt like going into a dive bar in a strange town, sitting down and having an old geezer sitting at the bar look at you and say, "let me tell you a story..."
It was that damn good.
It felt like going into a dive bar in a strange town, sitting down and having an old geezer sitting at the bar look at you and say, "let me tell you a story..."
It was that damn good.
June 6, 2022
This was a lightning fast read for me. First, it’s only 171 pages, probably less than 50,000 words, so it’s sort of on that borderline between novella and novel. Second, it’s an easy read, short chapters, nothing complicated or difficult about it. Third, it’s another one of those King-scenarios where I had to know what happens.
I believe I read that King wrote part of this story and then shelved it, unable to finish it. Later Richard Chizmar and King collaborated back and forth for a month to finish it. Chizmar has since written a sequel titled ‘Gwendy’s Magic Feather’.
Here’s the amazing thing about this story – it’s mostly narration and it is third person past tense. That’s often a recipe for disaster. With very little dialog and the action described as past events, it’s usually tough to pull a reader in and difficult to evoke emotion. But, I HAD TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS! King is so good at creating scenarios that create a level of intrigue that is almost an obsession (at least for me). So, yeah, we don’t really get engaged from an emotional standpoint, but I will say I felt a bit of dread and pity for Gwendy along the way. And the action, begin told from a historical context, never raced along, like it has in some of King’s books. But, you almost appreciate that story never dives into scenes deeply, because – YOU JUST WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS! Lol I will say there were a few strange plot points that I don't want to openly discuss due to spoilers, but they were minor issues for me. Anyway, we skim along through swaths of Gwendy’s life, picking up bits and pieces of the story, and ultimately, we get, surprise, a pretty satisfying conclusion. IMHO, King’s endings don’t always stand up to the amazing scenarios he creates, so I was relieved to get a solid ending. I have to think maybe Mr. Chizmar had something to do that with.
This is not a literary masterpiece. It’s not an emotional roller coaster where you become deeply invested in the characters. It is a fast, fun, captivating tale, that feels more like a story told around the campfire. The version I had included some illustrations that added to the experience. I enjoyed it and it just flew by. A strong four stars for me!
I believe I read that King wrote part of this story and then shelved it, unable to finish it. Later Richard Chizmar and King collaborated back and forth for a month to finish it. Chizmar has since written a sequel titled ‘Gwendy’s Magic Feather’.
Here’s the amazing thing about this story – it’s mostly narration and it is third person past tense. That’s often a recipe for disaster. With very little dialog and the action described as past events, it’s usually tough to pull a reader in and difficult to evoke emotion. But, I HAD TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS! King is so good at creating scenarios that create a level of intrigue that is almost an obsession (at least for me). So, yeah, we don’t really get engaged from an emotional standpoint, but I will say I felt a bit of dread and pity for Gwendy along the way. And the action, begin told from a historical context, never raced along, like it has in some of King’s books. But, you almost appreciate that story never dives into scenes deeply, because – YOU JUST WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS! Lol I will say there were a few strange plot points that I don't want to openly discuss due to spoilers, but they were minor issues for me. Anyway, we skim along through swaths of Gwendy’s life, picking up bits and pieces of the story, and ultimately, we get, surprise, a pretty satisfying conclusion. IMHO, King’s endings don’t always stand up to the amazing scenarios he creates, so I was relieved to get a solid ending. I have to think maybe Mr. Chizmar had something to do that with.
This is not a literary masterpiece. It’s not an emotional roller coaster where you become deeply invested in the characters. It is a fast, fun, captivating tale, that feels more like a story told around the campfire. The version I had included some illustrations that added to the experience. I enjoyed it and it just flew by. A strong four stars for me!
May 26, 2017
Engaging reading!
THE WEIGHT OF A BOX
Gwendy Peterson is a normal teenager in the (not-so normal) Castle Rock town, she is looking to lose some weight (mainly due the meanness of fellow schoolmates), and to do that she has been running on the “Suicide Stairs”, one of the colorful places in the town, until one day, when she reached the high point of the stairs, she meets a strange man with a black hat which knows too much about Gwendy’s personal life and he gives her a gift, a powerful and enigmatic gift,…
…a button box.
So, Gwendy may lose personal weight but now she is gaining a responsability weight way beyond of her wildest dreams…
…or nightmares.
The button box has various buttons (duh!) and two levers (that I won’t spoil what they do, since it’s part of the fun and thrill of the tale), and Gwendy soon enough will realize that while of the features of the box seem not only harmless but even rewarding in different areas of her life, other features will be without a doubt a burden with tremendous repercussions.
The box is power…
…and there isn’t power without responsibility (ask Peter Parker if you don’t believe me!) and consequences.
And something else about power is that even in the inaction, when you have power and you don't do something about it, there are consequences too.
Trivial gifts are innocent, even pointless in a practical view, but…
…powerful gifts are life-changing, for better or worse, you’ll never be the same after receive them…
…and guarding them.
THE WEIGHT OF A BOX
Gwendy Peterson is a normal teenager in the (not-so normal) Castle Rock town, she is looking to lose some weight (mainly due the meanness of fellow schoolmates), and to do that she has been running on the “Suicide Stairs”, one of the colorful places in the town, until one day, when she reached the high point of the stairs, she meets a strange man with a black hat which knows too much about Gwendy’s personal life and he gives her a gift, a powerful and enigmatic gift,…
…a button box.
So, Gwendy may lose personal weight but now she is gaining a responsability weight way beyond of her wildest dreams…
…or nightmares.
The button box has various buttons (duh!) and two levers (that I won’t spoil what they do, since it’s part of the fun and thrill of the tale), and Gwendy soon enough will realize that while of the features of the box seem not only harmless but even rewarding in different areas of her life, other features will be without a doubt a burden with tremendous repercussions.
The box is power…
…and there isn’t power without responsibility (ask Peter Parker if you don’t believe me!) and consequences.
And something else about power is that even in the inaction, when you have power and you don't do something about it, there are consequences too.
Trivial gifts are innocent, even pointless in a practical view, but…
…powerful gifts are life-changing, for better or worse, you’ll never be the same after receive them…
…and guarding them.
July 28, 2017
When Gwendy Peterson meets a mysterious man in black on top of Suicide Stairs, he gives her the button box. One lever gives her a candy, one lever gives her a silver dollar, and the buttons give only death...
I've been a Constant Reader for a long time. This showed up on my BookGorilla email one morning and I gave it a shot. The writing was vintage King. It felt like putting on a favorite T-shirt.
Castle Rock and a character with the initials RF are back! A middle schooler winds up with a device of unimaginable power and with great power, everybody now, comes great responsibility. Gwendy's Button Box is a coming of age tale. Gwendy Peterson goes from middle school to high school with a monkey on her back in the shape of a box studded with eight buttons and two levers.
In some ways, the story reminded me of that Richard Matheson Twilight Zone episode that later became the movie The Box. Giving Gwendy the button box sounds like a fantastic act of destructive mischief on behalf of King's go-to bad guy. As I wolfed down the pages like a hungry billybumbler, I envisioned the horrors that were sure to wait for me at the end of the book.
Yeah, there was an ending but it wasn't the one I was picturing or anything near that Path of the Beam. It was letdown, not unlike the ending of The Colorado Kid. Lots of build up with not much of a payoff in this Constant Reader's opinion. While King's high up in my pantheon of writers, he's not lofty enough for me to pretend I enjoyed the last 10%. 3.5 out of 5.
Later: I found a PDF of Button, Button, the Richard Matheson short story/Twilight Zone episode this reminded me of:
https://www.greensburgsalem.org/cms/l...
I've been a Constant Reader for a long time. This showed up on my BookGorilla email one morning and I gave it a shot. The writing was vintage King. It felt like putting on a favorite T-shirt.
Castle Rock and a character with the initials RF are back! A middle schooler winds up with a device of unimaginable power and with great power, everybody now, comes great responsibility. Gwendy's Button Box is a coming of age tale. Gwendy Peterson goes from middle school to high school with a monkey on her back in the shape of a box studded with eight buttons and two levers.
In some ways, the story reminded me of that Richard Matheson Twilight Zone episode that later became the movie The Box. Giving Gwendy the button box sounds like a fantastic act of destructive mischief on behalf of King's go-to bad guy. As I wolfed down the pages like a hungry billybumbler, I envisioned the horrors that were sure to wait for me at the end of the book.
Yeah, there was an ending but it wasn't the one I was picturing or anything near that Path of the Beam. It was letdown, not unlike the ending of The Colorado Kid. Lots of build up with not much of a payoff in this Constant Reader's opinion. While King's high up in my pantheon of writers, he's not lofty enough for me to pretend I enjoyed the last 10%. 3.5 out of 5.
Later: I found a PDF of Button, Button, the Richard Matheson short story/Twilight Zone episode this reminded me of:
https://www.greensburgsalem.org/cms/l...
December 31, 2021
Yesterday, I listened to “The Chocolate Box”-a Hercule Poirot novella.
My follow-up turned out to be about another box which dispenses chocolates-Gwendy’s Button Box (#1 in what has now become a trilogy) which is a story started by Stephen King and finished by his friend, author Richard Chizmar. My Audible even had an interview with both, when the story concluded.
Everyone knows Stephen King.
But, I became acquainted with Richard Chizmar, when I read one of his short stories, “The Porch” and followed it up with “Chasing the Boogeyman” which ended up on my favorites list this year. When I heard about this collaboration, I added it to my TBR.
The story opens with Gwendy, a 12 year old bullied in school for being “overweight” jogging up the “Suicide Stairs” in Castle Rock as she does each morning in an attempt to shed pounds. But, on this particular morning in 1974, a man, dressed in black, including his signature black hat, is waiting for her. His name is Richard Farris, and he beckons her to join him on the bench he is sitting on.
He tells her that he has chosen her to become the next custodian of a very special “button box”-an important task as the box has a great capacity for evil.
There are eight buttons, and seven of them, if pushed will cause unspeakable harm. She can only push the eighth button, red in color, and can do so as many times as she wants to, when she wants to wish for something. There are also two levers, which she can pull on, whenever she desires. One dispenses valuable, Morgan Silver dollars-the other dispenses pure chocolate candies, shaped like animals and no larger than a jelly bean.
What happens while the magical box is in her care, and finding out if she uses it wisely is what this nostalgic, 171 page novella is about, and it was the PERFECT way to end the year!
I look forward to continuing the series in the new year-as the third in the trilogy, Gwendy’s Final Task, is publishing in May 31, 2022.
In the meantime, I am off to find, #2, “Gwendy’s Magic Feather”.
My follow-up turned out to be about another box which dispenses chocolates-Gwendy’s Button Box (#1 in what has now become a trilogy) which is a story started by Stephen King and finished by his friend, author Richard Chizmar. My Audible even had an interview with both, when the story concluded.
Everyone knows Stephen King.
But, I became acquainted with Richard Chizmar, when I read one of his short stories, “The Porch” and followed it up with “Chasing the Boogeyman” which ended up on my favorites list this year. When I heard about this collaboration, I added it to my TBR.
The story opens with Gwendy, a 12 year old bullied in school for being “overweight” jogging up the “Suicide Stairs” in Castle Rock as she does each morning in an attempt to shed pounds. But, on this particular morning in 1974, a man, dressed in black, including his signature black hat, is waiting for her. His name is Richard Farris, and he beckons her to join him on the bench he is sitting on.
He tells her that he has chosen her to become the next custodian of a very special “button box”-an important task as the box has a great capacity for evil.
There are eight buttons, and seven of them, if pushed will cause unspeakable harm. She can only push the eighth button, red in color, and can do so as many times as she wants to, when she wants to wish for something. There are also two levers, which she can pull on, whenever she desires. One dispenses valuable, Morgan Silver dollars-the other dispenses pure chocolate candies, shaped like animals and no larger than a jelly bean.
What happens while the magical box is in her care, and finding out if she uses it wisely is what this nostalgic, 171 page novella is about, and it was the PERFECT way to end the year!
I look forward to continuing the series in the new year-as the third in the trilogy, Gwendy’s Final Task, is publishing in May 31, 2022.
In the meantime, I am off to find, #2, “Gwendy’s Magic Feather”.
December 6, 2025
The story begins in the Summer of 1974; every day 12-year-old Gwendy Peterson takes what are known as the 'Suicide Stairs' up to Castle View Park. Even though there are other routes to the park, Gwendy wants to try and lose some weight.
One day she comes across a man—Richard Farris—sitting on a bench near the entrance to the park. He calls her over and speaks to her; he tells her he means her no harm, but she's wary. The man seems to know everything about her and hands her a mahogany box which has levers and buttons. He explains what they all do and warns her not to let anyone else find it. She takes it home and hides it in a tree stump.
As time passes, life seems good. When she starts middle school, she becomes an attractive, slim young woman. Lots of other things seem to go in her favour—good grades, great athlete, etc. The box is always on her mind, though. The levers of the box she knows dispense magic chocolate and silver coins, but when she hits 16, she gets curious and decides it's time to try pressing one of the buttons—which leads to disastrous consequences. Then she meets and falls in love with Harry, and she is the happiest she has ever been, but fate intervenes.
The story follows the life of Gwendy over a decade, from 12 to 22 years old, and basically asks the question, 'What would you do if you had the power to do anything you wanted with the press of a button?' Dips into the philosophical by exploring themes of temptation and the ramifications, responsibilities and burdens that come with great power.
This had almost perfect pacing, with a wonderful nostalgic feel to it. I didn't put it down from the moment I picked it up until I finished it—I was engrossed. My only minor criticism is I thought the ending was a bit of a let-down; it just fell a little bit flat. It is left ambiguous, as we never know who or where Richard Farris or the box comes from.
I wouldn't strictly call this horror; it was more magic/fantasy-based. The length comes in at around the 170-page mark, so it's not quite a novella nor a full-length novel either. I noticed that it is the first book in a trilogy, so I will probably pick up the sequel at some point. You could read this as a standalone, though, as it does wrap up pretty nicely.
One day she comes across a man—Richard Farris—sitting on a bench near the entrance to the park. He calls her over and speaks to her; he tells her he means her no harm, but she's wary. The man seems to know everything about her and hands her a mahogany box which has levers and buttons. He explains what they all do and warns her not to let anyone else find it. She takes it home and hides it in a tree stump.
As time passes, life seems good. When she starts middle school, she becomes an attractive, slim young woman. Lots of other things seem to go in her favour—good grades, great athlete, etc. The box is always on her mind, though. The levers of the box she knows dispense magic chocolate and silver coins, but when she hits 16, she gets curious and decides it's time to try pressing one of the buttons—which leads to disastrous consequences. Then she meets and falls in love with Harry, and she is the happiest she has ever been, but fate intervenes.
The story follows the life of Gwendy over a decade, from 12 to 22 years old, and basically asks the question, 'What would you do if you had the power to do anything you wanted with the press of a button?' Dips into the philosophical by exploring themes of temptation and the ramifications, responsibilities and burdens that come with great power.
This had almost perfect pacing, with a wonderful nostalgic feel to it. I didn't put it down from the moment I picked it up until I finished it—I was engrossed. My only minor criticism is I thought the ending was a bit of a let-down; it just fell a little bit flat. It is left ambiguous, as we never know who or where Richard Farris or the box comes from.
I wouldn't strictly call this horror; it was more magic/fantasy-based. The length comes in at around the 170-page mark, so it's not quite a novella nor a full-length novel either. I noticed that it is the first book in a trilogy, so I will probably pick up the sequel at some point. You could read this as a standalone, though, as it does wrap up pretty nicely.
October 17, 2024
This story reminded me of the Twilight Zone episode "It's a Good Life" with Billy Mumy as Anthony Fremont. But in this case Gwendy Peterson is a good person who tries to distance herself from a power that can consume her. The ability to control desire while welding absolute power is a sad story that has been told time and time again and written in blood. This novella is well written and (for the first time I can remember) gives us the perspective of a young girl as she grows up with a box that seems to contain limitless power.
January 12, 2022
Gwendy's Button Box was a fun story, but I'm glad I only spent 9$ on the eBook and not $30 for the hardcover copy. First, it's short - novella short. Second, the overall story wasn't developed well enough to justify asking someone for $30 in exchange for it.
The first half of the story is good. It's quick paced with its snappy little chapters. Gwendy herself is fine as a character, and the premise of the story is kind of interesting. But it ultimately falls flat. And frankly, I have no idea what the hell they were trying to accomplish with the ending (the only thing I can guess is that there might be a sequel that tells us just what the hell all those buttons were actually for...?). In many way, King should have just written this himself and fleshed the story out into an actual novel. There is enough to work with, and it would have had more impact.
There are definitely metaphors all over the pages in this book, especially relevant with the political unrest we're seeing globally. But the story lacked punch. The gaps were too large and I felt like it was missing substance - it was like eating a pizza with no toppings, only the dough. The foundation was there for something amazing, but it turned out bland.
Ultimately, I was somewhat entertained. It was so-so. Gwendy's Button Box was a novel trying to be a novella. The thing I'm most happy to take away after reading this: the $20 extra bucks I didn't spend on the hardcover.
The first half of the story is good. It's quick paced with its snappy little chapters. Gwendy herself is fine as a character, and the premise of the story is kind of interesting. But it ultimately falls flat. And frankly, I have no idea what the hell they were trying to accomplish with the ending (the only thing I can guess is that there might be a sequel that tells us just what the hell all those buttons were actually for...?). In many way, King should have just written this himself and fleshed the story out into an actual novel. There is enough to work with, and it would have had more impact.
There are definitely metaphors all over the pages in this book, especially relevant with the political unrest we're seeing globally. But the story lacked punch. The gaps were too large and I felt like it was missing substance - it was like eating a pizza with no toppings, only the dough. The foundation was there for something amazing, but it turned out bland.
Ultimately, I was somewhat entertained. It was so-so. Gwendy's Button Box was a novel trying to be a novella. The thing I'm most happy to take away after reading this: the $20 extra bucks I didn't spend on the hardcover.
June 16, 2017
I know short stories aren't for every reader, even for Constant Readers, but I for one-LOVE THEM! Especially when wickedly talented writers like Stephen King and Richard Chizmar have their hand in it. I saw this book sitting on my nightstand about an hour ago and I thought, "What the actual fuck am I waiting for?!"
So I picked it up and I read it.
And damn it was good. It was very, very good. See, people complain that short stories skimp on character development--as if one needs hundreds and hundreds of pages to bring a character to life! This book proves that Gwendy Peterson is as flesh & blood alive to us, the reader, as anyone in a full size novel. Every good story, even a short one, has conflict--something maybe dangerous or threatening so that our protagonist can work through it and grow, make choices, handle the conflict. In this story, we get to ask ourselves, what would you do?
The climax was very unexpected but I'm glad things worked out the way the did in order to arrive at the ending we received.
I'm satisfied.
In fact, I don't think I'll crave anything else today. *wink*
So I picked it up and I read it.
And damn it was good. It was very, very good. See, people complain that short stories skimp on character development--as if one needs hundreds and hundreds of pages to bring a character to life! This book proves that Gwendy Peterson is as flesh & blood alive to us, the reader, as anyone in a full size novel. Every good story, even a short one, has conflict--something maybe dangerous or threatening so that our protagonist can work through it and grow, make choices, handle the conflict. In this story, we get to ask ourselves, what would you do?
The climax was very unexpected but I'm glad things worked out the way the did in order to arrive at the ending we received.
I'm satisfied.
In fact, I don't think I'll crave anything else today. *wink*
June 15, 2018
Like the good ones often do, Gwendy's Button Box succeeds by planting questions in your mind. First the little questions, which of course lead to those bigger, more important kind. The stuff of life – and the stuff of...hmm. Well, many came to my mind that were the same Gwendy asked along the way. Why was this given to me? Could a simple wood box have such power suggested? And what could it possibly do if I pushed this little button? What...would...it...do? The scary in this story is not in the tangible, the things we see. It's not up your face like that. The scary in this story is in the what ifs. The possibilities we think about, but don't quite know. If Gwendy looses that box. What could happen then?
Gwendy knows she the safekeeper of the button box. What she doesn't know, is why Mr Farris made her so. He told her she was different. Eight buttons on top of this beautiful, mahogany box. A button for each continent, plus one. A hidden pull on its side revealed a magic chocolate, in the shape of a cute little bunny that day Gwendy met Mr Farris above the suicide stairs. A pristine, Morgan silver dollar from the other end. Good things begin to happen for Gwendy in those first days that lead into the years that follow. What's not to love about this box?
Surprisingly, the writing style feels very simplistic here, like something for preteen readers. The message of the story is anything but that. Works for a big range of age groups, and those constant readers out there, myself included.
Gwendy knows she the safekeeper of the button box. What she doesn't know, is why Mr Farris made her so. He told her she was different. Eight buttons on top of this beautiful, mahogany box. A button for each continent, plus one. A hidden pull on its side revealed a magic chocolate, in the shape of a cute little bunny that day Gwendy met Mr Farris above the suicide stairs. A pristine, Morgan silver dollar from the other end. Good things begin to happen for Gwendy in those first days that lead into the years that follow. What's not to love about this box?
Surprisingly, the writing style feels very simplistic here, like something for preteen readers. The message of the story is anything but that. Works for a big range of age groups, and those constant readers out there, myself included.
August 20, 2017
I absolutely love Stephen King and "Gwendy's Button Box" was okay. I think I was expecting a bit more at the end since the plot was so interesting to start with.
So with that said, I'm going with 3 stars on this one.
The book wasn't bad but it didn't blow me away either.
Recommended for Stephen King fans.
Recommended for someone looking for a quick novella on morality or questions on being given infinite power and how you would handle this "gift".
Is it really a gift though?
Read this book to find out!
So with that said, I'm going with 3 stars on this one.
The book wasn't bad but it didn't blow me away either.
Recommended for Stephen King fans.
Recommended for someone looking for a quick novella on morality or questions on being given infinite power and how you would handle this "gift".
Is it really a gift though?
Read this book to find out!
July 19, 2017
3.5 Stars
If you had the power to destroy worlds, what would you do?
This brand new novella written by King and Richard Chizmar asks this very question to a twelve-year-old girl. Gwendy is a smart and nice kid living in Maine with her parents. On one fine day, she meets a peculiar man: A man in black who presents her a box of ultimate power for safe keeping.
An odd stranger giving a mysterious box to a 12-year-old girl. I mean, if that's not setting off alarms in your head, what would?!
It's a nice story. A bit on the safe side maybe. We got a lot of likable characters, generic bully/ bad guy and a cozy mystery. Basically, it's like what might have happened
By the way, my favorite moment had nothing much to do with the main characters. It involves minor characters, but the whole scene reminded me of something..... specific!
They watch her go, and then Frankie and Jimmy turn back to Lenny. “It’s two on one. I like those odds, old-timer.”
Lenny reaches into his pants pocket and comes out with a flick knife. Engraved on its silver side are the only two words of Latin these boys understand: Semper Fi. His gnarled hand does a limber trick and presto, there’s a six-inch blade glittering in the sunlight. “Now it’s two on two".
Nailed it.
If you had the power to destroy worlds, what would you do?
This brand new novella written by King and Richard Chizmar asks this very question to a twelve-year-old girl. Gwendy is a smart and nice kid living in Maine with her parents. On one fine day, she meets a peculiar man: A man in black who presents her a box of ultimate power for safe keeping.
An odd stranger giving a mysterious box to a 12-year-old girl. I mean, if that's not setting off alarms in your head, what would?!
It's a nice story. A bit on the safe side maybe. We got a lot of likable characters, generic bully/ bad guy and a cozy mystery. Basically, it's like what might have happened
By the way, my favorite moment had nothing much to do with the main characters. It involves minor characters, but the whole scene reminded me of something..... specific!
They watch her go, and then Frankie and Jimmy turn back to Lenny. “It’s two on one. I like those odds, old-timer.”
Lenny reaches into his pants pocket and comes out with a flick knife. Engraved on its silver side are the only two words of Latin these boys understand: Semper Fi. His gnarled hand does a limber trick and presto, there’s a six-inch blade glittering in the sunlight. “Now it’s two on two".
Nailed it.
June 3, 2024
I'm always a little iffy on collaborations, but this was so damn good and I loved every second of it! The writing flowed so well and was really seamless, you couldn't tell where King ended and Chizmar ended. Not only was the writing seamless but I absolutely loved the concept of the story itself! I was captivated from the very first word and blew through the whole story in one sitting. Once I started reading I just couldn't stop, I absolutely needed to know what happened next. I also really loved Gwendy's character, something about her just spoke to me and I found myself really invested in what she would do with the box and how her life would play out. I also kind of found myself wishing for just a couple of those chocolates too...
May 24, 2017
Pre-Read: YES!! The man in black.... oh, shit!
Read: Such a lovely Novella.... muhahaha
Post-Read: Excellent novella about being responsible for what essentially could be a "Pandora's Box." What would you do with the Red Button???
Read: Such a lovely Novella.... muhahaha
Post-Read: Excellent novella about being responsible for what essentially could be a "Pandora's Box." What would you do with the Red Button???
December 11, 2017
Great story!!! Great novella!!!
I think I am becoming a Stephen King fan.
I think I am becoming a Stephen King fan.
April 29, 2025
Re-read review: Now that the Gwendy trilogy is complete, I thought it best to revisit Book 1 before marching on. A good idea, since only fragments stayed with me. The re-read was much like experiencing it for the first time.
I liked it better this go around. My original review merely considered it an "entertaining novella that explores familiar King themes" and "never particularly unique." I don't disagree with my original review, but this time I thought about how it interacted more directly with King's curiosity about talent, fate and luck. After reading "Two Talented Bastids" in You Like It Darker it's become increasingly clear that King is suspicious of his own talent. Where does it come from? What potentially supernatural beings are pulling the strings?
In Gwendy we see an unlikely girl receive uncanny good looks and brains via a magical box and god-like delivery man. Does Stephen King sometimes imagine that his prodigy-like gift for writing isn't of his own hard work, but by the influence of an otherworldly being? Maybe, maybe not, but he certainly keeps coming back to this theme in his fiction.
I was also more ho-hum about the story back in 2017 because, at the time, it seemed like it would only be a stand-alone novella. Something to throw into a short story anthology down the road. And it would fit well in You Like It Darker, if they needed a place for it. But now that I know there's two other books, I'm more intrigued by this opening preamble. The ending, which is more of a stop, can be forgiven since the story continues. Looking forward to finding out what happens next.
Side note, the audio version includes a bonus short story "The Music Room" which will also be collected in the paperback edition of You Like It Darker. King said it wasn't included in the hardcover because he "forgot about it." It is a somewhat forgettable story. Macabre if you think about what's actually happening but presented in a whimsical way that transforms the horror elements into dark comedy. It's a short vignette, but cute and worthy of being collected. Fans of King’s novel Holly might also enjoy seeing a similar literary thread in this earlier story.
I liked it better this go around. My original review merely considered it an "entertaining novella that explores familiar King themes" and "never particularly unique." I don't disagree with my original review, but this time I thought about how it interacted more directly with King's curiosity about talent, fate and luck. After reading "Two Talented Bastids" in You Like It Darker it's become increasingly clear that King is suspicious of his own talent. Where does it come from? What potentially supernatural beings are pulling the strings?
In Gwendy we see an unlikely girl receive uncanny good looks and brains via a magical box and god-like delivery man. Does Stephen King sometimes imagine that his prodigy-like gift for writing isn't of his own hard work, but by the influence of an otherworldly being? Maybe, maybe not, but he certainly keeps coming back to this theme in his fiction.
I was also more ho-hum about the story back in 2017 because, at the time, it seemed like it would only be a stand-alone novella. Something to throw into a short story anthology down the road. And it would fit well in You Like It Darker, if they needed a place for it. But now that I know there's two other books, I'm more intrigued by this opening preamble. The ending, which is more of a stop, can be forgiven since the story continues. Looking forward to finding out what happens next.
Side note, the audio version includes a bonus short story "The Music Room" which will also be collected in the paperback edition of You Like It Darker. King said it wasn't included in the hardcover because he "forgot about it." It is a somewhat forgettable story. Macabre if you think about what's actually happening but presented in a whimsical way that transforms the horror elements into dark comedy. It's a short vignette, but cute and worthy of being collected. Fans of King’s novel Holly might also enjoy seeing a similar literary thread in this earlier story.
August 29, 2018
Wonderful coming of age story. You really feel for the heroine and wonder who Mr Richard Farris really is. A benevolent man, a demon or something in between, a kind of fairground attraction? Then there is the magic button box? What is is really with the red and black button? Why is the stock of chocolates never ending? How can the heroine influence her future? It's a brilliant novella you have to finish in a single reading. I also liked the uncanny elements and the proper flow. You want to know the ending of the story and the pages bring back your own youth. I also liked the reference to The Eagles' song Hotel California. You can also say, you can checkout this book but you can't never leave. Absolutely recommended and worth your time!
September 30, 2018
What a fantastic book! It's stories like this that really showcase Stephen King's complexity and depth both as a writer and as a person. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this; my only gripe is that I wish the book could be longer. But c'est la vie.
Off to find the next gem!
Off to find the next gem!
July 1, 2017
Beware the jaunty black derby hat.
The curve of the short brim. The bent knuckles touching hand to hat in greeting.
"Set a spell, as they say down south."
And twelve year old Gwendy obliges as she cautiously positions herself on the edge of the bench. She speaks of the warnings of engaging with strangers. But all that goes to the wayside as this intriguing man dressed in black talks to her in a low voice. He seems to know how to draw out those hidden secret tendrils of truth from within her that no one else knows.
But then this man in black tweaks the very thing that catches the eye of the young.......promises. The wee ones seem to lean that much closer when elusive wishes have a great possibility of coming true. And that's when he places this strangely designed box in her hands. He explains the odd workings of the color-coded buttons gleaming on the top and the mystical levers placed on the sides. The ears of the young rarely hear the word: Caution.....
And yes, dear readers, we find ourselves, once again, in Castle Rock, Maine. The name is quite familiar to die-hard fans. It's the pinnacle of the unexplainable. A Stephen King map hanging crookedly on a cupboard of curiosities.
Gwendy's Button Box is a juicy little novella presented by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar. These streets within are lined with possibilities at the touch of a button. The button, of course, obeys the command of the touch of the finger. Which color, how often, and what outcome are all at the pressure of a fingertip. And Gwendy now knows the weight of that simple box.
The measurable weight of this novella seems to be in the hands of Chizmar more than King. Although a delightful, fast read, the volts of horror do not necessarily reside here as they usually do in a King novel. I think those of us who have gnawed on many a King book notice the difference. A bit more of the things that go bump in the night would have been welcomed. This is more a cerebral read of "what would happen if......"
I certainly recommend Gwendy's Button Box for all readers beyond the usual King groupies. It's an extremely creative jaunt through the mind of a young girl given the opportunity to uncork the ol' genie in a bottle.
The curve of the short brim. The bent knuckles touching hand to hat in greeting.
"Set a spell, as they say down south."
And twelve year old Gwendy obliges as she cautiously positions herself on the edge of the bench. She speaks of the warnings of engaging with strangers. But all that goes to the wayside as this intriguing man dressed in black talks to her in a low voice. He seems to know how to draw out those hidden secret tendrils of truth from within her that no one else knows.
But then this man in black tweaks the very thing that catches the eye of the young.......promises. The wee ones seem to lean that much closer when elusive wishes have a great possibility of coming true. And that's when he places this strangely designed box in her hands. He explains the odd workings of the color-coded buttons gleaming on the top and the mystical levers placed on the sides. The ears of the young rarely hear the word: Caution.....
And yes, dear readers, we find ourselves, once again, in Castle Rock, Maine. The name is quite familiar to die-hard fans. It's the pinnacle of the unexplainable. A Stephen King map hanging crookedly on a cupboard of curiosities.
Gwendy's Button Box is a juicy little novella presented by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar. These streets within are lined with possibilities at the touch of a button. The button, of course, obeys the command of the touch of the finger. Which color, how often, and what outcome are all at the pressure of a fingertip. And Gwendy now knows the weight of that simple box.
The measurable weight of this novella seems to be in the hands of Chizmar more than King. Although a delightful, fast read, the volts of horror do not necessarily reside here as they usually do in a King novel. I think those of us who have gnawed on many a King book notice the difference. A bit more of the things that go bump in the night would have been welcomed. This is more a cerebral read of "what would happen if......"
I certainly recommend Gwendy's Button Box for all readers beyond the usual King groupies. It's an extremely creative jaunt through the mind of a young girl given the opportunity to uncork the ol' genie in a bottle.
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