So as we’re all in a necessary quarentine for an unknown period of time, I’ve got a couple of books I plan to finish.
I’m not much of a reader so I started with a “light read” of Stephen King’s Elevation. Definitely a short story by his standards with only 132 pages in the paperback I bought at Waterstones.
When I picked this book up, I was still at work but we were very quiet so I wanted something I could easily read through as and when. Elevation was perfect for that, or for anyone looking for a quick read.
Summary
We follow a man named Scott in a typlical “small town” who’s having some unusual weight problems. His scales are going down but his body has remained the same size, clothes haven’t gotten looser. After confiding in an old friend who’s a retired Doctor, answers aren’t any closer but at least he has someone to talk to without ridicule.
While Scott does his best not to worry too much about what is going on with his body, he is also trying to amend an issue with the new neighbours, Deirdre, Missy and their two dogs. In a small town where everyone is just so, Deirdre and Missy’s moving in, being very open about their marriage and opening a new restaurant, get the prejudices to surface. Thanks to a lot of closed minds, their business starts to suffer and they know it’s a matter of time before they will be forced to close and move on.
During the town’s 45th Annual Turkey Trot to raise money for the community centre, Scott decides to use his mysterious body condition and the race to help gain Deirdre’s trust, or at least lessen her dislike of him and rise above the small minds in town. Hopefully saving her business and forming a needed bond.
Through the friendships forged, Scott, Deirdre and Missy are able to lift each other up and get through difficult times.
Thoughts
This book is a light and enjoyable read. The cast is minimal so you are kept focused on the three main characters with a dip in now and again from a supporting character like the good Doctor and other townfolk.
Personally, I love how it tackles anti-LGBT issues with the characters as this is sadly still very alive across the world. Although the main plot of the book is what is going on with Scott and his weight but it does not approach any diet, lifestyle, body issue topics.
Being a student of psychology, I always want to know the “Why” behind everything and I was disappointed that there was no explanation for Scott’s condition, not even any good speculations. I know Stephen King doesn’t always explain things, they are what they are, but sometimes you are left craving just a piece of little more information.
I got this as a paperback but Ebook and Audiobook formats are also available.
A light and enjoyable read
Book Title: Elevation
Book Description: Scott has to deal with a very mysterious medical issue while trying to amend a neighbourly relationship with his new neighbours, Deirdre and Missy. While Deirdre and Missy struggle to get into the small town's good graces and have their restaurant flurish, Scott see's how he can use his weight loss to help them out.
Book Author: Stephen King
Book Format: Paperback
Publisher - Orgnization: Hodder & Stoughton
Publisher Logo: 
Date published: March 1, 2020
ISBN: 9781473691537
Number Of Pages: 132
Summary
Small towns can be tough to live in, whether you’ve lived there most your life or just moved in. Medical mysteries or lifestyle can bring about a lot of raised eyebrows and judgement so you want to stay close to good friends you can trust and new friends who also have struggles.
Tara is one of the latest article writers here in Blazing Minds, look out for more great posts from her only on the Blazing Minds website.
