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Book Review of The Green Mile

The Green Mile
The Green Mile
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback
reviewed on + 72 more book reviews


"The Green Mile" is one of my favorite books. Though it's only the third King novel that I've read, I think it's safe to say that this is one of his best works. I've read "Carrie" and "The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon," and both are great reads, but "The Green Mile" is my favorite King book so far.

The story runs the gamut of emotions. From the sick feeling when the reader finds out about the grisly deaths of two young girls, to the sorrow you feel when you realize what might have really happened and the joy experienced when an old friend is revealed near the end of the story. There are some great characters here as well, fleshed out to perfection so that the reader feels the emotions of each character. We are introduced to Paul Edgecombe, who is writing this serial, the enigmatic John Coffey, Brutal, Dean, Percy, the psychotic Wild Bill, and, of course, the simple Cajun man, Delacroix, and his best friend, Mr. Jingles.

As the story unfolds, you can't help but feel for the characters. I don't want to give away too many details, since most folks have probably read this book already or at least have seen the movie. All you really need to know is that these are some of the most emotion-laden characters you'll ever meet. For instance, you'll instantly feel sad for John Coffey and his tear-filled eyes as he asks Edgecombe if there's a light kept on at night because he is afraid of the dark. You'll also hate one particular character and probably rejoice when he gets his just desserts via a set-up partially pulled off with the help of Coffey.

Pick this one up if you want to read a great story. It isn't scary, which King is most known for, but it's just a wonderful tale that will move even the hardest heart to tears.

Highly recommended.

Reviewer: K. Fontenot "Prairie Cajun" (Lake Charles, LA)