Carrie

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: Sissy Spacek, Margaret Atwood

Length: 7 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION WITH A NEW INTRODUCTION BY MARGARET ATWOOD • Stephen King's legendary debut, the bestselling smash hit that put him on the map as one of America's favorite writers • In a world where bullies rule, one girl holds a secret power. Unpopular and tormented, Carrie White's life takes a terrifying turn when her hidden abilities become a weapon of horror.

"Stephen King’s first novel changed the trajectory of horror fiction forever. Fifty years later, authors say it’s still challenging and guiding the genre."—Esquire

“A master storyteller.”—The Los Angeles Times • “Guaranteed to chill you.”—The New York Times • "Gory and horrifying. . . . You can't put it down."—Chicago Tribune

Unpopular at school and subjected to her mother's religious fanaticism at home, Carrie White does not have it easy. But while she may be picked on by her classmates, she has a gift she's kept secret since she was a little girl: she can move things with her mind. Doors lock. Candles fall. Her ability has been both a power and a problem. And when she finds herself the recipient of a sudden act of kindness, Carrie feels like she's finally been given a chance to be normal. She hopes that the nightmare of her classmates' vicious taunts is over . . . but an unexpected and cruel prank turns her gift into a weapon of horror so destructive that the town may never recover.

©1974 Stephen King (P)2012 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Stephen King has built a literary genre of putting ordinary people in the most terrifying situations. . . . he’s the author who can always make the improbable so scary you'll feel compelled to check the locks on the front door.”—The Boston Globe

“Shivering, shuddery, macabre evil!”—Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

“Eerie and haunting—sheer terror!”—Publishers Weekly

Classic that no movie seems to do justice

Wonderful narration. the context in of itself was not scary in the least to me but perhaps that is because of the age I am and the age I live in. But a story of bullying, crazy family, and the unknown still ring very true.

I have already listened to this twice.

The movie versions of this book do not hold a candle to this New England tale. I can see the seeds of King's tropes beginning in this book. This is the antithesis of the beginning and gives all other works by King perspective.

can't wait to replay

great book loved every minute, made working the graveyard shift so much easier, and helped me get two badges in one night.

I love Mrs. Spacek reading this book

the narrator was fantastic. would love to have known more about carrie's father and his bloodline.

Amazing

I'm glad to have spent the time on this one. It made me slightly sad in the end. Highly recommended.

The Perfect Rendition

This is an incredible reading of a well known book by a well known other. Sissy Spacek's ability to imbue this work with such tenderness and emotion, wrenches my heart and really takes me to raw special place where I can take the time to reflect upon the human condition and myself. Wonderful book.

Sissy Spacek + Carrie = Perfection!

King's first novel is still one of his best. Perhaps it's the rawness and simplicity of Carrie's story that make the novel so timeless, or how in an age of cyberbullying Carrie is just as relevant as a cautionary tale as it was almost 50-years ago.

You may think you know her, Carrietta White. But if you're only acquainted with her through films, you'll be meeting her for the first time. She's unlike anyone else you've ever met before or likely will meet again. Horrific, heartfelt and heartbreaking... she is Carrie.

Good but he's only gotten better.

Not my favorite King but considering it was his first short novel it's still worth the ride. Classic, check it.

a great lesson definitely recommend

great story love Stephen King's work love how all of his books tie in together especially with the Dark Tower series which is one of my favorite. and spoiler alert. I also like the idea that carries mother exists in the Dark Tower world as the preacher lady in the Gunslinger book. very interesting Easter egg. if Hollywood ever makes a movie that actually is loyal to the source material and does it with a two-hour runtime the movie would be as successful as this book there is so much information that was left out

Classic King

Classic story about a bullied girl who has the power for revenge. I'm glad I listened to the audio book, the ending was quite different from the movie! Sissy spacek narrates wonderfully, not that much of a surprise since she was the original Carrie. #EssentialKing