Guns

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Length: 48 mins

Publisher's summary

In a pulls-no-punches essay intended to provoke rational discussion, Stephen King sets down his thoughts about gun violence in America. Anger and grief in the wake of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School are palpable in this urgent piece of writing, but no less remarkable are King's keen thoughtfulness and composure as he explores the contours of the gun-control issue and constructs his argument for what can and should be done.

King's earnings from the sale of this essay will go to the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.

Stephen King is the author of 11/22/63, Under the Dome, Carrie, The Shining, and many other best-selling works.

"The overwhelming response from readers of the Kindle Single edition of Guns underscores the great need for thoughtful discourse on the issue of guns in America…I’m thrilled Audible is bringing Guns to the quickly growing audience of audiobook listeners." (Stephen King)

©2013 Stephen King (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"There are a handful of subjects in America so emotional and polarizing that the national dialogue around them amounts to little more than a shouting match. Chief among these is the subject of guns. In this intimate and moving Kindle Single, Stephen King employs all his gifts as writer and citizen to address gun violence in America. But why should we care what Stephen King has to say? As it turns out, there are a number of reasons. Despite his "liberal creds," King is an unapologetic gun owner himself. He is also the author of a novel--published under the pseudonym Richard Bachman--that has served as a "possible accelerant" for at least four real-life high school shooters. King had his publisher take that book off the market long ago, but the guns and the occasional bursts of unfathomable violence remain. When division is everywhere, is it possible for someone to argue passionately for the middle road? That is what King seeks to do here--this is a frank and thoughtful contribution to a dialogue in dire need of voices from the 'all-but-deserted middle.'" (Chris Schluep, Amazon.com)

Clear and concise justification

I'm a former great fan of King's early works who became disenchanted with what I considered excess use of gratuitous violence and far too much unnecessary "grossness" which turned me off from his later works. I bought Guns out of curiosity regarding his opinion on the subject, expecting him to take an unrelenting stand against any restrictions on firearms of any kind. Instead, he presents a thoughtful and reasonable position that suggests an accommodating middle ground. Without insulting the beliefs of anyone with an opinion on the subject, he prompts the reader to think rationally. It was gratifying to read an intelligent discussion sans the typical polarizing rants and ridiculously divisive insults so typical of most of what is written about this explosive issue. Than you, Mr. King.

Common sense is too uncommon

Any additional comments?

Thank you Stephen King for voicing a true "middle of the road" approach to the gun control argument. Too many people are willing to take an either/or approach, when simple common sense could prevail. I too have one foot (partially) placed in the Red where I was raised, and the other planted in the Blue. I think I shall remain Purple from now on.

A must hear

What did you like about this audiobook?

Essential, thoughtful, important

How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?

It was well thought out. King has some excellent ideas about listening to and reading points of view that different from our normal sources. He used statistics like the tremendous decline in gun deaths when Australians said, "Enough" and changed their laws, and examples of unintended deaths from guns that were owned simply for protection (spouses who were shot when they who got up in the night to raid the fridge.) No gun = no death. I was also glad to hear some sensible comments on the number of ACTUAL "home invasions" vs imagined invaders (yes, of course there are anecdotes.) An alarm system probably really does work better than a gun by scaring the evil doer away before he breaks into the residence than having a loaded pistol under your pillow every night of your life.

Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does he achieve this?

This was an excellent reading. I have friends who are gun owners, but some are not readers. Frankly, I think those people might be more willing to listen to this essay. They may be arguing all the way through, but they might hear some of it.

What did you find wrong about the narrator's performance?

Not a thing

Do you have any additional comments?

I would say that this recording should be offered free of charge, but when I realized the proceeds are going to a worthwhile group, well, I guess 75 cents is a small price to pay.

King nails the truth about American gun obsession!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absoloutly, as an Australian I value our gun ownership laws, King has a balanced view.

What did you like best about this story?

The intelligent thoughtful commentry.

Which character – as performed by Christian Rummel – was your favorite?

Its really more factual commentry.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I found it to intense for one session.

Any additional comments?

This is a well balanced and researched opinion.

King strikes. Again

Would you consider the audio edition of Guns to be better than the print version?

Only did audio version because I'm blind. I have listened to Dr King since the days of traveling I-5 on road trips between Portland and LA started with drawing of the three and got hooked.

What other book might you compare Guns to and why?

Noam chompsky it's a real motivating look hopefully the masses listen to wisdom, but we know only the realists will

Have you listened to any of Christian Rummel’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Who

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

I never thought what I wrote would end in ritual massacres

Any additional comments?

I bought all your books on tape, even the green mile now I'm buying them again. How rich do you and your family have to be? You should keep your guns. And ask yourself does the king of make believe belong in reality

PS. Thanks for Insomnia

Brilliant

Love the narrator's inflection of voice while reading! Another brilliant read by King. My 1st audible book & I can't get enough! Sleep timer is a great tool. 5 stars for sure!!!

Impactful piece

What did you love best about Guns?

I love how hard hitting this is. Great piece on guns and gun control.

What about Christian Rummel’s performance did you like?

The tone of his voice was appropriate for this piece.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Totally listen to it in one sitting. It has greater impact that way.

Sound reasoning!

Where does Guns rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

As this was an essay, I cannot rate it in the same manner that I would grade a "story".

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

While most opinions regarding gun control are stridently one-sided and make no effort to consider opposing view, Mr. King does attempt to be fair-minded. However, it is clear where his sympathies lie.
Well written and cogent, the essay provides reasoned food for thought on a subject that stirs great debate.

Honest and direct.

Certainly makes one think. Can't help but wonder how the Colombine killers acquired and kept their guns w/o detection.

Excellent and Balanced

Extremely well written, with all of the King wit and perceptiveness. Having seen some of his more left-leaning incidents over the past six or so years, I expected a scathing liberal diatribe about how anyone who could ever want to own a gun is heartless. Instead, I found a well-balanced, fair examination of the issue, concisely written and with a perspective that I think, to one degree or another, regardless of what the media on either side of the aisle may try to tell us, the majority of Americans hold.
It's only 49 mins. anyway, and even if you disagree, hearing opinions you don't like is good for you. You're time will not be wasted.