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)

Well written but misguided

I have to say that objectively, I enjoyed this short listen. And I do respect Stephen King as a fellow gun owner, but I disagree with his politics, as mentioned in the book. I did enjoy how he correctly portrayed the media as ratings-hungry and immorally uncaring.

The Best Something? on Books Ever

Stephen King has never been a favorite author of mine but I have never heard a better speech, book, short story or whatever on firearms. It is neither a conservative apology for guns; or a liberal screed against all guns. As a gun owner who disagrees vehemently with the NRA. As a 54 year old gun owner who has lived in a house with guns my entire life I respect guns. as someone concerned about the number of mass shootings in this country, I don't believe everyone should be able to buy a gun nor do I see a need for a civilian to own military class weapons. I see this text as a common sense approach to gun ownership and regulation. I applaud King for this article. The narration done by Christian Rummel is first rate as well. An absolutely fantastic buy for the price.

What he says is reasonable

Its perfectly reasonable what he says... just think about it... what he says are facts, not only opinions, so many facts he voices...

so many kids and others were killed for no reason at all...

Thanks to Stephen King for voicing his thoughts

Great listen

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

yes

Any additional comments?

Fast pace and fast. Not a wasted word. You will cling to the narrators voice for a fast 45 minute ride.

Stephen King seems one of the first people to simply bring this contemporary issue under the light of logic. It is amazing how most people (attmitingly myself included) hang on or have hung on to at least one incorrect assumptions on this debate. Assumptions that have been spoon fed to us by the media, special interest and politicians on self serving missions that happen to be at odds with fixing the problems.

Mr. King throws abucket of water on this issue in a cool, down to earth prose that show how political polarity and otherwise immature childishness has made BOTH SIDES of the arguement hopelessly divided. How thier lack of accountability and misconceptions have lead to lofty goals that are all but inachievable even with full compromise from the other side.

Entertaining Personal Politics

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

It is good to hear an opinion expressed this clearly on suck a pivotal issue.

Which scene was your favorite?

When he talks about pulling the novel Rage. I also enjoyed the rant about everyone just waiting to speak- not listening- priceless.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

How uncompromising we Americans really are.

Passionate Yet Balanced Approach to the Subject

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

Stephen King's assessment of this difficult subject was intelligent and balanced, in spite of his obvious passion on the subject.

What other book might you compare Guns to and why?

This 47 minute essay may not change minds, but does ask us to pause and consider. That is what writers do. They ask us to think.

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

The narrator did a convincing job of reading Stephen King's words, in fact, I did not previously realize that it was not read by the author himself.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Although his position on gun control was evident, and it was clearly written soon after Sandy Hook, his understanding of and empathy for gun owners is obvious. He is a gun owner himself. This is a thoughtful and thought provoking essay.

Great

A great little essay by Stephen King, good points about the turmoils of high school and the repercussions on our society.

Well written & thoughtful

Would you listen to Guns again? Why?

Yes. Interesting and well written.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Stephen King because of his excellent writing.

What about Christian Rummel’s performance did you like?

Excellent voice acting.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

All of it was excellent

Nicccceeee

Entertaining piece that sounded like lasts nights news. Funny how some things just don’t change or never go out of style....I think that’s called a classic!

Gun control Argument? Read this.

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

Strongly recommends every one reads Stephen King's essay 'Guns' good for both For and Against Gun control. Please give it a go.