Tracing the Trails: A Constant Reader's Reflections on the Work of Stephen King

By: Chad A. Clark

Narrated by: Erich Bailey

Length: 12 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

For over 40 years, Stephen King has been one of the biggest names in literature and popular culture.

In 2013, author and constant reader Chad A. Clark embarked on a journey, not of miles but of pages and words, reading all of Stephen King's works. Every book and short story, in the order they were released. What lies between these minutes are his reflections along the way, the search for inspiration in a style of writing that has evolved over all this time. A trip from Castle Rock to the depths of Derry. From the Blasted Lands to the farthest reaches of Mid-World.

For all of us who have been lost in many a King book and pined for the chance to look him in the eyes and say, "We thank you".

With an introduction by Richard Chizmar and tons of guest reviews, this book is pure King fandom. Get your copy now!

©2018 Chad A. Clark (P)2019 Chad A. Clark

Good overview

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I have been a reader, listener, and viewer of many of Stephen King's work, and have a particular interest when I see his name on something new. Having had the opportunity to adjust and enjoy Mr. King's many works, I was looking forward to this synopsis. I found that the author did not provide many spoilers, though with warning some are provided. I agreed with many of his Opinions, but remember each to his own. This book discusses the many novellas, books, collaborations, movie adaptations, Mr. King's lifestyle and some connections throughout his many works.
A good book to listen/read if you have an interest in the many stories of Stephen King, but do remember it is only the author's (Chad Clarks) opinion. Definitely recommend to those who have an interest in learning more about Stephen King
A++

Exciting to see the leap from podcast to book

As an avid listener of the “Stephen King Cast” podcast, I was very excited to see “Tracing the Trails” released and especially as an audiobook. Although the narrator does a good job and fits the mood of the book, its a shame that the author doesn’t narrate as he does with his podcast as he really emotes and channels his passion well.

“Tracing the Trails” follows the same format as the podcast in which Clark intertwines discussion of King’s past and experiences, with King’s books and their adaptations to movies or TV shows. Clark shares his views on King’s works in much more detail than his podcast, and linkages between his book. This book comes across as a project of love, and I say affectionately that it reads unprofessionally in that Clark appreciates the books and isn’t clinically analyzing and dissecting them. Highly recommend reading this book and listening to his podcast, even if just cherry picking episodes that relates to King’s books that you may have read.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. 

Tracing the Trails

This was essentially a series of thoughts and writings on each one of Stephen King’s stories up to The Outsider. I enjoyed the thought and opinion behind each review. I liked how there were comparisons and there was thought given to perhaps the reasoning for King to write some tales the way he did, how the books were interrelated, and what it means to have a writing style change over the years despite the ravings of the fans. I didn’t agree with all of the assessments, but I certainly appreciated the time and effort it took to do this piece of writing.