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)

much needed

Any additional comments?

Everyone should read this. It's so true. We need gun reform. He's not a teetotaler on either side. He makes great points. We really need to wake up, open our minds and find real solutions.

I wish I could have written it

I don't know why I get so surprised every time he writes something that isn't scary ( And I love his scary stuff) and it is REALLY GOOD WRITING! He is such a good writer and this is right to the point. I wish everyone had to read it.

A Must-Listen

In spite of the many great novels, novellas, short stories, and essays produced by King over his long career, this short piece of writing is definitely some of his finest. Not kidding -- this is a must-listen!

Attention Reasonable People!

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

An essay both reasonable and passionate on gun violence. This piece illustrates the kind of conversation I WISH I could have with my friends on the Left AND Right. I write this the day after a news reporter, cameraman, and interviewee were shot on live television in Virginia. Two died at the scene - the audience witnessed their last moments on earth, could hear their screams. The camera caught the shooter as he walked towards his victims to finish the job. My friends on the Right call for yet more guns & liberties, my friends on the Left call for no guns at all. This impasse and inertia will allow more massacres like the one we experienced yesterday to occur, like those that have occurred nearly every day this year. Every. Day. Sometimes more than one. So common, in fact, that most don't make national news. There is a great swathe of ground in the middle of this issue that simply isn't being explored and it MUST BE. Because until we all meet in this centrist no-man's land, the killings will continue to become more horrifying and more frequent.

Very Informative

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

I really enjoyed this audiobook. It is a short one and very informative about our gun rights and the government behind the decisions. I shared the information with quite a few of my friends

What did you like best about this story?

The lesson on our gun history and future

Any additional comments?

It is a good read in our current times of legislative gun rights decisions and the false information that our government would like for us to believe about guns in our nation.

Excellent

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

Did not read the print version.

What other book might you compare Guns to and why?

Stephen King's book "On Writing"

What about Christian Rummel’s performance did you like?

It was ok.

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

No.

Any additional comments?

King offers a very common-sense approach to the current issue of gun control. It is a non-biased look at our current societal issues related to guns and mass shootings, and the ways we can bring about change.

Great opinion piece about Gun Violence!

King gives a no holds barred point of view on gun violence in the United States.

Powerful emotional stuff

Very powerful stuff. Everyone should read. King makes very valid points. Very passionate reader. Overall excellent.

King for President

Everyone should listen to this, and I have to agree with Mr. King— NRA membership should come with volunteer work to clean up after mass shootings.

Emotional RAGE

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Interesting to see how he tries to escape blame for writing his book RAGE. Like a true emotional Left Wing writter, he never mentioned the thousands each year who have sucessfully defended themselves with a gun against intruters.

Problems we face in the USA:

1. During the LA Riots, the police defended no one.
2. There are more bad guys with guns than police.
3. The Mexican Cardel is at our doorstep.
4. The Jews could not do anything against the Germans....no guns.
5. We don't keep criminals in jail very long and they our repeat offenders.
6. We punish victims more than criminals.
7. We give more money to prisoners than we do to educate our children.
8. We have no Capital Punishment.
9. Etc.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Write down the number of people who are saved because they had a gun.