On Thursday, April 1, JMRL’s Books on Tap discussed on Zoom Stephen King’s 2018 novel Elevation. Just 146 pages, this was a surprising change from the “typical” King book. 

Set in small town Maine, the main character, Scott, is mysteriously losing weight at a rapid rate, but yet looks the same and his clothes still fit.  He also is experiencing more energy and athletic ability as the pull of gravity lessens day by day.  He shares his physical changes with his retired doctor friend, but is resolved to let the situation run its course.  A subplot of the story is the town’s treatment of a married lesbian couple (Scott’s neighbors) who run a local restaurant. Initially Scott and the neighbor couple have a contentious relationship, but Scott resolves to win their friendship and help the town overcome its bigotry.  Suspense builds over the span of a few months, as Scott realizes that his weight will drop to zero; at which point he’ll “run out of weight.” With his small circle of friends, he plans his exit strategy. 

Two attendees recommended listening to the book, read by King, and the audio version includes a bonus short story “Laurie” that is not in the physical edition of the book.  For a few members, this was the first Stephen King book they had ever read.  We were fortunate to have two avid Stephen King fans who could provide more context on his huge catalog of works and make recommendations for those wanting to try some more of his titles.

Some attendees felt King over-simplified stereotypes, that the novella was plot driven, and that the characters were not fully developed. Yet other readers thought the characters evolved significantly in a short period of time.

Themes include: love your neighbor as yourself; it’s never too late to change; what matters most?; and, what do you fight for when you realize your mortality/time is limited?

Other books/films mentioned:

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

Stand By Me (DVD) Stephen King film adaptation

Thinner by Richard Bachman (Stephen King)

Up! (DVD) Disney/Pixar

Under the Dome: A Novel by Stephen King 

The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King

Playing for Pizza by John Grisham

Books on Tap will meet again on Thursday, May 6 at 7 pm on Zoom to discuss News of the World by Paulette Jiles. For the link to participate, please contact Krista Farrell (kfarrell@jmrl.org). 

Our upcoming titles: 

The Friend by Sigrid Nunez – June 3      

The Library Book by Susan Orlean – July 1    

Night Boat to Tangier by Kevin Barry – August 5