Rita Hayworth and Shawshank RedemptionPaperback

I've seen The Shawshank Redemption more times than I can count or remember, but it’s been a joy to read the details and the the backstories, about the characters that weren’t covered in the film. The hardest part is trying to suspend what I already know about ‘Shawshank’ and to read this just on its own merits. Nevertheless, this is a real treat, especially if you’ve fallen away from regular reading. This book is just long enough to get you back in the game.

As a writer who loves character, I am a huge fan of this book. Of course plot is important to every story, but I adore characters who carry a story. This is my favorite from Stephen King. While this differs some from the film, it remains a fantastic story about Andy, his friend Red, and how hope and determination triumph. I never get tired of the film or of reading this novella. I can't recommend it enough.

I am not much for Stephen King novels, but I wanted to read this one because I am such a fan of the movie. I was not disappointed with the novella at all, and it was interesting that the portrayal of Andy in the movie is slightly different than the way King develops him in the text. This is definitely worth reading if you enjoyed the film; just understand that in several respects it is different.

I’m sure many people have seen the movie based on this book, and if any of them are like me, have seen it at least a dozen times. It is one of my favorite movies. This is one of the most normal books that King has ever written, and in my opinion, the most brilliant. It differs somewhat from the movie, of course they have changed several important things, both overall, the outcome is still almost the same and it’s a beautiful story that I would recommend to anyone. A must read!