Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #506114 in Books
• Published on: 2005-02-07
• Formats: Audiobook, Unabridged
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 7
• Binding: Audio CD

About the Author
Stephen King is the author of more than fifty books, all of them worldwide bestsellers. Among his most recent are the Dark Tower novels, Cell, From a Buick 8, Everything's Eventual, Hearts in Atlantis, The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon, and Bag of Bones. His acclaimed nonfiction book, On Writing, was also a bestseller. He is the recipient of the 2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. He lives in Bangor, Maine, with his wife, novelist Tabitha King.

From AudioFile
Stephen King's first published novel offers a warning to bullies in the person of Carrie White, a high school misfit who wreaks her revenge in a now-famous prom scene. While the story is no less fresh today than it was in 1974, this audio edition promises a "brand-new introduction from the author," which is not, in fact, included in the recording. The story is narrated by Sissy Spacek, who played the title role in the movie. While Spacek perfectly understands the protagonist and amply projects both her hopes and misery, this listener found it unsettling to hear a story about Maine natives in a Maine town read in a clear Texas drawl. Spacek's consistency and acting ability somewhat make up for this incongruity, but King's "Mainiacs" still sound more performed than real. R.L.L. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Customer Reviews

Worth a listen for fans of the novel
Fans have been waiting a long time for this Stephen King classic to be released on Audio CD. At first, Spacek's presence as reader seems like a dream come true, but it's actually a case of inspired stunt casting. Fans of Brian DePalma's film will likely be chomping at the bit to hear Carrie herself revisit this story. Spacek's audio interpretation is formal, stoic, and elegant...yet it lacks the urgency and intensity she brought to her work in the 1976 movie. Strange to hear this talented actress inhabit this pivotal role once again, and of course, fascinating on some level. But her interpretation of Carrie, despite her sincerity, is somehow aloof. It's in her reading of the character of villainous Chris Hargenson (the part Spacek was originally to have played in the film) that the narrator really delivers. Delightful to hear the sweet, refined Spacek curse up a storm and wallow in King's artful low-rent slang. Also a hoot to hear Spacek reciting lines delivered by Piper Laurie in the film: there's a bit of throaty, smoky angst that comes through many listeners will recognize and find welcome--especially, "I can see your dirtypillows...let's burn that dress together and ask for forgiveness."
Minor concerns aside, I imagine hardcore King fans and devotees of the DePalma movie will think they're in Audio book heaven, and for those who missed the 1988 musical version on Broadway, this CD makes a worthy addition to any "Carrie" lover's collection. The book is unabridged: all the memorable scenes and events are intact. Worth picking up, and a real oddity.

Carrie...Read By...Carrie
This review refers to the Unabridged Audio edition(CD-Simon and Schuster) of "Carrie" by Stephen King...

Other than her creator, Stephen King, can you think of anyone better suited to get into the head of Carrie White than Carrie herself? Sissy Spacek(who played Carrie in the film) not only does an excellent job in the part of Carrie, during this chilling read, but makes the transition from character to character, to the reading of the various news articles,journals and books relating to the bizarre events that lead to the horrific and tragic ending for a little town in Maine in the 1970's.

Okay, just in case there is someone out there who has not seen the movie or read the novel, Carrie is a tormented high school girl. Tormented by her deranged mother and her classmates. She has grown up, knowing she has a special, but secret and potentially deadly talent. She is telekinetic. All she has to do is see something in her mind, and "flex" her brain and she can move the objects, lock a door, slow a heart beat. She's used this power on occasion, but hasn't really learned it full capabilities. Her peers are notorious for playing pranks on her. Mean and nasty pranks, always leaving Carrie dehumanized, and humiliated. She would always beat a retreat home when pushed to the edge, but on Prom Night, they went too far. When the pranksters go to great lengths to humiliate her in front of the entire class, Carrie's powers seem to take on on a life of their own.She flexes her will with a vengeance. The results are terrifying and the death toll is high.

Long before "Mean Girls" made their film debut Stephen King had the bad girl type nailed in this electrifying novel.The story is cleverly told in narrative from the different witnesses points of views, official statements and testimonies. King makes the characters seem all too real. The story builds on Carrie's emotions, as with each spiteful event, her anger takes her just a little further to the brink, until finally, well you know what they say about a woman scorned..and one with telekinetic powers has the ultimate fury.

Sissy Spacek's read takes Carrie to each level. The fear and humiliation she feels, and eventually her anger. When she cries out to her mother "Mama, Mama", you know what she is feeling. When she tells her mother, she has a "gift" for her, we know again, what's to come.Giving each character their own personality, you will get to know them very well. She did an excellent job with all of the various players. She makes it a most enjoyable and spine tingling listen.

This audio book has 7 discs, nicely packaged.There is an introduction by Stephen King. Each disc runs about an hour give or take a few minutes. The total time is 7.5 hours. There is also an excerpt from "The Shining" at the end. Not much, but just enough to whet you appetite for another thriller. The sound quality is excellent. Clear as a bell.

This story has adult situations and langauge and is not suitable for younger listeners.

also available here:Carrie- check for best deal and availability at time of purchase
cassette edition:Carrie

A great addition to your audio book collection. Take "Carrie" on the road with you and enjoy the read....Laurie

also recommended:
Winter Prey
Les Miserables (Radio Theatre)

A great listen!
I have become really turned off by a lot of Stephen King's books, because he overwrites (this is why I gave up on Bag of Bones and The Tommyknockers). The underlying ideas for those books were really good, but he couldn't get to the point. HOWEVER, Carrie is a great audiobook. The story is very interesting and it moves along well. Sissy Spacek is excellent as the reader. I couldn't shut the MP3 player off...got through the book in just a few days. Highly recommended.