Guns by Stephen King
Genre; Essay
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 the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.
My thoughts:
I bought this book on Audible . It only took 45 minutes to listen to. It’s not a long read.
It is a hard-hitting read, though. King pulls no punches.
What did shock me about this was something he says about one of his own novels and gun crime. The story around it is unbelievable, particularly for a writer to listen to, and his response, measured.
Though, his response is not measured when he relays an argument he read online that a woman posted about why semi-automatic weapons should be kept. Her argument being that they are simply tools, like a spoon.
A spoon. Yes.
This isn’t a completely anti-gun rant. King admits to having his own registered weapons. But, he makes solid arguments for tight control and even talks about people who have accidentally shot family members believing them to be burglars. So I have to wonder if I actually heard him correctly when he said he owned some. (It’s not him narrating.)
From a UK resident perspective and in light of very recent events, this made for a strong read/listen and if you are interested in this topic and you like King, I’d recommend reading how he views this volatile topic.
Alex J. Cavanaugh (@AlexJCavanaugh) says
If he owns some guns, then he’s not anti-gun. There does need to be tighter policies and more control of who buys what. Can’t turn back the clock and the criminals will always have guns, but we can make it harder for nut jobs to get guns.
Rebecca Bradley says
No, he’s not anti-gun but tighter laws. That was the gist I got. But he was really unhappy with the currently uptrend in blowing away groups of people with semi-automatic weapons. His arguments about criminals having guns is that family’s are having accidents in the house and killing each other with their guns. Kids are getting hold of them or partners are thinking the other partner is a burglar and bang. Gone. He makes a valid point that there’s no need for a semi-automatic. I know it’s a messy tangled web over there where gun law is concerned. I love the States. I’d live over there. But it’s one area I like about the UK and it’s the lack of guns in homes.
Margot Kinberg says
Sounds fascinating, Rebecca! And it’s such an important and timely topic. And, on a completely different level, it’s interesting when a fiction author takes up a non-fiction topic like that – especially one that’s so vital. Thanks for sharing.
Rebecca Bradley says
My pleasure. It was fascinating. Especially when we’re listening over here slightly removed from it.
Prashant C. Trikannad says
Never read a Stephen King and that is so not right. I’ll probably start with his early novels.
Rebecca Bradley says
I’ve never read any of his real fiction and as you say, it’s not right. I need to rectify that myself. In fact, I had this discussion with a friend of mine recently and they’re going to lend me one of his books. So I shall be able to say I’ve read one.