Gwendy's Button Box (The Button Box, #1)

by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar

Richard T Chizmar

There are three ways up to Castle View from the town of Castle Rock: Route 117, Pleasant Road, and the Suicide Stairs. Every day in the summer of 1974, twelve-year-old Gwendy Peterson has taken the stairs, which are held by strong, if time-rusted, iron bolts and zig-zag up the cliffside. Then one day when Gwendy gets to the top of Castle View, after catching her breath and hearing the shouts of kids on the playground below, a stranger calls to her. There on a bench in the shade sits a man in black jeans, a black coat, and a white shirt unbuttoned at the top. On his head is a small, neat black hat. The time will come when Gwendy has nightmares about that hat.

• ISBN10: 1587676109
• ISBN13: 9781587676109
• Publish Date: 16 May 2017
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 25 January 2021
• Imprint: Cemetery Dance Publications
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 170
• Language: English

Reviews

[clq]

Gwendy’s Button Box is a short story that for me almost epitomizes the expression “perfectly OK”. It’s perfectly fine. Just perfectly fine.

We get to meet Gwendy who in turn meets a man who gives her a box with buttons. The box seems to have unknown, yet tangible, powers. The box also has an effect on Gwendy’s life which is hard to pin down, but undoubtedly positive. Up to this point I’m all aboard. I like the mystery, I like the vagueness, and I like the character of Gwen. The quick introduction to the character, her surroundings, and the premise are great, and I’m excited to see what this build-up will lead to.

Unfortunately it doesn’t really lead anywhere.

The story just takes place. Events happen – some more mysterious than others – but nothing ever really gripped me. And then the story just ended, giving me a feeling of wasted potential.

I might be expecting a little too much of a story that’s only just over a hundred pages long, but I’ve seen, as King has shown, the ability short stories can have to grip a reader, and Gwendy’s Button Box just doesn’t quite live up to what I feel it could, and maybe should, be. I know that there is a longer sequel of sorts that might pick up the elements I liked about this book and do more with them. As for this story, it’s short enough that I’m fine with it, and entertaining enough to justify its length, but one could say that it didn’t quite push my buttons.

[Quirky Cat]

Gwendy’s Button Box is a novella written by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar. I’m curious to see if this one fits into Stephen King’s universe, and if it does what that implies for it. If you’re looking for a quick Stephen King read (which I don’t blame you for, some of his novels can be quite intimidating in size) then this might be a good one for you.



Gwendy’s Button Box is an exploration on the idea of what would happen if a (trustworthy) person was given access to the mythical ‘button.’ You know the one where you press it to end the world, or eliminate a country, or something else along those lines. It’s the sort of question one sees pop up during ethical and moral debates sometimes.
In the case of this book, Gwendy (cute name, I know) receives a magical box from a stranger (don’t worry; they cover the whole thing about taking gifts from strangers). It dispenses chocolates (which sate her appetite for other junk foods) and joins from the levers, but the buttons? They do something different. All she has to do is think of a place (or person), push the button, and well…you know the rest.
I love the debate that is occurring throughout the novella; is Gwendy abusing her powers by not using them, or is she doing the right thing? Is there a limit to this power, and if so, does that mean there are events that nobody is capable of changing? In the end we’re left with the obvious conclusion, but it’s still an interesting debate nonetheless.
Fans of Stephen King will be thrilled to note that Gwendy’s Button Box is set in a very familiar town; Castle Rock, Maine. For those unaware, Castle Rock is the setting for many of Stephen King’s novels and short stories, making this a very comfortable location for himself and his fans.


For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

[kimbacaffeinate]

Five Caffeinated Reasons to listen to Gwendy's Button Box

• The premise for GWENDY"S BUTTON BOX was brilliant. The box was both fascinating and terrifying. Think of Pandora's Box. It offers up wonderful gifts to tempt you, but in the wrong hands, it could wreak unimaginable havoc. A strange man wearing a black hat is waiting for our pudgy, insecure protagonist at the top of Suicide Stairs where he offers her a gift. A beautiful mahogany box with colored buttons. Then he shows her what one of the buttons can do. Would you accept the box? What if it could give you your heart's desire?


• Gwendy Peterson, our twelve-year-old protagonist, is your typical pre-teen who's trying to better her physical appearance after some boys called her names. Throughout the story we see her deal with the button box, friendships, school and social standings. Will she use the box? What happens if she gets upset? This writing duo shared a suspenseful tale, and I found myself holding my breath as the story progressed. Even creepier, the box seemed to anticipate her needs. Gwendy could sense its pull and the box seemed to understand her vulnerabilities.


• I loved the mysterious man in the black hat. Every time he appeared, I would get goosebumps. You just knew it wasn't good. His caring, soft tones and gentle pushes made me nervous. We aren't given a lot of detail about this creepy old man, and while a part of me wanted answers, it is also what made him terrifying.


• The story that unfolded was captivated, and Maggie Stiff captured the characters and delivered the tone of this chilling tale beautifully. From the very first sentence to the last I was held completely spellbound. I loved the ended as it left just enough of an open ending to leave me pondering possible outcomes.

The audio edition of GWENDY"S BUTTON BOX also contains King’s Edgar Award–nominated story “The Music Room.” King uses the painting A Room in New York by Edward Hooper as his inspiration and shares the story of the Enderbys, a childless couple, living during the Great Depression. Food is scarce and money is tight. They invite folks into their home and place them in a sound proof closet. This short was fantastic. What would you do to survive?

We are also treated to an interview with Stephen King and Richard Chizmar. They discuss the story and their collaboration. It was a fun, informative listen. At under three hours, this audio is the perfect length for your next road trip. Only don't listen drive at night and you might want to bring a friend!

Audio provided by the publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer