Elevation

Elevation
By Stephen King
Scribner, 2018, 146 pg., Adult Fiction

Scott McCarey is not concerned about his weight loss, until he notices the thing with his clothes. No matter how much he wears; his weight does not increase. He also shows no signs of losing weight, though he is steadily losing a pound or two a day. Neither he nor the retired Dr. Ellis knows what is happening, or how to stop it. As he looses weight he notices that his physical abilities increase. He can run and jump with ease and this in part inspires him to enter the yearly Turkey Trot 12K. However, he also enters because of his neighbors Deidre and Missy; a married lesbian couple who opened  a Mexican restaurant in town. Scott has not been on the best of terms with his neighbors, but wants to make an effort to change that. Through the course of his "illness" Scott learns what really matters, and helps others to learn to see life from an "elevated" perspective.

King's new novel is short, but powerful. His excellent story line and writing bring into focus the feelings a person may experience when they stop to admire a sunset, a blooming flower, or a new born baby - but may not be able to put into words. It highlights the classic argument of what matters most in life. Not being a fan of scary stories that keep you awake at night, and having never read a Stephan King novel for that very reason, I was nervous about picking up this book. But I am glad a did. I enjoyed it and have thought about it's message more then once since finishing it. This is a good choice for someone who wants a book with a deep resonating message or a quick read for an airplane or short road trip. And don't worry - there are no scary monsters anywhere in this book.

Readers should note that there is strong language used in this book.