For me, 'Carrie' is also a great coming - of - age story in its own dark way. Carrie's transformation from a bullied girl to a powerful force is a very extreme form of coming of age. It shows how much a person can change when pushed to the limit. Her new - found confidence, even if it's in a very vengeful way, is a sign of her growth from a victim to someone who takes control of her situation.
Yes, 'The Body' by Stephen King is a coming - of - age story. It was later adapted into the movie 'Stand by Me'. It follows a group of boys on a journey to find a dead body, and through this adventure, they experience growth, face their fears, and learn about friendship and the harshness of the world.
Stephen King's coming - of - age short stories often explore the transition from childhood to adulthood in a very dark and often supernatural way. For example, in some of his stories, young characters face their fears which are not just normal childhood fears like the dark but are magnified by some sort of otherworldly element. This could be a haunted house or a malevolent entity that only they can see. It makes the coming - of - age experience more intense and harrowing as they have to grow up fast in the face of these extraordinary terrors.
In my opinion, 'Coming of Age: A Journey Within' works well. It directly references the coming-of-age theme and suggests a deeper exploration of the character's inner world during this important phase of life.
One notable feature is his vivid character development. In his coming - of - age stories, the young characters are complex and relatable. For example, in 'The Body' (which was made into the movie 'Stand by Me'), the boys' journey to see a dead body is also a journey of self - discovery. They face challenges like bullies and their own insecurities. Another feature is the use of supernatural elements that often mirror the internal struggles of the characters. It adds an extra layer of depth to the coming - of - age process.
One common theme is the discovery of self - identity. As the young characters in his stories go through their coming - of - age journey, they often question who they are. Another theme is the loss of innocence. Facing the horrors that King presents, whether it's a monster or a human - created evil, strips the characters of their innocent view of the world. Also, there's the theme of friendship. In some stories, the bond between friends is tested by the terrifying situations they find themselves in.
It's tough to pick just one. 'The Shining' is often considered a masterpiece. It's got that creepy atmosphere and unforgettable characters.
The story '1408' is part of Stephen King's collection of short stories called 'Everything's Eventual'.
The story 'The Body' is included in Stephen King's novella collection 'Different Seasons'.
The book 'Rage' was originally published under Stephen King's pseudonym Richard Bachman. It was later withdrawn from publication due to its controversial content.
I would say 'I Am the Doorway'. It's a unique and thought - provoking short story. The idea of an astronaut becoming a portal for something otherworldly is both strange and terrifying. King's writing makes it very engaging.