UR

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: Holter Graham

Length: 2 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

Tapping into our primal fears of modern technology, which made Cell a number-one best seller, Stephen King sets his sights on the latest high-tech gadget in UR, in which a mysterious e-book reader opens a disturbing window into other worlds.

Reeling from a painful break-up, English instructor and avid book lover Wesley Smith is haunted by his ex-girlfriend's parting shot: "Why can't you just read off the computer like everyone else?" He buys an e-book reader out of spite, but soon finds he can use the device to glimpse realities he had never before imagined, discovering literary riches beyond his wildest dreams...and all-too-human tragedies that surpass his most terrible nightmares.

From vintage cars (Christine and From a Buick 8) to household appliances (Maximum Overdrive) to exercise equipment (Stationary Bike), Stephen King has mesmerized us with tales of apparently ordinary machines that take on lives of their own. UR gives this classic theme an up-to-the-minute spin, resulting in a horror masterpiece for our time and for the ages.

©2010 Stephen King (P)2010 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

"Firm, gripping, and deftly written by a craftsman at the top of his game, this is King at his crisp, clear, page-turning best." (Amazon.com review)

Gripping and perfectly executed

I love much of Stephen King's work, but he tends to prattle on; I hate to say it, but a case can often be made for the abridged. But the pacing and length of this story was spot on, and it had me until the end.

The ideas in this book strike an ideal balance between being novel (in the best sense of the word) and truly compelling -- no small feat. Many works of fiction manage one at the expense of the other, yet this accomplishes both and remains entertaining and emotionally engaging at the same time. Delightful.

loved it

I'm not a big Stephen King fan, but this short story was the right length for a driving trip. Turned out to be a great story and one I will remember. Most of King's work could do with some editting, but this story was perfect. Loved it.

A fun romp in a typical Stephen King universe

Stephen king likes stories where people are trapped and their true natures come on display. Average Joes and outsiders become heroes, and the rich, political bigwigs show their true, evil colors. It's an entertaining story that rehashes many of King's favorite themes...nothing surprising for fans of King, but an entertaining listen from beginning to end.

Technology and Paradoxes - Well done!

This King short story left me wanting more. Framed in the character of a college professor and his questioning of the Kindle and its role in our world, the mood and drive of our protagonist was so familiar to those of us who've watched our parents embrace the internet! Like the best King works, it all started out so familiarly and comfortable, and was so well-written that it didn't even have to introduce any elements of the unknown and creepy in order for me to be unable to put it down. Stephen King could write the phone book and I'd read it. Well-done.

A good short story

If you like short stories, which are my favorite, It was a good short story. It had the perfect amount of anticipation and it ended well. I've actually listened to it twice and enjoyed it just as much the second time.

everyone needs a Kindle

This story was excellent. I loved it. It made me laugh and do some deep thinking about my Kindle.

nice connection s

typical King - as he spins the yarn you see it connect to other stories

A great listen!

A great short story picking up and holding you to the end! Well read to the end with a Stephen King twist at the end.

New Works from Your Favorite Authors

Ur is a great short story from Stephen King about a bookworm who decides to give e-readers (Kindle, specifically) a try. Only his Kindle is special delivery from the Twilight Zone. Book are available that authors never wrote, but it's when he realizes he can access more than books that the story turns. If you are a fan of King's work this is definitely worth a listen, especially for fans of The Dark Tower series. The best readers do not call attention to themselves and I can almost forget I'm listening and not reading. Holter Graham does this in reading Ur, so the overall experience is excellent.

5 star

I love kings writing. ~ everything leads to the tower
Have to finish the series.