The Long Walk

In a dystopian near-future, America faces hardship. Sixteen-year-old Ray Garraty enters the annual Long Walk, a grueling competition of stamina and wits. One hundred boys begin, but only one can be the winner.

The rules are stark: maintain a pace of four miles per hour, day and night, without stopping. The ultimate prize is anything the winner desires for the rest of their life. However, the stakes are incredibly high, as there is no finish line—the winner is simply the last contestant remaining.

Contestants cannot receive any outside assistance. Slowing below the required speed results in a warning. Three warnings mean disqualification—forever. This unforgettable masterpiece, written by Stephen King as a college student and published in 1979 under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, showcases his genius for character development and visionary storytelling. It is recognized as a New York Times Best Seller and a Midwest Indie Bestseller, cementing its place as a significant work of Science Fiction.