Stephen King Reads The First Chapter Of Newest Book, ‘If It Bleeds’
Video screenshot via Simon & Schuster Books
After sharing a chapter from his 1978 novel The Stand to offer possible solutions on stopping the global spread of the coronavirus, Stephen King is now using his time during self-isolation to reveal the first chapter of his newest book, If It Bleeds.
In a video uploaded by publisher Simon & Schuster Books, the reputed horror author sits down for a reading session in front of the camera. He is first seen wearing a face mask, but removes it so he can be heard better. He then reads the first chapter of If It Bleeds, which entails four novellas.
The title story circles fan-favorite Holly Gibney—from The Outsider and Mr. Mercedes trilogy—who is in the face of another potential outsider, “this time on her own.” Another story, Mr. Harrigan’s Phone, explores “an intergenerational friendship [with] a disturbing afterlife.” A third tale, The Life of Chuck, delves into how everyone “contains multitudes.” Lastly, Rat focuses on a struggling writer who has to face “the darker side of ambition.”
In the eight-minute video, King shares an excerpt from Mr. Harrigan’s Phone, which further illustrates his disdain for modern technology.
Enjoy the first chapter of the book in the video below. If It Bleeds debuts on 21 April 2020.
[via NME, video and cover image via Simon & Schuster Books]
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