The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon
by Stephen King
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Publisher: Pocket Books (on April 25, 2017)
Release Date: April 6, 1999
My Rating: ★★★★☆
Book Summary
The acclaimed #1 New York Times bestseller from Stephen King—uniquely frightening suspense about a young girl lost in the woods as night falls, with only the voice of her beloved Red Sox relief pitcher to sustain her and help her survive—maybe.
During a six-mile hike on the Maine-New Hampshire branch of the Appalachian Trail, nine-year-old Trisha McFarland quickly tires of the constant bickering between her older brother and her recently divorced mother. But when she wanders off by herself, she becomes lost in a wilderness maze full of peril and terror. As night falls, Trisha has only her ingenuity as a defense against the elements, and only her courage and faith to withstand her mounting fears. For solace she tunes her headphones to broadcasts of Boston Red Sox baseball games and follows the gritty performances of her hero, relief pitcher Tom Gordon. And when the reception begins to fade, Trisha imagines that Tom Gordon is with her—the protector from an enemy who may or may not be imagined…one who is watching her, waiting for her in the dense, dark woods…
— from Goodreads
Book Review
“The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon” by Stephen King is a captivating and atmospheric psychological thriller that showcases Stephen King’s mastery of storytelling. With its blend of suspense, coming-of-age themes, and exploration of the human psyche, this book offers a gripping and thought-provoking reading experience.
The story follows Trisha McFarland, a nine-year-old girl who becomes lost in the vast woods of Maine during a family hike. Alone and frightened, Trisha relies on her love for Tom Gordon, a professional baseball player, as she faces the perils of the wilderness and confronts her own inner fears. As hunger, exhaustion, and the forces of nature threaten her survival, Trisha’s resilience and determination are put to the ultimate test.
“The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon” is not only a survival story but also a coming-of-age tale. Through Trisha’s experiences in the wilderness, Stephen King delves into themes of fear, resilience, and self-discovery. Trisha’s journey serves as a metaphor for the challenges and transformations of adolescence, as she confronts her fears and learns to rely on her inner strength.
Overall, “The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon” is a gripping and introspective psychological thriller that showcases Stephen King’s ability to create tension and tap into universal fears. With its compelling protagonist, atmospheric setting, and exploration of survival and self-discovery, the book is a standout in King’s extensive bibliography. While it may have some pacing issues and supernatural elements that may not resonate with everyone, the novel’s ability to immerse readers in its eerie and suspenseful world makes it a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and Stephen King enthusiasts.
