Gwendy's Button Box

Stephen King and Richard Chizmar
Star Rating
★★★★
Reviewer's Rating
Aug 3, 2017

Gwendy's Button Box is not one of King's usual horror stories; it's lighter, and more toned-down. Still, it was an enjoyable afternoon read. 

When Gwendy is twelve years old, she meets a man who offers her a mahogany box covered with eight colored buttons. The man tells Gwendy that he's been watching her and has decided she is "set solidly on her feet" and is worthy enough to keep the button box, for now. He shows her how to make the box release a tiny piece of chocolate and explains the importance of the buttons, especially the "everything" button, and then he disappears.

The story follows Gwendy for the next ten years while she is the guardian of the box. Her life changes and seems to improve as she eats one of the tiny chocolates each day. She wonders if the box is responsible. She wonders how much power the buttons really have, and when should she use them. 

I thought it was interesting to see how this character handled that much temptation. It's definitely a novella worth reading. I just wish it had been longer! 

Reviewed by Catherine G.
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