Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Search - Thinner

Thinner
Thinner
Author: Richard Bachman
"Thinner," the old Gypsy man with the rotting nose whispered, and caressed his cheek, like a lover... — Billy Halleck, good husband, loving father, lives in Connecticut and practices law in New York City. He is both beneficiary and victim of the American Good Life: he has an expensive home, a nice family, and a rewarding job... but he i...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780517642665
ISBN-10: 0517642662
Publication Date: 3/11/1987
Pages: 282
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 3

4 stars, based on 3 ratings
Publisher: New American Library
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio Cassette
Members Wishing: 2
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

MeadowbrookManor avatar reviewed Thinner on + 28 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Deliciously creepy surprise ending! The good guys don't always win; heck, there's not even always any good guys!
reviewed Thinner on + 135 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
A very original story about a gypsy curse. I enjoyed it very much.
reviewed Thinner on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Not just scary, suspenseful and terrifying! Great book!
Kibi avatar reviewed Thinner on + 582 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
thinner, May 9, 2005
Reviewer: Josh McQueen (Hamilton, Ohio)

As a high school senior, I am always looking for a book that gets my attention and holds it. I have found that book. It is THINNER By Stephen king. At the start of the book I thought that it would just be an ok book, but as I read farther and farther into it, I found out that I was wrong. I found that it is a great book to read with many twists and turns.

AT the beginning of the book it starts out with a memory coming back to Billy.
It was of the old gypsy man with the rotting nose whispers to Billy and his wife after they leave the court house. Farther in the book Billy skin starts to decay and turn all scaly and that's when all the problems start.

The book is an interesting look at what happens when you mess with a gypsy and what it does to you and every one you love. As you read you will see what happens to Billy and the ones he loves.

Overall, I believe this is a good book for seniors or any high school student to read. I recommend this book for older students because of the language and the graphic details that are given in the book. I also recommend it to people from age 15 and up who like sci-fi.
hawaiianpride avatar reviewed Thinner on + 31 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Billy Halleck, good husband, loving father, is both beneficiary and victim of the American Good Life: he has an expensive home, a nice family, and a rewarding career as a lawyer. But he is also fifty pounds overweight and, as his doctor keeps reminding him, heading into heart attack country.

Then, in a moment of carelessness, Billy sideswipes an old gypsy woman as she is crossing the street - and her ancient father passes a bizarre and terrible judgment on him.

"Thinner," the old gypsy man whispers, and caresses his cheeks like a lover. Just one word . . . but six weeks later and ninety-three pounds lighter, Billy Halleck is more than worried. He's terrified. And desperate enough for one last gamble . . . that will lead him to a nightmare showdown with the forces of evil melting his flesh away.
Read All 43 Book Reviews of "Thinner"

Please Log in to Rate these Book Reviews

reviewed Thinner on + 5 more book reviews
This is one of King's shorter books--the story was so straightforward that I felt like it could have been even shorter. The action takes a while to develop, but that's okay; it's the slow, creeping horror as the main character realizes what's happening to him, that makes it worth the read. Over all, pretty good!
reviewed Thinner on
It has been a while since I've read anything by Stephen King. Reading "Thinner" made me wonder why it's been so long!! Fantastic book.

Stephen King is a master storyteller (writing here as Richard Bachman). This book is no exception: a real page turner, with the amazing voice that only he can lend to a twisted tale.

Highly recommended!
reviewed Thinner on + 3 more book reviews
Fast reading and a good Stephen King book. If your a fan of Stephen King you'll like this book. A real page turner.
reviewed Thinner on + 31 more book reviews
Kinda drags, but worth the read
reviewed Thinner on + 9 more book reviews
Just great. If you like the movie this is BETTER.
waterbearer avatar reviewed Thinner on + 62 more book reviews
A great King book in the time of "Bachman". The end leaves the main character with a terrible choice to make. Amazing story, great horror.
stocktonmalonefan avatar reviewed Thinner on + 58 more book reviews
I read this book when it came out in 1984 and still remember it well. It is well written with catchy dialogue and an unusual story. I do think this should be listed as a Stephen King book because later it became known that Richard Bachman was indeed Stephen King. I guess he wanted to see if he could sell a book without the famous name on the cover. (It sold) If you like Stephen King--you'll enjoy it.
k9kutter64 avatar reviewed Thinner on + 167 more book reviews
I read it in two days...loved it!
reviewed Thinner on + 32 more book reviews
I have always read Stephen King's books. This is the first that I have ever listened to and I enjoyed it. It certainly keeps your interest and has an interesting plot.

Book Wiki

People/Characters
Billy Halleck (Primary Character)

Genres: