GROUP DISCUSSION #2 - “The End of the Whole Mess”

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Mar 12, 2010
6,538
29,004
Texas
I didn't much like this story :( I had no compassion for Robert. I think it's a pretty scary idea that the world could come to an end because some self-absorbed Mensa, who thinks their way is the only way, puts their plan to save life on earth into action without consulting others.

Have any of y'all worked for bosses who think their way is the only way but they actually can't see the forest for the trees?
 

AchtungBaby

Well-Known Member
Dec 5, 2011
3,856
15,540
I liked “Dolan’s” a good bit more than this one. The relationship between the two brothers is written well, but everything feels... rushed? Which makes sense, given that the narrator has only a short amount of time left. Still, I wish the reader could see a bit more of the World after the serum was released.

As far as King’s apocalyptic short stories go, this one is... fine.
 
Mar 12, 2010
6,538
29,004
Texas
When I was reading this, I was wondering about the timing of this story and the Waco incident. This book was released in 1993 and the Waco siege happened that year. It was just a coincidence because the story was written well before the Waco siege but I did wonder for a bit, if Waco being the center of calm had any meaning.

I wondered about that too. I'm surprised SK even knew there was a town named Waco in Texas. If he wanted to elaborate on bar brawls, he should have used Fort Worth.
 
Mar 12, 2010
6,538
29,004
Texas
I liked “Dolan’s” a good bit more than this one. The relationship between the two brothers is written well, but everything feels... rushed? Which makes sense, given that the narrator has only a short amount of time left. Still, I wish the reader could see a bit more of the World after the serum was released.

As far as King’s apocalyptic short stories go, this one is... fine.

I couldn't figure out who Howard was writing his notes for. Wasn't he the last man on earth?
 

fljoe0

Cantre Member
Apr 5, 2008
15,859
71,642
62
120 miles S of the Pancake/Waffle line
I liked “Dolan’s” a good bit more than this one. The relationship between the two brothers is written well, but everything feels... rushed? Which makes sense, given that the narrator has only a short amount of time left. Still, I wish the reader could see a bit more of the World after the serum was released.

As far as King’s apocalyptic short stories go, this one is... fine.

I think it feels a little rushed because this story is a technically vague as Dolan's was technically explicit. The bit with the volcano doesn't seem very well thought out. I think that diminishes the story somewhat. I like relationship between the brothers but the execution of the plan is not very believable.
 

AchtungBaby

Well-Known Member
Dec 5, 2011
3,856
15,540
This


I think it feels a little rushed because this story is a technically vague as Dolan's was technically explicit. The bit with the volcano doesn't seem very well thought out. I think that diminishes the story somewhat. I like relationship between the brothers but the execution of the plan is not very believable.
Yes, exactly. I think “Summer Thunder” is what this story wanted to be, and failed.