By Stephen King

Finished 1/31/26

Elevation is a really beautiful and curious story, a novella that finds the perfect balance of getting somewhat deep on the important characters while also moving quickly through the narrative. Stephen King keeps the focus intentionally small, centering the story on only a handful of people and allowing their relationships to carry the emotional weight of the book.

The premise itself is simple but incredibly intriguing. Scott, a big fella, starts to feel like he’s losing weight. His mood improves, he has more pep in his step, and he generally feels better. The strange part is that nothing about him physically changes. Yet when he jumps on the scale, he definitely is losing weight. Week after week he drops about three pounds, even though his body never seems to change shape. It’s one of those classic Stephen King ideas—slightly surreal but presented in a very grounded way that makes you immediately curious about where it’s going.

What makes the novella work so well is how King uses that strange premise to explore the people around Scott rather than turning it into a full-blown mystery. Scott spends time talking with an elder doctor friend about what’s happening to him, and he also develops an unexpected relationship with two gay women who live nearby and run a restaurant. The town treats them poorly, which gives the story an interesting social undercurrent, but the real focus is on how Scott gradually earns their trust and friendship.

The story moves quickly but never feels rushed. King gives just enough time to the key moments—especially a local 10K race that becomes one of the emotional highlights of the book—while keeping the overall narrative tight and focused. Because the book is so short, there’s almost no wasted space. Every scene either deepens Scott’s relationships or pushes the strange premise forward.

What stood out most to me is how uplifting the story ultimately feels. Despite the unusual situation Scott finds himself in, the tone never becomes dark or heavy. Instead it slowly turns into something about letting the weight off your shoulders and realizing what’s actually important in life—friendship, kindness, and human connection.

Elevation may be a small story in terms of length, but it leaves a surprisingly strong impression. It’s thoughtful, a little strange in the best Stephen King way, and a perfect example of how effective a novella can be when it focuses on character and theme rather than scale.

Rating: 9/10 — amazing and quick read.