Published on April 8, 2026
Good morning! (or afternoon, or even evening, depending on when you’re reading this)
Today, I want to discuss the latest book I’ve read. It is “Gwendy’s Button Box,” co-written and Richard Chizmar, published in 2017.
, the name Stephen King requires little introduction, but I wasn’t familiar with Richard Chizmar before reading this novel. Collaborating on this tale appears to have been a way to launch and introduce Chizmar to a broader audience since he hadn’t written much before this, although a lot has been published afterward. So, Gwendy served its purpose and debuted in 2017.
Born in Maryland, USA, on December 21, 1965, Chizmar is an author, editor, and screenwriter, as well as the owner of Cemetery Dance Publications. He has won two World Fantasy Awards and four International Horror Guild Awards, and he has been recognized Writers Association.
Returning to the story, it is a short novel with just under 200 pages. As I’ve mentioned, I’m well-acquainted with King’s style but less so with Chizmar’s. It’s clear in the treatment of the protagonist that King’s influence is strong. King transcends the label of a horror writer, positioning himself as an artist who conveys deeply personal dramas woven with elements of the strange, supernatural, fantastic, and somewhat sinister—though often in a subtle manner. This story is a prime example of that.
Gwendy, an overweight 12-year-old girl living in Castle Rock (a location many of you may recognize), has few friends and is not well-received . One day, she is entrusted by a stranger with a peculiar box filled with buttons and levers. Gwendy has no idea what the box is for or how it works, and she isn’t sure whether she even wants to find out.
The narrative is simple, engaging, easy to read, and enjoyable, addressing themes of responsibility, temptation, acceptance, and regret.
This story already has a sequel, also , which has yet to be translated into Spanish. It is titled “Gwendy’s Magic Feather.”
What caught my attention about this edition published House Grupo Editorial is its square design, which is unusual for novels. It features a striking cover and several illustrations throughout.
I can only say that I enjoyed it within its simplicity. It proved to be quite interesting, and I am eagerly awaiting the translation of its second part. According to Chizmar’s website, the intention is to create a trilogy, and I look forward to learning more about Gwendy’s life.
That’s all for today. A brief review for a brief novel. I hope I’ve managed to spark some interest in this read without being too tedious in my ramblings.
Until next time!
“What if you had a button, a special magic button, and when you pressed it, you could kill someone or perhaps make someone disappear, or fly anywhere you could imagine? Who would you make disappear or what place would you fly to?”
Gwendy’s Button Box. Stephen King and Richard Chizmar
Related News
- La hija pequeña: La identidad queer contra el patriarcado, la religión, la familia y hasta el fútbol (***)
- Nahuel Hollman: “Yo quiero ser el docente que quise tener cuando fui a la escuela”
- Altas capacidades: Una comedia con clase sobre los límites dramáticos del clasismo (****)
- Here's how much caffeine the U.S. military consumed during the Iran war
- Optiva Capital Partners Outlines Roadmap for Africans in Migration, Citizenship
- Vance praises Hungary's Orbán, accuses EU of influencing election