Book description
Drunken Fireworks - An Audible Celebration of Small-Town Shenanigans
If you're looking for a quick, heart-warming escape that still feels like a full-length adventure, Stephen King's Drunken Fireworks is the perfect pick. The story, originally part of his bestselling collection The Bazaar of Bad Dreams, follows 12-year-old Alden McCausland and his mother as they spend a summer in a modest cabin by Lake Abenaki. With an unexpected insurance payout and a lucky scratcher, the "accident rich" pair are suddenly free to indulge in endless days of beer, beach breezes, and backyard fireworks.
What makes this tale truly special is its slice-of-life charm wrapped around an absurd rivalry. Alden's harmless sparklers spark a decades-long "Fourth of July Arms Race" with the neighboring Massimo family, who flaunt their wealth in a sprawling mansion on Twelve Pines Camp. The escalating competition turns into a riotous spectacle that eventually lands Alden in jail-just to prove his point about how far people will go for bragging rights.
The audiobook brings this story to life through Tim Sample's engaging narration. Sample is a beloved Down East storyteller, and his warm Southern drawl perfectly captures the rustic setting and the mischievous energy of young Alden. King himself praised Sample's "wit and talent and good-heartedness," and it shows: each line is delivered with just enough humor to keep you laughing, while his subtle inflections lend depth to the characters' hopes and frustrations.
Listening to Drunken Fireworks feels like stepping onto a sunny lakeside porch. The soundscape-crackling firework pop, gulls in the distance, the gentle lapping of waves-creates an immersive backdrop that makes you feel the heat of July and the thrill of competition. Sample's voice is clear and expressive, making it easy to follow the plot twists without getting lost.
This audiobook is a standout because it delivers classic King storytelling with a light touch. It doesn't dwell on horror or gloom; instead, it celebrates community spirit, youthful curiosity, and the simple joy of blowing up a few firecrackers. The result is an uplifting narrative that's as entertaining as it is relatable-perfect for families, friends, or anyone who loves a good story about ordinary people in extraordinary situations.
In short, Drunken Fireworks on Audible is a delightful treat: witty, vivid, and utterly charming. It reminds us that even the most mundane moments can explode into unforgettable memories when you're with the right people-and a bit of firework magic.
Pusher
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Iron Butterfly
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Charms
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Whipsaw
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Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience