Rage (Kessler novel)

Rage is a psychological thriller novel written by Stephen King under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. It was originally published in 1977 and later withdrawn from publication by King himself. The novel tells the story of Charlie Decker, a high school student who brings a gun to school and holds his algebra class hostage after assaulting a teacher.

The plot revolves around Charlie's increasingly erratic behavior and his developing, often manipulative, relationship with his hostages. As the situation unfolds, the students begin to reveal their own personal struggles and secrets under Charlie's influence. The novel explores themes of teenage angst, alienation, mental instability, and the potential for violence in seemingly ordinary individuals.

Rage became controversial due to its themes and perceived connection to several real-life school shootings. In the wake of these events, King decided to allow the book to go out of print, citing his discomfort with the possibility that it might inspire similar acts of violence. As a result, Rage is no longer readily available and is considered a relatively rare and sought-after book by collectors of King's work.

The book was originally published as part of The Bachman Books collection, alongside other early King novels released under his pseudonym. Following the withdrawal of Rage, subsequent editions of The Bachman Books replaced it with the novella The Regulators.