Book Market Trends - Horror genre is a growing segment in adult fiction, with book sales up by 13% year-to-date [1][2] - Readers turn to horror stories during times of external stress to cope with fear and anxiety [3] Stephen King's Influence - Stephen King's contributions to American literature are significant, inspiring generations of readers and writers [3][4] - King's writing is deeply entrenched in American culture, with his characters and settings becoming cultural touchstones [4][5] - King's novels are often set in New England towns, grounding readers in a shared literary universe [6] - King's protagonists are nuanced, flawed, and likable, making readers care about their fate [6] Analysis of "Fairy Tale" - King's "Fairy Tale" is an adaptation of Hansel and Gretel, reimagined with illustrations by Maurice Sak [8][9] - King's version of Hansel and Gretel is dark, fast-paced, and includes references to his other works [10][11] Themes in King's Work - Hope is a connecting theme in King's work, exploring the depraved parts of humanity and the scariest depths of imagination [11] - Love, friendship, morality, and bravery are the most powerful forces in King's stories [12]