"The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon" is a psychological horror novel by Stephen King, published in 1999. The story centers on nine-year-old Trisha McFarland, who becomes lost in the woods while hiking with her recently divorced mother and older brother along a branch of the Appalachian Trail. As she wanders deeper into the wilderness, Trisha relies on her courage, ingenuity, and a portable radio tuned to Boston Red Sox baseball games for comfort. She is a devoted fan of Tom Gordon, a relief pitcher for the Red Sox, and imagines that he is with her, protecting her from an unseen, dangerous presence stalking her in the forest
. The novel explores themes of fear, survival, and faith, portraying Trisha's struggle against the elements and her mounting terror in the dark woods. Her connection to Tom Gordon symbolizes hope and resilience throughout her ordeal. The story is noted for its psychological depth and primal exploration of childhood fears
. A film adaptation of the novel is also planned for release in 2026
