Reviews

It's supposed to be the horror book of all horror books from the King of Horror. I wanted to read a different type of horror and figured this would be a good place to start. The parts of The Shining movie I've seen were dull and slow and that should have tipped me off as to how the book would go. The book is so incredibly slow, like glacial speed! And by the end, I was so sick of the extra fluff, I started skimming. There was some scary stuff but nothing major, so I don't understand how this is supposed to be the best horror book ever. Total let down.

smilesgiggle's review against another edition

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4.0

For those in my generation, The Shining 0r basically any movie based on Stephen King was a defining moment in our childhood. The utter terror, creepy realistic stories either made you a fan for life or you avoided for life.
I have watched this moving a couple of times - and decided to read the book before I drown in Dr Sleep. Oh this book. We all know those creepy, ancient places - those feelings of dread, someone is watching you, tingles down your spine. And of course - Danny is a special, talented little boy.
Overall, great book. I had hoped the reason for Tony's name was more elaborate - but I get it.
That pause at the end - the shed calling out for more. Blew my mind.

cadillaceazy's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

bella613's review against another edition

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dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Definitely my least favorite by King that I've read so far.
Especially the excessive racism that didn't contribute anything to the plot. Why was that even there?
I watched the movie as a teen, and didn't find it scary, but I think the movie misses a lot of the important nuance in the book. However, listening to this felt slow and boring. It might be because I knew what was coming but it seemed like there was nothing to the story. It wasn't bad and it does feel like a horror classic, but it's far from King's best work.
Honestly I think it would be more riveting without the supernatural stuff. Like make it actual cabin fever and not cabin possessing a family. Also, it was never explained why "it" was after little Danny. How would it use him? It's only creepy if you don't think about it too hard and then it kinda falls apart. The movie has meme-able scenes but I felt like the book just made me kind of bored.

dreamy_demon's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

hktul's review against another edition

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dark tense slow-paced

3.75

The book gives each character depth, you learn why Wendy stays and the rationale behind Danny's decisions. Yes, the symbolism for alcoholism is there but I'll be honest while King can write a good story I don't think he is a big stickler for themes. There is an evil hotel that tries to take advantage of people's trauma; that evil does not care if it is a family or if a child is to young for horror. That was the story King wrote and he did a good job.

Content Warnings

vissy's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

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