Reviews

Het by Stephen King

jonezeemcgee's review against another edition

4.0

3.5

remjunior's review against another edition

5.0

I've read a lot of Stephen King, but this was one I hadn't tackled yet due to the sheer length of the book. I actually listened to the audio book version over the course of a few months while I was riding the bus or just catching up on chores around the house.

Now, for my review/thoughts/feelings. This is one of my new favorites. Stephen King has always impressed me with his ability to really capture the nostalgia of childhood and writes beautiful coming-of-age stories. This is what I would consider the "classic" and ultimate Stephen King book because it is a coming-of-age story set to the backdrop of a horrible monster/alien/clown/spider thing that murders children.

Is the book perfect? Gosh, no. Obviously King had a yes man for an editor because this book is just too long. Some of it was absolutely necessary, especially dipping in and out of each of the losers club's stories--without their stories, IT doesn't really have meaning. But I can forgive the length because most of the book is just so damn good that it doesn't really matter.

dancingpluto's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

4.0

animalxman's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious tense slow-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

theoryofabook's review against another edition

5.0

My first King book, and boy I wasn’t disappointed. Definitely an all-time fave

elisahutchings's review against another edition

5.0

This is one of those books that you have to read once in your lifetime. The juxtaposition of eras and ages was a very interesting way to tell the story. I loved the ultimate message that love is what conquers the demon.

h3mmy's review against another edition

adventurous dark reflective tense slow-paced

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

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Violence, and Gaslighting

Moderate: Homophobia

infinite_kay's review against another edition

4.0

Wow, what a journey!
It's amazing how Stephen King can write childhood in such a complex yet relatable way.
There were a few aspects that I enjoyed less, but for a book this size, I surprisingly found very few dull moments.
Hopefully, now that it's over, my dreams will be a little less tormented - until I see the movie, probably!

bbayless96's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense fast-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

4.75

The child sex scene was rough and I had to skip it. It was very close to the end of the book. In the last three hours or so. Listeners beware. Other than that it was a beautifully written, terrifying masterpiece. So, so impressed. So much better than the movies. 

missmari's review against another edition

4.0

I am currently screaming. This took me 32 days to finish. (January 11th to February 12th) What a great book for a 12-year-old. First off, I read this book because 1) Reddie 2) To be an official It stan and 3) I like to mentally scar myself. I honestly wouldn't recommend this book (although I forced my friend to read this book also), you just have to be mature and able to adapt to confusing book formats. I have so many good losers club moments (mostly reddie) that I marked. But yes.



CHARACTERS

Eddie Kaspbrak: An absolute angel, I love him so much it hurts. I just wanted to protect him the whole time. Deserved the world.

Richie Tozier: My book character kinnie. Deserved better (aka the love of his life)

Mike Hanlon: Underrated and buried in the movies but this book made me love him even more :) :) I love him so much

Bill Denbrough: He is my least favorite, maybe I just don't like these leader types (Jason Grace) but he seemed annoying and he cheated on his wife

Beverly Marsh: I loved her in the movies and miniseries BUT WE DON'T TALK ABOUT BOOK BEVERLY

Ben Hanscom: I'm 50/50 about him, I don't like him but I don't not like him.....

Stanley Uris: Underrated, OCD-ridden, bird obsessed, actually ended being kind of happy boy. WE RESPECT AND PROTECT......

Henry Bowers: He scares me, I can't believe about Mikes's dog.....

Patrick Hocksetter: Why is he so fricken crazy?

Belch Huggins: He was a horrible one but I think he had regrets.

Victor Criss: I don't know, eh guess.

Audra Denbrough: She should divorce, deserves better. Just wanted to keep her husband safe. Could have a good life if she left him.

Tom Rogan: I hope to never get in a relationship with a man like this.

Sonia Kaspbrak: Racist, Homophobic, and a Mental Manipulator...BUH BYE

Kay McCall: Seems loyal but I would too crack if Tom did that to me also. She tried.