eclarke06's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
mikeroderique's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
4.75
omccloskey's review against another edition
4.0
The storytelling and horror aspects of this book were phenomenal - I was immediately drawn in by the plot and the intriguing character studies. As always, King did an excellent job with his characterization and character development, capturing minute details and slice of life moments in an enchanting narrative, almost bordering on a comforting lull. I love the depth that he infuses into each of his characters and the time spent with each one, infusing a lifelike quality into them that's truly captivating and leaves me hanging on every word. These characters felt REAL, and this resulted in far more impactful horror scenes where the stakes felt insurmountable, and I was simultaneously cringing yet unable to put the book down. Multiple scenes were downright chilling, creating a viscerally terrifying mood that was a little too close to realistic for comfort.
For once, I shockingly felt that King nailed this ending, and I had zero complaints about how the story wrapped up. If only his other endings were quite as successful for me... The ending was dripping with realism and horror, and the absence of paranormal elements or an unforeseeable twist were a welcome surprise. The conclusion of this one was packed with a full spectrum of emotion, and King has mastered the art of infusing that emotion into his characters and writing.
Unfortunately, my rating dropped down from five stars due to King's characteristic inclusion of uncomfortable, questionable, and sometimes explicit details and character descriptions and actions that serve no purpose and don't further the plot. There were multiple brief moments in Cujo that were reminiscent of THAT scene in It, and my ensuing secondhand embarrassment was at an all-time high. It takes quite a bit for a book to give me secondhand embarrassment, so this was...impressive?
At the end of the day, this is one of my favorite Stephen King books that I've read to date. It will also be one of my go-to recommendations for readers that are just starting to venture into King's works, right alongside Pet Semetary and Misery.
For once, I shockingly felt that King nailed this ending, and I had zero complaints about how the story wrapped up. If only his other endings were quite as successful for me... The ending was dripping with realism and horror, and the absence of paranormal elements or an unforeseeable twist were a welcome surprise. The conclusion of this one was packed with a full spectrum of emotion, and King has mastered the art of infusing that emotion into his characters and writing.
Unfortunately, my rating dropped down from five stars due to King's characteristic inclusion of uncomfortable, questionable, and sometimes explicit details and character descriptions and actions that serve no purpose and don't further the plot. There were multiple brief moments in Cujo that were reminiscent of THAT scene in It, and my ensuing secondhand embarrassment was at an all-time high. It takes quite a bit for a book to give me secondhand embarrassment, so this was...impressive?
At the end of the day, this is one of my favorite Stephen King books that I've read to date. It will also be one of my go-to recommendations for readers that are just starting to venture into King's works, right alongside Pet Semetary and Misery.
selikarose11's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
decoachwife's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
armachillo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
whatthefawkes's review against another edition
3.0
Sadly, this one wasn't as good as I was expecting.
I feel like I zoned out a lot and only really paid attention to the parts that directly involved Cujo which were intense and chilling. The rest? Eh. I'm not too fussed about hearing about Donna cheating and whatever else.
I feel like I zoned out a lot and only really paid attention to the parts that directly involved Cujo which were intense and chilling. The rest? Eh. I'm not too fussed about hearing about Donna cheating and whatever else.
archiekeys99's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
appleloaf_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25