killerpancake's review against another edition
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Violence and Abortion
fdr69's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Blood, Cancer, Car accident, Mass/school shootings, Pregnancy, Gun violence, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Violence, Ableism, Murder, Misogyny, Domestic abuse, Forced institutionalization, Sexism, and Animal death
kaitzo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Violence, Mental illness, Abortion, and Death
Minor: Car accident
julienicole1106's review against another edition
- 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? No
3.75
Graphic: Addiction, Animal death, Fire/Fire injury, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Vomit, Abortion, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcoholism, Cancer, Car accident, Dementia, Grief, Sexual content, Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Blood, Domestic abuse, Cursing, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
f_amiliar_happine_ss's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
While I can't compare this novel to Stephen King's other works, I enjoyed it just the same. My first King book and now it's one of my faves.
Set in the nineties, we follow Ralph Roberts after his late wife passes away and he begins to experience complications while falling asleep. His condition deteriorates greatly, causing hallucinations beyond comprehension. Eventually, his hallucinations begin to align with current political events. Others soon experience insomnia induced hallucinations as well, luckily that's to Ralph's advantage.
I don't think I can explain any more of the plot without giving spoilers, though the book ended swiftly and concisely.
Character-wise, I appreciated our MC's with their quick thinking. Ralph and his love interest, Lois, made quite the pair. Side characters were just as unique, significant to the plot and MC's development.
Five stars.
Moderate: Death, Violence, Gore, and Abortion
Minor: Animal death and Car accident
saemiligr's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Spoiler
I had someone point out that King sometimes meanders in his writing and GOOD God is it very apparent in this book. I enjoyed the visuals and explanations of different aura's but occasionally I wanted to shake the book and scream "YES BUT WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!? STOP TRIPPING BALLS!"I did tear up in the end, even though though it was still drawn out. Don't like that he toed the line between pro life and pro choice. That was incredibly frustrating, especially when Ralph was sad Helen was gay. Like she had been missing out on something. Overall however I still think this was a fantastic story. Especially since I was reading this along with the dark tower series. Just really frustrated how it seemed to ramble a lot. In fact I feel like a quarter of the story could have been chucked out of the window and nothing would be lost. Recommended read but don't be afraid to crank up the speed on the audiobook.
For this particular audiobook the audio was HORRIBLE. I'm all for effects and music to enhance the story but in this one there was this loud wailing guitar that more often than not sounded like audio feedback and had me ripping out my ear buds until it was over. Find a different version if you want the audiobook.
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Domestic abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Violence, and Gun violence
elisweets's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is one of Mr. King’s stories that I think has a perfect ending and it had me bawling my eyes out at almost midnight. The one thing I will say is
Spoiler
Bill, my favorite character, deserved better.Graphic: Cancer, Car accident, Death, Physical abuse, Abortion, Gun violence, Domestic abuse, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Mass/school shootings, Murder, Religious bigotry, Violence, Animal death, Cursing, Blood, Body horror, Chronic illness, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, and Gore
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
smithreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Abortion, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Cancer, Car accident, and Cursing
Minor: Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Grief, Medical content, Terminal illness, and Vomit