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bethaniekay's review against another edition
3.0
I'd give this 2.5 stars
I really wanted to like this, especially after seeing how highly it has been rated, but it just had more good than bad for me. I think the story had promise, the characters were interesting (well, a few of them were), and the writing was pretty good. But, the biggest problem was that the book was WAY TOO FRIGGIN LONG. 850 pages? Are you kidding me? My wrists hurt just holding the book. And, to add insult to injury was that about half of the book could've been eliminated. All that irrelevant blather in the middle about Jake/George living in the boring-ass town of Jodie-podunk-Texas was completely unnecessary. What the hell did all of that have to do with his true missing in 'the past'? Nothing. Sure, it established his relationship with Sadie, but that could've been done in a much shorter time. And why in the hell did he travel back in time just to be a teacher, when he was already a teacher? The bottom line is that this was supposed to be a time-travel book, and it would've been much better if the story didn't stray so much from that actual theme. Maybe I'm being unfair. Maybe this was a fantastic book. Maybe I'll recommend it for someone who has many weeks to spend reading such a hefty tome. I'll recommend they read the e-book version so their wrists don't hurt.
I really wanted to like this, especially after seeing how highly it has been rated, but it just had more good than bad for me. I think the story had promise, the characters were interesting (well, a few of them were), and the writing was pretty good. But, the biggest problem was that the book was WAY TOO FRIGGIN LONG. 850 pages? Are you kidding me? My wrists hurt just holding the book. And, to add insult to injury was that about half of the book could've been eliminated. All that irrelevant blather in the middle about Jake/George living in the boring-ass town of Jodie-podunk-Texas was completely unnecessary. What the hell did all of that have to do with his true missing in 'the past'? Nothing. Sure, it established his relationship with Sadie, but that could've been done in a much shorter time. And why in the hell did he travel back in time just to be a teacher, when he was already a teacher? The bottom line is that this was supposed to be a time-travel book, and it would've been much better if the story didn't stray so much from that actual theme. Maybe I'm being unfair. Maybe this was a fantastic book. Maybe I'll recommend it for someone who has many weeks to spend reading such a hefty tome. I'll recommend they read the e-book version so their wrists don't hurt.
enlenar's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
tedski's review against another edition
5.0
I listened to the audiobook and was enthralled from the opening moment to the last. I couldn't stop listening. I haven't felt such enjoyment of a Stephen King book since I first read him back in the 70s. This book has made me a Stephen King fan all over again.
hatetowin's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
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
5.0
runjohnnyrun845's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
megareads42's review against another edition
4.0
Wowsers! Not a Stephen King fan at all, but I really enjoyed this one (which was unfortunate, since I had a hardback library copy and that thing was a pain to drag around!). Jumped right in, the only thing I didn't enjoy was that the finale seemed really rushed. I also would have liked a bit more of a wrap-up for after the narrator returns to the future and decides not to screw with the past any more. Overall, a great book. Unpredictable in a good way, with a believable cast of characters.
kinnykiran's review against another edition
5.0
"What if I go back in time and kill my grandfather?"
"Why the fuck would you that?"
"Why the fuck would you that?"
pikusonali's review against another edition
4.0
I have never been a Stephen King fan. I had only read one book by him before this and started & subsequently abandoned tons of others before this. I picked up 11/22/63 with low expectations. It was not the 800-page length that put me off rather my lukewarm experience of the past that was a turn-off. But boy, am I glad I decided to give this one a try!
If you are a lover of all things related to time travel, this is one novel that shouldn't be missed. Add to it an element of history and you have a blockbuster on your hands. King's writing is simple and engrossing and the story keeps you hooked. The novel doesn't feel long and doesn't bore you either.
I loved the main protagonist - Jake Epping. He is a lovable high school teacher, who significantly influences his students and reminded me of someone I know. There is, of course, romance, which forms an integral part of the story. I did expect more from the ending because it leaves you wanting for more and seems too hastily wrapped. But overall, 11/22/63 is one epic trip that is worth taking.
If you are a lover of all things related to time travel, this is one novel that shouldn't be missed. Add to it an element of history and you have a blockbuster on your hands. King's writing is simple and engrossing and the story keeps you hooked. The novel doesn't feel long and doesn't bore you either.
I loved the main protagonist - Jake Epping. He is a lovable high school teacher, who significantly influences his students and reminded me of someone I know. There is, of course, romance, which forms an integral part of the story. I did expect more from the ending because it leaves you wanting for more and seems too hastily wrapped. But overall, 11/22/63 is one epic trip that is worth taking.
joyceandbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I liked the humor. The plot was good, but I feel like it shouldn’t have taken it this long.
jaymeee's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25