A review by readsbyella
It by Stephen King

dark funny sad tense slow-paced

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

3.5

Review: It by Stephen King

Plot Summary:
It follows the Losers Club across two timelines: as children and later as adults, focusing on their mission to defeat the entity known as “IT,” which is terrorizing their town and murdering children. The dual timelines switching between past and present added depth to the story, though at times, it was slightly confusing. Still, it enhanced the overall experience.

Reading Formats:
I initially started with the audiobook but then switched to the physical book, and finally settled on the ebook version. This constant change of format might have affected my overall enjoyment, particularly with the audiobook. I often found myself putting the audiobook on but not fully listening to or focusing on the novel. I felt the most hooked with the ebook version—it was easier to hold than the thick physical book, which made reading more comfortable. The ebook also allowed me to read more in single sittings and kept me more engaged than the other formats.

Character Development:
The characters in It were well-developed, especially Bill and Mike, who showed significant growth from childhood to adulthood. While I didn’t feel a strong connection to any one character, the group dynamic was compelling, and their adult versions felt authentic and real. Their bond, particularly how they became wiser and braver, was one of the strengths of the novel. I also appreciated how the story emphasized that “IT” preyed on fear, which was stronger in the children’s imaginations compared to the adults.

Horror Elements:
While It is classified as horror, I didn’t find it particularly scary. There were some gross moments that were difficult to read through, but nothing that frightened me. Pennywise as a villain was more tense than terrifying, and I believe the visual adaptation might bring out more of the fear factor than the book. The mix of supernatural horror and real-life issues like bullying was well-handled, particularly when IT took control of Henry Bowers to hunt down the Losers.

Writing Style:
Stephen King’s writing was descriptive and helped me visualize the scenes vividly. However, some of the interlude sections dragged, and the long chapters made the reading experience feel heavy at times. While I appreciated King’s craft, certain parts could have been cut down to improve the flow. The novel’s atmosphere was immersive, especially when the Losers were battling IT, but I wasn’t as invested during the slower sections.

Themes:
The themes of friendship and love stood out the most to me. The bond between the Losers Club was integral to their fight against IT. The idea that their connection made them stronger was touching, even though they began to forget each other at the end. This amnesia felt fitting, allowing them to move on with their lives. Though these themes didn’t impact me personally, they added depth to the story.

Pacing and Structure:
The pacing was inconsistent. At times, it was thrilling, especially during intense scenes, but the interludes slowed the momentum. The length of the book was intimidating, and it took me several months to get through it. If it hadn’t been a buddy read, I may have put it down earlier, but I’m glad I finished. The ending was satisfying and tied everything together well, but I wish the middle had been more engaging.

Emotional Impact and Overall Enjoyment:
While I didn’t feel strongly attached to the book emotionally, I did enjoy bits and pieces of it, particularly the ending. The importance of friendship during crises is a lasting impression I took away. However, the constant change in reading format also impacted my enjoyment. Switching between audiobook, physical book, and ebook might have created a disconnect at times. In particular, I felt the most immersed in the story while reading the ebook version, as it was easier to hold and allowed me to stay hooked for longer periods. I wouldn’t recommend It unless someone is specifically looking for a long horror novel and is familiar with King’s work. For newcomers, I’d give a warning about the chapter length and pacing.

Star Rating: 3.5/5

It had its moments, but the slow pacing, lengthy chapters, and occasional lack of engagement made it less enjoyable for me overall. The format shifts also contributed to this feeling. Still, the strong character development and descriptive writing deserve praise, and I’m glad I finished it. If you’re a fan of King’s writing or looking for an atmospheric horror novel, this might be for you, but it’s not without its challenges.