Nathan H

Did not know a single thing about the plot going into this and-- Wow, this was not what I expected. Vibes of Manchurian Candidate and Looper.

Sometimes King books feel like a first draft and this was definitely on par with that.

Also, the undertones of Trumpism before it ever even existed are, uh, toning...

The kind of book that makes you struggle each page

Don't know why I'm surprised that a book about people I despise was not an enjoyable experience

I appreciated the "down to earth" approach of trauma and talking to folks dealing with trauma. Great quotes scattered throughout.

Very important text, though reads like a textbook.

Usually find case studies to be annoying, but this was fantastic. Excellent flow and “conversation” between Oprah and Dr. Perry. Really, really excellent breakdown of childhood trauma and development.

Interesting premise that quickly falls off a cliff. Really dull, annoying characters and oh so dragged out & boring.

Really funny and I enjoyed the crew of characters. I did find myself lost in the storylines at times, but I think that's an "audiobook while multi-tasking" problem...

Due to the high amount of characters, I sometimes felt like I was drowning in keeping track of who’s who. At times, it was tough to shake the repetitive nature of the story. Regardless, really great exploration of adolescence under tyranny, innocence, and sexual identity.

Damn… Tough read! Was not prepared for the utter hopelessness that ensues in this. Intriguing characters and mysteries that never fully blossom, though I guess that’s the point.

Updated Ranking:

1. The Shining
2. Finder’s Keepers
3. The Outsider
4. It
5. Holly
6. Mr. Mercedes
7. ‘Salem’s Lot
8. Carrie
9. Cujo
10. End of Watch
11. The Running Man
12. Later
13. 1922

Absolutely insane to think this isn’t even King’s magnum opus. Solid novel with great world building and character development.

This was a tough read, but still worthwhile! Didn’t connect with the characters as much as I’d hoped. I kinda appreciate the ending, even if it’s a bit anticlimactic.

Written in a somewhat chaotic, loosely detailed retelling of a story-- Almost like a talking head documentary. Very interesting!

Unfortunately I have probably read this entire book like 4 times out of boredom and the need to study for the EOC. Some things were helpful enough

A book that rips your heart out and leaves you thinking... “Why have we done nothing?”

I wasn't too familiar with Steve Martin's stand up prior to reading this. Definitely made me want to go back and find old clips from his sets. “Stupid funny” is my favorite type of comedy and Steve Martin does that perfectly.

Absolutely bonkers. Loved it.

Uncomfortably pro-capitalism

Another Holly Gibney adventure... Very different in terms of vibes when compared to Mr. Mercedes & The Outsider. This book is more campy and humorous. Sometimes the covid and vaccine references were really odd, but King has always had an “ADHD” style of writing, so I didn't really care.

Read the first half of this book in my IB English class back in high school, then never finished it (Sorry Mrs. Russell). It's been weighing on me for years having never finished it. Glad I finally did!

Great research and personal anecdotes from real folks who have shared their stories.

Does get repetitive after a while and took me some time to find the narrative through point.

Despite being my favorite book series as a kid, I’ve been quite iffy during this re-read. I’ve found the first two books to be genuinely awful, borderline unenjoyable.

This, however, was definitely a step in the right direction. A really interesting new set of characters are introduced to the story and puts Percy on an accelerated track to true leadership and personal growth.

Not to be a negative nelly, but I’m beginning to wonder if my dislike of the book is tied to the narrator… Very much dislike the artistic choices they made for voices, accents, and annunciation.

Was surprised by the ending, but nonetheless I really enjoyed this book. Honestly, anything from Tarantino is exciting for me and I appreciated the difference paths this book took to the movie. That whole chapter on Cliff's love of foreign films was completely unnecessary tho.

Really enjoyed McConaughey's philosophical portions of the book. He offers plenty of insightful thoughts on life, meaning, and purpose. There are a few sections that felt a bit “hokey” if you're picking up what I'm putting down...?

Anyways, worth a read.

Thanks Van Grootheest.

Very thought provoking and well written. Finds a way to not become too circulatory. Sweet ending too.