I really wanted to get into Stephen King's books since he is such a beloved author. From very popular suggestions on reddit I picked up 11.22.63. And unfortunately I didn't like it. Considering the author is so beloved I really tried to keep an open mind, but there were so many unnecessary tangents and irrelevant details. I felt that there are chunks of the book that can be removed without taking anything away from the story. The narration was so tedious and awkward, especially the romance bits. I really had to struggle to finish the book
Given this is how I felt, would reading the shining be any different? It's always be on my reading list since I heard about it on Friends all those years ago, but now getting through another book that might be like this seems daunting to me. What do y'all think? What did you like about shining?
by Famous-Explanation56
11 Comments
Nope it’s how he writes. He admits it, he finds it hard to keep them short. However he has done some short stories, and a few novellas. Try those, you get the good writing without the on and on stuff. I know exactly what you mean.
I don’t know who actually likes Stephen King, I find most of his work tedious and pulpy like you said. Most people confidently say that the film is better than the book and I have to agree.
For me, 11/22/63 is one of my favorite Stephen King novels, but it is absolutely different from The Shining, in length, subject and vibes. That said, King has a distinctive writing style and is masterful at character work, so that remains consistent across his books.
I think it’s worth it to give The Shining a try, or books like Carrie or Misery, which are shorter old school King classics. Worst case scenario is that you just aren’t into it, and you can stop reading.
Read Misery instead.
It’s kings best work in my opinion, and in part that’s because it avoids those things you mention.
I don’t remember The Shining well but I think it’s more concise as King books go. Definitely avoid The Stand and It based on your post, and don’t go near The Dark Tower. None are bad, but they all suffer from the problems you mention.
The Shining is shorter, but you might br better off with his short stories and novellas. *Everything’s Eventual* or *The Bazaar of Bad Dreams*
I think you should stick to the shorter novels. The Shining is okay IF you like that genre. The book is clearly superior to the movie, but I’m not a huge fan of either. I love Stephen King’s writing, but I certainly don’t love all his books. They run the entire gamut from poor to classic. Good luck in finding one you can enjoy. If not, move on. Lots of great writers out there, dead and alive.
I liked The Shining a lot, it really does capture that sense of winter isolation very well. But that’s about how long I like his books to be, I think King’s at his best with shorter stories and novels.
I also disliked 11/22/63. In fact, I didn’t bother to finish it, but I love The Shining. I think it’s his best work and I have enjoyed some of his other novels, admittedly not all. He’s prolific so I think that’s fair.
I read either The Shining or Haunting of Hill House every other year in October. This is a Shining year.
I fully agree with your evaluation! Online it seems you get downvoted into hell to say he’s not for you. Don’t force yourself. There are so many other writers to explore. If you want some alternatives, come over to r/horrorlit.
Stephen King isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. I used to like him when I was much younger but after being exposed to so many other great writers I can’t handle his stuff anymore.
No shame in admitting Stephen King isn’t your go to choice when it comes to horror or suspense books.
I enjoyed the Shining, but I also haven’t read any of his other books aside from “On Writing”. Thankfully the Shining doesn’t really have any romance