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Reviews tagging 'Injury/Injury detail'

11/22/63 by Stephen King

62 reviews

slow-paced
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

The first and likely the last Stephen King book I will ever read. I only finished it because it’s this month’s book club book. I am not sure if Stephen King has ever met a woman, and if he has, if he’s ever talked to one at length. You could argue that it is just the character, but I think we are supposed to like the main character, so I think it may be indicative of King’s beliefs. Either way, the time travel aspect was interesting but the second the one-dimensional love interest, Sadie, was introduced I was annoyed from there on out. The way he described women, usually on looks alone, was problematic and infuriating. And of course this straight white man enjoyed the late 50s and early 60s. Who cares about racism and sexism if they don’t affect you? Or better yet, work in your favor!! The main character has a savior complex, a virgin fantasy, and desperately wants to be told he’s right. 

Some notes I took while reading:
• Excuse me, the 16-year-olds dancing was “sexy?!” Creep.
• Sex as the cure for a headache from almost OD-ing?! You wish, Stephen. 
• Yes, I’m sure her most pressing concern after being traumatically attacked by her abusive ex-husband is how she looks in front of her current boyfriend.
• SADIE “THE VIRGIN” AS HER IDENTIFIER?? SERIOUSLY.
• Yes, because she needs a man to make her obviously very accomplished life worthwhile. 
• And I hated the frequent use of phrases like “smoothly naked” and “her formidable bosom.” 

In conclusion, I would hate to be written by Stephen King and I wish I could unread this book.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
dark informative mysterious sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

As always, King tells a great story, with a complex plot and interesting characters. He crafts the time travel well, usually a difficult task to keep realistic within the parameters of the tale. His writing is clear and direct, not overblown. 

King’s in-depth research resulted in details that bring the past to life - TV shows, advertisements, hair products, clothing styles, food. The cursing didn’t seem in keeping, though. My parents were the same generation as Jake, the protagonist and I don’t think middle class people would have cursed; they certainly wouldn’t have used the more vulgar words. (I’m not against cursing at all, but I don’t think it fits with the characters.)

Unfortunately, the book is bloated. It would have been better if it were about a third shorter. Also, as with all stories with annoying characters, I just wanted to shake Jake and tell him to get on with it. 

I’m glad I read it and I think the story and the details are good but it was just way too long. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious tense slow-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

One of Stephen King's best books.  Well researched and thorough.  Exciting storyline 

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adventurous tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes

Fantastic read. Turns out Mr. King's can write a hell of a love story. ❤️ 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous dark informative mysterious reflective tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Wow. What an interesting concept, approach, and execution. Some elements I could have done without but that's personal preference. A great experience to read this. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous emotional tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

 “We never know which lives we influence, or when, or why.”

This was my first Stephen King novel, and it was not what I expected at all. I don't usually like horror, and so, I decided to start with this one, which is a sci-fi. Ironically, despite the title, I didn't know this was a time travel book until just before I started it. I didn't even know Stephen King wrote time travel books. I really enjoyed some parts, while I found other parts to be slow. This book feels long (it did take me a whole month to finish it), but there were a lot of slice-of-life moments that I really enjoyed. I especially enjoyed the romance between Sadie and Jake. The last 200 pages or so were really tense and it was really good. At times, I was reminded of Back to the Future, which is one of my favorite movies! I did like that this book was more than sci-fi, being part historical fiction and part romance. I like books that are more than one thing! Stephen King is a good writer, and he really encapsulated the world of the late 1950s-early 1960s well.  Also, I'm very intrigued to watch the show now! And, I can't wait to read more Stephen King novels! 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous dark tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Expand filter menu Content Warnings