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Reviews tagging 'Domestic abuse'

11/22/63 by Stephen King

135 reviews

challenging emotional mysterious 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

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adventurous challenging emotional 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

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious tense 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: No

This book was so much more than I expected at the start... Loveable characters you are rooting for, incredible placemaking and a ticking timeline to build suspense. Lest you think this is too long (as I did), know it's slow at points but absolutely worth it. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous fast-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
adventurous challenging dark mysterious slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This was a very long read, but it was so absolutely worth it. Stephen King made this plot long but not once did I ever think, “where are we going with this?” It all makes sense. I’ve personally never read a Stephen King novel, but I was so interested after reading the synopsis that I just had to read it for myself. This book has history, time travel, murder (obviously), romance, mind-bending/meta/multiverse elements, and strong character development. The concept of the rabbit hole is so incredibly fascinating and only got more interesting towards the end of the book. The adventure spanning over 5 years and examining the effects that Jake’s actions had over the future were mesmerizing. I couldn’t have thought of a more terrifying future once the past was tampered with. The love story within the book was also such a wonderful, lighthearted element to have included in what could’ve been an incredibly heavy book. I love the way the story was tied up in a pretty bow. There are so many lovable characters who have such strong arcs that you almost can’t fit into a book shorter than 800 pages. It was necessary and good and I’m better for it lol

This will be the one to beat in 2025 for me. Loved it. Wish my book club could read it but it’s basically a 2 month commitment.

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

The first person narration, like he's recounting these events to us, robs the story of some of its tension but boy oh boy is the narration and setting detailed and absorbing in King's classic style. 

The story picks up when Jake starts spying on Oswald, but Jake's time in Jodie, Texas fleshes out his character. 

Unlike other popular King novels, the details of the otherworldly are slim, but those surrounding life in 1963 are fully realized.

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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.

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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
dark emotional mysterious sad fast-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: Yes

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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