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ten_telegrams's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Gore, Racial slurs, Murder, Child abuse, Blood, Alcoholism, Violence, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Alcohol, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Body horror, Misogyny, Domestic abuse, Confinement, and Emotional abuse
housedesignerking's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
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? It's complicated
5.0
Wow. That was better than the 1980 adaptation.
The book and its adaptation have the same synopsis: Jack Torrence has lost several jobs because of his anger and his drinking. He's given up drinking, but he still lost his job as a teacher because he punched a student. A friend of his has called in a favor to get him a job being the caretaker of a large hotel in the mountains of Colorado in its off season. Danny Torrence has a special gift where he knows things and learns things without even needing to be in the room. He can hear people's thoughts (like a hilarious moment where he knows a middle-aged woman is lusting after a 20-something male's behind), and according to a nice man named Dick Halloran, it's known to some people as "shining." At least that's what Dick's grandmother called it. They used to have lots of conversations by simply thinking to each other. The hotel is basically haunted by an evil presence, and a man named Delbert Grady did his immediate family in by way of murder/suicide.
The book is a brilliant work of fiction, but I did have an interesting time getting used to King's writing style when it comes to when a character is thinking or when Danny's supposedly imaginary friend was talking to him. In books by other authors, a character's thoughts are italicized. King chose to put thoughts and other voices between parentheses. Interesting choice. The cast did a good job putting the movie together, but the script leaves a bit to be desired. I've seen the movie twice now, so I suggested to my fiancé that we read the book. This is the first Stephen King book I've ever read, and it's so good that I enjoyed it because this could have been very unfortunate. One of the joys that a movie watcher has is being able to point out the differences between the movie and the book. There are a lot of differences. For one, Ullman is a nice man in the film, a total jerk in the book. For another, the movie's ending and this book's ending bear no relation to one another at all. Further, they left so many things out of the film. After reading this, I still consider the 1980 adaptation to be a 3-star film, but the book gets 5 stars. The last 90 pages of this were just epic!
Now, I await the 1997 adaptation to come in the post. I've heard it's closer to the book than the original.
The book and its adaptation have the same synopsis: Jack Torrence has lost several jobs because of his anger and his drinking. He's given up drinking, but he still lost his job as a teacher because he punched a student. A friend of his has called in a favor to get him a job being the caretaker of a large hotel in the mountains of Colorado in its off season. Danny Torrence has a special gift where he knows things and learns things without even needing to be in the room. He can hear people's thoughts (like a hilarious moment where he knows a middle-aged woman is lusting after a 20-something male's behind), and according to a nice man named Dick Halloran, it's known to some people as "shining." At least that's what Dick's grandmother called it. They used to have lots of conversations by simply thinking to each other. The hotel is basically haunted by an evil presence, and a man named Delbert Grady did his immediate family in by way of murder/suicide.
The book is a brilliant work of fiction, but I did have an interesting time getting used to King's writing style when it comes to when a character is thinking or when Danny's supposedly imaginary friend was talking to him. In books by other authors, a character's thoughts are italicized. King chose to put thoughts and other voices between parentheses. Interesting choice. The cast did a good job putting the movie together, but the script leaves a bit to be desired. I've seen the movie twice now, so I suggested to my fiancé that we read the book. This is the first Stephen King book I've ever read, and it's so good that I enjoyed it because this could have been very unfortunate. One of the joys that a movie watcher has is being able to point out the differences between the movie and the book. There are a lot of differences. For one, Ullman is a nice man in the film, a total jerk in the book. For another, the movie's ending and this book's ending bear no relation to one another at all. Further, they left so many things out of the film. After reading this, I still consider the 1980 adaptation to be a 3-star film, but the book gets 5 stars. The last 90 pages of this were just epic!
Now, I await the 1997 adaptation to come in the post. I've heard it's closer to the book than the original.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Cursing
Moderate: Gaslighting, Lesbophobia, Addiction, Infidelity, Medical content, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Bullying, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Homophobia, Murder, and Biphobia
kay_ne's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
First time reading a Stephen King book and went in without any knowledge about The Shining (never watched the film and didn't look for a blurb before reading as it was difficult to read the back of the book I own).
The first few chapters were a slog to get through- was not really feeling the book until ch. 5 - Phonebooth where, for me, it got interesting. At the beginning it starts in medias res and then are given a lot of info and some background on Jack Torrence and the following chapters give insight to the Torrence family and their struggles. The middle was a lot, but it did build up the tension for the fast action at the end.
Given when this was written and also with what I know up to know about the world, I didn't understand the references made such as that fastball thing and W. C. Fields' sentiments about children (that was really something to look up and be surprised at when one of the first things that pops up was a quote - "Children should neither be seen or heard from - ever again."). But quick searches helped me understand the context I suppose but that was only sometimes. There were also uses of the N-word to describe Hallorann which threw me off when reading.
My favorite characters were by far Danny and Hallorann. By the end I also liked Wendy, but not Jack. Though, I suppose he is an easy character to hate/dislike because of his flaws. I did like how SK wrote Jack's character and how he's been affected by his alcoholism. Halfway in the book and towards the end, I didn't like him and would skim or skip whenever he has inner dialogue and would go paragraphs about things which I found boring and unnecessary at times.
On that note, in my opinion, this book could've been like 300 pages as there are pages of inner dialogue (which I sometimes enjoy) but some I found wasn't necessary and could've been shorted into a couple sentences or not have been included at all.
The epilogue was really cute.
Tldr;
- 3.25 stars
- Plot was okay, some parts I liked and other parts I didn't. Skipped a lot of the pages in the middle and end because of the long winded descriptions. (There is unfortunately uses of the N-word in describing Hallorann which for me knocked this book down from a 4 star etc that I was going to give)
- Favorite characters are Danny and Hallorann with Wendy at a close second.
- Would I read this again? No it's too long and quite boring even tho I liked the plot.
- I'll give the movie a watch when I have the time. Also will give the book's sequel, Doctor Sleep, a try because Danny.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail and Mental illness
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Alcoholism, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Sexual content
sophiareadswaytoomuch's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book lives up to the hype. I already knew bits and pieces of the plot, but even knowing most of it ahead of time just added to the tension.
I was genuinely impressed with how many good decisions the characters made, and watching the tragedy continue to unfold despite their best efforts was heart-wrenching.
The family, including Jack, was impressively emotionally intelligent and honest with each other. Until the very end it still seemed like they might be able to salvage some of the situation.
I found myself really invested in the characters and their relationships, and I thought Danny was very well written for a child character.
This has immediately become one of my favourite King novels, and potentially one of my all time favourite horror novels. It’s a classic for a reason.
I was genuinely impressed with how many good decisions the characters made, and watching the tragedy continue to unfold despite their best efforts was heart-wrenching.
The family, including Jack, was impressively emotionally intelligent and honest with each other. Until the very end it still seemed like they might be able to salvage some of the situation.
I found myself really invested in the characters and their relationships, and I thought Danny was very well written for a child character.
This has immediately become one of my favourite King novels, and potentially one of my all time favourite horror novels. It’s a classic for a reason.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Alcoholism, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Grief, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
another_dahlia's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Racial slurs, Domestic abuse, Addiction, Alcohol, Child abuse, Murder, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Racism, and Violence
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, Pedophilia, and Car accident
Is there anything Jack Torrance won't do for his job? This man needs to try quiet quitting, not malicious compliance. I have mixed feelings about Wendy, but I believe there is a solid attempt made to redeem her. Also, yeah. The racism is awful in this one and the pacing is ungodly.kaykad's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I never got around to reading this because I always thought the movie was a faithful adaptation.
It's not.
It's not.
Many of the hauntings in the overlook are psychological; an internal monologue that's overtaken by an other, intrusive thoughts, daydreams and nightmares. We don't get any of that in the film. This is SCARY. So well paced.
It's definitely a little misogynistic, racist and xenophobic here and there though, so, there's that. Which is also scary.
Wanted to read a classic King beofre diving into his new book and this did not disappoint! Totally understand the friends episode where Joey puts his copy of the shining in the freezer.
Wanted to read a classic King beofre diving into his new book and this did not disappoint! Totally understand the friends episode where Joey puts his copy of the shining in the freezer.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Body horror, Blood, Violence, Toxic relationship, Sexual violence, Sexism, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Emotional abuse, Alcoholism, Xenophobia, Child abuse, Racism, Racial slurs, Pedophilia, Misogyny, Mental illness, and Death
alaskan_bull_worm's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
My first Stephen King book! What do I think of it?
I really liked the beginning and middle more than the end. I can’t really explain it, but I wasn’t as sucked in. I feel like I end up rushing near the end of a book just because it’s in sight.
The disembodied style of the nightmare sequences weren’t as effective as they could have been. I think the looking-into-characters’-minds had the highest quality writing. (I’m not saying King was horrible in other ways. Just that you win some, you lose some.) The huge violent scenes near the end didn’t work as well with me, is what I’m trying to say. I really don’t know why. I guess my previous point was really the “why.”
I loved the parts where we get into Jack’s mind to see his slow degrade into madness (or loss of self-control, or the hotel taking over him, whichever way you see it). It was interesting to see his perception of his father shift later on. He kind of changed the story of why his father did what he did.
I have mixed feelings about Wendy. Her personality was kind of just “mother and wife,” though she certainly was a round character. I guess it’s just that near the end we see how strong she really is (willfully, mostly) compared to her more empty threats to Jack during their relationship. I mean, Jack did lots of bad things, and she was always upset about him doing that, but she rarely did much about it. I guess I like her?
So . . . yeah? Altogether it’s a pretty good book that I guess I’d recommend. I am likely to read more King in the future.
The disembodied style of the nightmare sequences weren’t as effective as they could have been. I think the looking-into-characters’-minds had the highest quality writing. (I’m not saying King was horrible in other ways. Just that you win some, you lose some.) The huge violent scenes near the end didn’t work as well with me, is what I’m trying to say. I really don’t know why. I guess my previous point was really the “why.”
I loved the parts where we get into Jack’s mind to see his slow degrade into madness (or loss of self-control, or the hotel taking over him, whichever way you see it). It was interesting to see his perception of his father shift later on. He kind of changed the story of why his father did what he did.
I have mixed feelings about Wendy. Her personality was kind of just “mother and wife,” though she certainly was a round character. I guess it’s just that near the end we see how strong she really is (willfully, mostly) compared to her more empty threats to Jack during their relationship. I mean, Jack did lots of bad things, and she was always upset about him doing that, but she rarely did much about it. I guess I like her?
So . . . yeah? Altogether it’s a pretty good book that I guess I’d recommend. I am likely to read more King in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Violence, Alcohol, Blood, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Sexual content
Moderate: Murder, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Body horror, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Gore, Emotional abuse, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Car accident, Death of parent, Forced institutionalization, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Death, and Grief
rachelfayreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Violence, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, and Emotional abuse
eurekamaharjan's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Woah. This book. THIS BOOK IS JUST BRILLIANT. i had already seen the movie going in to the book but it still left me shook. This book goes in depth about not only the horror that lives among us(supernatural ghosts etc) but the horror that lives within us. King's storytelling is spellbinding in the best way possible. I felt very scared whilst reading this book, so scared that i couldn't go to the washroom alone. This is a slow burn creepy book that made my heart thump with every page, specially towards the end. What i find absolutely astounding is how king made the atmosphere of the hotel. The hotel did not feel like juts a place somehow, it felt like it had a life (which it kind of did). I am in awe with his writing, it gave me literal chills and tbh his writing was a bit hard getting used to at first (at least for me), but as i kept on reading it pulled me to a world where i got completely lost in my own imagination made by king's words. This a must read for all the horror thriller fans out there. I'm definitely gonna be reading more of king's work.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Blood, and Death
Moderate: Alcohol and Child abuse
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Emotional abuse, Racial slurs, Cursing, and Domestic abuse
m_hates_reading's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
3/5 meh.
Took me over a month to get through, which isn’t exactly the book’s fault, but it’s not a plus either.
Again with Stephen King, I think there’s a lot of stuff towards the start that could have just not been there.
Really hated the way Wendy was written, but that’s nothing new with King.
I would have liked more focus on Danny than Jack; I get that the idea is you’re following the antagonist, and your meant to watch him loose his mind piece by piece, but it just rly wasn’t doing it for me. I just wasn’t invested in Jack’s story; possibly bc I already (more or less) knew the ending, but I think a good book is one you can know the ending to and still enjoy.
It wasn’t bad, there were things I liked. I probably would have liked the book better if there was more straight-up horror from Danny and Wendy’s perspectives (217, the fire hose, the elevator…) but again, I appreciate that’s not what King was going for with the book - he was looking for reality. “Would Jack still have done it if not for the Overlook? Was he really possessed or had he finally just snapped?”. But honestly I couldn’t care less.
Not my favourite concept wise, and I know for an absolute fact King can and has written better.
Took me over a month to get through, which isn’t exactly the book’s fault, but it’s not a plus either.
Again with Stephen King, I think there’s a lot of stuff towards the start that could have just not been there.
Really hated the way Wendy was written, but that’s nothing new with King.
I would have liked more focus on Danny than Jack; I get that the idea is you’re following the antagonist, and your meant to watch him loose his mind piece by piece, but it just rly wasn’t doing it for me. I just wasn’t invested in Jack’s story; possibly bc I already (more or less) knew the ending, but I think a good book is one you can know the ending to and still enjoy.
It wasn’t bad, there were things I liked. I probably would have liked the book better if there was more straight-up horror from Danny and Wendy’s perspectives (217, the fire hose, the elevator…) but again, I appreciate that’s not what King was going for with the book - he was looking for reality. “Would Jack still have done it if not for the Overlook? Was he really possessed or had he finally just snapped?”. But honestly I couldn’t care less.
Not my favourite concept wise, and I know for an absolute fact King can and has written better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Violence, Racial slurs, Murder, Misogyny, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Confinement, Child abuse, Car accident, Blood, Mental illness, Injury/Injury detail, Fire/Fire injury, Drug abuse, and Domestic abuse