Reviews

Tervetuloa Joylandiin by Stephen King

pagingdrmudkip's review against another edition

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense fast-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

The last good time always comes. I’m still seething about the idea that a story about a down on his luck young man, recently dumped,  spending his summer as a carnival worker, evoked emotions of mortality, grief, and hope.

Say what you want about King, but the man is a master of painting genuine human emotion, particularly in children. Maybe it is because of the similar nature of feeling lost, like the main character, but I am profoundly connected to this story.

While not full blown horror at its core, the supernatural still manages to squeeze itself in into Joyland, giving you just enough to satiate your spirits.

If you’re any fan of mysteries or appetizer-level ghost stories, I implore you to give this one a shot. While it may not be considered King’s “best”, it certainly is up there for me.

woodselisa76's review against another edition

emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

lbermingham7's review against another edition

emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

5.0

mmoshier's review against another edition

dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

snouwanderer's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense

3.0

dr_neft's review against another edition

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

2.5

Probably my least favorite king book i’ve read/listened to so far

lauraborkpower's review against another edition

3.0

This is a quick, fun read. I wanted to read it after listening to an interview with King on Fresh Air--this book was his trial at a murder mystery. And it is, though it's also got his supernatural spin and a 1970s nostalgia that feels autobiographical. You'll like it if you're a King fan.

brigii's review against another edition

5.0

My first book by Stephen King and I loved it. It became one of my favorites.

agatamil's review against another edition

emotional mysterious 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

4.0

dsteenbergen's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious relaxing sad fast-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

3.5

Great fun summer read. I wasn't expecting where it was going but I was glad where it ended up.