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tifftastic87's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-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
4.0
A quick-ish murder mystery with dark undertones.
I really enjoyed this one, as per usual for King it is heavily character driven, until the last 50 pages when everything happens. We get to really know the main character, Dev, we spend time with him and get down into his soul. We follow him the summer he really grew up, even though he's 21, and watch him go from a whiney infatuated boy to a strong and kind man. A wonderful small theme park, with the colorful cast of characters that brings in, serves as a delightful background. But as per standard, things arent what they seem. A touch of ghost, a touch of sociopath, and a good ol' southern woman with a gun.
I really enjoyed this one, as per usual for King it is heavily character driven, until the last 50 pages when everything happens. We get to really know the main character, Dev, we spend time with him and get down into his soul. We follow him the summer he really grew up, even though he's 21, and watch him go from a whiney infatuated boy to a strong and kind man. A wonderful small theme park, with the colorful cast of characters that brings in, serves as a delightful background. But as per standard, things arent what they seem. A touch of ghost, a touch of sociopath, and a good ol' southern woman with a gun.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness, Chronic illness, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Gun violence, Murder, Blood, Cursing, and Grief
Moderate: Child death, Cursing, Death, Sexual content, Infidelity, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Cultural appropriation, Death of parent, Ableism, Alcohol, Body shaming, and Rape
latham9's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Gun violence
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Death of parent and Pedophilia
soobooksalot's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
There's a reason Stephen King is the master.
I've read a couple of handfuls of his books over the years, tending toward the well-knowns and classics - Carrie, IT, The Shining, Misery, The Green Mile. On the newer side, the Mr. Mercedes trilogy, 11/22/63 and The Outsider.
But Joyland. What an excellent addition to an already-impressive list.
It's 1973, and Devin Jones is on summer break from college and on the cusp of his first heartbreak. He takes a job at the amusement park Joyland, and all at once makes friends while learning of the park's dark history. Four years prior, Linda Grey was killed by a suitor in the Horror House and he has never been found.
As King is so ept at doing, he sews together elements of mystery with emotional coming-of-age and a skiff of the supernatural.
There are some amazing characters here, and this novel hit me on the perfect level of intrigue and heartstrings.
Recommended!
I've read a couple of handfuls of his books over the years, tending toward the well-knowns and classics - Carrie, IT, The Shining, Misery, The Green Mile. On the newer side, the Mr. Mercedes trilogy, 11/22/63 and The Outsider.
But Joyland. What an excellent addition to an already-impressive list.
It's 1973, and Devin Jones is on summer break from college and on the cusp of his first heartbreak. He takes a job at the amusement park Joyland, and all at once makes friends while learning of the park's dark history. Four years prior, Linda Grey was killed by a suitor in the Horror House and he has never been found.
As King is so ept at doing, he sews together elements of mystery with emotional coming-of-age and a skiff of the supernatural.
There are some amazing characters here, and this novel hit me on the perfect level of intrigue and heartstrings.
Recommended!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Chronic illness, Death of parent, Grief, and Murder
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