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emiiz's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Cursing, Violence, Death, Murder, Grief, Toxic relationship, and Terminal illness
eyeball83's review against another edition
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
kflinn182's review against another edition
5.0
A nice change of pace from SK. A slice of life novel that is an easy and rather quick read painting a nostalgic picture of youth and growing up... with a little murder thrown in for good measure. A quick read with fun characters, perfect for balancing out some of King’s more intense stories.
4.5/5
4.5/5
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.
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
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
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.