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mackadams's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I’ve always enjoyed the movies (original and remake) so I thought it would be an easy book to give a shot, but I just did not like the writing style at all. The perspective switches were so patchy and jarring that it jerked me right out of the story. Had the slip between perspective and use of articles, books, and interviews been more seamless I may have enjoyed it more. Generally, I don't think he writes women all that well. Not to mention the occasionally weird comments in his writing; there's always something misogynistic or a slur or something else unnecessary to the story thrown into the mix out of nowhere.
It’s rare for me to prefer the movie over the book in any situation but after reading a few of his now, I’m afraid I just like movies based on King’s novels more than the novels themselves. The two stars are because I think the general story is good, creative, and original; a good basis for a story, just not executed as well as it could've been.
cindydracula's review against another edition
4.0
I sympathize with Carrie. I agree with her actions. I also cried. If Stephen King thought then was shit then I guess his crap is gold.
anyberg's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.25
I mean it’s Carrie. Feels like Stephen King concentrate, crazy that it’s his first book. Makes you really feel for Carrie and almost cheer her on?
vagrantheather's review against another edition
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
That opening scene was a little too scandalously upsetting for me. A good read though, and I liked the epistolary format.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Blood, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Animal death, Body shaming, Death, Sexual violence, and Violence
Minor: Miscarriage, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
brandicockrum's review against another edition
4.0
Can't believe I waited so long to read this one! It really shows insight to how cruel kids can be to each other. As a victim of childhood bullying from my peers, I felt her pain. Kids really can be cruel, and people that have never been bullied are usually in disbelief that it really happens.
As for the book itself... The format itself was a bit wonky at first, but after I got into the groove of it, it was a bit easier to follow.
As for the book itself... The format itself was a bit wonky at first, but after I got into the groove of it, it was a bit easier to follow.
lisa_d9's review against another edition
3.0
Okay read. I liked the movie better.
I found the character of Carrie more sympathetic in the movie. The novel shows her a bit differently. She is deep down a very angry girl, while on the outside she appears to be a bumbling idiot. At least from the way her classmates and teachers describe her.
I know the point is that you are supposed to feel sympathy for her because of the way she has been raised. Maybe I'm as bad as the classmates but I found it hard at times. I knew her issues weren't her fault really but I was frustrated at how much of a target she was for bullies.
The movie, however, made me feel sympathy for Carrie. I thought her character seemed sweet and lonely. You were hoping things could be better for her, even though you knew it wasn't going to end well.
I don't know what it was exactly I didn't like about the book version of Carrie. I just didn't feel anything for the character.
The ending to the book was okay but again, I liked the movie better in this aspect as well. The writing was creepy and the vengeance was definitely more full of hatred in the book. But I preferred the movie ending, especially in the movie where she goes home and takes a bath and is so sad. The whole ending with her mother was emotional and so creepy. The book version wasn't that different, I guess, but the acting in the movie was so well done in that scene.
So yes. The book was okay. I preferred the movie(even though the movie can be pretty slow-paced). I enjoyed the introduction Stephen King wrote about two girls he knew who he combined to create the character of Carrie. He wouldn't give names but they both went to school with him, I think and they both died before they reached 30(of suicide and a seizure). It was interesting and sad to read about these two girls who inspired this sad, angry, misunderstood character.
I recommend this to anyone who likes Stephen King or horror, I guess. But I'd recommend the movie before the book.
I found the character of Carrie more sympathetic in the movie. The novel shows her a bit differently. She is deep down a very angry girl, while on the outside she appears to be a bumbling idiot. At least from the way her classmates and teachers describe her.
I know the point is that you are supposed to feel sympathy for her because of the way she has been raised. Maybe I'm as bad as the classmates but I found it hard at times. I knew her issues weren't her fault really but I was frustrated at how much of a target she was for bullies.
The movie, however, made me feel sympathy for Carrie. I thought her character seemed sweet and lonely. You were hoping things could be better for her, even though you knew it wasn't going to end well.
I don't know what it was exactly I didn't like about the book version of Carrie. I just didn't feel anything for the character.
The ending to the book was okay but again, I liked the movie better in this aspect as well. The writing was creepy and the vengeance was definitely more full of hatred in the book. But I preferred the movie ending, especially in the movie where she goes home and takes a bath and is so sad. The whole ending with her mother was emotional and so creepy. The book version wasn't that different, I guess, but the acting in the movie was so well done in that scene.
So yes. The book was okay. I preferred the movie(even though the movie can be pretty slow-paced). I enjoyed the introduction Stephen King wrote about two girls he knew who he combined to create the character of Carrie. He wouldn't give names but they both went to school with him, I think and they both died before they reached 30(of suicide and a seizure). It was interesting and sad to read about these two girls who inspired this sad, angry, misunderstood character.
I recommend this to anyone who likes Stephen King or horror, I guess. But I'd recommend the movie before the book.
elle1996's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
I know that I’m late to the King world as I’ve only just now attempted to read some of his work. I’ve seen Carrie, both the original and the remake, but as is always the case, the book is better. I always figured Stephen King just had a lot of hype but I get why. Knowing how Carrie would end, even from the beginning of the book because of the unique way it was written, King’s writing still made me hopeful that there would be a different outcome. I found myself trying to will a different ending even as if I had the TK gene and could somehow change things. Carrie, as a character, deserved better. Chris and Billy, deserved so much worse than what they got.
I know that I’m late to the King world as I’ve only just now attempted to read some of his work. I’ve seen Carrie, both the original and the remake, but as is always the case, the book is better. I always figured Stephen King just had a lot of hype but I get why. Knowing how Carrie would end, even from the beginning of the book because of the unique way it was written, King’s writing still made me hopeful that there would be a different outcome. I found myself trying to will a different ending even as if I had the TK gene and could somehow change things. Carrie, as a character, deserved better. Chris and Billy, deserved so much worse than what they got.
delaneywoods's review against another edition
4.0
i honestly don’t have many thoughts on this book. i found it entertaining for the most part but since i already knew the story i wasn’t super engaged (which is my fault and not the books). poor carrie
anniereadsthings's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Blood, Grief, and Murder