Reviews

11/22/63 by Stephen King

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kiti227's review against another edition

5.0

Easy read. Time travel elements are fitted in super well. Feels like one of those nostalgic King stories about America of days gone by.
Good characters, nobody truly striking though. All very average citizens - which is kinda the point. Definitely a great book but won't be one of the haunting ones.

yodamom's review against another edition

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4.0

Frustration ! OMg I was inner screaming at these time traveler to move, act, jump, run, think, run, run, or just do it now, through the whole story. it was a bit overwhelming with all the time line crossovers and realignments etc, but Mr. King hit a home run with this book. It just boggles the mind thinking about all the little things that could cause massive changes int he future if altered. Going back to that time felt so real, it was written so visually. The ending was bittersweet, and left me feeling like I'd been battered a bit too.
Excellent audiobook, fantastic narration.

grassyplato's review against another edition

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adventurous slow-paced

2.0

I don't like the novel. Period. Before reading this, I had only read the first few chapters of The Shining. So, 11/22/63 was my first real experience with Stephen King, and it turned out to be a disappointment. Despite its many positive reviews, it just didn't resonate with me.

The first half of the story in Derry is fascinating and compelling. It's undeniable that Stephen King is a master storyteller. He knows how to immerse readers in his world and uses vivid language to bring it to life.

However, once the protagonist moves to Texas and starts a new life in Jodie, the story becomes painfully slow. The plot drags on endlessly, and the main theme shifts abruptly from saving JFK to a clichéd romantic storyline. The ending is also predictable.

I couldn't help but think: why did I waste a week of my life reading this?

1721egp's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

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

4.75

I never thought I’d say this about a Stephen King novel — but this may be one of my favorite books ever! It was nonstop, edge of your seat reading. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next.

This is NOT a horror or thriller. It’s truly historical fiction meets science fiction.

Content Warnings

srabani_reads's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

selenatothemax's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.5

mainlytora's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

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

5.0

jnegankunicki's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Another read that played to King's strengths, his world building and namely his character building made this story sing. I had been told by others this book was good but I was hesitant to start it due to its length. I'm glad I finally read it. It was a gritty yet beautiful, sad yet poignant time travel story. For lovers of King and even those who do not normally read his work, this is one to read.

tyfighter's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful tense slow-paced

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

4.25

rickybereadin's review against another edition

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adventurous dark informative mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

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