A review by vanhalenreads
The Green Mile: The Complete Serial Novel by Stephen King

challenging dark emotional inspiring sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I am ashamed to say that I had never even heard of this book or seen the movie until I read it recently. I saw it at B&N and bought it because the synopsis sounded great. Little did I know that I would be crying quite hysterically by the end. I'm talking bawling my eyes out and hyperventilating. My family gave me ZERO warning when they saw me reading it. I blame them for the John Coffey-sized hole in my heart. Despite all the crying and wishing the death penalty were outlawed for all eternity, this is probably my new favorite Stephen King novel. I honestly don't know how anyone got through this when it was published in increments back in 1999. The anticipation of waiting for King to hurry the hell up and publish the next part, followed by the heartbreak upon finishing the last part??? For once I'm GLAD I was born in my generation. I literally would have needed a few days off school after finishing that. All things considered, please read the book if you haven't already. I recently watched the movie on HBO Max and--as good as it was--it doesn't do justice to the novel. Stephen King truly outdid himself when he branched off of his usual horror path to write a book that made me want to kill every person who has ever hurt dear John Coffey.
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