A review by leezreading
11/22/63 by Stephen King

emotional reflective slow-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? Yes

4.25

 

Beautiful, heartbreaking, and unforgettable 

11/22/63 pulled me in from the first chapter and didn’t let go. I thought I was picking up a time-travel story about saving JFK — and while that’s the hook, this book is so much more. It’s about the weight of the past, the love we find along the way, and the heartbreaking truth that not everything can (or should) be changed. 

Stephen King’s writing completely transported me to the late 1950s and 60s — you can almost hear the music, taste the food, feel the small-town life. The characters, especially Jake, felt real and complex. I cared so much about them that by the end, it absolutely wrecked me — in the best way. 

It’s a long read and there were parts that could have been a little tighter, but honestly, I didn’t mind slowing down and living in the story a little longer. The ending left me feeling devastated but also… at peace. Like some things are meant to be, even when they break your heart. 

This book will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommend if you’re ready for a story that’s not just about history — it’s about life, love, loss, and acceptance.