A review by stphfrmn
It by Stephen King

dark reflective medium-paced

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

4.5

the first two thirds of this book I absolutely adored. King somehow places you right back in childhood with those childhood fears, right as he brings up the very adult fears to deal with as well. Even though it’s loooong, I was turning those pages - until about the last third. A mixture of fear and also a sense that it just needed a bit more editing in the last third, the plot seems a bit more chaotic and it runs out of steam. 

(Example - Tom was one of the scariest parts for me, then he just suddenly died?!)

That said, it’s still a fantastic read. Even though my childhood wasn’t anywhere near 1957 or Maine, it somehow brought up so many memories and really blended childhood and adulthood fear. The world building is so well done, and the legend of Derry is one of my favourite parts of the book. I love all the characters and I’ve been thinking about the book since I finished it. Storm drains are never going to be the same again!

Fantastic read despite those flaws. Beware of spoilers in other reviews. (

Yeah the orgy scene is super weird, I chose to skip through it. I see the thematic relevance and it sounds like King regrets writing it now.)