TITLE: The Shining
AUTHOR: Stephen King
GENRE: Horror
AGE RANGE: Adult
PAGES: 674pg
PUBLISHER: Anchor
Jack Torrance’s new job at the Overlook Hotel is the perfect chance for a fresh start.
As the off-season caretaker at the atmospheric old hotel, he’ll have plenty of time to spend reconnecting with his family and working on his writing. But as the harsh winter weather sets in, the idyllic location feels ever more remote . . . and more sinister. And the only one to notice the strange and terrible forces gathering around the Overlook is Danny Torrance, a uniquely gifted five-year-old.
“Sometimes human places, create inhuman monsters.”
I couldn’t possibly tell you how I, as a horror lover since childhood, have managed to live to the age of 31 years old without being seeing The Shining or being spoiled for more than the barest bones of this story’s plot, but I’m pretty sure it was thanks to some sort of universal intervention on my behalf because the cosmos knew I would adore this, or something. 😅
Seriously though, I absolutely loved this book! It’s easily my new favorite Stephen King title, which is saying a lot, because it’s been years since I read Misery and nothing beat that out until this novel. I was fully hooked from the first chapter and couldn’t get enough of the claustrophobic setting, the lovable characters of Danny and Hallorann, and most of all, the immense feeling of dread that built in me with every turning event.
I won’t spoil anything in case you’re somehow like me and haven’t experienced this one yet, but I will say that I didn’t expect the ending we got, and I was really pleased with it. From start to finish, this was a gorgeously told story that I’m going to think about for a long time to come.
(And yes, I’ll watch the movie next, but I don’t have high hopes. After all, the book is always better, right?)
WARNINGS (click to expand):
violence, gore, death, fire, gun violence, alcoholism, racism and slur usage, ableism and slur usage
one Black side character
— destiny ♥
Jenna @ Falling Letters
February 11, 2024That’s awesome that you loved this! Now that you’ve mentioned it, I don’t really know the plot either… it is on my TBR, though, so maybe one day I’ll find out haha (I’ve still yet to read anything by King).
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
February 15, 2024It was so good! I think it would be a good intro to his work if/when you’re ready 😀
mistysbookspace
March 1, 2024I’m so glad you loved this one. I also loved Misery when I read it and a lot of the people I read it with didn’t like it as much as I did so I’m glad to see you liked it.
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
March 10, 2024I feel like Misery gets really mixed reviews! I did love it, though. I’m glad you did too!