This is my first King novel, and wow. I know King has a die-hard fan base. I knew this story was going to be creepy based on my experience watching the movie. But, I'm ashamed to say, I was not prepared for how masterful of a writer King is. This book is way creepier than the movie. Annie Wilkes is purely terrifying, but also completely human. His descriptions are simultaneously breathtaking and grotesque. I even enjoyed the Misery Chastain book excerpt sections! (I know a lot of people are not fans of those parts.)

I felt Paul's downward spiral, his panic, his borderline madness, and his pure fear all throughout the book. There were parts that were truly chilling. I loved it. The only reason it's not five stars for me is because of the racial stereotypes and sexist descriptions throughout the book. I'm chalking it up to not aging well.