I don’t have much to say about this one, y’all. We read it for our book club this month and even though it’s been sitting on my shelf for literal YEARS, I was extremely underwhelmed. I know that this book was published in the late 70s, so there were bound to be some aspects of the novel that just didn’t age well, but I found King’s writing cringey, uncomfortable, and parts of the dialogue unnecessary. Also, maybe I’m just out of touch because I’m not generally into horror, but the entire point and large portions of the plot just simply didn’t land or connect with me.

I also knew going into reading it that the book differed greatly from the movie (which I’ve seen a few times), but I guess I didn’t realize how MUCH different it would be. I honestly had to refer to some internet articles that explicitly spelled out all the differences between the two so that I had them all straight and understood the premises a little more clearly. Perhaps it’s a hot take, but I definitely prefer the more horror-drenched angle that the film takes over the book that feels like it ultimately romanticizes the details of these abusive relationships.

As of writing this post, my book club hasn’t met, but I thoroughly look forward to our discussion where someone more invested in the novel can explain to me what I SHOULD’VE gotten from reading it (lol). As for me and reading more Stephen King novels, I think I’ll check out Doctor Sleep (since it’s been sitting on my shelf just as long as this one), and then I’ll have had my fill of King’s writing.