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maclunkeyy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The emotional aspects of this book hit me pretty hard, and I found the story of Ralph and the other old-timers very unique and interesting. The ending was beautiful, and definitely touched my heart (especially that
The themes of this book felt unique and well explored. Abortion rights and the fighting between 'Pro-Choicers' and 'Pro-Lifers' is, sadly, still relevant today. Abortion was used as a metaphor a few times during the plot, and felt appropriate and well used. I felt King did well exploring both sides of the issue in a fair and even manner.
The imagery of the auras was beatiful and well done, and built a wonderful and unique backdrop for the story. Big fan of Derry as the setting as well, and the small references to IT and even Pet Semetary.
This book is great, but I feel it should really only be read by people also reading the Dark Tower series. It seemed a little complicated and maybe baseless without prior knowledge of the universe. I read this book years ago, before starting the Dark Tower series. The stakes felt low during that read through, and the climax wasn't really that satisfying. This time around, I felt differently.
Spoilers for the Dark Tower series:
Graphic: Abortion, Death, Forced institutionalization, Misogyny, Car accident, Grief, Domestic abuse, Sexism, Child death, Suicidal thoughts, Murder, Blood, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Physical abuse, Violence, and Kidnapping
Minor: Infertility
killerpancake's review against another edition
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Violence and Abortion
lavendercayde's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Death, Grief, Animal death, Cursing, Blood, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Abortion, Physical abuse, Cancer, and Car accident
Moderate: Suicide, Torture, and Sexism
kaitzo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Violence, Mental illness, Abortion, and Death
Minor: Car accident
zone_a3's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Hate crime, Car accident, Domestic abuse, Abortion, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, and Physical abuse
Minor: Pregnancy, Rape, Suicide, Lesbophobia, and Miscarriage
julienicole1106's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Graphic: Addiction, Animal death, Fire/Fire injury, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Vomit, Abortion, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcoholism, Cancer, Car accident, Dementia, Grief, Sexual content, Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Blood, Domestic abuse, Cursing, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
f_amiliar_happine_ss's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
While I can't compare this novel to Stephen King's other works, I enjoyed it just the same. My first King book and now it's one of my faves.
Set in the nineties, we follow Ralph Roberts after his late wife passes away and he begins to experience complications while falling asleep. His condition deteriorates greatly, causing hallucinations beyond comprehension. Eventually, his hallucinations begin to align with current political events. Others soon experience insomnia induced hallucinations as well, luckily that's to Ralph's advantage.
I don't think I can explain any more of the plot without giving spoilers, though the book ended swiftly and concisely.
Character-wise, I appreciated our MC's with their quick thinking. Ralph and his love interest, Lois, made quite the pair. Side characters were just as unique, significant to the plot and MC's development.
Five stars.
Moderate: Death, Violence, Gore, and Abortion
Minor: Animal death and Car accident
saemiligr's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I did tear up in the end, even though though it was still drawn out. Don't like that he toed the line between pro life and pro choice. That was incredibly frustrating, especially when Ralph was sad Helen was gay. Like she had been missing out on something. Overall however I still think this was a fantastic story. Especially since I was reading this along with the dark tower series. Just really frustrated how it seemed to ramble a lot. In fact I feel like a quarter of the story could have been chucked out of the window and nothing would be lost. Recommended read but don't be afraid to crank up the speed on the audiobook.
For this particular audiobook the audio was HORRIBLE. I'm all for effects and music to enhance the story but in this one there was this loud wailing guitar that more often than not sounded like audio feedback and had me ripping out my ear buds until it was over. Find a different version if you want the audiobook.
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Domestic abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Violence, and Gun violence
erinrlreader1994's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
Moderate: Death, Child death, and Animal death
Minor: Cursing
elisweets's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is one of Mr. King’s stories that I think has a perfect ending and it had me bawling my eyes out at almost midnight. The one thing I will say is
Graphic: Cancer, Car accident, Death, Physical abuse, Abortion, Gun violence, Domestic abuse, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Mass/school shootings, Murder, Religious bigotry, Violence, Animal death, Cursing, Blood, Body horror, Chronic illness, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, and Gore
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts