The Shining

Stephen King

Since The Shining is very high on my list of top five horror movies ever made, I've always planned...more

Since The Shining is very high on my list of top five horror movies ever made, I've always planned on getting around to the source material. When a friend offered to loan me the book a while ago, I quickly accepted. I enjoyed the book immensely, especially the exploration of Doc's powers. However, even though the book is a fine piece of writing, the movie wins out. My big problem with the book is that King makes it very clear that Jack's actions are a result of the malign forces inhabiting the hotel. The movie was more vague as to whether this was the case or whether Jack just lost his marbles. To me, that's a hell of a lot scarier. Still, one of the better (admittedly few) King novels I've read.    hide

Love the Andy Warhol lookin illustration for this cover. Hey guys- like the movie? Kubrick's...more

Love the Andy Warhol lookin illustration for this cover. Hey guys- like the movie? Kubrick's rendition was spectacular film genius and will reign a pop classic for sometime- however you'll get more insight into things just grazed on in the film such as Tony- the boy's imaginary friend, the marriage of Wendy and Jack, all the characters in more human detail (poor Shelley Duval- her character was so simplified in the film). Plus there are the differences so common in the adaptations of lit to film. Possibly even somewhat alternate endings...? I won't tell. You'll have to check it out. I recommend this to fans of the film who also enjoy reading, cause you'll get more out of the experience. Ciao!   hide

I have to admit that I almost gave up reading this books for many times, and it took me several...more

I have to admit that I almost gave up reading this books for many times, and it took me several days to finish it. The story-telling is way too slow-paced, and there was too much narrative in it. However, if you can make it through to the last one hundred pages, you'll realize that this book is actually unmissable. The plot is so strong, and the way King unfolded the mysteries accumulated from the begining of the story almost made me fall off my chair. No wonder why many people acclaimed this book to be 'King's best work.'    hide

Awesome! Way more detail and information than the movie and the book paints a much more all-over...more

Awesome! Way more detail and information than the movie and the book paints a much more all-over view of the four main characters. Sure in the film we know Jack is "selected" by the hotel to be it's host for destruction and murder, but the book delves way into the past on WHY he would be a good tool and how it steadily tricks him into becoming said tool. The backgrounds of Wendy, Danny and Mr. Hallorann are also really facinating and of course, there are more ghosts and spirits to spook you in the middle of the night!   hide

My favorite Stephen King book ever! I've read it 4 times and like it more and more every time I...more

My favorite Stephen King book ever! I've read it 4 times and like it more and more every time I read it. Most people that read it nowadays think of the Stanley Kubrick film from 1980 and it's definitely not. It's more like the Sci-Fi channel's mini-series (which is amazing...). The way King goes from Danny's 'shining' back to reality and more is just amazing. His imagery of The Overlook just freaks you out everytime you read it. Worthwhile read for anybody!   hide