Who Would Like This Book:
If you're a fan of slow-burn psychological horror, this is a must-read! The Shining delivers an unforgettable atmosphere of creeping dread and isolation. Stephen King masterfully explores themes of family, addiction, and the supernatural, with complex, realistic characters you can’t help but feel for (even when things go terribly wrong). Fans of haunted house stories, psychological thrillers, or anyone who loves character-driven horror will get hooked by the Overlook Hotel’s sinister secrets.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers find the pacing a bit too slow, especially in the beginning, with lots of backstory and detailed character exploration. If you’re looking for constant scares or action-packed horror, this one builds tension gradually rather than jumping straight into the frights. Also, the book’s length, repetitive inner monologues, and some outdated attitudes can put off readers who prefer concise or modern storytelling.
About:
Danny and his parents move into a large hotel in Colorado to caretake over the winter shutdown period. Danny's father, an author, intends to use the solitude to write his new novel. However, the hotel is haunted by spirits that begin to influence Danny's father, leading to a fight for survival for Danny and his mother. The book explores the psychological breakdown of the characters, particularly Jack, and the slow decline of their family amidst dark forces at play in the hotel.
The story is a slow creeping horror that gets under your skin, creating a haunting effect with imagery and ideas that linger long after reading. It delves into themes of alcoholism, supernatural occurrences, and the psychological turmoil of the characters, especially the inner dialogue of the family members portrayed in a realistic and terrifying manner.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for The Shining include themes of child abuse, domestic violence, addiction, and mental health crises.
From The Publisher:
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Before Doctor Sleep, there was The Shining, a classic of modern American horror from the undisputed master, Stephen King.
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.
Ratings (626)
Incredible (146) | |
Loved It (298) | |
Liked It (116) | |
It Was OK (52) | |
Did Not Like (11) | |
Hated It (3) |
Reader Stats (962):
Read It (662) | |
Currently Reading (8) | |
Want To Read (169) | |
Did Not Finish (13) | |
Not Interested (110) |
12 comment(s)
I remember reading this book a long time ago. It was a good book. It is not scary though but has a decent mystery element.
The very definition of a slow burn thriller.
It was a good read. Got really boring in some spots but the suspense never stopped.
UMMM what is there NOT to say about how GOOD this book is?
Another reread. While I still love it it's not a five stars this time. I like the intensety of Jack's down spiral into alcohol and madness and enjoy that aspect slightly more then the spooky bits but they are still good. And poor Danny he doesn't have an easily life!
Not sure if I want to see the movie as it's apparently not similar to the book.
Stephen King at his best. This book was thoroughly creepy, deranged, and exceedingly enjoyable.
2.5. So Booktube-a-thon is off to a great start so far.
For some reason this didn't scare the pants off me (literally - I was pants-less for days) like it did the first time I read it. Having read
Doctor Sleep, I think I went into this reading with an eye for Danny's relationship with his father. Although it's still a scary book, I read it more as one man's struggle against a darkness inherent in his soul. Jack Torrance attempts to overcome his abusive upbringing, his alcoholism, and his temper - in short, he attempts to be better than his father - and that alone would have been a great story. Of course, there's little to no chance for him to overcome these things with the Overlook urging him on. In the end, Danny and Jack face off over whether this third generation (Danny) will follow the pattern of fear and subservience that Jack's generation followed.
The Overlook is an unusual kind of "haunted house." It seems to have its own spirit, apart from the spirits of those who died ugly deaths there. The manager, the manta ray that flies out the window at the end - these are just as scary as the classic "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" that we're familiar with from the movie.
One of the best psychological horror thriller.
Interesting book and I like the way it ended. I liked Jacks character and how he struggled with alcoholism and his temper, the mother Wendy, is a submissive woman who only thinks of her child. She strives to be completely different from her own mother who she detests. Danny is an interesting character trying to understand the world around him with his “shining” abilities. Lastly we need to protect Dick Hollorann. He’s the type of friend everyone needs. Just call and he will be there.
What can you read after
The Shining?
About the Author:
Stephen King is the author of more than fifty books, all of them worldwide bestsellers. Among his most recent are Doctor Sleep; Joyland; 11/22/63; Full Dark, No Stars; Under the Dome; Just After Sunset; End of Watch; and the latest novel in the Dark Tower saga: The Wind Through…
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