The Shining
1974 • 447 pages
Ratings289
Average rating4.2
15
Ratings289
Average rating4.2
The Shining is a 1977 horror novel by American author Stephen King. It is King's third published novel and first hardback bestseller; its success firmly established King as a preeminent author in the horror genre. The setting and characters are influenced by King's personal experiences, including both his visit to The Stanley Hotel in 1974 and his struggle with alcoholism. The book was followed by a sequel, Doctor Sleep, published in 2013.
The Shining centers on the life of Jack Torrance, a struggling writer and recovering alcoholic who accepts a position as the off-season caretaker of the historic Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies. His family accompanies him on this job, including his young son Danny Torrance, who possesses "the shining", an array of psychic abilities that allow Danny to see the hotel's horrific past. Soon, after a winter storm leaves them snowbound, the supernatural forces inhabiting the hotel influence Jack's sanity, leaving his wife and son in incredible danger.
----------
Also contained in:
- [Carrie / Night Shift / 'Salem's Lot / Shining](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL14917547W)
- [Works (Danse Macabre / Salem's Lot / Shining)](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL24233994W)
Reviews with the most likes.
Most people have heard of The Shining. If you haven't heard of the book, you've heard of (or seen) the film with Jack Nicholson and Shelly Long.
For years I've shied away from Stephen King. Some people would call his work twisted, or insane. Others would call him brilliant. I figured it was time to decide for myself.
First off, Stephen King's writing is not for everyone. I had previously read Under the Dome and parts of A Bizarre of Bad Dreams, so I had a general idea of his style. It is generally blunt and bold. For example: instead of quickly saying there is a dead body in the tub, Mr. King goes into detail about the bloated body. I will admit, it was disturbing, but the novel itself is meant to be disturbing! A great horror novel walks the line between the real and the uncomfortable. The success or failure depending on timing within the novel.
The Shining walks that line perfectly. It plays on the familiarity of a hotel and hope for something better, while playing on the fears of ghosts, isolation and possession. It is an uncomfortable read that I couldn't put down. I don't often re-read novels, but this is one I would certainly revisit when I'm in need of a good fright.
I finally sat down and took the time to read this and I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. This book is a classic for a reason. The Shining keeps you on your toes every page and I found it really hard to put down (even at 2 AM)
This is my first horror book (Completely horror) and I loved it.
This book gave me chills.
Stephen King is freaking fantastic.
Featured Prompt
1,232 booksWhen you think back on every book you've ever read, what are some of your favorites? These can be from any time of your life – books that resonated with you as a kid, ones that shaped your personal...
Featured Prompt
39 booksA great movie can lead to even more readers of the source material. What are some books you read that had movies that you enjoyed the most.
.jpg&width=30&height=30&type=webp){kind=small}
