I have to say: I’ve been on a book reading rampage lately!!!
I blame it on the library – a lot of the books I’ve been wanting to read are in high demand and have a wait list. So – I put myself on the list for a lot of them. Then, by some wonderful coincidence, four of them came available at once. Go figure. So, I’ve been reading new books at an increased rate so I don’t have to return them unfinished!
Image via Goodreads
One of my most recent reads was Stephen King’s 11/22/63. I must say: I really enjoyed it! I remember reading some Stephen King books back in high school: Pet Sematary…The Shining…it was the beginning of my love for scary movies and such, what can I say? Anyway, 11/22/63 is definitely a departure from that. It’s a piece of historical fiction, paired with fantasy and some mystery/action. It’s a great combination, if you ask me!
The story revolves around Jake Epping, a high school English teacher in Maine. When his friend from the local diner divulges to him that his storeroom has a portal to 1958, Jake begins on a quest to change history by preventing the Kennedy assassination. Along the way Jake assumes a new identity and goes about a seemingly insane mission. I won’t divulge more of the plot, since I think you’d enjoy reading it for yourself. But I will say – Stephen King definitely knows how to weave a great story, and I thought it was a wonderful read. Not only is the story suspenseful, but it makes you think. If you had the ability to go back in time and change the course of history, would you? What would you change? How would the world be different if certain events in history could have been prevented (or assisted, for that matter)?
If you’re looking for a larger book to sink your teeth into (it’s about 850 pages…), pick up 11/22/63. I am not a history buff, but I think it is clear to see that Mr. King did a thorough job of researching the details surrounding the time period and the Kennedy assassination. The characters were really well developed; I found myself getting quite attached to a few of them and wanted to know more even after the book concluded! There’s mystery, there’s history, there’s a love story…you really do get it all with this book!
Are you a fan of Stephen King?
To see what other books I’ve read/am reading, visit my Goodreads profile!
My Mother is the biggest Stephen King fan. She owns every book he has written. Although we bought her a Kindle a couple of years ago, she insists on getting hardback King novels when they come out. We got her this book last year. She blamed the size of it on getting a back ache, lol.
I read 11/22/63 while traveling East Europe this past summer and I thought it was a yawn. Stephen King could have written a fantastic short story and instead tried to impress us with his knowledge of big words. The book had a great message I just thought it was dragged out. Thankfully I had it on my kindle app so no back pain here 🙂
I only ever read one Stephen King book (and, I have to admit, I couldn’t appreciate his work at the time), but this one sounds interesting!
I have been wanting to read this for ages but have been wary of walking home from the library with it but with all our snow now I think a long book is perfect since we have to stay indoors!
I just finished this, my first Stephen King. I spent half the novel waiting for the ‘story’ aka the JFK history to begin. Suddenly I realized that Mr. King had completely sucked me in. I was attached to the characters and their completely. The Kennedy/Oswald story takes a back seat although it is researched magnificently.
I too thoroughly enjoyed this book and wholeheartedly recommend it.