The Shining

18.95

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Specs

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Description

Terrible events occur at an isolated hotel in the off season, when a small boy with psychic powers struggles to hold his own against the forces of evil that are driving his father insane. Reissue.

  • Author: Stephen King
  • Publisher: Random House LLC
  • Published: 1977
  • Pages: 447
  • ISBN-13: 9780385121675

Additional information

Author

Stephen King

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Summary

What the internet says

Aggregated insights from reviews and discussions across the web.

Overall reception: Mostly positive

The Shining by Stephen King is widely regarded as a horror classic and receives overwhelmingly positive reception across review platforms. Readers consistently praise it as superior to the film adaptation, with many noting that the book offers deeper character development and psychological complexity that the movie lacks. The novel is celebrated not just as a supernatural horror story, but as a profound exploration of alcoholism, family dysfunction, and mental breakdown. Multiple reviewers emphasize that King grounds the supernatural elements in realistic human struggles, making the horror more visceral and relatable. The book maintains its status as one of King's best works, with readers appreciating the methodical pacing that builds atmosphere and tension throughout the 400+ page narrative.

What readers loved

  • Superior to the film adaptation with more depth and character development
  • Masterful atmosphere and tone that keeps readers genuinely frightened even after putting the book down
  • Profound exploration of alcoholism and family dysfunction grounded in King's personal experiences
  • Exceptional character work, particularly with Jack Torrance's mental deterioration and five-year-old Danny's psychic abilities
  • Suspenseful and gripping narrative that compels extended reading sessions
  • Vivid, descriptive prose that brings the Overlook Hotel to life
  • Balances supernatural horror with realistic psychological breakdown effectively

Common critiques

  • Story feels overly long at times and bogs down in some sections
  • Slow, methodical pacing with a 150-page setup may not appeal to readers preferring faster action
  • Can be too frightening to read before bed, causing disturbing dreams

Based on reviews from

  • Amazon
  • Goodreads
  • Goodreads Review
  • Goodreads Blog
Last updated May 18, 2026 Summary based on publicly available reviews. May not reflect every reader's experience.