11/22/63 - Just finished it last night!

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NightShifter

Well-Known Member
Nov 8, 2013
63
344
Mansfield, Massachusetts
I really, really liked 11/22/63, and that seems to be the general consensus on this one. Like most King protagonists I really related to Jake's actions. There was rarely a moment when my grip on the pages tightened and tightened in frustration because I was angry with Jake's decisions.
Even in the instance of running to Jodie instead of spying on the Walker assassination attempt.

At the very heart of the book it was a love story, and Jake was a true hero when he put that love in jeopardy to change the course of history.

The book also stands as a prime example of "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions." If the alternate future where there was no assassination was not Hell, I don't know what is. It made Derry look like Disneyland.

I haven't read "It" yet, but reading about Jake's time in Derry I definitely felt something lurking in the darkness and am looking forward to revisiting Derry soon.

Although I truly wanted Jake and Sadie to be together Jake ended the book as a hero by not meddling with history, even though it meant he was sacrificing a life with Sadie. Although I'm still not sure why he stayed in 1958 to write a novel then bury it. Perhaps he just had a hard time letting go.

For awhile I was nervous Jake was not going to look Sadie up in 2012, but I'm glad he did because it gave perhaps the best King ending I've read so far.
 

NightShifter

Well-Known Member
Nov 8, 2013
63
344
Mansfield, Massachusetts
...he who writes horror also knoweth the gentle, sweet side...
Very true. I'm listening to "On Writing," which is my first audiobook. I got it because King himself reads it, and since the first half is a memoir I thought it would be worth it. It has been fascinating so far, but he certainly understands love - the way he talks about meeting his wife and falling for her was beautiful.
 

Dana Jean

Dirty Pirate Hooker, The Return
Moderator
Apr 11, 2006
53,634
236,697
The High Seas
Very true. I'm listening to "On Writing," which is my first audiobook. I got it because King himself reads it, and since the first half is a memoir I thought it would be worth it. It has been fascinating so far, but he certainly understands love - the way he talks about meeting his wife and falling for her was beautiful.
Love the audio of On Writing. I've listened to it so many times. I have read and listened to this book more than any other book ever.