Rate Insomnia

[csk27]

On a scale of 1-10 what would you give Insomnia? I'm thinking about reading that one after I finish The Tommyknockers.

[Wolfslice]

I'd give it a 9.

I guess you should probably consider reading "IT" first, because "IT" is also set in Derry and shares a few connections with Insomnia... but in the end it doesn't really matter.

[Lencho_of_the_Apes]

For me, it was maybe a 6 or a 7... I'm getting ready to start re-reading it, I think, probably. Maybe. It seems as though when I read it... around the time it came out... I read it right after several of the low-key, women-centered books (Gerald's Game, Rose Madder, Dolores Claiborne) and I thought it was much better than the last couple of books, like he had gotten back into his groove... But I like Tommyknockers better than Insomnia, based on what I remember -- Tommyknockers is one of my top faves by Sai King.

Blaine's a pain & I'm the same --

Lencho

[Agincourt Concierge]

Loved Insomnia....rate it an 9...it's another story with important ties to DT series. I didn't run right out and get this when it first came out. But when I did get it, I couldn't put it down.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

I'd rate it very highly indeed, though I wouldn't like to quantify it.

Much recommended.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Sandman]

9 I only gave it a 9 because the beginning so so damn SLOW. I actually gave up on the book the first time I read it then went back to it a few months later and it was the best decision I ever made! it was well worth it once things got rolling!

[BlackThorn]

I'd say 10. I didn't care how slow it led up. I mean, the hero was like, 80 or something. It takes a while to do stuff when you're that age...

I think I dehydrated myself because I bawled so hard at the end of that story.

[Nero]

<-- What John said

[GarratyVStebbins]

Yeah i'd say 8

A good read. Slow in the beginning of course. Controversial to some people because of the subject matter, but in all honesty all King's books are and that's what makes them kickass

[dejolane]

I rate it a 9.

Debbie

[deltadog32]

I agree that it's good for the DT ties. I would have to rate it at about 5 or 6. It was a slow starter. It took about half the book before I was engrossed in it. Up to that point I was just reading blindly.

[Patricia A]

I'm giving it a 10. Ralph Roberts Rules!

[Sepia and Dust]

I'm not sure what scale I'm rating on--all books I've ever read, horror stories, Stephen King novels? I'll just say that Insomnia is a good story. A great many people don't like it, though, so I guess it's not for everyone.

I would highly recommend that you read It first (if you haven't already) because the two books are the flip sides of each other--It deals largely with children, their secret lives, and their places in society, while Insomnia deals with the same issues regarding the elderly. Both books are even set in the same town.

Enjoy!

[marew1]

9- A good read.

[APaulD]

Gotta say I LOVED it. I was living in Germany at the time and Stumbled across a bookstore that specialized in books written in English. I was doubly (sp?) surprized that they had SK to begin with and that Insomia had just come out. I give it a full on 10

[BC Barlow]

Probably a High 7 or low 8 RIGHT NOW!! I add that because I'm halfway into it right now and that's what i rate it as of page 350. I will probably get better (knowing SK), and you might want to read It first.

[kyle blake]

10, my favorite SK book!

[blusilk]

10 I have to say this is my favorite book.

[samwisetheconstantreader]

I read the Dark Tower first then this one before i even realised there were any connections. A bit slow at the start but who wants a fast paced book right at the beginning and it to lag nearer the end, i rate it a 9.

[Firebird]

10 all the way!

[constantreader85]

I'D give it a 9. I loved it. I have the book on audio book.

[kingofkilling1]

im reading it,page 50.

[Jehan]

For sure a 10! My favorite SK book. If just starting to read, persist. Try not to speed read the first part. I know it tends to drag but really pulls the story together. Great characters - well thought out.:smile2:

[JRLauer]

I'd give this book a 8.5 or 9. This is a great read. I loved it.

[kingricefan]

I'm not sure what scale I'm rating on--all books I've ever read, horror stories, Stephen King novels? I'll just say that Insomnia is a good story. A great many people don't like it, though, so I guess it's not for everyone.

I would highly recommend that you read It first (if you haven't already) because the two books are the flip sides of each other--It deals largely with children, their secret lives, and their places in society, while Insomnia deals with the same issues regarding the elderly. Both books are even set in the same town.

Enjoy!Wow! I hadn't even thought about these two books (Insomnia and IT) being the flip-side of each other. Very insightful, Sepia!! I agree that it does take awhile to 'get into' this book, it is very slow moving for the first half (and it's a thick book, so that saying something) but once it gets going it is good. I'd rate it as a 6 or 7 tho. Not one of my favorites at all. For one thing, I just couldn't believe that a guy of Ralph Roberts age would know the lyrics to songs from bands like Soundgarden, Nirvana, etc. (at least I think that was some of the bands in the book, whoever it was I just didn't believe that Ralph would know the songs or lyrics for modern music). Heck, I'm pushing 50 and even I don't know the songs or lyrics to songs that are popular anymore! :biggrin2:

[nunu_chis]

It`s better parts are a 10, but in general it is an 8 for me. It would be better if it was shorter, anyway I really liked it, there were parts that I couldn`t stop reading and the rets was just OK, but the story itself is really good, it has a lot of mistery... I recomend it.

[SixPins]

I still need to read Insomnia. Glad to see so much praise for it here!

[karend3]

Atleast a 9, you get reminded of old characters like gage from Pet Sematary, and of course reminded of the earth quake from IT. Great book because it introduces you to Roland at the end.

[RandomMan]

9...any of his books that connect to the DT are GOLDEN!!!!

[mojomofo]

10. It is one of my top three favorites.

[Srbo]

Since The Stand is a 10, IT is a 9...no choice but to give it an eight.

A BIG 8 though.

[aussiewonder]

I'd give it a very strong 9 going on 10, I really liked it,
and certainly recommend reading it.:biggrin2:

[Presque Vu]

I'd say 10. I didn't care how slow it led up. I mean, the hero was like, 80 or something. It takes a while to do stuff when you're that age...

I think I dehydrated myself because I bawled so hard at the end of that story.

I'll pt my signature on this as well, BlackThorn! Definitely a 9 for me!

[tillyn]

I'd give it a 9.

[rjt65]

I would say read the Dt series first--- I read insomnia first and would have said 7--after reading the DT series 9-10...

I guess really understanding the why's and the DT theories helped me a lot...gr8 read as I finished the 4th reread of DT i am now reading Hearts in atlantis, than talisman-black house---than mayhaps back to RR in Insomnia?

[Cowboy]

8 is about right. I had a hard time with the beginning of this book, but then once it started to move a bit, I couldn't put it down.

[Merlsmom]

I'd give it a very strong 9 going on 10, I really liked it,
and certainly recommend reading it.:biggrin2:

I agree completely. Insomnia is one of my favs!

[biodroid]

I give it an 8. It was a good book and an original story and it was classically SK

[Cognac]

8.5

[ItaliaQueen]

its gives me so much joy with all these ratings on this book as i have yet to read DT and older ones! i cant wait , i just need more time!!!!

[JohnDalglish]

I would say read the Dt series first--- I read insomnia first and would have said 7--after reading the DT series 9-10...

I guess really understanding the why's and the DT theories helped me a lot...gr8 read as I finished the 4th reread of DT i am now reading Hearts in atlantis, than talisman-black house---than mayhaps back to RR in Insomnia?

Hi,

AWrjtS. That's exactly how I would rate it. MUCH better after you've read DT IMO too.

Long days and pleasant nights

[killyerdarlings]

Insomnia is my all-time favorite SK book. Like one of the other commenters posted, I cried like crazy at the end. As to the DT connections, I wouldn't know. I haven't gotten around to those yet.

[JohnDalglish]

Insomnia is my all-time favorite SK book. Like one of the other commenters posted, I cried like crazy at the end. As to the DT connections, I wouldn't know. I haven't gotten around to those yet.

Hi,

Go then, for there are other bookshops than these, and purchase The Gunslinger and Drawing of the Three forthwith.

I'll eat your hat if you're disappointed!

Long days and pleasant nights

[Mr.Bobbo]

Well,

I guess I'll dissent to rate it a 5 or 6.
I've been reading King since I was 10 or 11 years old, and it's VERY different from many of his works that I've enjoyed the most.
I've stated here that I had to revisit the book once or twice before finally setting out to finish it; that's the truth, and I'll stand by the position that it has been one of the most difficult King novels to finish, for me. I enjoyed the DT tie-in, of course (and a mention of Roland and even Jack Sawyer, wasn't there? Or was that in BLACK HOUSE?)...

I also enjoyed the Derry "news" and things...always love it when Steve gets us back to a favorite character or locale! But I found the little bald doctors formed a kind of plot hole for me: wouldn't this kind of phenomena be perpetrated by more individual beings, and--does it occur on a global basis, or just in Derry (and just for Ralph Roberts and his lady friend)? A singular plot by the Crimson King...? Just too many questions for me; I found the book tedious, and untidy. So unlike King's other "big" novels (IT and THE TALISMAN were so much more enjoyable to me)!


Okay,
Bobbo

[Bluey Lunger]

I've read it about four or five times if that tells you anything. Did you get it yet? All of SK's work seems to tie into the Big Quilt he's making (ain't that an image!) and like a few others said, reading it again after you've read other stuff is a joy, was for me anyway.

[skhwoody]

Hi,

Go then, for there are other bookshops than these, and purchase The Gunslinger and Drawing of the Three forthwith.

I'll eat your hat if you're disappointed!

Long days and pleasant nights

I give it 9, i read is once before the Dark Tower Books and then again after and it is much better afterwards, i cried like a baby at then end of it both times, the only book that has had me in buckets.

JD, good DT quote - all things serve the beam

[Jax]

This is one of my favorite books. This was the first book that ever made me cry, and I felt a little silly that I was crying while reading it. Since then throughout many of King's books I find myself crying. I don't feel silly anymore, he writes the characters so well that you can't help but care about them and what they're going through.

[crazycrashink]

I give it a 10! This is one of my favorite King books, and one of my favorite books in general! Ralph Rocks!!!

[youngfibre]

i give it a 9. my CRE lecturer always said a perfect 10 was for God 9.5 for him and the rest up for grabs. it tops the grab list.

[mrbronze]

I never understood the hate for this book. I first read this book when I was a very young man and I enjoyed it then.
Ralph Roberts had swagger for an old guy.
And Ed Deepneau is one of King's best characters.

[Jackp]

10. i loved it!! insomnia and Dreamcatcher are my favs by SK (So far)

[psj77]

I'd give it a 9. It would be a 10 but the way it is dismised in The Dark Tower siries I think hurts it a bit.

[Autumnlyn]

I would give it a 9. It is such a good read.

Actually have been looking for Stephen Dobyns poetry because of this book.

[Carri]

It is long, but for me that's a good thing. I always get a little bummed that the ride is over when I finish a good book. I will confess there were times, though, that I put it down and went about other business for weeks at a time. (Contrast that with Duma Key, which I took a day off work to finish and read virtually in one marathon sitting.) But I think the last quarter of the story really pays off. I actually got the sense as I finished it that I'd probably enjoy it more in a second read later. I'm gonna go with 7+.

c.

[Girl87]

I give Insomnia 8 it was a god book. Read it 2 years ago.

[Patricia A]

10. It is one of my top three favorites.
Me too.
I didn't have a problem with the beginning dragging at all.
I took to Ralph and what was going on with him right off.

[LeeAlexander]

I'd say 8 or 9 its a pretty good read especially if you are a fan of the Dark Tower books because it ties in with them heavily.

[TheWalkinDude]

Definitely a 9

I just finished re-reading it ... and it was good seeing Ralph and Lois again.

[blunthead]

I'm like John, in that I don't like to flat rate objects of my affection. That said, I always think of Insomnia right up there with my favorites; but favorites are determined according to very personal criteria.

I'd give it a "Highly Recommended".

[tillyn]

1-10 i give it an 8 i enjoyed the book also.

[Q'smum]

Definitely a 10. Be warned, for most people it's not an easy read. I think it's actually the most detailed single novel by SK besides The Stand. It's one of my top 3 singles by SK - The Stand, Insomnia, Bag of Bones. I don't know where DT will be until I finish the series.

[Jack Torrance]

I completed this a few weeks ago. I thought it was basically an 8 out of 10 Stephen King story. I am glad to have read it as it was one of those that kind of nagged at me that I had not read it yet. There were a few spots that kind of dragged for me. A few times I kind of rolled my eyes at a few things but overall it was pretty darn good. I can't spoil the ending but it definately made me sad and thought it was well done.

Gotta like the "doc" characters and Ralph.

[michal]

8. But why would you care what other people think? Taste in books, as it is in food, is a private thing -there is no right or wrong. Read it and find out for yourself.

[Jake Featherston]

This is my favourite book by Stephen King; I have no difficulty assigning it a '10' rating. Oddly, many people I've spoken to IRL, didn't seem to like it very much. But I have strange tastes. Stephen King (the author) is one of the only things, as it were, that is widely popular in our society, that I do like, quite frankly. I have read this book twice, loved it both times, yet I can't seem to recall its plot very well at all. So I suspect reading #3 will be coming on line before too much longer....

[Shai]

I personally would rate it 10+ i found it really easy to get into a book you don't want to put down, go for it

[Natjen24]

I'll give it 8+. It was a very good read! :smile2:

[constantreader85]

i would give it a 10. I just loved the story and the fact that the hero was 70's. there is a hint in there to the dt series and in bag of bones, the hero talks to mike noonan.

[thebarbster24]

I've just finished Insomnia yesterday and it was awesome. Maybe not one of my all time SK favorites, but definitely at least a 9. And I didn't think the beginning was dragging at all ... I actually liked the first half of the book a bit more than Ralph's adventurous rescue trip with Lois. All in all, a great read and a great Ralph Roberts!

[Ophelia]

I give it a 10.

When I started out, I didn't think I'd like it that much because it was a sloooow read. Funny how I had insomnia whilst in the middle of reading Insomnia. Oh well, at least I had something to accompany me at night. It took forever to get to the action! But once we were there, hoo-boy, we were in for one wild ride!

But that's not even why I'd give it a 10. I gave it a 10 because Stephen King is absolutely amazing at introducing you to the setting. You get to know the town, what's in the outlying regions beyond the town. You love the town, you get tired of parts of it, you see the town for what it is. You feel like you live there, you've always lived there. It's the same thing I loved about Salem's Lot.

That and he really, really develops characters well. You start to love Ralph and Lois and Bill. You really do.

[scarywriter]

I also give Insomnia a 10. I suffer from insomnia and he related the feelings of a bad stretch amazingly well. I recently took a long trip and listened to this on CD during the drive. Eli Wallach reads it and is fantastic.

[thymeoperator]

9 I only gave it a 9 because the beginning so so damn SLOW. I actually gave up on the book the first time I read it then went back to it a few months later and it was the best decision I ever made! it was well worth it once things got rolling!

i agree with that - the first maybe 50 or so pages i thought were incredibly slow and hard to get through, but then i ADORED it. it was so beautifully described.

[JRM]

I personally don't think I would recommend it to anyone, unless they're ready for something really different and slowpaced. While I did enjoy it overall, it was hard to get through.

7/10

[jchanic]

One of King's forte's is character development. When he takes his time creating these characters, yes, the story seems to slow down, but, when the story "takes off", you REALLY care what happens to them! This is not only true in Insomnia, but in Bag of Bones, The Stand, It, etc. When he doesn't really take the time to develop the characters completely, such as in Cell, he is less successful.

John

[BTRNYC]

9/10. Loved it. Love all the connections to IT and DT, and love the amazing imagery/

[Manxkitti]

I'll give it a 9. :love:

[nikkij124]

I loved it !
ive suffered over the years with insomnia due to not being able to put kings books down lol. i would definatly rate this book a big 10 :biggrin2:

[dtorrec]

I personally don't think I would recommend it to anyone, unless they're ready for something really different and slowpaced. While I did enjoy it overall, it was hard to get through.

7/10

I'm happy I'm not the only one who thinks it is slow, I almost stop reading, I did like it, but at some point I got bored a little bit.

[constantreader85]

9.5, i have read this book 4 times and it is always refreshing, you read somehting new that you missed on the previous reading session

[Drummerboy]

I just finished it last night and give it a four or a five. For some reason, the age of the protagonist didn't appeal to me. As well as how long the climax took to play out. I generally don't read very fast, and only at night when I go to bed, and it took me a few days to get through the day of the big scene(s). So, I guess you could say the slow pace of the book. As well, when it came to the super-naturalness of it(the different levels), it turned me off. The was probably my biggest issue with the novel.
I appreciate that many fans love and adore Insomnia, I however didn't. That being said..I really enjoyed Delores Claiborne, and Gerald's Game whereas others didn't.
Just my opinion. Take care everyone!!
Kennan

[JRM]

I'm happy I'm not the only one who thinks it is slow, I almost stop reading, I did like it, but at some point I got bored a little bit.

Yeah, I could understand why it's so popular among the fans (well-written, unique), but, man, I literally fell asleep at times reading this book. And when I wasn't falling asleep, I was confused (I kept forgetting characters, and had a hard time picturing many of the scenes -- and believing them). I think that if the book's length were cut in half, it would have been far easier to get through. Thankfully, I've come to appreciate the book more with time, and the fact that I liked some other books less (Dreamcatcher, Cell) makes it look even better, lol. It's not a terrible book by a long shot, but it could have been better for sure.

[constantreader85]

I loved it. I loved the mian character Ralph in it. i would give it 9.5

[misterwoe]

The book was well-written but I sensed something was wrong with it. A did a double check in King's memoir and there he admits this is one of the few times he's tried to force a book into a plot as oppossed to letting a situation unfold to see what would happen. I agree that the results were not all that impressive. But still, the writing is good. Scenes and characters I'll never forget. 7.

[JRM]

The book was well-written but I sensed something was wrong with it. A did a double check in King's memoir and there he admits this is one of the few times he's tried to force a book into a plot as oppossed to letting a situation unfold to see what would happen. I agree that the results were not all that impressive. But still, the writing is good. Scenes and characters I'll never forget. 7.

Wow. This is the feeling I got. King wrote a memoir? I would love to read this myself.

[Stillreading]

I loved this book. I have a certain fascination with insomnia that this book gives some insight to. I love the movie The Machinist for similar reasons.

[damienuk]

I really love this book. Ralph is one of the favorite characters - and Derry one of my favourite settings. The bit when Ralph dies is heartbreaking.

[Mobe1969]

I'd give it a 9. You don't realise just how key this story is to the King world until you read it, and look into stuff. I mean it is even reviewed in Dark Tower.

[Lina]

I'd give a 9. I like the book very much! Although, sure the beginning was rather slow and it was very difficult for me to read it and not to lose the desire to continue this reading. But I did it, I finished reading this book. And I'm glad I did, because I really liked it. Obviously, this book is worth reading!

[Bryan James]

The first 6/10ths of "Insomnia" is a definite cure for insomnia.

I liked the rest. I don't place it high on my King-O-Meter, though.

~BJS

[SharonC]

I would also hesitate to give a rating, because as someone else here said reading is subjective (or words to that effect). Personally though, it has always been one of my favourites and one that I re-read on a regular basis. I can't say that I found it slow in parts, but that's only my opinion.

[smashingblouse]

I give it a 9. I loved this book. I loved Ralph. I loved that I could picture everything and everyone. I wish I could be more detailed, but I haven't read it in years. I had lots to say about it at the time. And yes, it was one of the first, if not the only book to make me cry.

I do think it is helpful to know others's opinions and ratings of books if we know their reasoning behind it and not just the number they give it. If someone explains that they don't like it because it is slow to start, there is no action until 2/3 of the way in, etc, then someone else with a similar thought process would definitely find that helpful. So, rate away!

[Aga]

I think "Insomnia" has a great storyline, full of amazing ideas and turning points, it's almost ready scenario for a blockbuster. Even though, that this story touches an issue of abortion, which is a serious subject, it can be called a modern fairy tale. Like all King's books it has a lot of subtle literary allusions, for example a cat, which name is Winston Smith... It's true that first part is less thrilling than the second one, however I don't mind it. One of his best books. 9.

[Sexysade]

Not a big fan of this was sooo slow, good in parts I would give it a 5

[JohnDalglish]

Not a big fan of this was sooo slow, good in parts I would give it a 5

Hi,

Tell me, have you read DT?

Insomnia makes a great deal more sense post-DT IMO, I enjoyed it far more anyway.

Long days and pleasant nights