Stephen King -In The Shining, it says that the old caretaker killed himself and his family. If he did, wouldn't the boiler have exploded? Or did I miss something?
Posted By: Erik - 11/06/2009 - 11:51 AM EST
I have read Carrie, Cujo, Christine, It, The Girl who loved Tom Gordon, The Talisman, and 'Salems Lot, and The Shining tops them all
Posted By: Stfunie - 11/01/2009 - 12:49 PM EST
One of the best books I've ever read!! I agree with everything the person below me said. The movie adaptation is hokey enough, but once you read the book, it's very irritating to know that such a great movie could have been made from The Shining!! I was really sad for the book to come to an end, but I plan on reading it many more times!
Posted By: Joe - 10/18/2009 - 4:25 PM EST
This book is simply amazing. The Shining has to be the best book I've ever read. I just couldn't put the book down. It was my first Stephen King book I ever read and it really got me hooked. Also the movie starring Jack Nicholson DOES NOT do this book justice at all. It doesn't capture the story at all and the ending is completely different. Please take the time and read the real story..not the movie. (:
Posted By: R. Usher - 09/21/2009 - 1:11 AM EST
I read this for the first time at the age of nine, and easily a hundred times in the eighteen years since. To me, "The Shining" is not simply a story, but a world to which I can escape. The Hotel is as familiar as my own home, the Torrances as if life-long friends. It got me to love reading and to start writing, and it will always be the novel I hold nearest and dearest to my heart.
Posted By: Aidanl - 09/15/2009 - 2:40 PM EST
The best book I ever read. The film is good but the book is far better in my opinion.Absolutly thrilling.
Posted By: Nikolai - 09/11/2009 - 9:31 AM EST
Isnt this a movie?
Posted By: Ilecion - 09/04/2009 - 7:25 AM EST
This was the first Stephen King novel i read. I was 12yrs old at the time and boy was i scared...in a good way. But I sure wasn't going back to those Enid Blyton etc. books after this one. A masterpiece, nothing less.
Posted By: Giuly - 08/22/2009 - 3:55 PM EST
This is the first Stephen King's book I red. After that I have red all his books and I have not found a writer like him. No one can be compared to him. Giuly
Posted By: Ryan Stackhouse - 08/11/2009 - 3:12 PM EST
I love this novel. This is the first Stephen King novel I ever read and I was hooked. I've read everything since and love it all. Misery is my favorite, but The Shining will always be important and special for me.
Posted By: P_lukasiak - 08/04/2009 - 6:31 PM EST
Years ago (back in the 70s), a friend gave me The Shining to read. I was skeptical to say the least -- at that point I wasn't reading any "modern" fiction (concentrating on 18th and 19th century English authors like Dickens and Thackery) and was extremely skeptical of this piece of "popular" horror fiction. Boy, was I wrong.... How scary is this book? Its the only book that ever caused me to lose a day of work. I could not put it down once I got into it, and stayed up all night to finish -- and was so exhausted and freaked out that I called in sick to work that morning.
Posted By: KingLover - 08/04/2009 - 1:52 PM EST
I am only 14, though I started reading the horrorific books written by the wise King, when I was about 11. It has enhanced my vocabulary quite a bit, and has impressed my teachers. I LOVE STEPHEN KING!
Posted By: King Fanatic - 07/31/2009 - 5:44 PM EST
Seriously... STEPHEN KING is the most amazing author to have graced the planet. He is absolutely fantastic and the world's most loved writer. Literary genius and my favourite author of all time! Love this book, the first I ever read of King, and certainly not my only favourite of his!
Posted By: King Freak - 07/14/2009 - 1:25 PM EST
this movie seemed so like king
Posted By: Jana - 06/09/2009 - 11:23 AM EST
My father gave me the book and said I should read it. Immediatly I fell in love with the style. I just started to read it in English because I live in Germany and it was hard work to get it in English. Thank you for the good job you've done!
Posted By: Bubu - 05/28/2009 - 10:23 PM EST
Hello, I live in Mexico and started reading IT a year ago and it just wouldn't do it for me. A little later I read On Writing in english and immediatly fell in love with Stephen King's style. I am now reading The Shining in english also and I can't keep my eyes off it. Translated books won't make justice on the wonderful work of this master. Thank you Stephen King for your marvelous job.
Posted By: Movieman - 05/25/2009 - 11:40 AM EST
I am a huge fan of Stephen King. This was my first novel I have read of his at the age of 13. This is my number one favourite horror novel. When reading it, I was glued to the book and scared witless. I have read t 4 times. Thanks Stephen King you are a legend.
Posted By: Doc - 05/24/2009 - 9:12 PM EST
I recently won a bet where my mother (who hates horror) had to read "The Shining". I occaisionally asked her questions about it to make sure she was really reading it. She was so mad at me and to this day she has told me how she's constantly thinking about the hotel when she's alone at night. The scariest scene to me was when Wendy wakes Jack up because the hotel elevator is going up and down by itself. I won't tell you what happens, but it made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Still have nightmares about it...thanks Stephen! ha.
Posted By: Hollypops - 05/03/2009 - 5:16 AM EST
my god this book is truly terrifying, especially the bit where jack has come out of room 217 and he can hear the doorknob rattling, kept me awake for hours :P
Posted By: Karcazz - 04/28/2009 - 11:50 PM EST
my favorite movie... the best Stephen King's novel!
Posted By: Sena TR - 04/23/2009 - 10:59 AM EST
I really like to read Stephen King books, but The Shining is not one of my favourites. The subject is interesting, but not much happens in the novel. It has more boring words than a real adventure. I think Stephen King could make it better by adding more details about the crimes that took place in the Overlook and maybe put Danny in some more troubles. But still I liked the novel. That 'shining' captured my interest and I even asked about it to my father who believes I turned insane =D
Posted By: Israr Ahmad - 04/11/2009 - 3:40 PM EST
I was reading Michael Chrichton's Andromeda Strain when i found The Shining in my school librabry last year in grade 12. And even though i haven't gotten around to finishing The Andromeda Srain, i do not regret reading this book. The plot was fascinating, the characters, original. I only regret to watching the movie before reading the book. I have yet, to read more of Stephen King's works, but i can sertainly say that The Shining is definatly one of the most finest novels i have ever read. I was inspired to make the Buick Electra as my protagonist's personal off-duty vehicle in my unfinnished novel.
Posted By: Chantelle - 04/01/2009 - 5:47 PM EST
THIS IS THE BEST BOOK EVER WRITTEN like omg :D like im 14,and like i have read manyyy books,but this one is my fave :D
Posted By: Starfire - 03/19/2009 - 7:39 PM EST
The first Stephen King novel and horror book I ever read and I love it! It inspires me as a young developing writer.
Posted By: Ferris32ian - 03/17/2009 - 12:11 AM EST
This was my first ever horror story and Stephen King book, and it is amazing. After reading it the Kubrick seemed tike a TOTALY different and not-as-good story. The TV series was better, but it didn't have the cement ring part!!! Nooo!!! It's my favorite part!!! I'm really excited for the Cell movie, though.
Posted By: Alex - 03/05/2009 - 7:03 PM EST
This had to be one of the sacriest, most thought-provoking novels I had ever read. It really was a very powerful and frightening exploration of how a family is torn apart by alcoholism, obsession and madness. I loved it. Stephen King's finest hour.
Posted By: Charlotte - 02/19/2009 - 9:26 AM EST
Best book I have ever read
Posted By: Bessie - 02/03/2009 - 2:33 PM EST
DAMN!!! this was one of the first books I read by SK and I absolutely adored it...the way he can grab your attention and never let go is the work of a true author.
Posted By: Andrew - 01/31/2009 - 11:28 PM EST
Wow, this book was one of the best books I've ever read. I had seen the movie first and didn't want to read it yet knowing what happens, but it was different and way better than the movie by far. This book is in my top ten favorites.
Posted By: Anonymous - 01/24/2009 - 1:32 PM EST
The Shining was awesome, I liked it as much as I liked the movie.
Posted By: Karcazz - 01/18/2009 - 1:25 PM EST
The best book of Stephen King...
Posted By: Scareah - 01/16/2009 - 11:58 AM EST
Wow I am 12, and the book is so good
Posted By: Katetea - 01/16/2009 - 5:19 AM EST
Best book ever, my favorite.. scared me so much & couldnt read it before I went to bed... couldn't sleep then!! Such a great talent!
Posted By: Mark - 12/18/2008 - 1:53 PM EST
Forget Kubricks misguided attempt at putting this beatiful but horrific masterpiece to celluloid, also King's Television miniseries was too watered down, ignore both attempts to put this on the screen they failed and succeded in equal measure. No the best way to enjoy The Shining is to read the novel, it was not until i became a father myself that i realised how horrific this novel actually is, the deep seated pathological hatred that nestles like a cancer in John torrance's fragile sanity is far more scary than the actual hotel itself. The book is a brilliant read, Greatest ghost story ever.
Posted By: Laura - 12/18/2008 - 9:48 AM EST
This was the first SK book that actually scared me. It was the hedge animals coming alive the frightened me to death just as much as Jacks insanity. Amazing!!
Posted By: Anonymous - 12/13/2008 - 2:06 PM EST
this is one of the best books i have ever read!shortly before my thirteenth birthday, i began to read the shining, and after the first chapter, i was in love!i can't wait to watch the movie and see how this wonderful story translates to film!thank you stephen king! You rock man! :D
Posted By: Yousef - 11/26/2008 - 4:43 AM EST
Wow this is the best book i have ever read in my life! :D
Posted By: AmareS - 10/31/2008 - 10:33 PM EST
This my second most favorite book, behind Misery! incredibly well-written, well-plotted, and exciting book! On a scale of 1 to 10 , id give Misery 9.7 and The Shining 9.4. Two amazing books where Stephen King is at his best
Posted By: Silviu Marin - 10/18/2008 - 8:05 PM EST
Dear Mr. Stephen King, I must say that I haven't been much of a Horror fan 'till very recently, but when I first read "The Shining", meaning like 1 month ago, I knew then that I'll be reading even more of your creations. Oh, and it all started with the movie "Storm of the Century", you know. :-) So, THANK YOU for your in-depth knowledge of the human psyche and for your style in writing such masterpieces. Thank you! P.S. Read Mr. King's books, people, and leave aside the genius of the movie directors' from that of Mr. King's in his writing IF you wish to be fully surprised by it. :-) Silviu Marin from Romania, Bucharest, 26 / 27 years-old, social - educational editor / columnist
Posted By: Nico Pliskin - 10/14/2008 - 5:45 PM EST
wow. what an amazing book. i saw the movie first and i thought that was good but then when i was about 13 i read the book and i couldnt believe it. its a great book. it proves that the book is usually better than the movie
Posted By: HorrorReader - 10/01/2008 - 5:46 PM EST
I'm out of words. This is probably the best book ever written - amazing. Thank you Stephen, love you man :D
Posted By: Berk - 09/25/2008 - 12:18 PM EST
the book is awesome everyone should read this book.all my friends saw this book from me then all of them wanted to read it.it is my first stephen king's book but i will never forget the shining
Posted By: Anonymous - 09/25/2008 - 12:00 PM EST
This book is AMAZING!! I have never read something that i got into so much!! Its a MUST READ!!
Posted By: Dar8888 - 09/17/2008 - 1:36 PM EST
The 1980 movie was awful. The novel, however, is a classic - one of Mr. King's best!
Posted By: Jk123 - 09/06/2008 - 8:57 PM EST
i am only 14 but i know a good book when i read it.I have read some of your books and loved them but the shining is the best.this is the book that have got my friends(who i have been trying to get to read for years) to finally read a book from cover to cover.
Posted By: Cda19 - 09/03/2008 - 1:16 AM EST
One word,GREATEST MOVIE EVER!I LOVED IT!It's a classic.
Posted By: ManW/NoName - 08/16/2008 - 2:30 AM EST
I had read only The Girl Who Loved Tom GOrdon previous to reading The Shining, and the difference was drastic. The former I had found in the school library, and was always intrigued by King and his work, but had never worked up the courage to read any of it. The Shining, however, I bought, and the depth of character and story was astonishing for a modern novel. No, it was no Steinbeck, but it was a great book, and I have become, in the two days it took me to read it, an avid King fan. Congratulations on the achievement, Mr King! This may sound strange, but it was also the funnest book I had ever read. Childlike I know, but all I mean was that it was a pleasure to read and I couldn't put it down.
Posted By: El Greco - 08/07/2008 - 5:04 PM EST
A classic horror movie (never read the book). One that will always be in the top horror films and an example to the writers of future generations.
Posted By: Warren Piece - 08/01/2008 - 6:50 PM EST
The Shining is by far the most literary of any Stephen King novel I have read so far. By "literary," I mean that it is filled with symbolism, and human implications beyond what is happening in the plot. The simple example is the pressure boiler Jack has to dump every night to avoid an explosion. This metaphor for Jack's temper and aggression not only mirrors Jack's progressing instability, but also foreshadows the book's conclusion. The more complex, and most interesting metaphor is the Overlook's relation to the symptoms of addiction. The haunting of the hotel can easily be seen as a story of an alcoholic succumbing to drink after being sober for a long period of time. Every supernatural occurrence can easily be interpreted as a stage of addiction or withdrawal. For example Jack's insanity begins with the hedge animals moving. Wherever Jack looks, they are there taunting him, as an alcoholic is haunted by thoughts of drink. Jack then falls off the wagon at a party thrown by the Overlook's previous inhabitants. Afterwords, Jack is knocked unconscious when Wendy hits him over the head with a wine bottle, an action that screams hangover. The reason the Shining is such a good book is because these metaphors extend beyond a simple interpretation of an alcoholic's regression and show how one person's addiction affects his entire family. The Shining isn't my favorite Stephen King book I have read, but it is the best written.
Posted By: Puddintain - 07/30/2008 - 8:57 PM EST
Reminds me an awful lot of my own childhood. Danny Torrance is very close to my heart.
Posted By: Vllad23 - 07/27/2008 - 6:11 PM EST
totally, the movie is known so well, but the book is what made it what it truly is, and you catch the true words of King from it, and what he really aimed at.
Posted By: Rjt65 - 07/24/2008 - 11:46 AM EST
Everyone is familiar with the first movie..but the book offers so much more. One of my favorite King novels.
