I asked my dad for a horror book recommendation. He said I should read The Shining. Umm I'm sorry to say this but it did not fulfill my desire for a scary book. 
I know that introducing characters and their backstories is important, but in this case it took up way too much of the book. Like, nearly half of the book was taken up by Jack complaining about his life. I never fall asleep when reading... but there's a first time for everything.
*This age recommendation is only my opinion. Some younger people might feel comfortable reading this book, and some older people might not. That's fine, either way. Warning for alcoholism, medium to high-level violence and gore, sexual references and themes, heaps of racial slurs, swearing, violence toward children, domestic violence, and mental torment.
There were a couple creepy parts, I guess. But only a few. Maybe The Shining is more psychological horror than the horror I was looking for. The ending was pretty freaky, but it didn't make me feel anything, really. It was violent and stuff but I was still falling asleep.
Maybe Stephen King's writing style is what made the book so meh for me. Maybe it would've been scarier if the writing style engaged me more. Maybe the style was a bit outdated or just not what I'm used to, since the book was written in the 70s. Speaking of which, The Shining did NOT age well. The amount of slurs used in that book was absolutely atrocious.
I actually can't believe I finished the book. The concept was good, but it was just so boring. I think I only finished the book because I kept reading with the hope that it would get more interesting. But it didn't.
Maybe I am being a bit harsh... but I don't think I will be reading any more Stephen King novels anytime soon. I mightttt try out his short stories though? My dad loves Stephen King's work so I want to give it the benefit of the doubt. Maybe it's just not for me. That's ok, I guess.
So, in conclusion, my review of The Shining is: Meh. Disappointed.
The Shining by Stephen King, 15+* ★★
*This age recommendation is only my opinion. Some younger people might feel comfortable reading this book, and some older people might not. That's fine, either way. Warning for alcoholism, medium to high-level violence and gore, sexual references and themes, heaps of racial slurs, swearing, violence toward children, domestic violence, and mental torment.
Comments
Post a Comment