“The terror, which would not end for another twenty-eight years--if it ever did end--began, so far as I know or can tell, with a boat made from a sheet of newspaper floating down a gutter swollen with rain.” I was a normal kid until Stephen King wrote that line.
IT was the best experience I've had reading a novel. I was twelve and read it late October in a week. Reading this epic horror with characters I could relate to, at night with the rain hitting the windows as Alice Cooper played on my stereo was amazing.
@@bl.gabe- the book goes into the history of Derry more. There is more chapters of the kids and lot of stuff with pennywise that is too disturbing for the movies. Also the book takes place in the 50's and 80's and is much more terryfing.
My favorite part of the Georgie scene is not the introduction of Pennywise, but the narrator's post-hoc description of the S.S. Georgie as it continues to sail through the sewers, down the Penobscot River, then out to sea, never to be seen again. The whole coda to that Pennywise intro/Georgie death hurts my heart in ways I can't quite explain. It hooked me, and I couldn't get away even if I wanted to.
My favroute Stephen King book. People often complain about the baggy, overly long daliances into the history of Derry and the people in there, but for me that's a huge part of the charm. The book is a love-letter to 1950s America and when I (regularly) re-read it, I wallow in the sheer unbridled Americana of it.
I think people complain more about the Sewer Scene than anything. Understandable so to because that part is uncalled for. I plan on skipping that part for sure.
Yes! More Stephen King content! I fell in love with his writing two years ago when I read Salem’s Lot and right now we’re doing a buddy read of the Dark Tower with some friends and it’s all because of your video Why you should read! Thank you for great content, as always!
Awsome man my first King books was Salems Lot too and is still my favourite of all time, i finished book 2 of gunslinger before christmas and excited to get to book 3
I think people who haven't read the book go in histerics about that "scene". Cause if they've read the book and they were ok about the gruesome ways kids die, or were being physically and mentally abused by the monster, bullies and even their families....AND then clutch their pearls in shock after reading that "scene"...I'm thinking there's something wrong with those people. If I were to list 10 things I found horrible/sad that happened in the book that "scene" would not even cross my mind.
King gave an official explanation of that "scene". I accept it. Times were different in the 50's and s*x wasn't just something that was thrown around at that age like nowadays. It created a bond between them that was the closest they could get compared to the bond they had before. They could literally read each other's minds. When they "defeated" her the bond started to fade. They would have been lost and all died in the sewers.
@@billhanscomb1119 im planning to get the book, and it needs the kids banging each other, not because of it being something taboo. Dont give a shit about that. But i hate history being altered to suit the times. I'm against that with everything. But also removing that stuff makes it unrealistic as hell to me.. when i think back to that age, more than anything i remember the first sexual stuff and all that crazy stuff that girls had to teach me as i didnt come up with the same ideas until a year later at least. The whole lets get naked and fool around was always the girls ideas. And some of the best memories with girls started at 12. So to not have that because someone says its wrong doesn't work around the world. So in Scandinavia all this is normal and not something to be weird about or look down on. We had a talkshow that had a section about first sex and that was always around 12-13. And no one has ever mentioned that show. So to call it taboo cant work outside America as its nothing but normal stuff here. Same reason feance and spain and Italy has all these movies about kids banging since the 70s. So many directors have made a movie about that subject. And they do it better than anybody else. There's a few Scandi flicks about that stuff. But the hottest countries win with that. ? ?
Regarding "that" scene... while not handled very well it does fit within the narrative. Every one of the kids had to confront their true worst fear to get out of the confrontation alive. Due to her history of abuse by her father, compounded by the vicious rumors and bullying by her peers, that was Beverly's worst fear. I think he intended it to be her turning something horrifying into something loving and comforting... he just didn't stick the landing. Sex and adolescence is a touchy subject at any time, people have very specific belief systems and what is no big deal to some is unthinkable to others, then you have the social stigma that keeps people from being honest ... even though I personally knew several kids who were sexually active as early as 5th grade and a much higher percentage in middle school. I have always given him credit though to be willing to "go there" with her story especially at the time the book was released. Sexual abuse is something that more girls go through than you would think, and it is often at the hands of a family member... yet especially in the 80's it was NOT discussed, period. 1 in 9 girls has been assaulted by a family member in childhood, and 1 in 6 women have either been raped or attempted to be raped in their lifetime, and that is just in the US. (statistics from RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) .
It's insanely overhyped these days. In the context of the story and when it occurs, you're probably pretty on board with the story and nod along at the author's intent behind it.
Really love these King multiverse videos, thank you. Please continue making them, I'm a huge King fan and it's nice to see your passion in the reviews.
King is the man! The thing I love about his books isn't just that they're genuinely scary, but that they're packed with extreme amounts of emotion and a genius understanding of the inner working of the human mind.
I just finished IT for the first time a few hrs ago. I was enjoying the book already but the book went to another level with the ritual of Chud. That fucking blew me away, seemed to come out of nowhere. It’s an incredible book, personally I’ve got zero complaints.
I read this when I was 13 over 10 years ago and I can still remember almost everything that happens. I was a member of the losers club that summer.Decided never to read it again only because of the impression it made on me. If I had a kid I probably wouldn't let them read it as young as I did but maybe it wouldn't of had such an impact on me if I had found it later in life. A very special book, maybe one day I'll read it again.
That's awesome! My nephew is 13, and he's been asking me to loan it to him. I'm not sure if I should let him read it yet. He turns 14 in May though... so maybe he's old enough.
@@MilesWilliams88 Yeah I totally understand why people would hold off letting their kids read this entirely, it was actually a friend of mines mum that lent me the book originally. For me it was such a personal experience reading the book at that age and feeling part of the group that really made it so special. Sure there were probably some parts of the book that were lost on me but it didn't change my enjoyment of it. When I started reading it I probably wasn't mature enough but the way King writes I genuinely felt like I grew up with the gang as I made my way through it. So when it came to the explicit scenes in the book I was able to deal with the mature subject matter far better than I would have previously. I hope your Nephew enjoys the book as much as I did!
It started with the 1990's miniseries when I was 9. It scared me beyond belief and I couldn't handle it. Then, I read the first couple of chapters when I was 13 but still couldn't handle it then. Finally, in 2017, I watched theThe Horror Show's review of the It movie and it truly started my Path Along The Beam. Since then, I have been journeying far and wide throughout the multiverse and I finally took the plunge last year into this book. IT was a monumental read and that is coming from someone who reads those same epic fantasy novels that are behind you. For me, this was one that took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotion and I felt drained afterward. Definitely needed a breather and something a little more relaxed. Great book and great review. Thanks, Mike!
A minor perhaps but incredibly effective difference between the film versions of the Georgie scene and the book is that the book draws out the terror. Georgie gets his arm grabbed and then it taunts him, lets the face change, croons at him and gives him time to shit his pants, lose his mind, etc. The mini-series and movie both go straight to an instant gotcha mousetrap kinda scare. It's that extra five to ten seconds in the novel that really freaks me out most though. Take note script writers.
Just finished reading this masterpiece for the 4th time in my life, now being the same age as the Loser's Club when they're adults in the story. Every time I come back to this book, it feels like coming home. So many of your thoughts on this masterpiece are spot on. Great review. Regarding THAT SCENE near the end, I get that it's uncomfortable for a lot of readers, but I've never understood the visceral hate a lot of readers seem to have for it. I think the symbolism - Beverly choosing to have her first "experience" be a positive one with people she cares about rather than with her father who clearly plans to sexual abuse her when she becomes of age - is missed by a lot of readers. The entire story is about the uncomfortable parts of transitioning from childhood to adulthood, and sex is a huge part of that, despite adults often pretending otherwise. There are good arguments to be made that King should have chosen to portray that differently for sure, but it baffles me that people get so hung up on that one scene when the previous 1,000+ pages contain the murders of young children, horrific domestic violence, disturbing animal cruelty, horrific hate crimes, etc. Somehow all of that "triggering" content was all fine, but people reach THAT scene, which is consensual and between characters of the same age, and suddenly it's too much to handle.
Because unlike the murders done clearly against their will, this is portrayed as a positive move for them to make together . It's not. It's harmful. And they are too young to be capable if "consenting" to this.
Loved IT so much! I've always said what makes this story great are the characters. So welk fleshed out and a very 3 dimensional picture of everyone and the town. Great story
I read this for the first time when I was 15 and it was just out in paperback. Finished it in 3 days and opened it and read it again immediately. My favorite book of all time and I still read it once a year. Thanks.
Growing up with a stutter and reading this for the first time as an adult, it really blew me away how King nailed the stuttering thing. You really don't stutter when you talk in accents or mock other people, I think that's why it resonated with me so much. I was also the head honcho of our group as kids. I don't stutter as often anymore--but it comes back worse when I think of certain experiences I had as a kid. Such a great book.
Just finished this book for the first time. It is a masterpiece. So many emotions, amazing characters, heartbreaking ending. Fucked up beyond belief at certain points and I love cosmic horror so the turtle stuff and Gan, loved it. Seems like ppl forget imo what the most fucked up scene in this book is. When IT comes for a toddler in the bathroom and caves his head in while laughing manically while the mother tries to open the locked door. So. Fucked.Up. Great review as always Mike!
Just recently watched your videos about the criticisms you get. I started watching this channel because you are reviewing Stephen King and your Into the Multiverse series. When I was 8 a friend's cousin was reading this book and we desperately wanted to know about it. He read the Georgie scene and at 41 years old I am still wary of sewers if not afraid.
I am a woman and had almost no issues with "that" scene. I understood it for what it was and moved along. Tbh, I was WAY more annoyed with the turtle and that whole thing at the end. That ending with the turtle(the spider, too) I didn't care for...other than that, it was a perfect book and is still my favorite of all time. I grew up in the 80's, as well, and this was my first adult book....the nostalgia, the memories. On a trip to Bangor, Maine in 2019(a bucket list trip for me) I took a tour of all of the places around that town that inspired many of his works, esp his early ones(his best, imo, when cocaine was his co-writer). The Standpipe is as creepy as the book made it out to be and it actually looks just like I thought it would. I know that King wrote on a park bench right around this area and the first time I saw it, I kind of choked up. Ok, I full-on cried. It was such a surreal feeling being in Bangor and seeing not only his home but the places where he drew inspiration...well, it was just the coolest thing I've ever done in my life.
When I lived in Maine in the late 90s (pre van accident but around that time) Stephen King visited our fifth (?) grade class as a "get kids into reading" kinda presentation. In hindsight I feel bad since we mostly asked movie/Pennywise lore questions but that was most familiar and seriously affected/fucked up our generation who saw the mini-series as little kids haha.
Stephen King's IT took me a while to finish. I had to take breaks from how long the chapters are. I'd even took a break from this book for a few months until I went back to reading the story. It's a good read. Creeped me out, very... adultery. I never read a book with adult moments in my life in my journey of reading. I'd finished the book the day before. I was like, "Finally! I finished IT. Took me a while but I did it." I think others would probably quit reading a book that takes them a while to finish reading and go for the books that they can finish. I didn't regret reading the book. I wished I started off with The Green Mile or three of my other Stephen King books. Nope. My dumb ass wanted to read IT. Love the book; it's awesome. Five Stars. Five out of five.
I picked up It after seeing chapter 1. Loved it, now I've read 6 of his books and 2 more sitting on the book shelf waiting for their turn. He's quickly become my favourite author. So glad I have so many of his books still to read!
@@mikesbookreviews Will do! As the resident King expert, is the Dark tower series worth tackling? I've heard you knock the last few books, don't really want to commit to something that stumbles over the finishing line.
I was traumatized as a kid by the miniseries and I told myself I would never read the book. I'm also not big on horror... But I keep hearing you talk about and I'm very intrigued, also I'm currently reading 11/22/63 and I wasn't expecting the Derry part! So thanks again for a great review and for making me want to give horror a try :)
One of my favourite books of all time! The only other book that I have ever read that has the same coming of age feel is Lorenzo Carcaterra's Sleepers. The same intense friendships with childhood trauma, and the time jumps to them as adults. Another favourite for me (and the movie is very well done).
I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but your feelings about It, was what I felt about The Stand. Talisman was my first, but The Stand was next and it was like a whole new world opened up. IT is my favorite SK book though
I adore this novel. My first King as well. One book that gave me the It vibe is "Summer of Night" by Dan Simmons. I still did not read the sequel, so I can't say anything about it (on my TBR) but I remember liking Summer of Night a lot.
This was the longest book ive read by far, and I absolutely loved it. I just finished it, and I think it was a masterpiece cover to cover. I feel lost now that it's finished, and scrolling through threads, looking for my next book, I find myself still thinking about this one. I can't wait to read it again.
This is my favorite King book and one of my favorite books ever. I read it as a teenager as well and even though I was older than them I definitely felt like one of the losers club. Funny thing, I read this book at night a few times and I needed all my lights on. This book has really scary scenes. Thanks for the wonderful review and I’m definitely rereading it this year.
We used to have this book on our book shelves when I was child. It was big with an all black cover and the side had IT embedded in a shiny red. I have no idea where this book ended up but I am kicking myself for not keeping it. 🙃
One of my first King books read when I was about 16. 20 years older now and think I'll give it the re-read. I totally relate to not wanting to read the adult bits as a teen. So intrigued to see how it feels reading them now. And yes I too was a Beverly. All my friends growing up were boys 😊
@@mikesbookreviews Thank you! The ending really killed it for me and put it at a 4 stars, but I'm glad, also, that you love this book as much as you do! Enthusiastic readers are like version of cocaine
I've read this twice, once as a teen, once right before the movies came out, a couple years back, and absolutely loved it, both times. I have always loved King's characters, they seem so real, and this book is stellar in that department! One of my faves, for sure!😃
Such an amazing coming of age story by Mr King. It was my first book by King and it was good enough to made me enthusiastic devotee of his work.The losers club evoked many memories from the past. Awaiting your Revival review.
I just finished this book--It. I listened to the Audible version while following in the book, or a pdf copy. So glad to move on to other King material!
I have read IT as one of my first books ever, not too long ago, in every Stephen king book there is a particular theme I think, IT has as theme conquering/overcome your nightmares, wich was for me a really eye-opener to the society. with every other book by King I grow more comfortable looking to our world.
I read the book “The Exercist” and I will never forget the fear the opening part that took place in Iraq instilled. The book was so much more scary than any of the movies will ever be.
I really need to read this one! I’m doing a “Reading Classic Stephen King Horror” series on my booktube channel and this will definitely be featured at some point hopefully in the near future!! So far my favorite King book has been The Shining!
I've been a King fan since the 90s and have read a ton of his books, but I never got around to reading this one. I'm going to finally read it, I think.
Read this when I was 17 after the miniseries had been out for like 5 years and it scared the hell out of me. I kept looking down the drain when I was brushing my teeth lol. The book was way more scarier then the miniseries. I also believe this was my first King book as well and it has been King ever since. Thanks for all the connections as well to the other king's stories from IT. I realized a few when I started the Dark Tower and The Stand! Love the channel Mike been with you since I you started Wheel of Time which I started that Summer when you kicked off the channel that Spring. Your reviews are always on point and you got me ordering Kings of the Wyld in the next week or so from your review
IT is my favorite King book still, because it was my first one, but it did take me a couple years to finish. I'm glad you brought up that scene, because it never took away my love for this one, but it was memorable. I was so surprised by it that years later I had to see if someone else would mention it to prove I was recalling correctly. I'm reading through King's catalogue so slowly that I don't know if I'll remember all the references from his other works.
One of my goals has been to start reading Stephen King & your videos helped me decide that 2021 is the year for King. I don't think I'll start with this one though 😅 this ones pretty long.
Mike, “Boy's Life” by Robert R. McCammon evoked that same coming-of-age + horror combo for me. If you haven’t read that one, you might consider putting it on your list. I think you’d really enjoy it.
Hi Mike, I’m a first time commenter. I just wanted to say I really like to listen to you talk about the books I love, so thanks for all your effort you put into the channel, I really do appreciate all the hard work that you put into it. I think I’m slightly older than you, but like you I invested a lot of time in Stephen King’s early works as a teenager. My favourites being The Stand and IT, and I love listening to you recap those great stories. Other early reads for me in horror were James Herbert and Clive Barker. I know you read read Clive Barker’s Weaveworld, and was thinking about reading Imagica. Well I’d definitely recommend Imagica but for me Cabal is the one from Mr Barker you should go for. Hopefully you can find time in your busy schedule. Of course Stephen King’s “the dark tower” is excellent, and I’m thinking about reading 11.22.63 because you have mentioned it a lot in your video’s. The reason I wanted to contact you is I’ve been taking on board your recent recommendations, and wanted to thank you so much for introducing me to Joe Abercrombie. “Wow”. I read the first law trilogy, the stand-alones, sharp ends and the age of madness without interruption. I simply couldn’t put them down. I’ve also just finished Mistborn era 1 (including a secret history) and to be honest I liked it, but I wasn’t blown away, and so I’ve decided to have a rest from Brandon Sanderson for a while but I would like your recommendation on what I should read next in the Cosmere? Right now I’m really enjoying a few pallet cleansers by Richard Matheson, I am legend, stir of echos, hell house and I’m about to take a short trip to Europe and I will be taking “what dreams may come” with me. I’m looking forward to that. On my return I’m going to read the Red Rising saga, again on your recommendation, and I’m really excited about these books. On a science fIction note, have you read the Gap Cycle by Stephen Donaldson? Or any of his early fantasy works (the chronicles of Thomas Covenant), if so what did you think? Lastly, I do have a song of ice and fire to read, but as you say it’s incomplete which puts me off taking the plunge - what would you say I should do? Anyway, thanks again for keeping me entertained. Keep up the the great content, and don’t let the TH-cam overlords get you down. Regards Mark (Manchester, England)
I grew up in a King household. With both of my parents being fans. I originally saw the mini series when I was seven or eight and loved it. But it wasn't until the remakes were announced that I finally decided to read the book. And in all that time the ending was never spoiled. I always knew It as the scary clown book. I had a few people make references to that scene but was never out right told what happened. And when I finally got to that point it didn't really bother me. Mainly because iirc that happens after the whole (for a lack of better word) mystic battle between the turtle and Pennywise. So not much could really surprise me at that point. And I knew King was really deep into the nose candy when he was writing It. So I Chuck it up to that. And while I love this story. I have to say my favorite parts are the Derry Interludes. By the end of the book I was more fascinated with the town then who or what Pennywise was. The scariest part of the book for me was the death of Patrick Hockstetter. That was the one time I put down the book and took a break.
IT is my favorite King Book (to be fair, I've only read IT, The Stand, 'Salem's Lot, and Dark Tower so far, though I'm reading The Shining now and Doctor Sleep next), so I'm happy to watch you review it twice.
I've seen the original IT miniseries and both of the newer movies, but am FINALLY going to read the book during October of this year, just in time for Halloween! Also, I'm reading 11/22/63 right now and loved how chunk of the book was an homage to IT.
I've never read the book but I watched the movie back when I was around 9 or 10 years old with my best friend one night by oursleves, It scared the crap out of me and have hated clowns since lol! I should read the book now since I'm 42 and see if scares me like it did back then!
I have read It multiple times from when I was a teen to when the new movies came and I was approaching 40 and I have loved it ever time. I got a lot more out of the adult sections this time arround and I really found the kids in danger much more terrifying as well. Long days and pleasant nights.
Great review and video as always! I really enjoyed IT more than I expected I would. My next book in my Kingverse journey is The Tommyknockers and I've heard it's pretty out there as far as weird things go but I'm in it till the end!
I pretty much despise the two newer films but the 1990's miniseries is still beloved by me even though it was softened from the book. CGI doesn't scare me, it turns me off.
The controversial scene in this book makes sense since "the act" is deeply connected to rituals and mysticism. I read the first half but had to put it down because it really scared me lol I finished it a year later. Then read it again.
Since we're talking multiversal connections throughout King's books i found one chain of events starting from IT to Insomnia and finally The Dark Tower and i want to point this out for everyone since i haven't seen anyone talking about it. SPOILER ALERT FOR IT , INSOMNIA AND THE DARK TOWER In IT , adult Mike Hanlon gets stabbed by adult Henry Bowers and sent to the hospital but he survives. He continues his life after It is defeated , leading to the moment where he meets Ralph Roberts ( the main character of the book Insomnia ) and saves his life after Ralph gets stabbed by an individual whose name i do not remember at the moment. Ralph recovers and goes on to save a kid named Patrick Danville from a catastrophe caused by a plane crash. Patrick has the power to make whatever he draws in his sketchbook a reality ( i think its something along those lines). Now in The Dark Tower , Roland Deschain rescues Patrick Danville from a vampire named Dandelo and with his help manages to reach the tower and defeat the Crimson King and finally enter the Tower. Thats it, thats what i got , any other reader is welcome to add to this or correct me. Hope this was a fun discovery for anyone who didn't know .
I was the one guy living under a rock and did not know about THAT scene near the end with Bev and the boys. O my I was cought of guard. For me it didnt ruin the book, just a wtf moment, and to be honest early King has at least one wtf moment in his novels. Amazing book, and knocks of Salems Lot as my fav King.
My first horror reading was the Exorcist while a teenager hiding it from my parents and I was horror hooked so Stephen King was a natural progression with The Stand which led to all of his books. Next was Anne Rice and The Vampire Chronicles and The Mayfair Witches. A little Dean Koontz and John Saul as well. If I only had one genre to choose from to read for the rest of my life it would be horror but thankfully there is no limit . Cause Ray Bradbury, Frank Hebert, and George RR Martin (to name a few) would be a shame to miss!
Ive just bought the DVDs of the two IT films , saw the 1990 one some years ago . Just wondered have you reviewed any of his short stories collections ? I just ordered The Bazaar Of Bad Dreams .
I have read only a few Stephen King books as a teen and I was thinking of getting back into his stuff. I never read IT but I watched the miniseries and the movies, is it worth jumping into the book still after all these years? I feel like I might have liked it more as a teen than I would now, but maybe I'm over thinking it.
@@sidnew2739 IT was pretty good! I think there are things I like from all versions between the films, the miniseries and the novel there is a perfect story. But there are parts in each I wish they'd cut. But overall the book was the best to dig deeper with the characters which I liked a ton. Plus I liked the scary bits more in the book than the movies.
I have read this book 22 times....I usually read it once or twice a year. It's my favorite book of all time. Richie is my favorite character and the end still breaks my heart every single time I read it. I was like Bev when I was a kid, I also spent my time with mostly boys bc your old friend was right....boys are nicer. I'd put Pennywise in a tie for best villain with Flagg, Linoge, Gaunt, and Wilkes
Just finished It for the first time. This is about the 20th King book I’ve read now. Hands down my favorite so far. I’m absolutely shook. I can’t believe you’ve read It 22 times! Although I kinda can because I already want to reread it and I just finished like an hour ago lol! Also, those 5 villains you mentioned are my exact top 5 villains from him as well. Richie is also my favorite character in this book. You have great character taste ;)
For years I was confused when people talk about this scene in the book because My copy of the book never had that scene because I bought my copy at Walmart and I had no idea that they censored books at the time
I saw the first IT review you had, but have no problem seeing another one. (I do not find clowns that scary, but the IT book/movie make them as scary as they can get). I might try out the book, love the 1950s setting in books when kids could be outside without a leash, and we had not been to the moon yet. I think The Stand is my favourite King book, but I am sold on the friendship aspect here. Characterization is Kings´s strenght and it sounds like this book has it in spades.
‘You’ll feel like the eighth member of the losers club’. Ah man, that makes me want to read this book again. It’s so good.
“The terror, which would not end for another twenty-eight years--if it ever did end--began, so far as I know or can tell, with a boat made from a sheet of newspaper floating down a gutter swollen with rain.”
I was a normal kid until Stephen King wrote that line.
He ruined us all.
IT was the best experience I've had reading a novel. I was twelve and read it late October in a week. Reading this epic horror with characters I could relate to, at night with the rain hitting the windows as Alice Cooper played on my stereo was amazing.
ive watched both the movies and for some reason got a urge to read the book.. do you think it's worth reading the book after watching both movies?
@@bl.gabe- yes read the book
@@EndlessLaymon is it really different from the movies? Cuz ik it's over 1000 pages and I wanted to know if Ill be getting a lot of new information
@@bl.gabe- the book goes into the history of Derry more. There is more chapters of the kids and lot of stuff with pennywise that is too disturbing for the movies. Also the book takes place in the 50's and 80's and is much more terryfing.
@@EndlessLaymon oh okay thank you! i will for sure read it then!
My favorite part of the Georgie scene is not the introduction of Pennywise, but the narrator's post-hoc description of the S.S. Georgie as it continues to sail through the sewers, down the Penobscot River, then out to sea, never to be seen again. The whole coda to that Pennywise intro/Georgie death hurts my heart in ways I can't quite explain. It hooked me, and I couldn't get away even if I wanted to.
My favroute Stephen King book. People often complain about the baggy, overly long daliances into the history of Derry and the people in there, but for me that's a huge part of the charm. The book is a love-letter to 1950s America and when I (regularly) re-read it, I wallow in the sheer unbridled Americana of it.
I think people complain more about the Sewer Scene than anything. Understandable so to because that part is uncalled for. I plan on skipping that part for sure.
I’m currently reading IT right now and I’m really enjoying it. Excited to see more Stephen King content on your channel!!
Just don't freak out when you get to "That" scene.
Enjoy the ride! It's a fantastic book.
@@whutzatI haven't read the book yet but I've heard about that scene. WTF was Stephen King thinking!
@@whutzatHe has every right to freak out over that because its uncalled for..
@@whutzat he gives an explanation for it plus he was super coked up at the time.
That part about girls being mean on a mental level talked to me on a soul level.
I always hung out with guys, too. I connected with Beverly, for that reason.
Sounds like what I was told was indeed accurate then ha ha
@@ineedlu I was worried folks weren't going to understand what I meant. Glad it landed. Ha.
Beverly marsh is so badass and powerful
@@ineedlusame here😊
Yes! More Stephen King content! I fell in love with his writing two years ago when I read Salem’s Lot and right now we’re doing a buddy read of the Dark Tower with some friends and it’s all because of your video Why you should read! Thank you for great content, as always!
Awsome man my first King books was Salems Lot too and is still my favourite of all time, i finished book 2 of gunslinger before christmas and excited to get to book 3
I think people who haven't read the book go in histerics about that "scene". Cause if they've read the book and they were ok about the gruesome ways kids die, or were being physically and mentally abused by the monster, bullies and even their families....AND then clutch their pearls in shock after reading that "scene"...I'm thinking there's something wrong with those people.
If I were to list 10 things I found horrible/sad that happened in the book that "scene" would not even cross my mind.
King gave an official explanation of that "scene". I accept it. Times were different in the 50's and s*x wasn't just something that was thrown around at that age like nowadays. It created a bond between them that was the closest they could get compared to the bond they had before. They could literally read each other's minds. When they "defeated" her the bond started to fade. They would have been lost and all died in the sewers.
@billhanscomb1119 my brother in Christ some kids had a gangbang, you can talk all you want how deep it is but it's fucked lol absolutely not
@@billhanscomb1119 im planning to get the book, and it needs the kids banging each other, not because of it being something taboo. Dont give a shit about that. But i hate history being altered to suit the times. I'm against that with everything. But also removing that stuff makes it unrealistic as hell to me.. when i think back to that age, more than anything i remember the first sexual stuff and all that crazy stuff that girls had to teach me as i didnt come up with the same ideas until a year later at least. The whole lets get naked and fool around was always the girls ideas. And some of the best memories with girls started at 12. So to not have that because someone says its wrong doesn't work around the world. So in Scandinavia all this is normal and not something to be weird about or look down on. We had a talkshow that had a section about first sex and that was always around 12-13. And no one has ever mentioned that show. So to call it taboo cant work outside America as its nothing but normal stuff here. Same reason feance and spain and Italy has all these movies about kids banging since the 70s. So many directors have made a movie about that subject. And they do it better than anybody else. There's a few Scandi flicks about that stuff. But the hottest countries win with that. ? ?
Regarding "that" scene... while not handled very well it does fit within the narrative. Every one of the kids had to confront their true worst fear to get out of the confrontation alive. Due to her history of abuse by her father, compounded by the vicious rumors and bullying by her peers, that was Beverly's worst fear. I think he intended it to be her turning something horrifying into something loving and comforting... he just didn't stick the landing. Sex and adolescence is a touchy subject at any time, people have very specific belief systems and what is no big deal to some is unthinkable to others, then you have the social stigma that keeps people from being honest ... even though I personally knew several kids who were sexually active as early as 5th grade and a much higher percentage in middle school. I have always given him credit though to be willing to "go there" with her story especially at the time the book was released. Sexual abuse is something that more girls go through than you would think, and it is often at the hands of a family member... yet especially in the 80's it was NOT discussed, period. 1 in 9 girls has been assaulted by a family member in childhood, and 1 in 6 women have either been raped or attempted to be raped in their lifetime, and that is just in the US. (statistics from RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) .
i actually haven’t heard about the scene that everyone is referring to. is it a graphic scene with beverly and her dad?
@@bergcitylimits Its at the very end of the book. She is intimate with each of the boys. It's all consensual.
It's insanely overhyped these days. In the context of the story and when it occurs, you're probably pretty on board with the story and nod along at the author's intent behind it.
@@waymire01'Its all consensual' that doesnt mean shit when its nothing but a bunch of 11 year olds... Disgusting you think that way
Really love these King multiverse videos, thank you. Please continue making them, I'm a huge King fan and it's nice to see your passion in the reviews.
King is the man! The thing I love about his books isn't just that they're genuinely scary, but that they're packed with extreme amounts of emotion and a genius understanding of the inner working of the human mind.
Indeed. You nailed it.
I just finished IT for the first time a few hrs ago. I was enjoying the book already but the book went to another level with the ritual of Chud. That fucking blew me away, seemed to come out of nowhere. It’s an incredible book, personally I’ve got zero complaints.
It is so crazy how King can make these connections over so many years. Thanks for these videos. You always do such a stellar job. Always impressive
Thanks!
I read this when I was 13 over 10 years ago and I can still remember almost everything that happens. I was a member of the losers club that summer.Decided never to read it again only because of the impression it made on me. If I had a kid I probably wouldn't let them read it as young as I did but maybe it wouldn't of had such an impact on me if I had found it later in life. A very special book, maybe one day I'll read it again.
That's awesome! My nephew is 13, and he's been asking me to loan it to him. I'm not sure if I should let him read it yet. He turns 14 in May though... so maybe he's old enough.
@@MilesWilliams88 Yeah I totally understand why people would hold off letting their kids read this entirely, it was actually a friend of mines mum that lent me the book originally. For me it was such a personal experience reading the book at that age and feeling part of the group that really made it so special. Sure there were probably some parts of the book that were lost on me but it didn't change my enjoyment of it. When I started reading it I probably wasn't mature enough but the way King writes I genuinely felt like I grew up with the gang as I made my way through it. So when it came to the explicit scenes in the book I was able to deal with the mature subject matter far better than I would have previously. I hope your Nephew enjoys the book as much as I did!
It started with the 1990's miniseries when I was 9. It scared me beyond belief and I couldn't handle it. Then, I read the first couple of chapters when I was 13 but still couldn't handle it then. Finally, in 2017, I watched theThe Horror Show's review of the It movie and it truly started my Path Along The Beam. Since then, I have been journeying far and wide throughout the multiverse and I finally took the plunge last year into this book. IT was a monumental read and that is coming from someone who reads those same epic fantasy novels that are behind you. For me, this was one that took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotion and I felt drained afterward. Definitely needed a breather and something a little more relaxed. Great book and great review. Thanks, Mike!
Ben is my favorite as well. Love his character and how great a person he is
A minor perhaps but incredibly effective difference between the film versions of the Georgie scene and the book is that the book draws out the terror. Georgie gets his arm grabbed and then it taunts him, lets the face change, croons at him and gives him time to shit his pants, lose his mind, etc. The mini-series and movie both go straight to an instant gotcha mousetrap kinda scare. It's that extra five to ten seconds in the novel that really freaks me out most though. Take note script writers.
This book was my first adult novel I read as a kid and bc of that it will always have a special place in my heart.
This is my EXACT story! Aw, the memories, the nostalgia.
Just finished reading this masterpiece for the 4th time in my life, now being the same age as the Loser's Club when they're adults in the story. Every time I come back to this book, it feels like coming home. So many of your thoughts on this masterpiece are spot on. Great review.
Regarding THAT SCENE near the end, I get that it's uncomfortable for a lot of readers, but I've never understood the visceral hate a lot of readers seem to have for it. I think the symbolism - Beverly choosing to have her first "experience" be a positive one with people she cares about rather than with her father who clearly plans to sexual abuse her when she becomes of age - is missed by a lot of readers. The entire story is about the uncomfortable parts of transitioning from childhood to adulthood, and sex is a huge part of that, despite adults often pretending otherwise. There are good arguments to be made that King should have chosen to portray that differently for sure, but it baffles me that people get so hung up on that one scene when the previous 1,000+ pages contain the murders of young children, horrific domestic violence, disturbing animal cruelty, horrific hate crimes, etc. Somehow all of that "triggering" content was all fine, but people reach THAT scene, which is consensual and between characters of the same age, and suddenly it's too much to handle.
Because unlike the murders done clearly against their will, this is portrayed as a positive move for them to make together . It's not. It's harmful. And they are too young to be capable if "consenting" to this.
Loved IT so much!
I've always said what makes this story great are the characters. So welk fleshed out and a very 3 dimensional picture of everyone and the town. Great story
I read this for the first time when I was 15 and it was just out in paperback. Finished it in 3 days and opened it and read it again immediately. My favorite book of all time and I still read it once a year. Thanks.
I love the art scattered throughout this video. Cool stuff.
Growing up with a stutter and reading this for the first time as an adult, it really blew me away how King nailed the stuttering thing. You really don't stutter when you talk in accents or mock other people, I think that's why it resonated with me so much. I was also the head honcho of our group as kids. I don't stutter as often anymore--but it comes back worse when I think of certain experiences I had as a kid. Such a great book.
Just finished this book for the first time. It is a masterpiece. So many emotions, amazing characters, heartbreaking ending. Fucked up beyond belief at certain points and I love cosmic horror so the turtle stuff and Gan, loved it. Seems like ppl forget imo what the most fucked up scene in this book is. When IT comes for a toddler in the bathroom and caves his head in while laughing manically while the mother tries to open the locked door. So. Fucked.Up. Great review as always Mike!
Just recently watched your videos about the criticisms you get.
I started watching this channel because you are reviewing Stephen King and your Into the Multiverse series.
When I was 8 a friend's cousin was reading this book and we desperately wanted to know about it. He read the Georgie scene and at 41 years old I am still wary of sewers if not afraid.
Hi Mike, really enjoy your reviews. It shows how much thought and depth you put into them.
Thank you.
I am a woman and had almost no issues with "that" scene. I understood it for what it was and moved along. Tbh, I was WAY more annoyed with the turtle and that whole thing at the end. That ending with the turtle(the spider, too) I didn't care for...other than that, it was a perfect book and is still my favorite of all time. I grew up in the 80's, as well, and this was my first adult book....the nostalgia, the memories.
On a trip to Bangor, Maine in 2019(a bucket list trip for me) I took a tour of all of the places around that town that inspired many of his works, esp his early ones(his best, imo, when cocaine was his co-writer). The Standpipe is as creepy as the book made it out to be and it actually looks just like I thought it would. I know that King wrote on a park bench right around this area and the first time I saw it, I kind of choked up. Ok, I full-on cried. It was such a surreal feeling being in Bangor and seeing not only his home but the places where he drew inspiration...well, it was just the coolest thing I've ever done in my life.
When I lived in Maine in the late 90s (pre van accident but around that time) Stephen King visited our fifth (?) grade class as a "get kids into reading" kinda presentation. In hindsight I feel bad since we mostly asked movie/Pennywise lore questions but that was most familiar and seriously affected/fucked up our generation who saw the mini-series as little kids haha.
Stephen King's IT took me a while to finish. I had to take breaks from how long the chapters are. I'd even took a break from this book for a few months until I went back to reading the story. It's a good read. Creeped me out, very... adultery. I never read a book with adult moments in my life in my journey of reading. I'd finished the book the day before. I was like, "Finally! I finished IT. Took me a while but I did it." I think others would probably quit reading a book that takes them a while to finish reading and go for the books that they can finish.
I didn't regret reading the book. I wished I started off with The Green Mile or three of my other Stephen King books. Nope. My dumb ass wanted to read IT. Love the book; it's awesome. Five Stars. Five out of five.
I picked up It after seeing chapter 1. Loved it, now I've read 6 of his books and 2 more sitting on the book shelf waiting for their turn. He's quickly become my favourite author. So glad I have so many of his books still to read!
Enjoy the ride!
@@mikesbookreviews Will do!
As the resident King expert, is the Dark tower series worth tackling? I've heard you knock the last few books, don't really want to commit to something that stumbles over the finishing line.
Finished Christine today looooved it about to open this up now have held off watching the movies
I was traumatized as a kid by the miniseries and I told myself I would never read the book. I'm also not big on horror... But I keep hearing you talk about and I'm very intrigued, also I'm currently reading 11/22/63 and I wasn't expecting the Derry part!
So thanks again for a great review and for making me want to give horror a try :)
I finished 11/22/63 about a week ago. It's such a great book. Enjoy!
@@MilesWilliams88 thanks it's such an easy book to read. I'm loving it! I'm about halfway, can't wait to see what happens 😁
One of my favourite books of all time! The only other book that I have ever read that has the same coming of age feel is Lorenzo Carcaterra's Sleepers. The same intense friendships with childhood trauma, and the time jumps to them as adults. Another favourite for me (and the movie is very well done).
I just started reading the book never seen part two of the movie I'm really excited to continue reading
Oh, man. Hope you love it.
I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but your feelings about It, was what I felt about The Stand. Talisman was my first, but The Stand was next and it was like a whole new world opened up. IT is my favorite SK book though
The scene from the book that hit me hard. “You’ll die if you try.” That whole scene is so scary and brilliant. Book is amazing.
I haven't read much Steven King, but I recently read The Institute and it was brilliant, would definitely recommend it
I am going to be reading IT in April as I ascend the Dark Tower reading list per Jaime EnFuego's reccommended reading order.
I adore this novel. My first King as well.
One book that gave me the It vibe is "Summer of Night" by Dan Simmons. I still did not read the sequel, so I can't say anything about it (on my TBR) but I remember liking Summer of Night a lot.
@Makai Threads I did, a loooong time ago, even before "It". Mr. Bradbury is one of my favorite authors.
This was the longest book ive read by far, and I absolutely loved it. I just finished it, and I think it was a masterpiece cover to cover. I feel lost now that it's finished, and scrolling through threads, looking for my next book, I find myself still thinking about this one. I can't wait to read it again.
This is my favorite King book and one of my favorite books ever. I read it as a teenager as well and even though I was older than them I definitely felt like one of the losers club. Funny thing, I read this book at night a few times and I needed all my lights on. This book has really scary scenes. Thanks for the wonderful review and I’m definitely rereading it this year.
Greatest Intros on the net 👏 period Mike...love 💘 it man
We used to have this book on our book shelves when I was child. It was big with an all black cover and the side had IT embedded in a shiny red.
I have no idea where this book ended up but I am kicking myself for not keeping it. 🙃
One of my first King books read when I was about 16. 20 years older now and think I'll give it the re-read. I totally relate to not wanting to read the adult bits as a teen. So intrigued to see how it feels reading them now.
And yes I too was a Beverly. All my friends growing up were boys 😊
I've had this sitting on my shelf since the first one movie came out. Im to wary of it to pick it up and try it.
Do it! It's so good!!
I finished reading this book a day ago and I loved everything but the ending
Glad you mostly enjoyed it
@@mikesbookreviews Thank you! The ending really killed it for me and put it at a 4 stars, but I'm glad, also, that you love this book as much as you do! Enthusiastic readers are like version of cocaine
I've read this twice, once as a teen, once right before the movies came out, a couple years back, and absolutely loved it, both times. I have always loved King's characters, they seem so real, and this book is stellar in that department! One of my faves, for sure!😃
Glad you another review to It ..it like when we read our favorite book and get something new from it
Such an amazing coming of age story by Mr King. It was my first book by King and it was good enough to made me enthusiastic devotee of his work.The losers club evoked many memories from the past. Awaiting your Revival review.
I just finished this book--It. I listened to the Audible version while following in the book, or a pdf copy. So glad to move on to other King material!
I once heard someone call this the best H.P. Lovecraft story that’s not written by H.P. Lovecraft. I agree wholeheartedly!!!!
I have read IT as one of my first books ever, not too long ago, in every Stephen king book there is a particular theme I think, IT has as theme conquering/overcome your nightmares, wich was for me a really eye-opener to the society. with every other book by King I grow more comfortable looking to our world.
"Hi Georgie, want your boat?"
I read the book “The Exercist” and I will never forget the fear the opening part that took place in Iraq instilled. The book was so much more scary than any of the movies will ever be.
I really need to read this one! I’m doing a “Reading Classic Stephen King Horror” series on my booktube channel and this will definitely be featured at some point hopefully in the near future!! So far my favorite King book has been The Shining!
Highest of recommends.
I'm currently reading It and it's was Stephen king book I got into
Best experience I have ever had reading a novel. It was scary how good that novel was.
I've been a King fan since the 90s and have read a ton of his books, but I never got around to reading this one. I'm going to finally read it, I think.
Read this when I was 17 after the miniseries had been out for like 5 years and it scared the hell out of me. I kept looking down the drain when I was brushing my teeth lol. The book was way more scarier then the miniseries. I also believe this was my first King book as well and it has been King ever since. Thanks for all the connections as well to the other king's stories from IT. I realized a few when I started the Dark Tower and The Stand! Love the channel Mike been with you since I you started Wheel of Time which I started that Summer when you kicked off the channel that Spring. Your reviews are always on point and you got me ordering Kings of the Wyld in the next week or so from your review
IT is my favorite King book still, because it was my first one, but it did take me a couple years to finish. I'm glad you brought up that scene, because it never took away my love for this one, but it was memorable. I was so surprised by it that years later I had to see if someone else would mention it to prove I was recalling correctly. I'm reading through King's catalogue so slowly that I don't know if I'll remember all the references from his other works.
One of my goals has been to start reading Stephen King & your videos helped me decide that 2021 is the year for King. I don't think I'll start with this one though 😅 this ones pretty long.
Start with the short stories, then the novellas.. work your way up. Unless one of the novels in particular calls to you.
Mike, “Boy's Life” by Robert R. McCammon evoked that same coming-of-age + horror combo for me. If you haven’t read that one, you might consider putting it on your list. I think you’d really enjoy it.
I read this at age 15, while I was sulking because I was grounded - in a single day - blew.my.mind.
You read it in a day?!?! That's some serious reading chops! Lol.
I did do it. I've never been able to match that effort though.
Where did you buy the gunslinger's gun? X.X
Henry and Tom were the true monsters of that book and I will defend that stance until the day I die.
This was the book that got me into reading King
Hi Mike, I’m a first time commenter. I just wanted to say I really like to listen to you talk about the books I love, so thanks for all your effort you put into the channel, I really do appreciate all the hard work that you put into it.
I think I’m slightly older than you, but like you I invested a lot of time in Stephen King’s early works as a teenager. My favourites being The Stand and IT, and I love listening to you recap those great stories. Other early reads for me in horror were James Herbert and Clive Barker. I know you read read Clive Barker’s Weaveworld, and was thinking about reading Imagica. Well I’d definitely recommend Imagica but for me Cabal is the one from Mr Barker you should go for. Hopefully you can find time in your busy schedule. Of course Stephen King’s “the dark tower” is excellent, and I’m thinking about reading 11.22.63 because you have mentioned it a lot in your video’s.
The reason I wanted to contact you is I’ve been taking on board your recent recommendations, and wanted to thank you so much for introducing me to Joe Abercrombie. “Wow”. I read the first law trilogy, the stand-alones, sharp ends and the age of madness without interruption. I simply couldn’t put them down.
I’ve also just finished Mistborn era 1 (including a secret history) and to be honest I liked it, but I wasn’t blown away, and so I’ve decided to have a rest from Brandon Sanderson for a while but I would like your recommendation on what I should read next in the Cosmere?
Right now I’m really enjoying a few pallet cleansers by Richard Matheson, I am legend, stir of echos, hell house and I’m about to take a short trip to Europe and I will be taking “what dreams may come” with me. I’m looking forward to that.
On my return I’m going to read the Red Rising saga, again on your recommendation, and I’m really excited about these books. On a science fIction note, have you read the Gap Cycle by Stephen Donaldson? Or any of his early fantasy works (the chronicles of Thomas Covenant), if so what did you think?
Lastly, I do have a song of ice and fire to read, but as you say it’s incomplete which puts me off taking the plunge - what would you say I should do?
Anyway, thanks again for keeping me entertained. Keep up the the great content, and don’t let the TH-cam overlords get you down.
Regards Mark (Manchester, England)
I grew up in a King household. With both of my parents being fans. I originally saw the mini series when I was seven or eight and loved it. But it wasn't until the remakes were announced that I finally decided to read the book. And in all that time the ending was never spoiled. I always knew It as the scary clown book. I had a few people make references to that scene but was never out right told what happened. And when I finally got to that point it didn't really bother me. Mainly because iirc that happens after the whole (for a lack of better word) mystic battle between the turtle and Pennywise. So not much could really surprise me at that point. And I knew King was really deep into the nose candy when he was writing It. So I Chuck it up to that.
And while I love this story. I have to say my favorite parts are the Derry Interludes. By the end of the book I was more fascinated with the town then who or what Pennywise was. The scariest part of the book for me was the death of Patrick Hockstetter. That was the one time I put down the book and took a break.
Where did you find the awesome IT art at the beginning?
Still have my original HC i bought in 86 at Waldonbooks i think...long time ago lol. Probably my #2 favorite SK book behind The Shining.
IT is my favorite King Book (to be fair, I've only read IT, The Stand, 'Salem's Lot, and Dark Tower so far, though I'm reading The Shining now and Doctor Sleep next), so I'm happy to watch you review it twice.
ive watched both the movies and for some reason got a urge to read the book.. do you think it's worth reading the book after watching both movies?
@@bl.gabe- Whether it's The Shining and Doctor Sleep or IT, yes. Especially IT though, as the new movies are pretty crap IMO.
@@praetorxyn oh my bad I forgot to mention that I wanted to read it lmao. But thanks im for sure reading IT
@@bl.gabe- Enjoy. It's my favorite standalone. Far more in there than just horror too,otherwise it wouldn't be.
@@praetorxyn thank you!
If i have a book that is over 1000 pages i usually get an audiobook too so i can switch between physical and audio, i did this with The Stand too
I’ve had a lot tell me they do it this way.
I've seen the original IT miniseries and both of the newer movies, but am FINALLY going to read the book during October of this year, just in time for Halloween!
Also, I'm reading 11/22/63 right now and loved how chunk of the book was an homage to IT.
Sounds great Mike! I've never read King but this one and The Stand really sound like books I need to read.
Those were my first 2 King books, can’t go wrong with them!
I've never read the book but I watched the movie back when I was around 9 or 10 years old with my best friend one night by oursleves, It scared the crap out of me and have hated clowns since lol! I should read the book now since I'm 42 and see if scares me like it did back then!
I have read It multiple times from when I was a teen to when the new movies came and I was approaching 40 and I have loved it ever time.
I got a lot more out of the adult sections this time arround and I really found the kids in danger much more terrifying as well.
Long days and pleasant nights.
Great review and video as always! I really enjoyed IT more than I expected I would. My next book in my Kingverse journey is The Tommyknockers and I've heard it's pretty out there as far as weird things go but I'm in it till the end!
And the mugs lol 👍🏻🇬🇧
There are so many dark tower references I picked up and it’s fun
Where do u get your T shirts Mike? You’ll Float, House Atreides? I love them. Please tell me. I WANT THEM NOW!!! 👍🏻🇬🇧
I pretty much despise the two newer films but the 1990's miniseries is still beloved by me even though it was softened from the book. CGI doesn't scare me, it turns me off.
I got a first edition of IT in really good condition at a Goodwill for $3 a while back. I was ecstatic.
Nice!
The controversial scene in this book makes sense since "the act" is deeply connected to rituals and mysticism.
I read the first half but had to put it down because it really scared me lol I finished it a year later. Then read it again.
Since we're talking multiversal connections throughout King's books i found one chain of events starting from IT to Insomnia and finally The Dark Tower and i want to point this out for everyone since i haven't seen anyone talking about it. SPOILER ALERT FOR IT , INSOMNIA AND THE DARK TOWER
In IT , adult Mike Hanlon gets stabbed by adult Henry Bowers and sent to the hospital but he survives. He continues his life after It is defeated , leading to the moment where he meets Ralph Roberts ( the main character of the book Insomnia ) and saves his life after Ralph gets stabbed by an individual whose name i do not remember at the moment. Ralph recovers and goes on to save a kid named Patrick Danville from a catastrophe caused by a plane crash. Patrick has the power to make whatever he draws in his sketchbook a reality ( i think its something along those lines). Now in The Dark Tower , Roland Deschain rescues Patrick Danville from a vampire named Dandelo and with his help manages to reach the tower and defeat the Crimson King and finally enter the Tower.
Thats it, thats what i got , any other reader is welcome to add to this or correct me. Hope this was a fun discovery for anyone who didn't know .
I was the one guy living under a rock and did not know about THAT scene near the end with Bev and the boys. O my I was cought of guard. For me it didnt ruin the book, just a wtf moment, and to be honest early King has at least one wtf moment in his novels.
Amazing book, and knocks of Salems Lot as my fav King.
my favorite book of all time
Ch 3 page 71...Ben Hanscom Takes a Drink....bartender says something wrong with ben, but he doesn't have the symptoms of the flu thats going around 🤧
I’m reading this now, after reading The Shining for the first time a few days ago. I don’t know why I haven’t read much Stephen King before now.
My first horror reading was the Exorcist while a teenager hiding it from my parents and I was horror hooked so Stephen King was a natural progression with The Stand which led to all of his books. Next was Anne Rice and The Vampire Chronicles and The Mayfair Witches. A little Dean Koontz and John Saul as well. If I only had one genre to choose from to read for the rest of my life it would be horror but thankfully there is no limit . Cause Ray Bradbury, Frank Hebert, and George RR Martin (to name a few) would be a shame to miss!
Ive just bought the DVDs of the two IT films , saw the 1990 one some years ago .
Just wondered have you reviewed any of his short stories collections ? I just ordered The Bazaar Of Bad Dreams .
It's fair to say that King was jaming when he wrote It.
The person named Georgie😵
Marvellous review, you've got me wanting to re-read this now :D
I have read only a few Stephen King books as a teen and I was thinking of getting back into his stuff. I never read IT but I watched the miniseries and the movies, is it worth jumping into the book still after all these years? I feel like I might have liked it more as a teen than I would now, but maybe I'm over thinking it.
💯
@@mikesbookreviews after watching this video I decided to go to the bookstore and I bought IT so...here goes nothing
@@sidnew2739 IT was pretty good! I think there are things I like from all versions between the films, the miniseries and the novel there is a perfect story. But there are parts in each I wish they'd cut. But overall the book was the best to dig deeper with the characters which I liked a ton. Plus I liked the scary bits more in the book than the movies.
Are you ever going to review "The Breathing Method" segment of Different Seasons?
Yep. Two months ago: th-cam.com/video/vwkVAvhpq1A/w-d-xo.html
Haven’t read this one but loving the King content! Reading The Dead Zone right now
I have read this book 22 times....I usually read it once or twice a year. It's my favorite book of all time. Richie is my favorite character and the end still breaks my heart every single time I read it. I was like Bev when I was a kid, I also spent my time with mostly boys bc your old friend was right....boys are nicer.
I'd put Pennywise in a tie for best villain with Flagg, Linoge, Gaunt, and Wilkes
Just finished It for the first time. This is about the 20th King book I’ve read now. Hands down my favorite so far. I’m absolutely shook. I can’t believe you’ve read It 22 times! Although I kinda can because I already want to reread it and I just finished like an hour ago lol! Also, those 5 villains you mentioned are my exact top 5 villains from him as well. Richie is also my favorite character in this book. You have great character taste ;)
Yesssss more king. I think you should give Dark Tower another chance. I think the ending is actually beautiful
For years I was confused when people talk about this scene in the book because My copy of the book never had that scene because I bought my copy at Walmart and I had no idea that they censored books at the time
Consider yourself lucky then. It has no real importance for the story AT ALL and don't let anybody tell you differently.
I saw the first IT review you had, but have no problem seeing another one. (I do not find clowns that scary, but the IT book/movie make them as scary as they can get). I might try out the book, love the 1950s setting in books when kids could be outside without a leash, and we had not been to the moon yet. I think The Stand is my favourite King book, but I am sold on the friendship aspect here. Characterization is Kings´s strenght and it sounds like this book has it in spades.