11/22/63

One of my flaws as a person (that I'm willing to acknowledge) is that when I find an author I like, I typically stick with them and don't often branch out. Among my favorites that I like to read are Stephen King, Anne Rice and John Grisham. One look at my "Last Books Read" list will bear that out. Of these three Grisham would probably be considered the weakest of the writers. The funny thing about that is, among the three I really like everything of Grisham's that I've read - there may be one or two works I haven't touched yet. King and Rice have both published novels that I didn't enjoy and on a few occasions couldn't finish.

I just finished 11/22/63 and was blown away with this book. Since I have recovered from my illness of a few years ago, I would say I have become a lot more 'sensitive'. I'm more emotional about things. This book evoked some strong emotions at several points along the way. Yes, Stephen King brought me to tears.

I can easily identify my top four favorite King books and they are (in order of publication date): The Stand, Bag of Bones, Under the Dome and now 11/22/63. Number five, if I were forced to pick would be It, but more for sentimental reasons - the first 100 or so pages are just so hard to get through but once you do, ohh the ride.

11/22/63 is one of those books that hooked me very early. One aspect that really touched me is his integration (though only briefly) of two characters that you grew to love from It. Though the book is considered long (but not close to his longest works) at 849 pages, it never feels it. King does a superb job of 'feeling' life as it was back in the late 50's and early 60's (the primary setting for the book). I felt the joy and the pains that the antagonist experiences (hence my tears).

There was nothing so disturbing in this book that would keep me from allowing my 14 year olds to pick it up and read it. If you don't have an aversion to books longer than 350 pages, have some time to dedicate to reading (you should always try to dedicate time to reading!) then I would strongly recommend this book, even if you aren't a fan or familiar with Stephen King's earlier works.

Happy reading,
Jim