THE SHINING

It was New Year’s Eve, 1989 when I first watched the Shining. I was only twelve years old, and the movie had an impact on my life. Somehow two little girls and a dad terrified me more than Jason, or Freddie, or Michael.

Having watched the movie, I didn’t expect to get much out of this book, however, I was wrong. Even though I knew what was coming (sort of) I thoroughly enjoyed it. This book was fantastic.

It didn’t scare me like the movie, but having read a few horror books now, nothing scares me like a movie. For me, reading horror novels are more about the characters and storylines, and this novel delivered on both fronts.

I truly believe Stephen King is a genius. I felt as if I was a part of Jack, Wendy, and Danny’s family. He developed the three main characters so well, and I loved how he used all three Point of Views so well. Additionally, he used the Overlook Hotel, incorporating the setting as a character very effectively. He didn’t do it by sheer description, he was able to make it active, bring it to life, and internalize the hotel’s actions through the other characters.

I absolutely loved being in their heads, and I was surprised to find out that Danny could actually read minds. That’s probably hard to portray in a movie…but, nonetheless, I was shocked that he knew what was happening to his father. Speaking of which, I loved their family dynamic, and thought King’s portrayal of Jack was excellent. The most terrifying thing for me was the domestic violence Jack had been subjected to, or inflicted, before the Overlook was a part of the story. The flashback where he broke Danny’s arm was powerful, as well as the scenes with Jack’s father. The contrast of what Jack saw when he was a kid, coupled with his connection to Danny (when he’s not drinking) made him a sympathetic character, and I loved how King developed him. I can’t say enough about how well he wrote Jack’s character and backstory.

I thought King’s pacing was almost perfect. The only part I felt Straubed down in was when Jack read all the articles and books about the Overlook’s past. It was too much for me. Aside from that, I thought the book flew by, and I never found myself bored, even having seen the movie several times.

I loved Danny’s character, however, he seemed pretty mature for a five year old. I am being nitpicky here, but I wanted to point out the observation. Danny’s special power may explain this a bit, but I found some of his internal monologue to be unrealistic (occasionally), considering his age. He used words I don’t know the meaning of to describe certain experiences at the hotel (I guess that’s not too hard to do, but he was supposed to be five years old!) Anyways, it didn’t stop me from enjoying his Point of View, but occasionally it took me out of the story (only for a millisecond).

This was the perfect “slow burn” haunting. I can see why they made a movie, the setting, isolation, pacing, and general story was done so well. Not only did it have ghosts, but if you’re not afraid of the supernatural, it also had a crazed murderer with a mallet. I think having both types of danger was another genius move. A little bit of everything. I’m afraid of ghosts, but my wife’s afraid of people, well, the Shining is the perfect combo-scare.

In closing, I loved this book. I loved the relationship between Danny and his mother, and Jack, as well as the cook’s (I listened to the book on Audible, so I won’t attempt to spell Halaran…well I just did…and I’m certain it’s wrong). The scene where Danny bonds with the cook was a blast.

Finally, I liked King’s shout out to Shirley Jackson (through Jack) in an internal monologue mid-way through the book.