The Shining (by Stephen King)
I’ve read The Shining by Stephen King twice now, and it’s one of my all-time favorites. I was thrilled when the Constant Reader book club picked it as our December read. I first read it 12 years ago and loved it just as much the second time around. Sure, I knew how the story ended, but I totally forgot a lot of the details. I wasn’t disappointed and this book is still one of my favorite King novels.
If you’re new to King or haven’t read The Shining, it’s an outstanding horror story about a family living as caretakers of an opulent hotel during its closed winter season. Jack Torrance is a recovering alcoholic who was recently fired from his teaching position at a prep school back east. He’s hoping to use this time of solitude finishing the play he is writing. His wife, Wendy, and son, Danny, are willing to support Jack as he grasps for sobriety and a new career. The Overlook hotel is haunted and works to destroy this family. Danny, has unique abilities to feel others’ emotions, hear their thoughts, and anticipate when bad things are going to happen. This is a beautifully crafted horror story with lots of ghosts.
I’ve seen Stanley Kubrick’s movie version of The Shining multiple times. But I haven’t been able to watch it since I first read the book. I completely understand why King has always been so critical of Kubrick’s interpretation of the book. The best TV adaptation of The Shining is definitely the mini series with Steven Weber and Rebecca De Mornay. Here’s the trailer for you to enjoy!
My husband and I used to live in Colorado, so we drove up the Rocky Mountains often for our entertainment. Estes Park is a quaint, small town where The Stanley Hotel is nestled in the mountains. This is the hotel where Stephen King stayed and was inspired to write this book. The television mini-series was filmed here. In the book, King’s description of the Overlook is identical to the layout of The Stanley Hotel.
During our time in Colorado, we loved exploring The Stanley and taking tours during our visits. We never stayed there, but I would like to return someday and stay at the hotel. While writing this book review, I enjoyed visiting The Stanley’s website and catching up on all the exciting changes they’ve made. You can visit their website here.
I truly enjoyed re-reading this timeless horror novel. It was also a pleasure recalling the TV mini-series and reminiscing on my time at The Stanley.
Feel free to dive into my reviews of other Stephen King books below!
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