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Gary the Bookworm's Reviews > 11/22/63
11/22/63
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This is hard to review. On one hand, the quality of the writing, the characterization and the plot are all masterful. It sucks you in and provides hours and hours of reading pleasure-and there in lies the problem. Too much of a good thing seems to sum it up. I laughed. (view spoiler) I cried. (view spoiler) I thought it would never end.Where was the editor to say "Is this really necessary?" or "How does this advance the plot?" I must admit that the last 200 pages are riveting but I had to slog through 600 pages to get there! I have a lot of free time, but for the average reader, who has work and kids and other distractions of living, this is an enormous effort. I'm not saying it's not worth it, just that you're signing on for an epic journey. If that's what you're looking for then you won't be disappointed.
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11/22/63.
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Reading Progress
January 19, 2012
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Started Reading
January 19, 2012
– Shelved
February 15, 2012
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Finished Reading
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Suzanne
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rated it 3 stars
Feb 17, 2012 12:06PM
I suggest buying the version of this tome as an ebook. This is one book I objected to toting around. Although it was really long, the characters ceased to be characters and became " friends" or neighbors. You really did begin to care for them. Way to go King.
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I agree it needed editing. But as someone who remembers where I was when Kennedy was killed, I loved revisiting the history. I am not a King reader, but enjoyed this ride. King did such a great job with research.
I agree and I think he's underrated even though he's rich and famous!
I loved this book, but thought it had some slow parts. I didn't finish it until the second time I picked it up. The first time I thought there was too much explaining at the beginning, and didn't really get into it. A friend told me to give it another try and I'm really glad I did.
This was good, but I didn't love it as much as other die-hard King fans.
Jeez Jason,I was just rereading your VERY funny review and I found myself looking at all the comments. You created quite a fire storm. You handled it well. I guess we live in a post-ironic world.
Thanks, Gary. I think you're right...subtle humor is lost on folks today. Oh, well. :)
simple and impressive review Gary. I'll try reading this in the future.
You make a great point, Gary. The 600-page up-front cost may be a hefty price to pay for 200 pages of the good stuff.
I think I might try this as an audiobook. I find it easier to get through dull bits of a book when I can cook or go for a walk at the same time.
The sub-plots were REALLY WELL DONE Gary ;) And they had two diff endings.....not compelling enough for you?
Beth wrote: "The sub-plots were REALLY WELL DONE Gary ;) And they had two diff endings.....not compelling enough for you?"I read it so I guess I found it sufficiently compelling. My wife liked it more than I did. King is an excellent writer but I don't consider this his best work.
I love the picture you have in the review. I'm not much of a King fan. I've only read this and Carrie. I'm still haunted by Carrie. 11/23/65 could have been 3 books. I love long books, but this one could have been edited. All in all, it a tremendous read, keeping everything going. So much research, pathos and imagination.
What I'm finding at the moment is that King has a tendency to provide just a bit too much information. For example, I've just heard all about the effect of a stomach bug on Jake's innards. Was it really necessary to describe each trip to the toilet in such lengthy detail?
Absolutely not. That's where an editor might have stepped in if it wasn't King, who probably is king after so much success. But, you have to forgive him because he is such an imaginative storyteller.
Kim, I'm curious what you thought of the audiobook. I'm about 5/8 through and find parts of extremely annoying. Mostly the Sadie story, which, let's be honest, is pretty damn boring but makes up nearly 1/3 of the book. Something about the voice the male narrator uses for Sadie..I can't put my finger on it. He makes her sound weak and nagging and dull.
Kim, I'm curious what you thought of the audiobook. I'm about 5/8 through and find parts of extremely annoying. Mostly the Sadie story, which, let's be honest, is pretty damn boring but makes up nearly 1/3 of the book. Something about the voice the male narrator uses for Sadie..I can't put my finger on it. He makes her sound weak and nagging and dull.
