Author: Stephen King
Pages: 849
Genre: History, Mystery, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Thriller
Book Description:
Life can turn on a dime—or stumble into the extraordinary, as it does for Jake Epping, a high school English teacher in Lisbon Falls, Maine. While grading essays by his GED students, Jake reads a gruesome, enthralling piece penned by janitor Harry Dunning: fifty years ago, Harry somehow survived his father’s sledgehammer slaughter of his entire family. Jake is blown away...but an even more bizarre secret comes to light when Jake’s friend Al, owner of the local diner, enlists Jake to take over the mission that has become his obsession—to prevent the Kennedy assassination. How? By stepping through a portal in the diner’s storeroom, and into the era of Ike and Elvis, of big American cars, sock hops, and cigarette smoke... Finding himself in warmhearted Jodie, Texas, Jake begins a new life. But all turns in the road lead to a troubled loner named Lee Harvey Oswald. The course of history is about to be rewritten...and become heart-stoppingly suspenseful.
My Opinion:
I'm ashamed to say that this was the first book I have ever read by King. Yes I know that's disappointing, please don't hate me! But I'm definitely going to be checking out more of his books after reading this one and really enjoying it. This novel explores time travel and challenges what would have happened if the assassination of JFK never happened in 1963.
As I expected from hearing the hype surrounding King and watching his films, this novel was filled with unexpected twists and turns. There were some romance elements which I did not anticipate appearing in this novel, but I guess that just shows how the author is full of surprises! I don't really like romance novels however this one was a really nice touch. It wasn't in-your-face but instead posed more challenges for the protagonist. It also showed relationships in a raw, honest and brutal light, it showed a real relationship with arguments and deception which I really enjoyed.
I really enjoyed learning about the lifestyle of people during the 1950s and 60s and seeing how different everything was compared to today. it was especially good seeing this through the eyes of someone else who had no idea what this time period would be like, as you felt like you could relate to them and were on the journey with them, not just watching from behind.
Overall I'm pleased that this was the first book I read by King because I'm now ready to read so many more. I definitely feel like his books could be better than this one, so I'm praying that the hype surrounding some of his more famous horror novels like IT and The Shining live up to it. I found the topic of time travel very thought provoking, leaving an important message at the end of the book. I would certainly recommend this less well known novel to anyone that enjoys mystery, sci-fi novels or is a fan of Stephen King.
Favourite Quotes:
When all else fails, give up and go to the library.
~~~~
If there is love, smallpox scars are as pretty as dimples. I'll love your face no matter what it looks like. Because it's yours.
~~~~
Life turns on a dime. Sometimes towards us, but more often it spins away, flirting and flashing as it goes: so long, honey, it was good while it lasted, wasn’t it?
Rating ★★★★
4 out of 5 stars
Next book I'm going to review:
Slaughterhouse-five by Kurt Vonnegut
Slaughterhouse-five by Kurt Vonnegut
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