Stephen King Fans discussion

Discuss IT here. Please mark all spoilers for those reading along.

I read IT probably around twenty years ago and since the movies I've been wanting to reading it again.

Book Nerd wrote: "I read IT probably around twenty years ago and since the movies I've been wanting to reading it again."

It's been about 20 years for me too. I definitely need to read IT again.

My first Stephen King book! I think I first read it in 1991 or 1992. It took my breath away. I'd never read anything like it.

I read it again in college, and that was more than 20 years ago. I'm so excited to go back to it after all these years.

I started a few days ago after finishing Skeleton Crew because I think it’ll take me more than a month to finish.

My dad who passed away in 2010 was a big King reader and when I was a kid I remember staring at the first cover edition of IT he had feeling both frightened and intrigued. I’d place the year around 1989 or 1990 or so because I also remember him watching the miniseries that came out as well. He told me roughly what the story was about and I think it was one of the things that started my interest in horror even though I had never gotten around to actually reading it.

2 years ago I started my journey of reading King to “reconnect” with my dad. He hadn’t read every King book but I’m on a mission to do just that. IT was one I had been looking forward to getting to so I’m glad the time is finally here. I’ve watched the tv miniseries and the 2 films so I know the story but I’m interested in seeing how the book turns out.

I've read and reread It so many times! There are even numerous photos of me with the hardcover in 1986 (I was 17) and the paperback in 1988. Funny enough, my children were recently going through photo albums and commented on how often I am photographed with a book.

I love everything about this book with the exception of the one scene near the end. Everyone who has already read knows which scene I am referring to. With that exception, I think this is King at his best.

Mark wrote: "I started a few days ago after finishing Skeleton Crew because I think it’ll take me more than a month to finish.

My dad who passed away in 2010 was a big King reader and when I was a kid I remem..."

The special effects in that 90's miniseries have not held up very well, but Tim Curry's Pennywise is still awesome.

I read this book 25+ years ago. Pet Semetary was my first King book, which got me curious (I was 12), but this book got me hooked. I was and still am amazed by the character development. I’m even more entranced now that I’m older and understand much more and know the ending. I’m having so much fun revisiting these characters!! I’m currently on the chapter Derry: The second interlude and just saw a reference to Dick Hallorann... I always love when characters from other books are intertwined! I love reading these stories in chronological order! I’ve always wanted to and I’m so glad I joined this group!

I’m liking it and appreciate the prose and character development. I see room for edits though because it shouldn’t need 20 pages to describe mike working on his dads farm. This is by far the longest book I’ve ever attempted (haven’t read the stand yet) so at 500 pages in it’s weird to not even be halfway. Haha

But I’m really liking it and can’t wait for more action.

I've only finished the part about Mike's six phone calls. I've forgotten much about the details of the story because it's been so long since I last read it, so it's nice to read about the adult life of each of the characters.

I'm on the part of Richies childhood.

Mark wrote: "2 years ago I started my journey of reading King to “reconnect” with my dad. He hadn’t read every King book but I’m on a mission to do just that..."

Mark, that sounds like such an awesome thing to do! Best of luck, and I hope you feel closer to your dad as you go along.

Linda wrote: "I"m on the part of Richies childhood."

I always wanted to know more about Richie's parents. They seemed funny (must have been, to have/put up with a kid like Richie) and were likely the most attentive/aware of the parents. I wonder what they made of all the weird events that summer.

I'm reading slow and just started reading the part with Mike's research. It was good getting reintroduced to the characters but the action will start soon.

I often wondered about Richies parents also. You read so much about Bevs and Bill's parents. In currently reading the paperback which is unusual for me because I more on my tablet. It feels like a complete different book from the one I read a couple years ago. Some of the story I dont remember from my ebook copy. I guess I'll have to listen to the audio as well lol.

Linda wrote: "I guess I'll have to listen to the audio as well lol..."

I'd definitely recommend the audio! I honestly didn't expect much from the narrator, but he did a really fantastic job. It's probably one of the best readings I've listened to.

I've got the audio qued but I'm halfway through the paperback and I'm afraid I might become confused.

Hi My Fellow uncle Stevie Fans,

I have completed my re-read of "It" and posted my review for anyone who is interested in reading it:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I will be completely honest and let you know that I have a very biased opinion regarding this book. It is one of my favorite King books and first read it on my honeymoon with my wife. Re-reading it over the last two weeks totally captured my imagination again and took away from my studying for a professional test and other to do tasks. It was well worth it.

To great reading,

Scott.

Scott wrote: "I have completed my re-read of "It" and posted my review for anyone who is interested in reading it:..."

Are you sure about that 1998 TV series? I can find absolutely nothing on it; none of the complete-adaptation sites mention it, not even stephenking.com mentions it. The only thing from 1998 TV I can find is THE X FILES episode, "Chinga."

What an excellent review! You have a knack for telling us much about the book and why King fans would enjoy it but without any spoilers. As to the tightening, while I can't disagree, I have to admit I didn't really notice. (Recently, I read a much smaller book that could use a boatload of tightening. The problem there is, the much-needed tightening wouldn't even leave a short story.)

Hi Michael,

Great question about the 1998 "It" series. I should have been more specific that it was not a U.S. based show.

It was adapted as a television series in 1998, set in India, starring Lilliput as Pennywise the Clown, and directed and written by Glen Baretto and Ankush Mohla.

That is why none of us have really heard about it. I hope that helps and thank you for helping me clarify.

To good reading!

Scott wrote: "Hi Michael,

Great question about the 1998 "It" series. I should have been more specific that it was not a U.S. based show.

It was adapted as a television series in 1998, set in India, starring L..."

Oh, that's interesting. There's a whole world outside of Hollywood out there.

One thing that really bugs me about both adaptations is that they can't understand that Pennywise is one face of a cosmic horror. It's the main one in the story because scary clowns are cool. The spider is the most real physical manifestation of it in our world.
The new movies didn't want to do anything but Pennywise and the miniseries looked really stupid when it switched to the CGI spider.

Book Nerd wrote: One thing that really bugs me about both adaptations is that they can't understand that Pennywise is one face of a cosmic horror...."

Agreed, but I don't know how they could really pull that off. I think that section is written in an interesting way (there are monsters from the void beyond/between universes, and our heroes are sliding off the face of the universe, as best they understand things), but I don't know how that can be visually represented in a way that doesn't look ridiculous. And to please the readers who get that mythology, I think it would look absolutely cuckoo bananas to anyone who was just there to watch a cool movie. It's kind of like the creatures from The Mist that way: giant interdimensional locusts and octopuses are ridiculous no matter how you slice it.

I was quite satisfied with chapter one and Two pennywise IT for me was perfect and spot on. And the actors and actresses did an awesome job both times around.

Scott wrote: "Hi My Fellow uncle Stevie Fans,

I have completed my re-read of "It" and posted my review for anyone who is interested in reading it:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I will be co..."

Great review Scott. You're assessment is right on. This IS one of King's very best, definitely in my top 3. We can knock some parts of it, but as a single work it's one of the best. King's ability to get into the minds of other people, men women children, old folks... young is just remarkable, and he was able to do it at a very young age. I haven't seen the part two movie but I will soon. I'm thinking THE JOKER stole some of its horror thunder (and audience). Anyway. I have a pretty good five star review out there somewhere. If I can find the url, I'll post it. Okay... https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Summer wrote: " And to please the readers who get that mythology, I think it would look absolutely cuckoo bananas to anyone who was just there to watch a cool movie."
Yeah, I tend to not care about people who want to watch a cool movie.

Book Nerd wrote: "One thing that really bugs me about both adaptations is that they can't understand that Pennywise is one face of a cosmic horror. It's the main one in the story because scary clowns are cool. The s..."
I agree, that spider from the mini series hasn't aged well.

You know I just watched the 1990 version today and I still say it depicts the book more than the new series.

What's "beep-beep" supposed to mean?

And everybody's seen an asthma inhaler but he makes Eddie's sound like something between a gun and a bottle of windex.

Linda wrote: "You know I just watched the 1990 version today and I still say it depicts the book more than the new series."
Yeah, I agree. A lot of it is trying to bring the story into the present rather than leaving it in 1984.

Book Nerd wrote: What's"beep-beep" supposed to mean

It's been a little while since I've read IT, but, I believe it's just a way to let Richie know that he has gone too far with his comments/jokes. Also Eddie's inhaler is described in that way to enhance his awkwardness and outsider status. And remember, this was when they were children, in the late 50s. The inhaler wasn't as common place, and as "cute" as they are now.

Book Nerd wrote: "Yeah, I tend to not care about people who want to watch a cool movie..."

That's fine, but without that audience most movies wouldn't get made. And that's also some exclusionary gatekeeping. I'd rather welcome folks in and share the things I enjoy than purity test to keep them out.

Charles wrote: "Book Nerd wrote: What's"beep-beep" supposed to mean

It's been a little while since I've read IT, but, I believe it's just a way to let Richie know that he has gone too far with his comments/jokes...."
But what does it mean?


Summer wrote: "That's fine, but without that audience most movies wouldn't get made. And that's also some exclusionary gatekeeping."
Oh well. Somebody has to keep the gate. :)

For me, I take the King movie adaptations with a grain of salt (the original Carrie movie remains a favorite). I can enjoy them for what they are. A lot of people don't read, as least in my experience, so it makes sense to me that they want to please a general audience rather than just King readers. The fact that King adaptations are even being re-made and that King is still alive to see them... really 'floats' my boat.

I'm just about halfway through the audiobook and this is my first reading ever. It's a beautiful thing. The book I mean, not IT. Lol

I have to say, Bev is one of the few female King characters that I like.

I agree with Bev; she is a rock. May the odds always be in our favor.

Marlise wrote: "For me, I take the King movie adaptations with a grain of salt (the original Carrie movie remains a favorite). I can enjoy them for what they are. A lot of people don't read, as least in my experie..."

I feel exactly this way!

Done!!! Wow wow wow. I'm kind of sorry I let the length of IT put me off all these years. I felt like I knew the story well enough from the movies but actually reading it just blew me away completely.

Honestly "It" is too much for me to do any justice in a 'review' but one of the best stand-outs in this novel for me was the depiction of the relationship between Beverly and her father. The intermingling of fear, and hurt but still love underneath it all... and in a way that would ring true and heart-achingly forgivable... those parts of the book really hit me deeply. And I think King's decision not to make her father just some drunk that then turned abusive, made it even more powerful.

Finished. I think this is King's greatest book. Really glad I reread it!

I get how it's size could have put you off - I consider it a bit of a task to get through it. That said it's such a fantastically well written book that it never feels like a chore to me (I'm currently nearing the end of my 4th or 5th time through). It and Christine are my two favorite King books above all others (Needful Things is another great read that I re-read every 5-10 years or so).

I really enjoyed Sleeping Beauties recently - the style was a trick to get into to start with but once there, I really was drawn into that one.

Not gonna lie, I reread it in about two weeks. It’s all I did after work!!!

I finished reading this at 11:30pm on 1/31. Even though I started on Christmas day, I still wanted to complete this by the end of January to keep up with the group, so I'm glad I made it.

This book has an important personal connection for me, which I have discussed in my non-spoiler review at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show.... I hope you enjoy.

Mark wrote: "I finished reading this at 11:30pm on 1/31. Even though I started on Christmas day, I still wanted to complete this by the end of January to keep up with the group, so I'm glad I made it.

This boo..."

Very nice personal review Mark. Well, told. "The example of reading" is a great gift we can give our kids. Thank your dad for that.

hello all.. i am gonna try and finish the IT this year.. i bought the book 2 years before, after got introduced to King via "The Shinning" & "The Outsider".. could complete back then considering thw size of the book..
2021 i wanted to finish this book. this thread really helps me to push.. thank you all for that

jbk wrote: "hello all.. i am gonna try and finish the IT this year.. i bought the book 2 years before, after got introduced to King via "The Shinning" & "The Outsider".. could complete back then considering th..."

Good luck.

I just finished yesterday. Still wrapping my head around it. It is funny what Stephen King does to a person's head.
There were parts that were so boring and long with all the anecdotes and architecture descriptions that I wanted to put the book away.
And parts where I totally forgot that I was sitting on a couch on planet earth because i got so involved in the story.
Parts that were too groce or horrible that made me want to throw the book away.
And parts that were so true about friendship and loyalty that made me want to hug the book. And while the first part was not so scary to me I did have clown nightmares from day 1.
I feel worn out haha

Great comments Laura. I had all those feelings too... and the clown nightmares as well.

Hi guys,

My name is Zobad I am new here.

I honestly started reading IT after watching the movie and waiting on the second part. And honestly I loved every part of the book. Stephen King writes the characters so well I felt like the movies couldn't do it justice.

Honestly I am trying to find more King books that are like it. Is there any sequel of IT or any characters that show up in any other of his books? I am kind of feeling a void after reading It. Any suggestions guys

Zobad wrote: "Hi guys,

My name is Zobad I am new here.

I honestly started reading IT after watching the movie and waiting on the second part. And honestly I loved every part of the book. Stephen King writes t..."

IT is standalone but there are many references to It and Derry in his other work, here's a few of those:

11/22/63
Tommyknockers
Dreamcatcher
Later

Of those the only one I wouldn't really recommend is Dreamcatcher. Note that these are more references/things you'd understand if you'd read IT; they're not really a continuation of the story from IT.

But almost all of his books have really detailed character work. Some other favorites:

The Stand
Pet Sematary
Revival
Firestarter
Misery
'Salem's Lot
Desperation / The Regulators

There's a lot though and I'm pretty much listing books randomly at this point. IT is one of his absolute best for sure.

Brian wrote: "Zobad wrote: "Hi guys,

My name is Zobad I am new here.

I honestly started reading IT after watching the movie and waiting on the second part. And honestly I loved every part of the book. Stephen..."

Hey Brian,

I checked out the description of 11/22/63 and Tommyknockers, both looks like an interesting read. Definitely gonna check them out.
Its a shame really that there wasn't a sequel or continuation of any sort. But still I am definitely going check out the recommendations.
What about the Turtle in the book? When I was reading the book it felt like I was missing some context and that maybe its a recurring character from other books? Maybe I am wrong?

Zobad wrote: "What about the Turtle in the book? When I was reading the book it felt like I was missing some context and that maybe its a recurring character from other books? Maybe I am wrong?..."

The turtle, Maturin, figures pretty heavily into The Dark Tower series, but almost all of his books make references to that metaverse, so take from that what you will.

Here's a link: https://stephenking.fandom.com/wiki/M....

Zobad wrote: "What about the Turtle in the book? When I was reading the book it felt like I was missing some context and that maybe it's a recurring character from other books?"

Note: the spoiler below is a Dark Tower spoiler.

At the time IT was written, no. Five years later, (view spoiler)[The Waste Lands simply told us The Turtle was one of twelve mechanical Guardians. Later Dark Tower books, however, name that Guardian "Maturin," and the Guardians, especially the Turtle, are more than mere mechanical beings. (hide spoiler)]