Joyland

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: Michael Kelly

Length: 7 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

"Joyland is a breathtaking, beautiful, heartbreaking book.... Even the most hardboiled readers will find themselves moved."
—Charles Ardai, Edgar- and Shamus Award-winning editor of Hard Case Crime.

Set in a small-town North Carolina amusement park in 1973, Joyland tells the story of the summer in which college student Devin Jones comes to work as a carny and confronts the legacy of a vicious murder, the fate of a dying child, and the ways both will change his life forever. Joyland is a brand-new novel and has never previously been published.

©2013 Stephen King. All rights reserved. (P)2013 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Great book!

This was a really great story. It's a cold-case murder mystery and a coming-of-age story rolled into one. I was engaged and interested the entire time; there was not one moment of boredom. The setting was absolutely perfect - one of the best aspects of the story, actually. The characters were human and imperfect and very believable. I really really enjoyed this. The story was great, and I found myself able to relate to it, even though I have never worked in an amusement park.

At first, I thought that Michael Kelly's narration sounded a little young for a man in his 60's, but then when the story shifted to the past and the main character was only 21 years old, he sounded perfect.

This was a home run, as far as I'm concerned.

One of the best Stephen King books ever

Some books you just don't want to leave and this is one of them. The characters and their stories become so real to you that you are right there. Stephen King is very good at this and several of his stories hit me that way: "The Long Walk", "It", and "Doctor Sleep" to name a few.

I've heard this book a couple of times now, (yesterday being the most recent) and I miss it. I'm actually considering listening to it again, in the background while I work today, because Michael Kelly's voice is so warm and expressive and because Jonesy has a good way of looking at life, even if it isn't all cupcakes and rainbows.

Thank you, Stephen King, for continuing to do what you do. If you ever decide to retire, just know that we're going to miss you too.

Sweet

Great story and great narrating.. Very pleased. Not his usual but delightful none the less.

I only wish it was longer!

Would you listen to Joyland again? Why?

Pure Stephen King! Through all of his books his strongest element has always been his character development and this is no exception. Nothing better than a book that you feel like you've known the main characters for years. Even better when you get that feeling even in a book this short. The amount of research he pours into every novel never ceases to amaze me. You would think he worked in an amusement park for years, the way he describes the business with such detail.

All in all, this is not your typical horror story from Stephen King, but he seems to be getting away from those lately anyway. This might send a shiver or two up your spine, but it only adds to the fact that you won't want to stop listening!

Good even if not a King fan.

Would you listen to Joyland again? Why?

Yes. Excellent, low key narration perfect for this story. Good story. King can develop a character in 2 pages better than Dan Brown can in 200.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Could not say without it being a "spoiler".

What does Michael Kelly bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He allowed me to enjoy the book audibly in the same manner as if I were reading the printed page. He did not turn it into a audible equivalent of some kind of frantic stage play. A bit too much emphasis on loud exclamations at 2 points, otherwise flawless.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

You must be this ... tall to ride this ride.

Any additional comments?

King should do more in this genre. Such an underrated author in terms of his true skills at prose and character development over and above the story.

Entertaining Summer Listen

This was a fun and somewhat creepy listen. The amusement park setting was wonderful, including the characters and carny jargon. Small travelling amusements parks were a part of my childhood summer adventures. Setting the story in the 70's triggered another nostalgic button. Launching this book in the summer was great marketing. More of a coming-of-age book wrapped in a mystery. A great listen while travelling to and from our summer cottage. Too bad it was so short.

Stephen King is the bomb

what a great medium to devour books. Stephen King is the best! My all time favorite author.

Best audio book ever

Best annotator! Fascinating story! I wish it would never end! It's always good to search for new categories in Audioble app.

loved it

It's a Wonderful book and I'm really glad that I had a chance to read it. I'm pretty sure you'll feel the same way too

Great story!

Woven together masterfully. This is a great one Mr. King. Thank you for putting it out there.