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.

Optimistic and unexpected

Really enjoyed the story, how it was told and above all the kindness of Devon being more of a theme than the evil of "the Joyland killer".

Undoubtedly one of the best books I've ever "read"!

I was a little dubious when I bought this book but wow! I listened to it and immediately listened to it again. It was so well done, I mean from the writing all the way to the narration! Richly plotted, awesome characters, excellent storyline, and the narrative was so well done that I could actually picture the characters interacting. I just say enough good about this book. I also intend to purchase it for my nook so that I will have it to read as well. I would recommend this book to you whether you have never read King or have already read everything else he's ever written. Even though I have read nearly everything he has ever written and I know that he is a genius I was still amazed at the quality of this story. He really keeps getting better and better! I can't wait to see what's next!

Whatta Ride!

Would you listen to Joyland again? Why?

I would. I love the story - and equally important - the narration. Michael Kelly's reading feels like the book was written to tell *his* story. I thought he was able to emulate King's written narrative spot on. I felt I was listening to Devin Jones tell it like it was back then. Depth to character without sounding trite and forcefully deep. Sadly I didn't see other books in Audible read by Michael Kelly. Checked IMDB and couldn't confirm other works there, either. As mysterious as the killer he is...

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

See first paragraph. He brought the narrative to life like nobody's business. I would be certain to listen to any other works read by Michael Kelly - but apparently there are none.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yep, but too much of a spoiler alert to even hint. You gotta hear the carny tell it - hear Michael Kelly the carny tell it.

Supernatural takes the back seat in a great story.

This is a lighter, softer version of King I really enjoyed. More Hallmark than Hell.

The Lighter Side of Steven King

Grabbed this one because we were looking for something to listen to for a road trip. The reviews were good and we love Mr. King's story telling.

This one did not disappoint.

Although the description paints a picture of death and ghost, it's really a story of the coming of age in the 70s. This story really took me back to my youth. I could almost feel the ocean breeze in my face and hear the sounds of the amusement park.

This does have typical supernatural and murder, but that's not the sole focus of this one.

The narrator also did a fantastic job.

Why Judge a Book By its Predecessors?

This was a great summer read for my daily fitness walks.... the 70's setting, the traditional amusement park, the North Carolina shore and the detailed descriptions of character and setting really makes you feel like you are there while everything is happening. I could almost smell the fried dough and hear the carnival music coming from the merry-go-round. During my walks I felt like I was making that daily hike along the beach to Joyland.

I too am a long-time fan of Stephen King, but have read enough of his books to know he occasionally departs from his usual thriller style.... he can do that because he is a talented writer. The stories that wander off the beaten path are just as enjoyable if you look at them for what they are, and not what they are not. If constant-suspense-thriller type novels are the only kind of reading you enjoy, you might be disappointed... but if your taste varies a bit from only one kind of genre I think you will find this an entertaining and enjoyable read.

I do think there could have been more at the end describing what happened over the years between 1973 and the present to all of the characters... or maybe I was just disappointed when it was over. I know the first couple of times that I looked forward to listening and remembered that I finished the story, I felt a little bummed.

Another winner for Mr. King

What made the experience of listening to Joyland the most enjoyable?

I enjoyed the dialogue in this book. In my opinion, Stephen King always manages to catch the proper tone of the characters when he gives them voice. I loved the observations made by the lead character who is also the one telling us the story. His thoughts on his life, the lives of others and the events unfolding were fascinating and very in character.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the fact that in this story, you get three different tales that all join together at a certain time in the main character's life. You get a mystery, a bit of King's old school horror, and some true-to-life romance. The characters are all flawed but all interesting. They blend together well but as you read, you know that this group is held together more by the location and shared experiences rather personality. This is the story of a young man in the 21st year of his life and the dialogue sings. As always with King, the pop culture references of the time are perfect!

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

At first, I didn't think I was going to enjoy Mr. Kelly's style, but after about twenty minutes, I realized that he was the perfect voice for the lead character. He sounded exactly like a 21 year old male at a pivotal time in his life. His reading style was understated but after a few minutes, he became Devon, the lead character in the story, for me. He also captured the other characters as the story progressed. I would gladly listen to him read again. He sort of slipped into the story and surprised me. I liked that.

If you could rename Joyland, what would you call it?

'A Dog's Life', maybe?

Any additional comments?

Over the past few years, some of Stephen King's books have failed to hit the mark for me, but this one and 11/22/63 have brought me back into his world. I was a huge fan of his early works and I am once again, a huge fan. This book is magic and when he is in top form, Stephen King brings the magic.

Kept me engrossed though I don't know why

I enjoyed the story aspect of it but kept waiting for something to happen. I was expecting more of a climax.

Enjoyable, Mr. King

If you could sum up Joyland in three words, what would they be?

Very enjoyable story. It wasn't scary, as Stephen King typically writes, with the exception of 11/22/63. But still a great story. Great characters.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Joyland?

Wearing the fur;)

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

I would say,he did a wonderful job, I believed it was his story.

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

When it comes to the past, everyone writes fiction.

Great Story

Would you listen to Joyland again? Why?

Yes, the story was great and the reading was spot on.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Joyland?

I loved when you began to learn the language of Carnies.

Which character – as performed by Michael Kelly – was your favorite?

The protagonist

Who was the most memorable character of Joyland and why?

I really liked the in keeper. She plays a small part but I liked her humor and way of speaking.

Any additional comments?

You should listen to this book. Well worth the time.