The Shining

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: Campbell Scott

Length: 15 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

Before Doctor Sleep, there was The Shining, a classic of modern American horror from the undisputed master, Stephen King.

Jack Torrance's new job at the Overlook Hotel is the perfect chance for a fresh start. As the off-season caretaker at the atmospheric old hotel, he'll have plenty of time to spend reconnecting with his family and working on his writing. But as the harsh winter weather sets in, the idyllic location feels ever more remote...and more sinister. And the only one to notice the strange and terrible forces gathering around the Overlook is Danny Torrance, a uniquely gifted five-year-old.

©1977 Stephen King (P)2005 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"A master storyteller." ( Los Angeles Times)

"He's the author who can always make the improbable so scary you'll feel compelled to check the locks on the front door." ( The Boston Globe)

"Scary!... Serves up horrors at a brisk, unflagging pace." ( The New York Times)

great book much better than the movie!

very good book loved it much better than the movie, time for number 2 :)

Hours of terrifying entertainment

Would you listen to The Shining again? Why?

Yes, because King's writing is riveting and Scott's performance made the writing come alive.

What did you like best about this story?

The detail and the imagery, being terrified.

Have you listened to any of Campbell Scott’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I've added many of his other performances to my wish list.

If you could rename The Shining, what would you call it?

I wouldn't.

Any additional comments?

No.

A good story worth a read

This one's a little bit of a slow burn , but I enjoyed it and am looking forward to Dr. Sleep next. Thanks Mr. King for another gem

Not as scary since I grew up with the movie...

I have been going through and reading all of Stephen Kings works in order. As a kid I had seen both the movie and TV versions of the Shining, and even so I really enjoyed the book. The book gives a slightly different perspective and greater character depth than both of the video versions. While the book did not come off as frightening (perhaps because I have seen the movies so many times), however I really enjoyed the story.

Fantastic, couldn’t stop listening

This book had me listening every spare moment I had. The narrator did a good job of voicing all the different characters to make each once distinct. Not like the movie - so much better!!! This may be the first book I re-listen to, that’s how great it was.

Love, love, love Stephen King!

I had seen the movie multiple times but nothing ever compares to the book. Fantastic story telling always!

Here's Johnny!!!!!

I hadn't read this book since HS and dug in. If forgotten that the movie version had modified so much text and changed the ending. The mini series version is better. It's a classic horror story and wonderful to read when you're home alone and the lights dimmed. Good story.

One of my favorite books of all time

What made the experience of listening to The Shining the most enjoyable?

The Shining is one of my favorite books of all time. I've read it a few times already but this was my first time listening to it on audiobook. I found it very enjoyable. This is one of those stories that absolutely absorb me so I feel like I am right there. Since I was listening and not reading, I could listen for much larger spans of time.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Shining?

Tony. Tony ups the creep factor in a lot of small ways. The REDRUM dream being the most memorable.

What about Campbell Scott’s performance did you like?

Great narration, I would recommend listening to a book he narrated to a friend

If you could take any character from The Shining out to dinner, who would it be and why?

None of them because I don't want a psycho ghost trying to kill me. I only want to read about it happening to someone ELSE

definitly enjoyed this novel many new and exciting

something was always happening.. There was never a dull moment I definitly recommend this to everyone.

Second to none

For anyone who has seen the movie, you know the story is amazing. But for those who have seen the movie, it isn't the same. Consider it a coloring book, same picture, but two different people coloring it in. Stephen King's "The Shining" shines in the horror genre. From the first page, you'll be hooked and be ready ready to book your stay at the Overlook Hotel. Campbell Scott does a great job narrating the book, and manages the voices as only a voice actor could. His verbal interpretation combined with King's ability to send shivers down anyone's spine make this a must listen! Enjoy