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The Shining  By  cover art

The Shining

By: Stephen King
Narrated by: Campbell Scott
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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)

Featured Article: Authors Like Stephen King


Best-selling author Stephen King has published a staggering amount of work, from gripping crime thrillers to epic fantasy series, winning prestigious awards. Yet King’s varied writing is united by common themes, styles, characters, and settings. King fans will recognize a book by him for elements ranging from child characters to atmospheric settings, from eerie psychological horror to New England locations. Undeniably, King’s influence is evident in many of the horror genre’s leading and emerging authors. If you're a fan of Stephen King, these horror authors should be on your radar.

What listeners say about The Shining

Average customer ratings
Overall
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

decent story, horrendous narration.

I was really excited to finally hear the story that thousands have raved about, not ever having seen the movie to bias my opinion. However, Campbell Scott ruined yet another audio experience for me (he also narrated "Cell" by King) with his monotonous, almost robotic performance. I tried to move past it, but could never fully immerse myself in the story. I kept zoning out due to his lack of emotion. sigh. Another wasted credit.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Better than the movie. And the movie is amazing.

There is something otherworldly about King's talent, and he shows it off in this book. Having seen the movie several times, I was ready for something that followed the ideas on the screen pretty closely, but the book is a little different. And more cerebral than the visually stunning and sometimes disturbing Kubrick film. This is different. And in some ways better.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Comatose Narration

I tried really hard to listen to the book but the narrator was just awful. I forced myself to listen for a few hours and then switched to reading it on the kindle. I tried to listen again when it got more exciting but still no good. Monotone, no character differentiation, just blah.

I had read this when it came out and thought the story was decent but had no burning desire to read it again (which I seldom do anyway.) But when Doctor Sleep came out with Will Patton, who I think is a great narrator, I felt that I had to listen/read again or I would miss too much of Doctor Sleep.

The story itself didn't really stand the test of time it was a little slow paced for today. There were still some excellent passages, I still love the hedge animal sequences but I ended up reading them on the kindle anyway.

I haven't listened to any other books by this narrator and I think I probably won't. At least I will listen to the full audio sample before considering it.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

1st King reading.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes...I unwittingly already have. I was telling a friend that the book was not what I expected and in doing so I mentioned some parts that I really enjoyed- all the while I was advocating the indulgence and so she purchased the physical book as she hasn't caught the Audible buzz yet.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Dick Hallorann. He introduced the substance of the talent of 'shining' thus helping to put Danny's capabilities in perspective. His actual involvement was limited yet very necessary!

What about Campbell Scott’s performance did you like?

Voice inflection character personality. Great Job!

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

The name is perfect. Now I understand. I ask people who love the movie do they know what the title stood for and non could answer- I explain and all were like... "Oh, wow".

Any additional comments?

My first King book....I expected non stop thrill- not what it was; however definitely not disappointing. I am learning to appreciate his style: very descriptive. I like.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

His Best Work

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Very well thought out and original. Not as incredible in terms of a horror story, but more as a super natural story.

What did you like best about this story?

The idea that a hotel can be alive is great.

What about Campbell Scott’s performance did you like?

Scott was made to narrate for King.

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

The Overlook

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great! My First Book on Audible.

This is the first audiobook I have ever listened too. I choose Stephen King because he is my favorite and just by chance hadn't read the Shining, one of his best know stories. So I set out on my 9 hour car trip and listened the whole way there and the whole way back. I'm hooked now. I still read paper whenever I am able but in the car there is always an audio book playing. I highly recommend this audio book. King has a great story and Scott brings it to life.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Way better than the movie...& that was a classic!

The Shining was a book I had always wanted to read, having heard how different it was from the movie. I wasn't sure if that was good or bad because that was a classic horror movie. So many quotable scenes & lines.
However, after listening to this book on Audible, I found it to be much better! It is completely different, but in a GREAT way!
It not only has plot twists & scenes not in the movie, but also the characters are studied in much more detail and we see & feel what they do. It drags you in & makes you feel like you are snowed in at The Overlook.
I wish they could do a movie that was true to the book but also, with the great acting & scenes that were such a major part of the film.
In ending, this was a great piece of writing that explores many more subjects that are beyond a simple "horror" story.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Campbell Scott does a great job on The Shining

Would you listen to The Shining again? Why?

Absolutely, I wasn't completely convinced I would like Campbell Scott's reading of this but he did a fantastic job. I was worried he wouldn't be able to sound menacing enough when required but he did just fine! I was able to soak a lot of detail in that I didn't get reading it. Definitely a great performance!

What did you like best about this story?

The detailed characterization, fantastic setting and the slow burn horror King can do so well.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene where Wendy and Jack face off towards the end of the stormy

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

The Overlook

Any additional comments?

Great reading of a fantastic book.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant Story!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I already have recommended this book to several people. If you like twisted, creepy, and yet brilliant writing this book is for you.

What did you like best about this story?

The character development was masterful!

How could the performance have been better?

The narrator was terrible. He was dry and monotone through most of the book. It wasn't until the last quarter of the book that I could pick upon his subtle voice inflections for different characters. Although his voice for Crazy Jack Torrence was pretty good.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I have read, and listened to a lot of so called scary books. This is the first book I have ever actually got a little creeped out.

Any additional comments?

Fantastic book! Weak narration, but worth the listen.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

The boiler may creep, but this novel'space doesn't

Where does The Shining rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Stephen King wrote it, so pretty high on my list

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the creepiness of the Overlook

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

He's just got one of those voices fit for King novel narration

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

Uh, here's Johnny? I dunno.

Any additional comments?

Since we're speeding toward October, I figured it'd be a good time to reread this for the 5th or 6th time. I'm also gearing up for Doctor Sleep which has just finished downloading from my audible library on this beautiful 24th of September in 2013. What can I say about this novel without spoiling it? I've never read a King novel and been disappointed. How's that? The Overlook Hotel seems like a character in itself, if that makes sense. It fascinates and repels at the same time. As far as antagonists go, this hotel was pretty formidable. Oh and one more thing. I've always believed that a certain grinning man in cowboy boots and a denim jacket had a part to play in the origins of the Overlook Hotel. Wherever there's chaos and senseless violence in the Steve King universe, Flagg is never too far behind in my opinion. Just a theory, but worth considering. I only wish King had provided an afterword. It's always fun to go behind the scenes. I'm not one of those people who absolutely has to know where a writer gets his or her ideas. I just enjoy it when an author decides to chat with the reader for a bit about the book in general. Good stuff. But that's Steve King for ya. Now let me at that sequel!

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