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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: The Shining—Book vs. Movie


Set in the claustrophobia-inducing snow-covered peaks of an isolated hotel in the middle of the Rockies, The Shining is a classic work of psychological horror that’s just about as chilling as it gets. But it’s so, so much more than your classic story of spirits and a man’s descent into madness—it’s also a tender yet deeply painful meditation on addiction, family, abuse, and redemption. Stanley Kubrick rejected Stephen King's initial treatment of the screenplay, and the author was largely dissatisfied with his novel’s jump to the big screen. So what exactly are the differences between The Shining movie and the novel?

What listeners say about The Shining

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  • CL
  • 11-26-20

great book.

its Stephen King so whats to say about the writing. fantastic writing. believable characters, great horror, except... typical Stephen King ending. powerful evil falters in the presence of good because it hesitates or just can't seem to find the will and fails giving good the easy win. sometimes easier than others. at least this bad guy didn't just get hit in the head with a sock and crumble to the ground. you gotta love his writing all the same and give him some kudos for believing in the power of good to overcome evil, even though, in real life, it many times doesnt or cant.

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Thrilling

I finished up real quick, I just couldn't put it down, it's an excellent book

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My first

My first Stephen King & wondering how/why I waited this long! I'll certainly look into others, although I'm not sure they'll all be my taste.

I can't imagine the story itself needs my review, it's been around for ages, but as far as audiobooks, this was truly next level! Absolutely the best I've listened to, ever, hands down.

In 2 years of audiobooks, I've had far too many experiences where the narration can ruin an otherwise good story. This time it absolutely enhanced it. The voices, the delivery, the editing; it all brought the story to life in a way that had me holding my breath with anticipation. I've never experienced anything like it.

#audiobookobsessionreviewer

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Classic King

we are all so influenced by the movie however if you read the book it is so much more intense and so much more descriptive. A wonderful listen.

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Love Stephen King’s books

The Shining was amazing, love the way Campbell Scott narrated giving you vision of what Jack and Danny was experiencing and how Wendy was trying to keep it together.

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Reader slightly dull

The reader was slightly dull. Tonal inflections were limited and the story missed some of the more tense moments due to that.

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Steven you hack

this was good yes v good I like v much yes goood yes fuck yeah

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everyone already knows it

you have probably already seen the movie, or heard the story. this version is still amazing to listen to. the audio performance is great, the story is gripping. just the right length. one of the best.

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  • R
  • 02-17-14

If you WATCHED The Shining, you don't KNOW The Shi

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

Unexpected. Chilling. OMG.

What did you like best about this story?

If you WATCHED The Shining, you don't KNOW The Shining.

I originally wanted to download Dr. Sleep, the follow-up to The Shining. Luckily, the very first review I read of Dr. Sleep stated how great of a follow-up that was to the BOOK, not the movie. So I decided to revisit The Shining first, then proceed to Dr. Sleep.

I'm so glad I did. The book does way, way, more than the movie (even though I'm still a fan of the film), ever could. And, so much is missing in the movie than what is in the book--SO much--and a lot is misconstrued. Now I mention this not to berate the movie, because that will always be a gem in and of itself. I mention it because, like my headline says, If you WATCHED The Shining, you don't KNOW The Shining. This book is exceptional and there's is much to discover. Well, well worth the read--or should I say--listen.

Which brings us to the next point, Campbell Scott does a fascinating job narrating. He does marvelous voices which help you know which character is speaking and when. And the voices are never cheesy or overdone. He also does a magnificent job in conveying the emotions of the characters. --Not to be confused with him interpreting the emotions.

I would listen to this again and again. I literally got the chills, goosebumps, and would find myself shuddering throughout this entire read. King is a genius.

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

I haven't, but would love to listen to more.

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

An adaptation of The Shining. And I would stress "adaptation."

Any additional comments?

[[still shuddering]]

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Must read......

What did you love best about The Shining?

The detail and depth of this story was beyond my expectation

What other book might you compare The Shining to and why?

No comparison ....King's work is a standard of its own.

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

First time listening to this narrator ....solid performance

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

Exhilarated and Amazed ...kept me on the edge for the entire story.

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