11-22-63

A Novel

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: Craig Wasson

Length: 30 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

On November 22, 1963, three shots rang out in Dallas, President Kennedy died, and the world changed. What if you could change it back?

In this brilliantly conceived tour de force, Stephen King - who has absorbed the social, political, and popular culture of his generation more imaginatively and thoroughly than any other writer - takes listeners on an incredible journey into the past and the possibility of altering it.

It begins with Jake Epping, a 35-year-old English teacher in Lisbon Falls, Maine, who makes extra money teaching GED classes. He asks his students to write about an event that changed their lives, and one essay blows him away: a gruesome, harrowing story about the night more than 50 years ago when Harry Dunning’s father came home and killed his mother, his sister, and his brother with a sledgehammer. Reading the essay is a watershed moment for Jake, his life - like Harry’s, like America’s in 1963 - turning on a dime.

Not much later his friend Al, who owns the local diner, divulges a secret: his storeroom is a portal to the past, a particular day in 1958. And Al enlists Jake to take over the mission that has become his obsession - to prevent the Kennedy assassination.

So begins Jake’s new life as George Amberson, in a different world - of Ike and JFK and Elvis, of big American cars and sock hops and cigarette smoke everywhere. From the dank little city of Derry, Maine (where there’s Dunning business to conduct), to the warmhearted small town of Jodie, Texas, where Jake falls dangerously in love, every turn is leading, eventually of course, to a troubled loner named Lee Harvey Oswald and to Dallas, where the past becomes heart-stoppingly suspenseful - and where history might not be history anymore. Time-travel has never been so believable. Or so terrifying.

©2011 Stephen King. All Rights Reserved. (P)2011 Simon & Schuster, Inc

Enjoyed it from start to finish!

I have been a Stephen King fan for many years and have particularly enjoyed several of his recent works. He is a master storyteller and in my opinion his years of writing and life experience have only improved his ability to write books that draw the reader in and leave them wanting for more at the end. I would recommend this book to anyone. The narrator did an excellent job breathing even more life into the already captivating characters.

A surprise around every corner!

If you could sum up 11-22-63 in three words, what would they be?

What a smart, action packed, and sweet story! I never knew where this book was taking me next. Initially, I was hesitant to buy it -- SO glad I did. I can't say more since it was totally NOT what I expected and I want everyone else to be blown away too!
Buckle up people.....

really great

king and the narrator were both fantastic. unforgettable and one his best works in my opinion

Enjoyed every minute

I thought a 17 Hour audiobook would be too long, but I enjoyed every minute of it and I was sad for the story to end. Stephen King is so creative and sometimes I feel his stories are too far-fetched and could never actually happen. But this book was quite believable despite the time travel component. In order to tell the full story, he needed to make it as long as it was. The ending was just right.

King blows me away again. Wasson outdoes himself.

As usual, Stephen King weaves a mezmerizing, emotional, and historically fascinating tale that will keep you listening well after you've reached your destination. I can't imagine the years of research that must have went into writing this. Mr. Wasson gives his usual exemplary performance, but this is one for the books. Pardon the pun. Even if you've already read this book, give it a listen, it will floor you. If you haven't, this should be your next King novel.

Another Jewel in the King's Crown

I bought the novel when it was released, but life wouldn't grant me the time to read often enough to fully get into the story. I refused to watch the Hulu series, fearful it wouldn't do justice to the masterful visuals which are a hallmark of a Stephen King tale. The audio book brought the story to life. The narrator's style and gifted character portrayals immersed this listener in the atmosphere and culture of this pivotal period of our country's past. This novel was completely satisfying from the first to last word. BRAVO.

Good fiction

Stephen King left someone out of his research. Her name is Judyth Vary Baker. He didn't do enough research in New Orleans but it's still an excellent story.

King at his best

The only thing better than King is King and history!! Great book because he gives you everything from the historical elements to the thrill ride of creepy and weird! Can't say enough good about this. And Wasson is GREAT.

JFK and the Bad Female Impersonator

I really enjoy the crazy detail and intimate knowledge Stephen King leaks into his books. But I'm a little disappointed by the depth his female characters get -- they feel more shallow, and less real than the men.

That being said, I think the narrator was chosen for his spot on JFK impressions. His reading of the female lines felt a lit like an amateur drag competition: sassy or demure are the only options.

Wow!!

I have been a fan of Stephen king's for decades. This novel shows his maturity. It has his trademark spins on fiction, mingled with non fiction, humor AND some romance! I was delightfully tossed' back into the American 1950/60's....and loved every minute of it! The man spins a yarn like no other. BRAVO!