The Shining

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: Campbell Scott

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • In this tour de force from the undisputed King of Horror, a young family confronts an unspeakable evil in the harsh isolation of winter in the Rocky Mountains.

“An undisputed master of suspense and terror.” —The Washington Post

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 when the oppressive winter weather sets in, the idyllic location feels ever more remote . . . and more sinister. As strange and terrible forces gather around the Overlook, the only one to notice is the uniquely gifted five-year-old Danny Torrance—yet the true horror lurking within its walls is beyond human comprehension.

Critic reviews

“A master storyteller.” —Los Angeles Times

“Scary! . . . Serves up horrors at a brisk, unflagging pace.” —The New York Times

“Guaranteed to frighten you into fits. . . . with a climax that is literally explosive.” —Cosmopolitan

“The most wonderfully gruesome man on the planet.” —USA Today

“An undisputed master of suspense and terror.” —The Washington Post

“[King] probably knows more about scary goings-on in confined, isolated places than anybody since Edgar Allan Poe.” —Entertainment Weekly

“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

“This chilling novel will haunt you, and make your blood run cold and your heart race with fear.” —Nashville Banner

“Peerless imagination.” —The Observer (London)

Engaging and Uncomfortable

When I first picked this book, I came into it with certain expectations. I had seen the movie already, and I wanted to see just how well Kubrick had adapted it to the big screen.

Unsurprisingly, the book is much better, and in ways I had not imagined, even after having seen the movie.

I found myself struggling to pick this up at night, because I was afraid of what kind of nightmares I’d have with it. I’m 20 years old. I don’t really worry about nightmares anymore, but with this book, I was hesitant about listening to it past 11.

This was my first Stephen King, I normally enjoy the works of Dean Koontz, and knowing that King was a master of horror, I wanted something well known, and notoriously terrifying.

This did not disappoint.

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.

Change of reader

Don’t know what happened during the recording of the book but it is obvious that the performer from chapter 1-39 was replaced at chapter 40.

So good!

When my brother told me about Doctor Sleep, I realised I'd never actually read The Shining. I've seen the Jack Nicholson movie several times, but hadn't actually read it. Can I just say, wow! This story is so much deeper than the movie portrayed. I know, that's to be expected, but this just opened up whole new plots that I had NO idea even existed! Its a MUST-READ before Doctor Sleep. Shine on, my friends!

One of my favorite novels of all time

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

Well I've read this book twice before. The audiobook version is ok. Bad narration.

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

There aren't any books quite like this. Very original.

Did Campbell Scott do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

No. All characters sound exactly the same. If I had never read this, it would be more difficult to tell. He reads completely in monotone. He also sounds a little bored. Narrators can ruin amazing books. Enjoyable but could be way better. He doesn't add any drama to the story.

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

Why would someone want to rename the book? Silly question.

Any additional comments?

I see a lot of comments about the Stanly Kubrick movie. Firstly, that is complete trash. This is the real story of the Torrance family. The movie could never compare to this, ever. In the 90's there was a mini-series made of this book. Not a great movie but a far better adaption the what Kubrick did. Steven Weber plays Jack Torrance. He read "IT" for audible and did an amazing job. I wish he could have read this. However, this is an audiobook site. Let's save the reviews for the book. Not movies.