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)

very different from the movie, enjoyed it

the voice actors were great. the story was much more satisfying than the movie. I recommend it highly.

Big Fiction

I don't know why I always assumed that this was just a horror story. Stephen King rarely rights anything that's "just" one thing. This is Big Fiction. It's about family, addiction, greed, madness, heroism, the American Dream, redemption and those who refuse redemption. At moments it's funny. Others you're just very scared for this little boy and his mom.

Campbell Scott's narration is beautiful. He has a light touch with character voices. Not so much that it distracts, but enough that you know who is talking. And the long stretches of narrative are captivating. Unfortunately, it almost ruined Dr. Sleep for me (which I started immediately after) because even though Will Patton is great, I still wanted to hear Campbell Scott's voice.

Everyone shines a little....

This is an amazing book. King really hit a home run here. If you have only seen the movie, please do yourself a favor and read or listen to this book. The depth that he delves into the character of Danny is really quite intriguing. As you follow the plunge of Jack Torrence into his own personal hell...insanity, possession, depravity...the journey is quite frightening. I also love novels where the protagonist is a child. Danny is the only one in this novel that seems to have any control over the outcome. He is the only one who truly knows what is going on, and as he struggles to keep his mother safe, and to try to help his father, I really found myself becoming attached to the 5 year old. Great story! Great narration!

It's king...

...not my favorite....but a wonderful study into the human experience.....not the literary quote, unquote...but the naked and raw silence of your own experiences bleeding into his story.... those things that really scare you...memories and mirrors....if that's a bit cryptic. ...then take a listen...(to any of his stories).....you'll see ....If you put your ear to the keyhole.....its king.....that's all you need to know.

Jorge Harrington

Loved this book. Old school horror. The scares were subtle, which are crucial when writing horror like this. To me anyways. Of course it's Stephen king, but when it first came our, I bet it scared the shit out of the people when it first came out. Reading Dr. Sleep right after this. Thanks Stephen King.

Jorge Harrington

Great story

Once again Stephen King proves why he's the master of the horror genre. I just can't believe that it's taken me so long to actually get to this book.

Classic King

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

I honestly forgot how creepy this book is. Far scarier than the movie, even the Jack Nicholson version. Wanted to listen to it before I jump into Doctor Sleep. So glad I did.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The chef. I always liked him the best, even when I read the book the first time. He's written in a very real manner. He wants to buck his responsibility and even plots through his reasons why it would be a better idea. In the end, he knows what he has to do, his own life be damned, and he does it.

Which character – as performed by Campbell Scott – was your favorite?

Jack. Mr. Scott seems to have grasped the nuances and struggles of this character.

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

No, but I've read it before. When I was a kid it gave me nightmares.

More gripping than I was prepared for.

this book was by no means difficult to finish, it had me pulled in from the start.

a book I waited way too long to experience and a book that delivered way more than I was expecting.

Glad I Finally "Read" It.

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

Yes, if you have only seen the movies, this has more background. The second movie (1997) follows the book very closely, so I was already familiar with the story, but the book gives the reader a better understanding of what is going on inside Danny's head.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I liked the character of Wendy the best- in the book. In the movies she is always portrayed as an idiot. In the book she is more "human" I could relate to Wendy in a way I just could not in the movies.

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

Campbell Scott did a nice job of capturing the feelings of rage that surge from a hidden place deep inside Jack. As a reader, I don't think I would have picked up on or experienced the conflicting emotions of the characters by just reading it on my own.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I'm not sure I'd have the time to sit and listen to the whole book at once. I enjoy King's books, but they are a bit long.

Great book and superb reader.

Campbell Scott does a superb job with this book and the story itself is very compelling.
Throughly enjoyed it and highly recommended.