The world is indeed a hard place.

"The world's a hard place. It don't care. It don't hate you and me but it don't love us, either."

My relationship with horror stories is rather peculiar. I detest them, yet my fascination for them constantly overpowers that hatred. It might take me an eternity to pick up a specific book or watch a particular movie, but at some point, curiosity inevitably gets the better of me (and satisfaction brings it back).

The only Stephen King work I had read prior to this was Carrie. I didn't find it overly frightening or thrilling, but it was still good. And I just knew that The Shining would be on an entirely different level. And it truly was.

The foreshadowing in The Shining was the most intense. It held me firmly in its grip and nearly suffocated me. On the other hand, it also made the story somewhat predictable.
Apart from that, I'm captivated by how incredibly well-developed the characters are. The same goes for the background details such as the hotel's history, its former owners, and guests.
King also leaves numerous questions about the hotel unanswered, which is both torturous and ingenious. That's something I truly adore about authors: when they don't reveal all the secrets, making it impossible for you to completely let go of the book.

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Million stars are twinkling above me, as if they are countless eyes looking at me. I stand here, completely overwhelmed by this magnificent sight. The vastness of the universe makes me feel so small and insignificant. It's like I'm a tiny speck in this无尽的cosmos. I just can't help but be amazed by the beauty and mystery of it all.

I promise that a detailed review will come soon. I want to share this wonderful experience with everyone, to describe in words the feelings that涌上心头when I saw these million stars. I'll try my best to capture the essence of this moment and let others feel the same sense of wonder and awe that I felt. Stay tuned for my review!

FANTASTICO GENIAL!!!
This book clearly belongs, along with Misery, to my favorites by S. King.
I really liked it and when comparing it with the movie, clear differences can be seen. Here, the story and Danny's power are much more developed. And the ending is different.
The magnificent setting, the Overlook, is great. All the specters and ghosts imprisoned there, dominated by that malicious essence that impregnates the entire hotel.
#7. A book that takes place in winter. Literary challenge 2021.
#Challenge of noir, police, mystery and thriller novels 2021. 14. A book where there is a demonic possession.

The Shining by Stephen King is truly a remarkable work. It has a unique charm that draws readers in and keeps them on the edge of their seats. The detailed descriptions of the Overlook Hotel add to the eerie atmosphere, making it feel almost tangible. The development of the characters, especially Danny and his special power, is captivating. The differences between the book and the movie offer an interesting perspective and allow readers to appreciate the story in a new light. Whether you're a fan of horror or just looking for a thrilling read, The Shining is definitely worth checking out.

Thank you, the King of authors, who has written something so memorable that I simply cannot help myself but to reread it and witness his extraordinary creative mind. He has found millions of ways to scare me sh*tless!

Redrum. The word that sends shivers down our spines. Fire extinguishers, which seem harmless at first but can become tools of terror. The Roque Mallet, a mysterious and menacing object. The mind-freaking maze that confounds and disorients. "All work no play makes Jake dull boy!" - a phrase that takes on a whole new meaning in this context. The creepy Grady twins, their identical appearance and eerie presence. The tricycle, a childhood toy that becomes a symbol of dread. The scary woman in the bath, emerging from the water with a terrifying visage. Room 237, a place filled with unknown horrors. The Japanese lantern, casting an otherworldly glow. And of course, "Here comes Johnny!" (Okay, this part belongs to the movie as a tribute to Johnny Carson.)

Jack Torrance is truly the embodiment of evil, like Satan himself. The Overlook Hotel is the last gate to hell, a place of darkness and despair. And little Danny, who communicates with the angels using his finger. (That might be the most biblical approach to the book, but it makes more sense than the conspiracy theories I've written.)

Overall, I think the author has a brilliant mind that shines like the brightest stars in the sky! Mr. King has truly earned the right to have his own planet!

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His best book is 'The Green Mile,' but since it doesn't quite fall under the Horror category, it is either 'Shining' or 'Carrie' which take top prize.

There is not a single detriment to this well-known tale of the disintegration of the American family within the realm of the undead. King here is as he has never been since: metaphoric and concise. He usually adds fact upon useless fact that converts a 400-page work into something more gargantuan, and, therefore, less enthralling.

King is not a fan of the Kubrick film, and it is easy to see why. His story is about the build-up of tension, the "shining" a catalyst that promotes a bridge between the haunts and the humans. The boiler burns, blows everything up just as Jack Torrence forgets his humanity and becomes an ego/id complex. His selfishness and his alcoholism (a hereditary illness... another theme about family "curses," and weak threads) lead to savagery. The ghosts are the manifestations of a child's bruised home-life and the suffocation and claustrophobia have more to do with that tragic past than the hotel's eerie interior.

I place this masterpiece next to 'The Exorcist', a tale that is more than just a simple tale of demonic possession. To say that 'The Shining' is just a ghost story is something Kubrick ran with... completely ignoring the pathos of a family eating away at itself. The Torrences suffer because they had been broken prior to the stay at the Overlook... it seems that for this one all the stars aligned and all the ingredients for one of the most amazing horror stories of all time mixed exquisitely. This one is the one that made King king. It is a work that delves deep into the human psyche, exploring the darkest corners of our fears and desires. The characters are vividly drawn, and the setting is so atmospheric that it almost becomes a character in its own right. 'The Shining' is a classic of the horror genre, and it continues to captivate readers and viewers alike to this day.

On my journey to reading/re-reading all of SK's books in publication order, this was a re-read.

The Shining is always a joy to re-visit. It may not be one of my all-time favourites, but it is still incredible.

It is a stunning piece of writing. Please don't go off the film for this one as it does it no justice (and I quite like the film). While reading, it's hard to believe this is just a story. No matter how far-fetched it seems, it appears so real and really makes you think it might have happened. It is such a scary story, and its popularity isn't undeserved.

I first read this book as a young teen and re-read it in my 20's. I loved it just as much the second and third time. This book just doesn't get old and is still very relevant in today's society, maybe even more so.

The quotes from the book are memorable. "Wendy? Darling? Light, of my life. I'm not gonna hurt ya. I'm just going to bash your brains in." "Small children are great accepters. They don't understand shame, or the need to hide things." "If you're going into a very dark place, then you should take a bright light, and shine it on everything. If you don't want to see, why in God's name would you dare the dark at all?"

This is the book that truly made me fall in love with King's writing. He really is the KING of Horror. It doesn't get much better than this book. The only reason this isn't getting a 5-star is probably because I saw the film first, so I couldn't stop seeing the film in my head as I was reading. I also think it drags a little sometimes, and I just wanted to get to the climax, but it wouldn't be SK without a little over explaining.

I can see why so many people hate the film because it doesn't capture any of the character development and misses out half of the best bits about the book. This book is spine chilling and an absolute classic, a must-read. If you haven't read this yet, seriously, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!!

Monsters are real. Ghosts are too. They live inside of us, and sometimes, they win.

When I first read The Shining several years ago, I thought it was amazing and gave it 5 stars. However, it never became a personal favorite. But on this reread, my perception completely changed. It was as if a whole new world opened up before me. This is precisely why I will always be a strong advocate for rereading. It's evident that our mindset and life circumstances can significantly influence how we view a book.

On my initial read, I was impatient. I was just beginning to explore King's works and was eager for the terrifying parts. This time, though, I became emotionally invested. I felt a profound connection to Danny and could truly understand Wendy's fears as a parent. A younger, more naïve me might have wondered, "Why don't you just leave if all this creepy stuff is happening?" But now I realize that for the Torrances, this was a last resort. They needed the money and had nowhere else to turn.

The Shining is undoubtedly one of King's scariest novels. There are a few scenes in Pet Sematary that might give it a run for its money, but The Shining has its own unique brand of terror. One particular scene left me feeling claustrophobic and short of breath. I regretted reading it alone at night before going to bed. I love the rich history of the Overlook and the fact that the former guests seem to linger.

Jack's descent into madness is truly terrifying. He is a complex character, and it's hard to determine whether we should sympathize with him or not. He's far from a perfect father, but we all have our flaws. Maybe not to this extreme, though. I even shed a tear towards the end because I believe that despite everything he has done, he still loves his son. He was just an easy target for the Overlook to manipulate.

I thoroughly enjoyed this reread, especially with the additional prologue and epilogue in this edition. The prologue, in particular, is a must-read for fans of The Shining as it adds another layer of depth to the story. 5 stars all the way.

Reread in November 2023 as part of a big King chronological reread. Still 5 stars.

This scene from Friends truly encapsulates my sentiments regarding this book.

Rachel, with a hint of confusion, opens the freezer and inquires, "Hmm. Umm, why do you have a copy of The Shining in your freezer?" Joey, looking a bit sheepish, replies, "Oh, I was reading it last night, and I got scared, so." Rachel, still perplexed, asks, "But ah, you’re safe from it if it’s in the freezer?" Joey attempts to justify his actions by saying, "Well, safer. Y'know, I mean I never start reading The Shining without making sure we’ve got plenty of room in the freezer, y'know." Rachel then wonders, "How often do you read it?" Joey, in turn, questions her, "Haven’t you ever read the same book over and over again?" Rachel admits that she has read Little Women more than once, but then asks, "Well, umm, I guess I read Little Women more than once. But I mean that’s a classic, what’s so great about The Shining?" Joey passionately retorts, "The question should be Rach, what is not so great about The Shining. Okay? And the answer would be: nothing. All right? This is like the scariest book ever. I bet it’s way better than that classic of yours."

This exchange between Joey and Rachel not only provides a humorous moment but also highlights the different perspectives people can have on books. While Rachel values the classic Little Women, Joey is completely enthralled by the terrifying The Shining. It makes me wonder what it is about certain books that can have such a profound impact on us, whether it's the fear they evoke or the emotions they stir.

Lectura con el grupo PopSugar Reading Challenge en Español

After letting this book sit for a while, I must have a fixed opinion of it. Especially since many consider it a gem of horror. Well, not really. It's more of a rather average book. Starting the review with this line is like putting a big, red, bold sign of a snob on my small forehead. But in reality, it's not that way. It's because of my own issues with King.

Given that I started a bit acidic, I'll try to say at first everything that I liked. If there's one thing King always has a win-win with, it's character development. He's a writer who isn't afraid to burn page after page describing his characters in a not-so-obvious way, with the necessary subtlety to make us believe we're uncovering the most secret and profound aspects of each character. When in reality, he's leading us by the hand at every step so that we don't find an essential aspect of each character before the necessary moment for the plot, but it still remains something in line with the nature of the character. It doesn't seem like an aspect of himself forced in but rather that the entire structure of the story makes it something that just fits.

Another thing this author does in an enviable way are ideas. I really believe that few people can boast of having such a developed imagination. This book is of the type that doesn't show the greatest innovation in the literary field, but the way it develops is what causes intrigue, what covers with a layer of freshness a concept that popular culture added years before the existence of this book. The terror it tries to create is of an enveloping type. First, they plant the doubt in us. Later, King offers us crumbs, and at the end, he gives us a closing that simply compacts all of that.

But not everything is honey on flakes. While the story develops in a rather good way, the book has a terribly bad rhythm. And it's not because the narration is slow. It's appreciated that the author takes his time to reach the climax. But easily 100 pages could be removed that are merely filler, and not of the kind that contributes to the characters or gives depth to the story but rather of the kind that only makes there be more pages to read, pages that don't contribute anything, that are there with the only objective of delaying the action. If to this I add King's mania of changing the focus of the story when it's already at the most intense point, for me, you enter a vortex from which you can't get out, which ends up pulling the plot down as it loses force. Even the attention that was had with the resolution decreases as it gets closer and further away from the eye of the hurricane.

And my other problem lies in the twist at the end. The caricaturization of the entity that owns the hotel, for me, simply spoiled everything. I stopped caring about the good work in the narration, the deep internalization of the characters and the hotel, and even the way it would conclude. Simply, for me, it was as if with a kick I was taken out of the fantasy.

In the end, I think it's essential if you're a fan of the author, but I don't consider it that essential in the horror library.

Years ago, I had the opportunity to stay at a brand new Vegas hotel for a conference. Brand. New. This gleaming black tower of decadence had been recently decorated, just a few months before my arrival. It had all the charm and ambiance of a freshly vacuumed rental car. In time, it would surely adapt to the wild and crazy atmosphere of Vegas, or perhaps Vegas would mold it to its own liking. But for now, it was like the new, clueless kid on the block.

So, you can imagine my surprise when, on the last day of my stay, I was tormented throughout the night. Something in the room turned on the jets in my hot tub at random intervals, and every time I turned the lights out, it stomped heavily back and forth. Eventually, after I audibly told the room to "cut it out, I've got an early flight," it retaliated by slamming a shaking blow into the headboard directly beside me, as if to remind me who was in charge in this place. In the morning, I confessed to the front desk that I'd had a rather eventful night, and not in the typical Vegas way. With a quick glance at the room number, the clerk simply said he bet that I had.

Later, I discovered that the brand new hotel had only been a few weeks old when a man had tragically jumped to his death from one of the rooms. The stylish glass balconies that I had admired were actually an aftermarket addition, designed to prevent other tortured guests from following in his footsteps. It was unclear if my room had been the unlucky suite. Was my room the way it was because the man had jumped, or had the man jumped because of something in my room?

So, that's the story of "The Shining" as it relates to my own experience. I'm sure I'm one of the last people in the world to have read the book (I still haven't seen the film, but now I definitely will), but better late than never, right? I guess it really sucks to shine in a hotel that seems to be hungry for that kind of attention.

If you had not read The Shining already, the 2013 publication of Doctor Sleep, the sequel, presented a wonderful opportunity. It was a chance to revisit one of the best ghost stories of our time, a perfect justification for stepping through those bat-wing doors for the first time.

It has been a lifetime since I read The Shining for the first time, over thirty years ago. I enjoyed it then for its effectiveness in telling a truly scary story. Now, as I read it again, it is colored by our accumulation of experience. We see and appreciate more with our educated eyes. We have seen real-world things that are scarier than fictional spectres. So, what does The Shining look like through old, cloudy lenses?

It remains a very scary story. The things that stand out for me now are not just the creepy scenes like the deader rising from a bathtub or the mobile topiary. King was using the haunted house trope to explore more personal demons. And those shine through more clearly now.

The character of Jack Torrance is complex. He is an alcoholic with anger management issues. His little boy, Danny, has an unusual talent called the shining. Danny can do a bit of mind-reading and see things others cannot. He also has an invisible friend named Tony.

The book is different from the film in many ways. The book is about the disintegration of a family due to alcoholism and anger issues, while the film is more of a pure spook house story. There are many details in the book that did not make it into the film.

King often includes literary references in his work, and The Shining is no exception. He peppers the text with mentions of various relevant books and authors. This gives the story a deeper layer of meaning.

Not everything is perfect in The Shining. There are a few minor flaws, but they do not overshadow the overall brilliance of the story. If you appreciate horror that offers underlying emotional content, then The Shining is a must-read. It is a masterful example of how a great writer can illuminate the darkness.

This inhuman place makes human monsters.

When Jack, an alcoholic who has been sober for 14 months, is offered a job as a caretaker for an old hotel in remote Colorado, he feels he has no choice but to take it. His options are limited as he has been fired from teaching and his play is far from complete. He packs up his wife, Wendy, and his psychic five-year-old son, Danny, and awaits the arrival of the snows.

Unfortunately, the hotel has a Grudge. Danny's psychic ability only feeds the Grudge and makes it stronger. As the Grudge tries to invade Jack's mind, the chances of any of them escaping alive dwindle.

A Grudge is an evil, murderous presence tied to a location. In this case, the hotel's Grudge is a conglomerate of various terrible events that have occurred over the near hundred years of its existence. It includes the remains of a Mafia killing, a caretaker who killed his family and then himself, and a woman who committed suicide after her lover left her. There are likely many more.

This Grudge views Jack, his wife, and especially his son Danny as a delicious buffet, delivered especially for its enjoyment. If it can kill Danny and tie him to the hotel, it will become extremely powerful.

True horror lies not only in the supernatural but also in the human psyche. While there is an evil presence in the hotel, the real problem is that Jack is a bad person. He has a terrible temper and does horrifying things even when he is stone-cold sober. He blames others for everything and takes no responsibility for his actions. Going sober may help, but it is not a cure for his temper.

Wendy, on the other hand, is a character who I liked. She comes from an abusive home and has to fight hard against continuing the cycle of abuse. She is terrified and unskilled, but she shows great bravery in her struggle to protect Danny.

However, there were some things I didn't like about the book. The idea of giant hedge animals coming to life and trying to kill people was laughable. And the final showdown between Danny and his dead, Grudge-possessed father felt false and unrealistic.

Overall, though, this is a great book. It is full of nuance and delicate shading, and the writing is excellent. Despite the disappointing climax, I would highly recommend it.