Community Reviews

Rating(4.2 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
39(39%)
4 stars
37(37%)
3 stars
24(24%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Stephen King is a renowned author whose works have captivated readers for decades. His unique style of writing combines elements of horror, mystery, and suspense, making his books an interesting and fun read for any Stephen King fan, or anyone just into writing.

King's ability to create vivid and engaging characters is one of the hallmarks of his writing. His stories often explore the darker side of human nature, delving into the fears and insecurities that lie within us all. Whether it's a small-town mystery or a supernatural thriller, King has a way of drawing readers in and keeping them on the edge of their seats until the very end.

For those interested in writing, King's works can serve as a valuable source of inspiration. His writing process and techniques are well-known, and many aspiring writers have studied his books in an effort to improve their own skills. From his use of descriptive language to his ability to build tension and create a sense of atmosphere, there is much to be learned from one of the masters of modern literature.
July 15,2025
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The day was fine.

Some of the collected items that I've read elsewhere were present, yet there were a few interesting pieces that I had not read before.

I do think that for those people who have not read other works by SK, this might very well be a 5-star experience.

The reason being that the items included which I had already read, specifically the long portion from Danse Macabre, are truly awesome.

It's like a mix of the familiar and the new.

Even though I had come across some of the content before, the fresh pieces added an element of excitement.

For those new to SK's works, they would be introduced to a world of captivating stories and ideas.

The collection offers a diverse range of reading material that can appeal to both seasoned SK fans and those just starting to explore his literary universe.

Overall, it's an interesting compilation that has something for everyone.

July 15,2025
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This is truly an outstanding collection of essays and various other literary works.

It stands out as being even better than the renowned "On Writing".

The essays within this collection offer a diverse range of perspectives, covering a wide array of topics.

The writing is engaging, thought-provoking, and showcases the authors' remarkable skills and creativity.

Each piece draws the reader in, captivating their attention from the very first sentence.

The collection as a whole provides a rich and fulfilling reading experience, leaving the reader with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the written word.

Whether you are a literature enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys a good read, this collection is sure to delight and inspire you.

It is a must-have for any bookshelf and a testament to the power and beauty of great writing.

July 15,2025
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Stephen King's "On Writing" and "Secret Windows" are two works that offer unique perspectives on the craft of writing.

"On Writing" begins with a bold statement that grabs the reader's attention. King then proceeds to deliver his advice in a simple and straightforward manner, providing valuable insights and examples.

The book also includes an autobiographical section that gives readers a glimpse into King's life and the events that influenced his writing.

"Secret Windows" is a compilation of previously published and unpublished works, including a few that are worth re-reading.

The collection features King's early attempts at different writing styles, as well as a powerful story called "The Ballad of the Flexible Bullet."

Together, these two books make a great pair for writers and aspiring writers. While the average non-writing King fan may not find as much value in them, for those interested in the craft of writing, they are like gold nuggets in a river.

"On Writing" earns a rating of ****, while "Secret Windows" receives a rating of *** ½.

Overall, both books are well worth reading for anyone looking to improve their writing skills or gain a deeper understanding of the creative process.
July 15,2025
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This is not my favorite book by King.

It is a compilation that consists of essays, short stories, and interviews.

There were several pieces within it that I simply didn't read, and a couple that I did read and really hated.

However, there was one that I absolutely loved, and that was "The Flexible Bullet".

I truly wish that this particular story could have continued on and on.

It had a certain charm and appeal that made it stand out from the rest.

The way the story was crafted and the characters were developed was quite engaging.

I found myself completely immersed in the world that King had created within "The Flexible Bullet".

If only there was more of it to enjoy.

Overall, while this compilation wasn't my favorite, "The Flexible Bullet" was a shining gem within it.
July 15,2025
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Lots of repeat material is often found in various forms of writing. It can be a bit tiresome at times, but it also serves certain purposes. Sometimes, repeating key points helps to drive the message home and make it more memorable for the readers. However, it's important to strike a balance and not overdo it to the point where it becomes monotonous.


On the other hand, I really enjoyed reading "On Writing" by Stephen King. This book offers valuable insights and practical advice on the art and craft of writing. King's personal anecdotes and experiences add a touch of authenticity and make the book engaging and relatable. It's not just a dry manual on writing; it's a journey into the mind of a master storyteller.


Overall, while dealing with repeat material requires care and creativity, books like "On Writing" can provide inspiration and guidance to writers of all levels. They remind us that writing is both a skill and a passion, and that with practice and dedication, we can improve and create something truly remarkable.

July 15,2025
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Review is coming, probably. Be patient.

This simple statement holds a certain anticipation. We know that a review is on the horizon, yet the exact timing remains somewhat uncertain with the word "probably". It could be that this review is for a product, a service, or perhaps a performance.

In any case, the advice to be patient is crucial. Waiting for a review can often be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if it has the potential to impact our decisions or evaluations.

However, being patient allows us to approach the review with a clear mind and an open attitude. It gives us the opportunity to absorb the information presented and make a more informed judgment.

So, as we await this likely upcoming review, let's remember to stay calm and patient, knowing that it will provide us with valuable insights.

Recensione in arrivo, probabilmente. Abbiate pazienza.
July 15,2025
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I'm not really a big fan of horror fiction. However, I did read Misery in small portions. But I truly love King's book On Writing and desired more of that kind.

This particular work was more focused on the genre itself. It provided me with a nice overview of the genre, as well as King's favorite writers and the various sub-genres within it.

King is indeed a great writer, and this book was a compelling read. I really liked the parts where he gets philosophical and symbolic. Additionally, I adored his comments about Ray Bradbury, who also writes exceptionally well about writing.

Overall, it was an interesting and informative read that gave me a better understanding of the horror fiction genre and the minds of some of its great writers.
July 15,2025
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Some parts of this book were interesting.

Specifically, when S.K. described his early struggles in writing while simultaneously striving to support his family, it provided a certain degree of inspiration.

Moreover, there were a couple of good ideas that could potentially be beneficial for those who are considering breaking into the horror genre.

However, overall, I was not overly impressed and frequently found myself bored.

The narrative seemed to lack the necessary excitement and engagement to hold my attention throughout.

As a result, I would not recommend this book to others.

It may have had its闪光点, but they were not sufficient to outweigh the overall lackluster experience.

Perhaps for some die-hard fans of S.K. or those with a particular interest in the horror genre's development, it might hold more appeal.

But for the average reader, it fails to deliver a truly captivating and enjoyable reading experience.

July 15,2025
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This was one of my last 24 Books in 2024 recommended reads.

(Yes, I didn’t get to it until early 2025.)

This was an okay book. It wasn't great in the sense that it didn't blow me away with its originality or profoundness. However, it also wasn't terrible. There were no major flaws or annoyances that made me want to stop reading.

It was just sort of average. The story had its moments, but it didn't really stand out among other books in the same genre. The characters were somewhat developed, but not to the point where I felt a deep connection with them.

Overall, it was an okay read that I didn't regret picking up, but it also wasn't a book that I would rave about to others. It was just one of those books that you read, enjoy to a certain extent, and then move on to the next one.
July 15,2025
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This was an extremely strong and magnificently crafted collection of essays.

The initial few essays, in which King delved into the topics of fear, writing, and his own fame, had such a powerful impact that it felt as if King and I were seated directly opposite each other. We were outdoors, in the midst of a forest, with a crackling bonfire in front of us. The sounds of the fire were like whispering music, adding to the delightfully spooky atmosphere that I adored so much.

A significant portion of the book consisted of a lengthy piece from King's Danse Macabre titled "Horror Fiction". Here, he explored approximately 10 tales and novels of horror and eerie science-fiction. I derived great enjoyment from the majority of this piece as it not only added but also vividly SHOWED the profound depth that exists within horror fiction. There were aspects, characteristics, and details that I had been completely oblivious to prior to reading this book. Moreover, it rightfully recognized the genius of numerous writers who might otherwise have been overshadowed or underappreciated.

Additionally, the short story "In The Deathroom" was highly amusing and suspenseful, maintaining my interest until the very last sentence.

However, on the negative side, a couple of the stories/novels within the "Horror Fiction" piece that King discussed seemed to go off on tangents, causing me to become bored. And the short story "The Ballad of Flexible Bullet" bored me to such an extent that I DNFed (Did Not Finish) it. Nevertheless, I might make an attempt to reread it in the Everything's Eventual collection.

Overall, I would rate this collection 4.2 stars.
July 15,2025
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This one has been sitting on my shelves for quite some time, seemingly begging to be read. I purchased it many years ago to complete my King collection, and now I have finally gotten around to reading it.

With an introduction by my friend Peter Straub (who has recently passed away), it is truly one of the coolest compilations on style and the craft. It includes a plethora of book intros and a few of his interviews in printed form.

I thoroughly enjoy hearing Stephen's views and opinions on his own writing as well as that of others. It sort of gives the feeling that he is allowing us to peek in, even if just a little bit, on how the magic of his writing happens. It's like getting a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of a literary giant. This compilation not only provides valuable insights into the world of writing but also serves as a tribute to the great Stephen King and his contributions to the literary field.

Overall, it has been a fascinating read, and I'm glad I finally took the time to explore this collection.
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