The reason authors almost always put a dedication on a book, Annie, is because their selfishness even horrifies themselves in the end.

Goodbye sleep and hello Annie!

I'm certain that my favorite book by King will always be Pet Sematary, but this book came pretty close to changing my mind. And just like I'm sure that Pet Sematary will always be my favorite, I'm also sure that Misery will always remain my second favorite.

I honestly don't know how King does it. This is, without a doubt, the most disgusting and the hardest book I've read so far. And I loved every second of it. (Does that make me a weird person? Probably.)

Now about the book...

Meet Annie Wilkes, a nice old woman who likes to read (just like all of us), but who also has a hobby of capturing and torturing her favorite author (unlike all of us... at least I hope). Annie is one of those characters that will definitely pay a visit to me in my dreams. She's even scarier than crazy Jack Torrance. (Wouldn't the two of them make an excellent couple?!)

But on the other hand, we have Paul Sheldon. And, unlike Annie, he became my favorite King's character. Even though Annie made this book interesting, I loved hearing from Paul's POV. In my opinion, he as a character was even more interesting than Annie.

In conclusion, if you love King (or you're just a horror fan in general), but for some reason still haven't decided to pick up this book yet, do it. You definitely won't be disappointed. This is King at his best. His ability to create such complex and terrifying characters is truly remarkable. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish, and you can't help but be drawn into the twisted world that King has created.

Second Read: October 2022, Rating: 5/5 Stars

This is King at his absolute finest.

He has an uncanny ability to take what seems like a completely innocuous subject, such as an ardent fan, a simple typewriter, or a bedroom door. Anything at all can become the starting point for his masterful storytelling.

And then, he infuses it with horrifying elements that are usually reserved for more supernatural spectres. It's as if he has the power to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary and the terrifying.

The reader is then unceremoniously thrust down a rabbit hole that is full of ill-ease, second-guessing, and a growing sense of unease.

By the time the novel reaches its close, the reader is left breathless, with an entirely new outlook on life. They realize that they can never trust anything again when they return to the real world.

King's writing is so powerful that it has the ability to stay with the reader long after they have finished the book, leaving them with a sense of dread and a newfound appreciation for the power of the written word.

It took me a considerable amount of time to make my way through this, especially during the first half.

This indicates that I wasn't deriving as much enjoyment as I potentially could have.

Undoubtedly, it picked up momentum during the second half.

Even though the book is titled Misery, I didn't take pleasure in the excerpts of the Misery novel being written.

I found them rather dull and felt that I could have done without them.

Nevertheless, I did have a great affection for the references to The Collector by John Fowler, as I had read that book not too long ago.

Certainly, some parts were a bit graphic and difficult to read, but they contributed to the overall sinister atmosphere of the novel.

All in all, it was an interesting read with its own set of pros and cons.

Despite the initial sluggishness, the second half managed to draw me in and keep my attention.

The references to other works added an extra layer of depth, while the graphic parts, although challenging, enhanced the overall tone of the story.

It's a book that I would recommend to those who enjoy a bit of mystery and suspense, but with the caveat that it may not be for the faint of heart.

It took me an incredibly long time, specifically 4 1/2 months, which is just mind-boggling. I really have no clue as to why it took me so long to read this book. However, I must say that I enjoyed it quite a bit.

I had initially thought that I would like it even more than I actually did. But there were a few aspects of King's writing style in this particular book that I had some issues with, especially in the beginning. And yet, I'm usually a huge fan of his writing.

Also, every time there were actual parts of "Misery" (the book within the book) to read, I was bored to death. I don't know the reason why, but I just didn't have any interest in those parts.

Other than those minor drawbacks, this book was really awesome. Annie was such a well-written, interesting, and absolutely terrifying character. She played a huge role in building the perfect atmosphere.

I'm now extremely excited to watch the movie adaptation of this book. I can't wait to see how they bring the story and the characters to life on the big screen.

This is my very first Stephen King book. I have always been a little bit apprehensive about coming across nauseating violence and gore. Until I reached around 60% of the book, I was pleasantly surprised. However, it did get quite rough after that.

This is a truly unique story with some very creative writing. Paul Sheldon is a bestselling novelist who has a recent string of successful books to his credit, all featuring the lady Misery. He now intends to move on to the next novel. He has completed the script and is due to discuss it with publishers. But then, he gets caught in a storm. When he regains consciousness, he finds himself in the house of his biggest fan, Annie Wilkes, with battered legs. Annie has just got hold of his last Misery novel, and the ending drives her into a rage. She is absolutely adamant that the series cannot end the way Paul had planned it.

The first half of the book is simply brilliant. The interplay and dialogues between Paul and Annie are exceptionally well written. I especially loved the section where Annie reviews the attempt Paul makes to revive Misery, and how she categorically tells him he cannot cheat and has to find a fair continuation. The violence in the second half being bad is one thing, which was kind of expected. However, in my opinion, the creative element also goes down a bit. There are not too many ways for the story to proceed beyond a certain point. That being said, the story still manages to keep you engaged right till the very end.

My rating: 4.25 / 5.

Narrated by: Lindsay Crouse

The narration is on top!

I don't know why, but I had this strange thought that the ending of the book was going to be different. When I first started reading it, I firmly believed that there was only one possible ending. I have no idea where or how I got this idea from, but as it turns out, I was completely wrong. And to be honest, I really don't know if I liked the real ending. It was just so unexpected and not what I had in my mind at all.

However, there was one particular easter egg in the book that I really liked. It was a little surprise that made me smile. It was something that I wasn't expecting to find and it added an extra layer of enjoyment to my reading experience. Overall, despite my initial confusion about the ending, I still found the book to be an interesting read.

Wow! What a gruesomely disturbing ride Mr King! I must admit, I watched Misery years ago, and I remember not thinking much of it, as it didn't really make me squeamish.

In the case of "Misery", I think the book was better, and it took the term "Fucked up" to a new height. Although this was a great read, I found I didn't love this as much as Pet Sematary, but it was still classic King writing, and it kept me pretty unsettled, until the very end.

And, talking of unsettled, let's talk about Annie Wilkes. What a woman! She is probably one of the most disturbingly crazy female characters in fiction. I find her layered, and by that I mean that she's a real mixed bag. You really never know what you're going to get. I cannot say I LIKE her character, because, let's face it, she's pretty evil, but she is interesting. The way she lives her life for one. She doesn't fit into society, so she distanced herself from it on her little farm with her animals - until she met Paul Sheldon. And that is when shit hits the fan, and we learn, incredibly quickly actually, that nobody fucks with Annie Wilkes.

I found myself rather on edge with this, eager to know what stunt Annie might pull next, especially if Paul made her angry. There was one scene, and I found myself thinking "Wow, he's not seriously written THAT, has he?" Obviously, the answer to that was a yes. It's King. There is nothing he won't write about, especially when his words are able to crawl into the very depths of your mind, and set up home there for a while. This was another grand novel from King, and I'm itching to read my next!

King's ability to create such a complex and terrifying character like Annie Wilkes is truly remarkable. Her actions and motives keep the reader on the edge of their seat throughout the entire story. The way he builds up the tension and suspense is masterful, making it impossible to put the book down.

Overall, "Misery" is a great example of King's talent for writing horror and psychological thrillers. It may not be my absolute favorite of his works, but it's still a must-read for any fan of the genre. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

Stephen King's "Misery" is a psychological horror classic that was first published in 1987 and later adapted into a near-classic movie. The story follows Paul Sheldon, a successful author of historical romance novels, who is rescued by his number-one fan, Annie Wilkes, after a car accident. At first, Annie seems well-meaning, but when she discovers that Paul has killed off the protagonist of his series, Misery Chastain, she takes him hostage and forces him to write a new book bringing the character back to life.

King tells the story from the limited perspective of Paul, which allows the reader to experience his fear and desperation as he tries to escape Annie's clutches. The book is filled with tension and suspense, as Annie's mental state deteriorates and she becomes increasingly violent towards Paul. The violence in the book is graphic and disturbing, but it is also integral to the story and adds to the sense of horror.

One of the strengths of "Misery" is the character of Annie Wilkes. She is a complex and fascinating villain, and King does a great job of exploring her motives and inner turmoil. While she is clearly deranged, there are also moments when the reader can sympathize with her, which makes her all the more terrifying. The relationship between Annie and Paul is also well-developed, and the reader is constantly on edge, wondering what will happen next.

Another strength of the book is King's writing. He has a gift for creating vivid and memorable images, and the descriptions of the setting and the characters are both detailed and atmospheric. The pacing of the book is also excellent, with the tension building steadily throughout until it reaches a nail-biting climax.

However, "Misery" is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the book a bit too long, and the pacing may feel a bit slow in places. Additionally, the book-within-a-book conceit, while initially interesting, can become tiresome after a while. Finally, some of the plot twists may seem a bit contrived or predictable.

Overall, though, "Misery" is a great read for fans of psychological horror. It is a tense, suspenseful, and disturbing book that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. While it may not be King's best work, it is still a minor masterpiece that is well worth reading.

“[I]t was still a long time before he was finally able to break the dried scum of saliva that had glued his lips together and croak out ‘Where am I?’ to the woman who sat by his bed with a book in her hands. The name of the man who had written the book was Paul Sheldon. He recognized it as his own with no surprise.

‘Sidewinder, Colorado,’ she said when he was finally able to ask the question. ‘My name is Annie Wilkes. And I am – ’

‘I know,’ he said. ‘You’re my number-one fan.’

‘Yes,’ she said, smiling. ‘That’s just what I am…’”
- Stephen King, Misery

“Misery” by Stephen King is an absolute staple in the horror genre. It offers an in-your-face experience, introducing us to yet another iconic character from his vast library, Annie Wilkes.

My goodness, she is a protagonist who sends chills down your spine for all the wrong reasons. As a fellow writer, I can only fathom the terrifying ordeal that the story presents. It's so creepy and, well, it could potentially happen in real life. There are no ghosts, zombies, or aliens here. Instead, it's straight-up psychotic madness that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Yes, it's that scary, and King hits the nail right on the head, capturing everything that makes Annie a villain that a reader will never forget until the end of time.

This novel is a genuine page-turner. Even though I won't ruin anything for you, my goodness, what an ending! It's the kind of ending that is built up to the point of perfection, where you can't put it down for anything at all because you will cling to every single word until it's completely over.

This is a no-brainer for me. I give “Misery” a perfect 5/5, and I'd give it a 10/5 if I could because it's simply a novel every horror fan needs to read at least once in their lives. It's even worth re-reading every few years as it still holds up to this very day as a masterpiece. I highly recommend this to readers who either love horror or want to read an epic novel that proves why King is the best of the best.

I read this book when it first came out, many years ago.

Since then, I’ve seen the movie several times, so my memories of the book were a bit hazy.

They were replaced by Kathy Bates yelling “cockadoodie,” and the changes to the infamous hobbling scene due to the inability at the time to CGI what’s described in the book.

The movie is good, especially the performances by Kathy Bates and James Caan, and it does a fine job with the surface story.

But rereading the book reminded me of how much more profound the book is.

It’s about so much more than just an author falling prisoner to his “number one fan.”

Beneath the plot, Misery delves into the craft of writing itself.

It explores how ideas emerge or are fabricated, and the emotional essence of penning a captivating story.

It’s about the tension in the relationship between the writer, for whom writing is often a largely self-centered act, and the readers.

It’s King contending that the type of popular fiction he writes is just as significant, challenging, and deserving of acclaim as so-called literary fiction.

(An argument King would ultimately prevail in, by the way, considering the numerous career awards he’s received over the past 10 - 15 years.)

Of course, none of those secondary themes would hold much weight if the main story wasn’t so impactful and terrifying.

Annie Wilkes is a distinct villain, and a particular breed of crazy.

And it all converges to make Misery one of King’s finest novels. Highly recommended.

Update 1/8/17:


There is a kind of crazy that is simply wild, and then there is the "Mommy, I'm scared" crazy. Annie is most definitely the latter. She is the type of person you would do well to avoid crossing in any possible way. Ticking time bombs are named as such for a very good reason. At some point, they are bound to detonate. But Annie is like a wasp in comparison to a honeybee because she is the bomb that can explode, and explode, and explode again. Poor Paul Sheldon. He didn't even have the opportunity to evade the crazy that is Annie. "I'm your number one fan!" Yeah, right.


Here's a movie confession. Yes, I have seen the film adaptation of Misery. It was a great flick, but at some point since then, I've learned that it's better to read the book first. In the case of Misery, the order was reversed. It's not a terrible thing to do, especially when the movie is as good as this one. However, while reading, James Caan kept flashing in and out of my mind as Paul Sheldon. The same went for Kathy Bates as Annie Wilkes. Again, it's not a bad way to envision the characters. I simply prefer to have a clean slate when it comes to imagining characters. Although the faces from the movie were clear in my mind, the details I remembered were not. Except for a few scenes. I mean, some things simply cannot be forgotten. Sledgehammer, anyone? So imagine my surprise when that oh-so-horrific moment arrived in the book. It was slightly, yet completely different! I literally wanted to scream, "NO Annie please!" along with Paul. Oh, the pain. It was palpable.


Misery is among King's best works. It's also shorter than most of his novels. The feeling is one of condensation. He still goes off on some tangents, but he doesn't waste too much time before coming back to deliver another blow to the senses. I know that in the future, I will not be able to look at this book without experiencing a visceral response that travels directly to my legs.



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1/7/17


You're the dirty bird Annie Wilkes, and this is for you:


"I want to look her straight in the eye and tell her what a cheap, lying, no good, rotten, far flushing, snake licking, dirt eating, inbreed, overstuffed, ignorant, blood sucking, dog kissing, brainless, dickless, hopeless, heartless, fat assed, bug eyed, stiff legged, spotty lipped, worm headed, sack of monkey shit she is!!! Halleluah!! Holy shit!! Where's the Tylenol??"


Ok, so those were Clark Griswold's famous words from Christmas Vacation. I thought they fit Annie to a tee.

Who hasn't heard at least once about Misery at this stage of the game? I imagine few will have the luxury of saying no, because we are faced with a book that deserves all the popularity it has.

This book is a masterpiece. A plot full of suspense, tense at all times and with a constant burden that weighs on the protagonist's shoulders, making his life a misery, walking between the threads of resignation and the hope of getting out alive. With a very oppressive and crazy atmosphere. It's TREMENDOUS. And even more so when we only have two characters who interact throughout the book and keep many things in their heads.

This story is a discreet and then wild hunt where the prey tries to get out alive (or at least intact) while the predator is always lurking, playing and debating whether to eat or not the poor little animal. That's why this time I want to talk about the characters, who are fantastic and, together, the heart of the story.

From here on there will be slight spoilers. The truth is that there are no very important things that will ruin the reading but the warning is not out of place.

Let's start with Paul Sheldon. I love how at the beginning he knows what to say in order to praise Annie to satisfy his addiction to Novril and calm the pain he feels, even knowing that she is a few screws loose; and how then everything gets twisted and he no longer flatters her with compliments only out of interest, but out of the mere instinct of survival in the face of the danger of being locked in that house with that woman. That process of awareness that he goes through regarding the person he lives with daily is wonderful. Because it also helps us to put ourselves more in his place and feel the continuous terror of sharing a house with someone so unpredictably dangerous.

Paul is very imaginative (of course, he's a writer) but the power of his mind is much greater and more sensitive, so having him as the narrator is perfect; as he always keeps us in uncertainty when creating possible scenarios where he never ends up in a good position or where Annie always does her thing. Sometimes even making you doubt as a reader whether what is happening is real or imaginary.

And on the other side is Annie Wilkes, who is terrifying. There is nothing worse (for me) than facing reality, human beings of flesh and blood who are there to torture you physically and mentally; with the simple purpose of making your life a hell. This neurotic/psychotic woman who is too proper to say bad words, who for brief moments is stupid in the face of Paul Sheldon's lies, but extremely intelligent to know which strings to pull and make the poor writer a defenseless mouse; is, without a doubt, a villain in every sense. And one of the best.

Annie has it all: an imposing figure that intimidates, is manipulative, detail-oriented, very distrustful, overly paranoid and threatening all the time with what she says and does; monstrous in every sense. You hate her but above all you fear her, she angers you, suffocates you and leads you to the poor Paul Sheldon who has unfortunately fallen into the nets of this fanatic woman who is dying for the books he has published about Misery.

I highly recommend this book to anyone. It's even a good introduction to getting to know Stephen King. It fulfills what it proposes and does it masterfully and without going on too long, generating addiction. My ten well-deserved points for this crazy book.