It

by Stephen King
It cover
Good Books rating 3.31
Horror
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Format • £12.34
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  • ID: 4609
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2026-02-03
  • ISBN: 9781982127794
  • Publisher: Scribner
  • Published: 2019-07-30
  • Formats: 7
  • Reviews: 4

Stephen King's classic horror novel, 'It,' is a chilling tale that blends the innocence of childhood with the terrifying unknown. The story revolves around seven adults who reunite in their hometown of Derry, Maine, to face a monstrous entity that has begun killing children again. As they confront their repressed memories of a summer spent battling this evil, they must also deal with the personal demons they've carried into adulthood. The novel is a profound exploration of fear, memory, and the power of friendship, set against the backdrop of a town with a dark and haunting history. King's intricate world-building and masterful storytelling make 'It' a standout in the horror genre, with Derry, Maine, serving as a recurring and sinister location in many of his works.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2026-01-15
excellent 4.20

The novel is brilliant, with crisp, clear prose and unforgettable characters. It is considered the essence of good fiction.

This review praises 'It' as a brilliant novel, highlighting its crisp, clear prose and unforgettable characters. The reviewer considers it the essence of good fiction, appreciating the depth and complexity of the story. They find the novel to be a masterpiece, with situations that are both captivating and memorable. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the book is evident, making it a highly recommended read for fans of Stephen King and horror fiction.

Quick quotes

    This is a brilliant novel, beautifully told in crisp, clear prose, with truly unforgettable characters and situations.

    It is the essence of good fiction; the...

    The story could have cut down to 200 pages and not much will change, I thought this book is about the experiences of seven children terrorized by an evil...

Shots of Horror · 2024-05-15
harrowing 3.80

The book tackles heavy topics such as abuse, racism, and the impact of trauma on children and teenagers. It is a powerful exploration of these issues, presented in a way that is both harrowing and thought-provoking.

This review discusses how 'It' deals with heavy and often disturbing topics, including abuse, racism, and the impact of trauma on young individuals. The reviewer acknowledges the book's ability to tackle these sensitive issues with a level of depth and honesty that makes it a compelling read. They appreciate the way the author handles these topics, providing a harrowing yet thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. The reviewer also notes the emotional impact of the story, which stays with the reader long after finishing the book. Overall, they view 'It' as a powerful and important work that sheds light on crucial social issues.

Quick quotes

    This book deals with heavy topics, such as abuse, racism, actual murders and harmful things happening to children and teenagers.

    It is a powerful exploration of these issues, presented in a way that is both harrowing and thought-provoking.

    The emotional impact of the story stays with the reader long after finishing the book.

Horror.org · 2023-05-22
powerful 4.25

This book reminds us that we are not alone in our suffering and that we can find strength in unity. It is a powerful exploration of shared experiences and the bonds that form from them.

The reviewer appreciates how the book highlights the importance of community and support in overcoming trauma. They note that the book's characters are relatable and well-developed, making their struggles and triumphs all the more impactful. The reviewer also praises the book's ability to evoke a sense of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. They believe that this book is a testament to the power of human connection and the strength that can be found in unity.

Quick quotes

    IT reminds us that we are not alone in what we've suffered, and that we too can band together with others who share similar experiences, empower ...

    The book's characters are relatable and well-developed, making their struggles and triumphs all the more impactful.

    This book is a testament to the power of human connection and the strength that can be found in unity.

Reddit - r/horrorlit · u/horrorlover42 · 2022-10-28
disappointing 1.00

The book was found to be slow and boring, making it difficult to enjoy. Despite its length, it felt like a chore to get through, and the reviewer had to put it down after about 500 pages.

This review expresses a negative opinion of 'It', describing it as slow, boring, and overall unejoyable. The reviewer found the book's length to be a significant drawback, making it feel like a chore to get through. They struggled to connect with the story and eventually had to put it down after about 500 pages. Despite acknowledging that some readers might find value in the book, they personally did not enjoy the experience. The reviewer also notes that the book's pacing and lack of engaging content contributed to their overall dissatisfaction. Overall, they view 'It' as a disappointing read that did not live up to their expectations.

Quick quotes

    It was such a slough... slow, boring, and overall unejoyable in my experience.

    I made it about 5 to 600 pages in and put it back on my self.

    I struggled to connect with the story and eventually had to put it down.

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