11.22.63

by Stephen King
11.22.63 cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £12.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4629
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781451651645
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2011-11-08
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

11/22/63 is a heart-stoppingly dramatic novel by Stephen King that explores the consequences of altering history. The enhanced ebook edition includes a 13-minute film narrated by King, featuring historic footage from CBS News, immersing readers in the Kennedy era. The story follows Jake Epping, a high school English teacher who discovers a portal to 1958 and embarks on a mission to prevent the assassination of President Kennedy. Along the way, he falls in love with Sadie Dunhill, a high school librarian, and navigates the complexities of a bygone era. This novel is a tribute to a simpler time and a devastating exercise in escalating suspense, showcasing Stephen King's ability to blend historical fiction with a gripping narrative. /n/n The novel is a testament to King's storytelling prowess, offering a unique blend of historical fiction and suspense. Jake's journey is not just about changing history but also about the personal relationships he forms and the challenges he faces. The enhanced ebook edition adds an extra layer of immersion with its included film, making it a must-read for fans of historical fiction and thriller enthusiasts alike. The story's exploration of time travel and its consequences adds a layer of complexity that keeps readers engaged until the very end.

Reviews
whatsgoodtoread.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-21
captivating 4.00

11.22.63 is a gripping and imaginative novel that blends historical fiction with science fiction, offering a unique exploration of time travel and its consequences. The story is engaging and thought-provoking, though some may find the pacing slow in parts.

Stephen King's 11.22.63 is a captivating blend of historical fiction and science fiction that takes readers on a journey through time. The novel follows Jake Epping, a high school teacher who travels back to the 1950s to prevent the assassination of President Kennedy. The story is rich in detail and offers a unique perspective on historical events, making it both educational and entertaining. However, the pacing can be slow at times, and some readers may find the length of the book a bit daunting. Despite this, the novel's exploration of time travel and its consequences is thought-provoking and keeps readers engaged until the very end. The characters are well-developed, and the emotional depth of the story adds a layer of complexity that makes it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    The premise is intriguing and the execution is impressive.

    The pacing can be slow at times, but the story is engaging enough to keep readers hooked.

    The emotional depth of the story adds a layer of complexity that makes it a standout read.

Reddit - Recommended Books · 2023-05-17
gripping 4.25

The novel's time-travel elements are particularly enjoyable, though the love story aspect could have been more subtly integrated. The overall narrative is gripping and well-crafted.

The reviewer expresses a strong preference for the time-travel aspects of the novel, finding them to be the most compelling parts of the story. They feel that the love story, while well-intentioned, somewhat detracts from the main plot and could have been handled with more subtlety. Despite this, they praise the novel's overall narrative, which they find gripping and well-crafted. The reviewer also appreciates the depth of the characters and the intricate plotting, which keeps the reader engaged throughout. They conclude that the novel is a standout work, though they would have preferred a different balance between the thriller and romance elements.

Quick quotes

    It is very good, but I liked it when the plot is more focused on the time-travel elements than the love story elements.

    The overall narrative is gripping and well-crafted.

    The depth of the characters and the intricate plotting keep the reader engaged throughout.

Lizzieslittlebooknook · 2023-05-13
captivating 4.50

The novel excels in its portrayal of time travel and adaptation to a new era, making it a captivating read. The protagonist's struggles and triumphs are vividly depicted, adding emotional depth to the story.

Lizzieslittlebooknook praises 11.22.63 for its intricate exploration of time travel and the challenges of adapting to a different time period. They highlight how the protagonist's journey is not just about the mission but also about personal growth and survival in an unfamiliar world. The reviewer appreciates the detailed world-building and the emotional resonance of the characters' experiences. They find the novel to be a compelling blend of science fiction and historical fiction, with a strong narrative drive that keeps readers engaged.

Quick quotes

    This is a story about time travel, about survival in a strange, unknown world, about knowing how to adapt to a whole new situation.

    The protagonist's struggles and triumphs are vividly depicted, adding emotional depth to the story.

    King's ability to create a believable and immersive world is evident, making the novel a captivating read.

samanthakilford.com · Unknown · 2017-01-26
excellent 5.00

The reviewer is highly enthusiastic about 'City of Stairs', praising its deep and nuanced world-building, excellent characterization, and the author's ability to create a fully realized fantasy setting. They compare the book favorably to works by other renowned authors and express a strong desire to read more by the same author.

The reviewer is thrilled to have finally read 'City of Stairs' by Robert Jackson Bennett, an author they have long wanted to explore. They describe the book as a standout work that places Bennett in the same category as their favorite fantasy authors. The story is set in a richly detailed world that feels fully realized, with a unique blend of epic fantasy elements in an urban setting. The reviewer particularly praises the deep conspiracy, forgotten history, and startling discoveries that drive the plot. The characters, especially Shara and Sigrud, are well-developed and compelling. The reviewer also appreciates the inclusion of minor POV characters, which enhance the story without distracting from the main narrative. The only minor criticism is the lack of some external details, but this is overshadowed by the book's overall excellence. The reviewer highly recommends this book and encourages others to read it.

Quick quotes

    Because, you see, there are authors that write decent books, and there are authors that write good books, and then there are authors that make you never want to miss anything else that they ever write. Period.

    It’s kind of like an epic fantasy story in an urban fantasy setting.

    Bennett writes his characters with detail and motivation that give life and heart to this story.

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