From the Bookshelf of EVERYONE Has Read This but Me - The Catch-Up Book Club…

11/22/63

Stephen King

Start date: September 1, 2023

Finish date: February 29, 2024

Discussion: LONG READS

Why we're reading this: September 2023 - READ-A-LONG Selection
[close] September 2023 - READ-A-LONG Selection

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What Members Thought

Mar 16, 2015 Peggyzbooksnmusic rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorite, kindle, historical-fiction-20th-century, 1950-s, own, historical-fantasy, romance, historical-fiction-america, 1960-s, time-travel

Am so glad that I was finally able to make room in my reading schedule for this book. I've never read Stephen King before (and doubt if I would read any of his more gruesome and horror novels) but this book was so different then I had anticipated. I wasn't prepared to be so moved by the characters and there actions, plus he included a romance that was very lovely and bittersweet.

I was only 14 when Kennedy was assassinated and I remember what a horrible and tragic event it was not only for Americ ...more

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Jan 08, 2016 Pennygale rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

1 like · Like · see review

Aug 28, 2016 Ian Anderson rated it really liked it

I had seen this book on many recommended book lists and it intrigued me, but I will admit the 840 pages seemed to be a bit intimidating. Would I really have time to sit down and read this thing? I moved on and searched for something that would require a little less dedication. Later out of the blue, uninformed of my recognition of the book, my good college buddy recommended watching the television series starring James Franco. Bells went off in my head as I remembered that Stephen King book cove
I had seen this book on many recommended book lists and it intrigued me, but I will admit the 840 pages seemed to be a bit intimidating. Would I really have time to sit down and read this thing? I moved on and searched for something that would require a little less dedication. Later out of the blue, uninformed of my recognition of the book, my good college buddy recommended watching the television series starring James Franco. Bells went off in my head as I remembered that Stephen King book cover. Since he raved about the show, I thought if I’m going to watch this show I have got to read the book first. Time travel, history, and the assassination of JFK seemed too intriguing for me not to give it a shot. So I checked this behemoth of a book out from the library (the hardcover copy). This thing weighed half a ton, by the way, a borderline cinderblock.

(view spoiler)[The story starts out describing the life of Jake Epping, an ordinary high school English teacher who is going through a divorce. While reading a stack of essays written by adult education students trying to earn their GED, he comes to a paper that particularly affects him. The troubling story of high school janitor Harry Dunning who’s entire family was killed by his father while he was just a child, leaving him with a permanent limp in the process.

Soon thereafter, Jake is at Al’s diner. Al, who is dying of lung cancer (all of a sudden), and is desperate to tell his story decides to show Jake his secret. He has a “rabbit hole” located in the closet of his diner. This portal takes whoever enters back to the year of 1958. When the person returns, no matter how long they’ve been gone, time will have only passed by 2 minutes. Al convinces Jake to use this portal to carry out his ultimate plans for him—save the 35th president of the United States. Jake, reluctant at first, ultimately agrees after seeing how much it means to the dying man. In addition, Jake sees this as an opportunity to save Harry Dunning’s family from their violent father.

If you told me beforehand that the first half of this book barely has anything to do with JFK, I probably would not have read it. But after progressing through it I nearly forgot why he went back in time in the first place, it’s that good. The storytelling draws you right in and captures the main character's surroundings so effectively. It’s not known as one of King’s horror novel’s, but I still got that eery feeling— playing with the past can be spooky business.

The majority of this book follows Jake Epping, alias George Amberson, from 1958 up until the point where he makes his final attempt to prevent the assassination (I will leave this up to you to find out). George finds his fair share of distractions and troubles along the way because he essentially starts a brand new life in the past. The writing also gives you a feel of what life was like living during those times. This book combines a little of everything; well-researched history, time-travel, and romance leading to a suspenseful and emotional ending. (hide spoiler)] ...more

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Aug 08, 2016 Pamela Harju rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I don't understand why I haven't read Stephen King's books before. I loved everything about this.

I will definitely pick up a few more of his books. I've seen lots of films and TV shows based on his writings, and while I have enjoyed them all, there is no better way to indulge in stories than reading the originals. ...more

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Apr 23, 2022 bookpotato rated it it was amazing

Shelves: want-to-re-read, favorites, historical

This was an incredible story, told through so many layers, metaphors, motifs, and symbols scattered throughout the book. It is one hefty book, and each chapter contributes to the story. There's no fluff. It's all so detailed and incredibly interwoven with the other plot lines.

The only thing that I couldn't get past was the love story. I didn't feel like I really believed it, or felt it happening. Maybe there's chemistry between the two, but I certainly wasn't convinced. I understand it is not s ...more

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Feb 07, 2014 Dawn rated it really liked it

Very interesting take on what would happen if you could go back and change a major event in history. I liked the historical parts of it and though a few parts dragged in Stephen King fashion it still kept my attention. Some sadness to it but probably more.realistic that way...

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