[October] It, by Stephen King - Before Starting

[Emily, Conterminous Mod]

For the monstrous character pick for the October Book of the Month, we will be reading It by Stephen King

For more information about the Book of the Month, see the introduction post.

* Part 1 - Chapter 1 - First Interlude
* Part 2 - Chapter 4 - Second Interlude
* Part 3 - Chapter 10 - Third Interlude
* Part 4 - Chapter 13 - Fourth Interlude
* Part 5 - Chapter 19 - Epilogue

Mods will provide one, slightly guided question. Discussion will then be completely open. If you have any questions yourself, feel free to post them. Subsequent comments can then answer whichever questions they find to be inspiring.

- Question: Thoughts/Expectations going into the book? Ready to tackle this monster of a book?

[Laura, Celestial Sphere Mod]

I’m so excited to finally read this one 😃

I grew up with my mom reading a ton of Stephen King books. It was sort of a rite of passage once I was allowed to read them. I also remember the horror of watching the original movie (probably at way too young of an age). The sewer scene is one of my most vivid movie memories. In hindsight, I was mildly traumatized. But what’s childhood without a fee movie monsters?

I’ve read a ton of King’s books and even started this one a few different times. I loved it but always got distracted early on. I’m hoping the BOTM will be my push to finally finish it. I do remember it being VERY different from the movies though.

[Jody]

This book is singlehandedly responsible for my (and no doubt many others’) fear of clowns. It totally terrified eighteen-year-old me.

[Milena]

I read this book for the first time last year. I started with the print book, then switched on and off between print and audio. I thought Steven Weber's narration was excellent, but oof 45 hours long. I think towards the end I was listening at 1.75 hours speed. And it was one of the last books I read for challenges last year, because I wanted to save it for October.
I had seen the movie made in the 1980s, and the first part of the recent movie, so I knew what to expect.

[Michelle]

I have a confession to make. I’ve never read a single book by Stephen King, so this will become my very first one. I’ve kept telling myself I will get around to reading his books but I could never decide on which to start with, one of the more famous ones that I’ve seen the movies of, or one where I’m completely new to the story. I’m glad It got picked. I’ll finally get around to reading a Stephen king book. I’m pretty excited to start. It really puts me in the October mood. I saw the movie (but not the most recent one that just came out) and I remember being so scared.

[Jen from Quebec :0)]

Michelle wrote: "I have a confession to make. I’ve never read a single book by Stephen King, so this will become my very first one. I’ve kept telling myself I will get around to reading his books but I could never ..."

Wow...I am JEALOUS in a strange way because you will get to experience this amazing novel with fresh eyes, reading it all for the 1st time. This book is so great that I re-read it once a year, usually. I bought my battered paperback when I was 14 or so, and (imo) it is in the top 3 best King books ever. (And far better than any and all adaptations, even though the newer films ARE good). I so hope that you like it! --Jen from Quebec :0)

[Marina]

This is such a coincidence but I have just borrowed this book from a colleague a few weeks ago but haven't started reading it yet.
I've only read one of Stephen King's novels before and that was in school when we read The Body and saw the film. It's so many years ago so I don't really recall anything about the book or his style of writing.

I've wanted to read It for a long time so I hope to join you this month.

[Ashley]

I am reading this as a buddy read in a different group so this was great timing. I read it once before when I was 15 and I'm looking forward to reading it again.

[Michelle]

Jen from Quebec :0) wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I have a confession to make. I’ve never read a single book by Stephen King, so this will become my very first one. I’ve kept telling myself I will get around to reading his books b..."

I hope I'll like it too! I really wanted to pick a good first Stephen King book and it looks like this will be the right choice.

[Silvia]

I am a fan of Stephen King, but I have read just those of average size, never a monster size like IT. I saw the movie, so I know what to expect, but anyway, I am really excited about reading the book and scare :)