Book Review - 'It' By Stephen King

      'It' is one of Stephen Kings most critically acclaimed novels, as well as one of his biggest. Both popularity wise and in terms of physical length. With the new movie making the rounds now it's bigger than it's ever been, and for that reason I chose to make it (pun intended) the next in my series of book reviews. I read it for the first time around a year ago, and I'll say... It's easily one of my favorites. It can be quite daunting picking up a 1000+ page book, and I almost passed on it for that very reason. I'm glad I didn't though, especially as at the time this was the first book I'd read in years. To anyone unsure if they wish to read this novel due to it's length, I'd implore you to do so. You will not regret it.

      Now I'm not by any means someone who is easily scared by movies, books, or television, but this one actually unsettled me at certain points. What I really loved about 'It' is that the main characters and their encounters with Pennywise weren't intended to be the main source of thrills offered. Stephen King took advantage of this novels hefty length and turned the town of Derry into just as much of a living entity as our main characters. The interludes about Mike researching the history of the town and keeping tabs on everyone's worst nightmare had some legitimately chilling moments thrown in. The one which immediately comes to mind is the story of a shootout taking place downtown where many residents remember an odd clown hanging out of a window unloading on everyone fighting on the streets. Or in the beginning, the firsthand account of Pennywise facilitating a hate crime. Aside from that even the part about a sociopathic child murdering his infant brother made me more uncomfortable than any meeting between our heroes and the clown.

      The little things like these create an unsettling atmosphere unlike anything I've ever been privy too, and in my opinion make the entire story. Sure, the interactions between the members of the Loser's Club are great, especially as the story goes on and their childhood bonds become more and more important. Every time they come face to face with Pennywise lends itself to incredible moments of tension which will keep you from ever putting down the book, and the entire climax with the Ritual of Chud had me so engaged that I almost wished I was there with them (Keyword: Almost... I like living thank you very much). However in my opinion even great moments like these pale in comparison to the sheer amount of development around the characters we got, which is really a testament to the quality of this book.

      There couldn't be a better setting for both final showdowns than the sewers. Especially when they come back as adults and Pennywise is psychologically tormenting them throughout the entire lead up. Speaking of which, Pennywise's dialogue and antics are so incredibly written. His persona is literal nightmare fuel. It's all just perfectly executed. That's really all I have to say about this book, it's perfectly executed.... well except for one part, and I'm sure everyone knows what I'm talking about.

      The infamous sex scene.... I felt really uncomfortable reading about a group of prepubescent boys running a train on an eleven year old girl, but - and I'm not defending this in any way - it made sense. They needed to become one with each other again in order to find their way out, and I guess the physical intimacy which comes with sex took care of that. I just really think that King didn't have write it in that way. He could have had them sit together and share their deepest secrets, hold hands, or hell even kissed. A graphic child orgy though? Completely over the top and distasteful, which is my only real gripe with 'It.'

'It' is definitely one of my favorite books. I originally read it in an attempt to read The Dark Tower series and every novel related to it, a feat I've still yet to accomplish. However - especially now as I'm really getting back into reading - I will very soon, and will give my thoughts on each installment here. 

4.75/5