Read this: The Shining by Stephen King
Watch this: The Shining, movie available on Prime Video
Why We Made This Selection and Background Knowledge
Julie: General Stephen King knowledge. My kids actually knew a lot about what to expect from a Simpson’s Treehouse of Horrors episode that spoofed the movie.
Claire: Nothing really other than you see references of mostly the movie here and there. I’ve seen clips of it, but never actually watched the whole thing.
Overall Opinion of the Book
Claire: I actually liked it more than I thought I would. Like I was expecting it to be scary, but it wasn’t. There were a few descriptions that kind of grossed me out, but nothing that I didn’t get over quickly.
Julie: Stephen King can write. Even if this isn’t your go-to genre, it’s hard to argue that this book isn’t great.
Overall Opinion of the Movie
Julie: It’s so hard with these long books because a movie has to leave out so, so much detail. That being said, it’s good. I think this was actually the first time I watched it all the way through.
Claire: For when it was filmed, I think it was good. I wouldn’t consider it great, or it isn’t something I’d watch all the time, but it wasn’t bad. I’m glad I watched it.
Before you say which you liked better, did you read the book or listen to the audiobook… because it matters.
Claire: Listened. Narrated by Campbell Scott. Well done.
Julie: Listened. I kept thinking the narrator was Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman), like I had to go and check the guy’s name at least 3 times…
Which was better?
Julie: The book
Claire: The book
Ranking…
- Was the outcome the same in both the show and the book? No
- Was the main character/primary narrator the same in the show and the book? No
- Was the primary conflict the same in the show and the book? Yes
- Would you read the book again or recommend it to a friend? Yes
- Would you watch the show/movie again or recommend it to a friend? Yes
Overall rating: 3/5
