The Shining
Published in 1977, The Shining is a gothic fiction and ghost story play by Stephen King. Much of the action takes place in Overlook Hotel and Colorado Rockies. It features Jack Torrance, Danny Torrance and Casey. It deals with Demonology, Precognition, authors and hotelkeepers.
Open Library readers give it an average of 4.2 out of 5 from 288 ratings, and 3,069 more have it on their want-to-read list. It has been published in 97 editions across 10 languages. It appeared on the New York Times E-Book Fiction bestseller list in 2013.
At about 506 pages, most readers finish it in 9–10 hours.
About The Shining
The Shining is a 1977 horror novel by American author Stephen King. It is King's third published novel and first hardback bestseller; its success firmly established King as a preeminent author in the horror genre. The setting and characters are influenced by King's personal experiences, including both his visit to The Stanley Hotel in 1974 and his struggle with alcoholism. The book was followed by a sequel, Doctor Sleep, published in 2013. The Shining centers on the life of Jack Torrance, a struggling writer and recovering alcoholic who accepts a position as the off-season caretaker of the historic Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies. His family accompanies him on this job, including his young son Danny Torrance, who possesses "the shining", an array of psychic abilities that allow Danny to see the hotel's horrific past. Soon, after a winter storm leaves them snowbound, the supernatural forces inhabiting the hotel influence Jack's sanity, leaving his wife and son in incredible danger.
Awards & lists
- ✦Locus Awards 1978 — Best Fantasy Novel (nominee)
- 📰New York Times bestseller list — E-Book Fiction, 2013
Quick answers
Who wrote The Shining?
The Shining was written by Stephen King and first published in 1977.
What genre is The Shining?
It is usually shelved as Gothic Fiction, Ghost Stories, Demons & Devils and Horror.
How long is The Shining?
The median edition has 506 pages, about 9–10 hours of reading at 250 words per minute.
What books are similar to The Shining?
Readers who like it often enjoy Julia, The Haunting of Hill House and Mexican Gothic.
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