REVIEW: Misery by Stephen King @stephenking @scribnerbooks

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Misery

by Stephen King

Big shout out to Janel @keeperofpages for this readlong - #oneweekofmisery.

Great to be back with Annie Wilkes and her batshit ways.

Publisher: Scribner Books

Publish Date: January 5, 2016 (first published 1987)

Paperback

368 Pages

Standalone

Genre: Horror

Paul Sheldon is a bestselling novelist who has finally met his number one fan. Her name is Annie Wilkes, and she is more than a rabid reader—she is Paul’s nurse, tending his shattered body after an automobile accident. But she is also furious that the author has killed off her favorite character in his latest book. Annie becomes his captor, keeping him prisoner in her isolated house.

Annie wants Paul to write a book that brings Misery back to life—just for her. She has a lot of ways to spur him on. One is a needle. Another is an axe. And if they don’t work, she can get really nasty.

My Review:

I have read King since I was 8 years old. At that age I thought he was overly descriptive and would find myself skimming through the intricate details he would provide. I sometimes still feel that way but appreciate it more now as an adult. This is the first reread I've done in quite some time and I'm so glad that I did it!! I've always found that most of the adaptations of King books to screen have been less than stellar. I think we can all agree that Kathy Bates plays the perfect Annie Wilkes - and I found that certain scenes stuck out more in my head from the film rather than the book so was surprised at a couple of things that were different... or reminded, whichever. 😉

We've all seen those stories in the news where famous people get stalked, killed or harassed by their fans. Well Annie Wilkes it the super fan of all fans - NUMBER ONE FAN! You do NOT want to piss her off. COCKADOODIE! The things she does to Paul - UFF!! And her past! Woman is a psychopath and I adore her. Probably one of my favorite villains along with Leland Gaunt. Ah, King - you give us the best.

I always get fascinated when an author is talented enough to do a book within a book. Although I will say that I could've done without the actual Misery Returns chapters if I'm being honest here. How perfect is the title though for what Paul has to go through at the hands of Annie? Amazing what the body can go through and still survive.

This is definitely one of my favorites by King. One of his shorter novels, it truly packs a punch. Lessons learned here: don't drink and drive and don't piss off your number one fan.

★★★★