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As a former US History teacher, the cover of this book naturally sparked my interest. However, my unfortunate stereo-type of Mr. King’s writing led me to pass it by every time.
Let’s face it, when you think Stephen King you think The Shining, Carrie, and Pet Cemetery. Not about the man who wrote The Green Mile, authored many different books under several pseudonyms, wrote scores of screenplays, collections, and even some non-fiction. Lesson learned here: Don’t judge a book by its cover (pun intended).
Without a doubt, King is a master wordsmith. Few authors “wow” me with their eloquence AND storytelling, but Stephen King managed to do both all the while proving my typecast absolutely wrong.
In a brief synopsysis, the story involves a high school English teacher who travels back in time to attempt to stop the Kennedy Assassination, hence the book’s title: 11/22/63. There are several other plot lines and themes, such as the past and present “harmonize” instead of history “repeating”. And the past is also “obstinate” and fights against change which leads Jake/George through his many confrontations. But I think anyone can find this storyline thought-provoking: having knowledge of a horrific event before it happens, attempting to thwart the evil plan, and therefore changing the course of history forever (and the better)…..
As winner of The New York Times Book Review “10 Best Books” Award for 2011, I promise you will not be disappointed in this one, history lover or not!
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