11/22/63 by Stephen King

“But I believe in love, you know; love is a uniquely portable magic. I don’t think it’s in the stars, but I do believe that blood calls to blood and mind calls to mind and heart to heart.”

11/22/63 by Stephen King

11/22/63 has been on my shelf for quite some time. I knew I was going to love it (and I did), but I’ve gotten to the point where I have read a lot of Stephen King books, and I don’t want to run out. The good thing about his books, though, is that there’s always more to discover on a second or third reading. I can’t wait to reread the Dark Tower series. Even after having finished it a few years ago, it still lingers in my mind all the time.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live during the late 50s and early 60s in the US, this book will transport you into that era, and you will become so engrossed in the story that unfolds, when you glance up from your book, it will be startling for just a moment to see the reality of the year you’re in.

Jake Epping is a high school English teacher living in Maine in 2011. He’s an amazing teacher, his students are passionate because he brings out the best in them. But Jake’s divorced and lonely, even if he perhaps doesn’t realize it at first. Two events occur that will change his life forever. He reads an essay written by Harry Dunning, a janitor who works at the school and is trying to get his GED. The essay tells the horrifying story of how Harry witnessed and survived a horrific night that ultimately destroyed his family. Then, the owner of a local diner, Al, begs Jake to come see him. Yet when Jake arrives, he sees that Al had aged more than humanely possible.

And Al has a favor to ask Jake. In the back of his diner is a portal to the past, to 1958. He wants Jake to go through the portal and finish what he can’t- stopping the Kennedy assassination.

While hesitant at first, Jake eventually takes on the task. But 1958 to 1963 is a long time to live in a time into which you weren’t born, and Jake has a lot of time to spend waiting for the moment he can change history. And then there’s the old warnings of messing with time itself. If you mess with what’s supposed to happen…time will fight back against you.

I adored every single thing about this book. This is a masive, incredible journey that Jake goes on. It’s one of the finest books I have ever read. There’s both a slowness and tension to this book that really makes you feel as though you’re living in the past while also keeping you on the edge of your seat. It’s almost like Stephen King is trying to get you cozy and comfortable, but then reminds you, don’t get too comfortable, don’t let your guard down. You get to experience that feeling right along with Jake, and it leaves you with this marvelous experience.

This is definitely one of my favorite books by Stephen King (which, at this point, I probably say about everything he writes). I am sure the Constant Readers out there will love it. But if you’re not a Constant Reader, what are you waiting for?