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This going to be so good! This will be my third time reading It (I think), the last time being over 20 years ago. I first read it at age 13-14, mostly at bedtime, and I remember being frequently frightened by it, so much so that I would keep reading to try to stop on a less-scary part before I could go to sleep. I was entranced.

In grade 9 I loaned my copy to a girl in school that I had a dire crush on; her name was Marie and she had the softest-looking skin. She returned it with a sticky note that read something like, "Thanks for lending me the book, I liked it a lot." I treasured that note for a long time. Ah, youth.

So, I have a lot of good memories associated with this book.

This will be my second time reading this book. I read it about 15 years ago.

I remember I read this the first time in Maine, just north of Bangor in the summer. I about about 15. My uncle kept joking around that he knew Stephen King and gave him ideas for the book (he likes to joke around). When I got home, I watched the movie with my dad as I have always like to compare the book with the movie. Fun times.

I’d like to join!

I was kinda hoping to have this completed by Sept 16

I do one big King book a year I can't wait to reread this.

Veronica wrote: "I’d like to join!"

Of course, welcome! This is slated as a 2-month read, just try to finish by the end of October and please join in on any discussion!

I’d like to join in too. I have seen the movies few times already and I’m a big fan of some of King’s other books from the Horror genre.

I read it when I was too young to read it and was traumatized, so I'm excited to revisit it at 30

I love to join aswell. Found the book on church market a year back.

I will love to join! I want to read it before watching the second movie

this buddy read is going to be lit yo

I didn’t even realize this was a group read, I’m currently on chapter 15 so I’ll probably join in on the discussion with y’all. I’m enjoying the main story line, but I feel like Mr. King has gone on several little side story tangents that don’t seem to feed the plot. I’m not at the end of the story yet though, so I could be wrong.

Brittany have you read any other Stephen King? That's his style in a lot of the longer novels. I personally think it makes the characters but particularly the town (the towns being an entity themselves in a lot of books, I think) much more real and difficult to face.

I started reading tonight and just couldn't stop until the clock finally reminded me that I need enough sleep for work tomorrow. I just hit "Part 2: June of 1958."
(view spoiler)[ I read this originally in my early teens. Too young to I think appreciate the horror but young enough to be scared s!#*less by the imagery. Now in my 30s, the sections in part 1 of each of these characters getting that phone call and leaving scared me s!#*less. To heed a call so important you get up and leave your life. To be THAT scared of what happened.

Also, now that I'm a mother of a three year old and a stepmother of an eight year old, I'm more more thoroughly scared of the entire damn book.
(hide spoiler)]

It as physical object:

I am reading (just started) the Signet paperback edition, 27th printing from 1990 or later (first printing was 1987). includes "Now a terrifying new miniseries from ABC-TV" on the cover and for some reason, the miniseries poster credits on the back cover. 1090 thin pages, yellowed across the top and down the outer edge. Smells like a nice old book. It might weigh 5 lbs. It has a glaring clown head on the cover; he doesn't look particularly evil, just a little sinister. I prefer the original hardcover and 1987 paperback cover with the monster claw coming out of the sewer grate at 3/4 view, which is how I first read It.

I picked up this copy for $0.50 at my local public library's Friends organization's triannual big book sale. This was right around the time of the latest film (part 1) and a used copy was hard to find. I volunteer for the book sales and snagged this before it started.

Brittany wrote: "... I feel like Mr. King has gone on several little side story tangents that don’t seem to feed the plot... "

Brittany, are you referring to the formal Derry Interludes (in between of the book's parts) or just his writing in general? Because yeah, that is one of King's hallmark character-building habits. I don't think he ever goes completely off the rails, any significant character remembrances or side events will probably come back up again at some point.

The interludes are, as I recall, some of my favorite parts of the book; deliciously evil accounts that build up the history of the town and the horror. Overall I love the book structure, with the alternating parts with the kids and adults and the interludes.

I'm on page 5 and loving it. I have never been able to hear Fur Elise since age 13 without thinking of this book.

Marc wrote: "It as physical object:

I am reading (just started) the Signet paperback edition, 27th printing from 1990 or later (first printing was 1987). includes "Now a terrifying new miniseries from ABC-TV" ..."

Marc I also love the Derry Interludes. After you go through the first one I'm up for a very detailed discussion about because I feel like there's ton to unpack.

Please don’t hate me, because I feel like you all really love this book and probably Stephen King, but I think I just do not like his writing. I have tried so many times and cannot really get into any of his books. Maybe hearing some of your favorite points and reasons why you like certain things will open my eyes to something I’m missing though.

Brittany wrote: "Please don’t hate me, because I feel like you all really love this book and probably Stephen King, but I think I just do not like his writing. I have tried so many times and cannot really get into ..."

Haha Brittany don't worry! No author is for everyone, and King fans know better than most that King isn't for everyone. I can tell you that his style is very consistent though, so if he just isn't your piece of cake we probably won't change your mind. But hey, you tried! :)

(I have one too - I can't handle Kristin Hannah. Shhhh!)

I'd like to join as well!

Lindsay wrote: "Brittany wrote: "Please don’t hate me, because I feel like you all really love this book and probably Stephen King, but I think I just do not like his writing. I have tried so many times and cannot..."

I can’t handle Kristin Hannah too and always wonder why my friends love her(writing).

I will be starting off It next fortnight, primarily because my husband is working night shifts this fortnight and I have to sleep alone, and I am dead sure that I won’t have the guts to do so if I indulge in It at this point of time. 😟

Trisha wrote: "I will be starting off It next fortnight, primarily because my husband is working night shifts this fortnight and I have to sleep alone, and I am dead sure that I won’t have the guts to do so if I ..."

Haha I get it, I can't read it right before bed. We are going to see Part Two this weekend in theaters though. I saw Part One in theaters and had nightmares for three days so I'm just preparing for the same lol.

Lindsay wrote: "...After you go through the first one I'm up for a very detailed discussion about because I feel like there's ton to unpack."

Finished the first interlude. What would you like to unpack? The interlude had such a different voice for Mike than the book up to that point. King showing his writing chops. And could he be channelling himself as a writer any more strongly through Bill in the sixth phone call section?

Marc wrote: "Lindsay wrote: "...After you go through the first one I'm up for a very detailed discussion about because I feel like there's ton to unpack."

Finished the first interlude. What would you like to u..."

(view spoiler)[ Oh, I totally agree that Bill is King's voice. That's definitely "his" character.

For the interlude, one of the big things is the historical tragedies of Derry. I wish he had built a little more on the Roanoke style disappearance. Who came back, or who showed up to start new? Is he saying that the disappearance "kicked off" the innate evil character of the town, or was that just the first manifestation? As in, was the land evil first due to some ancient and unknown, demonic-style force, or did the events of the disappearance generate the evil quality of the town? Because I definitely think that King wanted the town itself to be an evil entity - I think he lays that out very clearly in the police interview of Adrian's boyfriend. Is there also major significance of the Easter egg hunt disaster versus the later ~27 year cycle peaks? Did that start the cyclical nature of it?

I really enjoy the town as an evil entity. It seems so much more insurmountable. I also think that is a theme that carries through a lot of his books - I think it was emphasized in both 'Salem's Lot and Needful Things. I think that's why King tends to dig into the personal lives of a lot of secondary characters, so he can turn over the dirt that makes the foundation of an evil town. Or at least reflects the influence of an evil town. (hide spoiler)]

Lindsay wrote: "Marc wrote: "Lindsay wrote: "...After you go through the first one I'm up for a very detailed discussion about because I feel like there's ton to unpack..."

(view spoiler)[ I agree, I would love more details on all of those past events. The Ironwoks explosion in particular stands out in my memory past past decades' reads, I was suprised that it was in fact less than a page of the book.

My impression is that Mike was trying to convey that the evil has always been cyclical, but the further back you go the details are lost. I don't know if the origin of the evil is touched on at any point in the book, even in speculation by the kids, but I will be on the lookout for any intimations now.

Fully agree that it's the whole town that is the problem; 'It' is able to manifest in various forms and seems to be stronger in certain places but it pervades the whole town, which helps account for why most people just ignore all of the terrible things happening all around Derry throughout history. I don't think this is meant to suggest that the people are made more evil by this presence; although there are plenty of abusers and bad pennies, I rather get the impression that 'It" can make use of these tendencies, but not make people be evil; they do this on their own. (hide spoiler)]

I was surprised by several moments of beauty, particularly in the "Ben Hanscom Takes a Fall" chapter. Of course the poem he writes is lovely, far better than anything I could have written as a kid. And oh the tenderness of childhood boy love:

...and (for some reason this last caused another wave of feeling to sweep him so powerfully he had to grope for the railing again; the feeling was huge, ainarticulate, mercifullly brief; perhaps a sexual pre-signal, meaningless to his body, where the endocrine glands still slept almost without dreaming, yet as bright as summer heat-lightning) a bright golden ankle-bracelet she wore just above her right loafer, winking back the sun in brilliant little flashes.

And this line really struck me:

These were all the same reasons most kids thought he was a puke.

A puke! I can't recall the last time, if ever, I have heard a person referred to as such.

This is my favorite SK book. I plan to see part 2 of the movie tomorrow.

I have to say I am enjoying the story a lot. I have read some newer books of stephen king and I found them missing a lot and not that great. Then I heard the older books are way beter and I have to agree. This story just grows on you.

I reached the end of part 2 and the second interlude. I am taking a break to read a couple of other (shorter) books. Still loving it! I had forgotten so many things (not surprising after 20 years since the last time I read it), such as (view spoiler)[Mike's bird and young Stan's scare story, and the Black Spot (hide spoiler)].

I was going to see the new movie this past weekend, but my old cat's health took a bad turn and his and the family's needs took priority. I will plan to see it next weekend. We had to euthanize him this morning. He was over 16, and I am quite sure he had a central nervous system tumor, the poor fuzzy fellow.

Chantal wrote: "I have to say I am enjoying the story a lot. I have read some newer books of stephen king and I found them missing a lot and not that great. Then I heard the older books are way beter and I have to..."\

Yes, this is classic King, probably his definitive work and for good reason. I am often struck while reading it, "damn, the man could write!"

...and my break lasted 2 days. I doubt I will finish this by Saturday when I plan to see the movie,, but I can try. i snagged a copy of Uncle Steve 's latest The Institute from the library too, it will be interesting to read old and new King in short order.

Finished chapter 26. Holy Shmoly, that was some stuff I had forgotten all about, but now I remember other details still coming up. Rereading this after so long is just like the Losers coming back to Derry... creepy.

Seeing the movie tonight.

I saw the movie last weekend and didn’t find it even half as scary as the first one. It was more comical than creepy. 😕 I hope the book isn’t like that. My husband’s night shifts are over and I’m gonna start the book tomorrow. Got to finish another one today!

Nope, the book is not comical at all, and the movie was a very different beast.

@Trisha, I find the book adventurous and it is builing up tension.

I was reading IT on my bed late last night and I have this little stained window in my door. So here comes my bf (who I didnt hear coming up the stairs) and his bald head walking by that little window. I see it out the corner of my eye and it looked like a balloon. Panic attack. He then found it funny to go out of bed 20 minutes later to get a light downstairs. He didnt tell me of course. He then came with a ligh under his head walking by that window. Second panic attack.

So the first time I read this I was 15. Now I'm 30 and have a 3 year old son and an 8 year old step daughter. the type of fear I'm experiencing is so wildly different. I had to (view spoiler)[ put it down for a couple days after the section about Dorsey being killed. I just couldn't take it. Once I got back into the Losers Club stuff I was ok, but my gosh. (hide spoiler)]

I know the idea of a fear that takes on the form of your fear isn't new, but I feel like King does it in a more simplistic way that others (including J.K. Rowling and her boggarts). I like that these kids don't have the full vocabulary or awareness to articulate certain fears or feelings, which are only highlighted in King's external narrative voice but without being too blatant.

What would be your version if It? Keep it basic, like the kids.

Mine would be a shadow monster. I was completely terrified of the dark when I was young. Slept with a nightlight waaayyy longer than I should have. Those shadows always move suspiciously. I think my It would be made of black and gray swirly shadows with huge silver teeth and claws.

I am starting this later than I thought but I am getting to it now. Still near the beginning. Lindsay, I agree about the type of fear is different. I read it the first time about 15 and now I am 31. You also see things different reading it so many years later and your experiences. You also think differently and can see more behind what is happening than just what King states in the book.

I’m about to start Part 4 now and before I do so, I thought I’ll update the group with my progress. This book is unbelievably intriguing; the more you read, the more it unfurls magically. Stephen King just nails this kind of horror writing. Having seen the movies, I can now mark so many differences - more like missing things in the cinematic adaptation. (view spoiler)[ Just finished reading about the Bradley gang shooting, and I cannot help appreciating the interludes which are like tunnels into the history of Derry. All these events - the Ironworks explosion, the Blackspot fire, the Bradley gang shooting, all of this tunnels your way to when things started. How each and every creepy detail is tied to something in the past, like Mike’s bird was something his Dad had seen in the Blackspot fire, the subtle observation by Ben that the mummy he saw had no shadow is reflected at the end of Mr.Keene’s narration of the Bradley gang shooting. I can’t wait to come to that part where I’m hoping they’d throw light at the source of It. There is already some info spilled in grown up Bev’s chapter when she visits her childhood house; It tells Bev (I believe it was written on the balloon) that it is the last of a dying race from outer space. So there we get the first glimpse of the source. But I need more! (hide spoiler)]

I also love the fact that every side character has a story of its own. Be it Bev’s husband or Bill’s wife, or even Stan’s wife for that matter, each character is richly crafted. Everyone has a story to tell!

Trisha, I love your comment amd agree wholeheartedly.

Trisha, I also agree. (view spoiler)[ I enjoyed how almost all of the characters each have their own stories in this. I liked how at about the same time, they have their first run ins with IT. They are all different and they don't know what the think, but they happened. It was very interesting. (hide spoiler)] I enjoy the individual as well as the working together parts of the books. It adds a lot to the characters and you get to learn about them. It adds a lot to the story. Also, the writing grabs your attention and you can picture this happening as your read. It has a good flow.

I just read the part where (view spoiler)[ the five friends complete the circle and send their power to Mike who is about be attacked by It at the Derry Home Hospital. This gave me goosebumps like I was there too, one of the five who desperately wants to save their friend. This is both beautiful and fantastical! I love fiction that pushes me to believe in stuff like friendship, love and the invisible strength one can draw from within if you BELIEVE! Despite of my brainy side telling me not to believe it, it’s just fiction after all - made-up by a very imaginative writer, I do believe that faith alone could make or break things! Wonderful writing!

A few other highlights -

▪️Loved the account from It’s point of view. For the first time, we get a glimpse of why It feeds on children and takes the varying forms. Finally getting answers to all my questions. The feeling is ecstatic!
▪️ The clock at the Grace Baptist Church not chiming at the noon hour on the day of the Kitchener Ironworks�� explosion and again, not chiming at 5 am on May 31st, 1985; this is building up tension but I am loving the adrenaline rush!
▪️A special mention to Henry Bowers who despite being a bully throughout, has finally been revealed to be governed by It since the August of 1958, who has been communicating to the already crazy boy and getting mean things done by him. The voices in the moon have made the situation beyond creepy! (hide spoiler)]

Just can’t stop reading now!

Hi folks, finished the book and loved it (except for that little section in the climax of 1958). Posted a review too if you’d like to check it out. Thank you to each one of you for reading along with me! Cheers!

I just finished. This was a great book to read again and I enjoyed it a lot this time around. I liked reading what happened when the characters were kids and what happened when they were adults. It was like two stories in one.

I wonder if I will ever read it again. Maybe in another 20 years.

Marc wrote: "I wonder if I will ever read it again. Maybe in another 20 years."


When we are old :-D

I will still be young in my reading life by then at least, hopefully I can squeeze in another 50 years of books from now.

I've only got about 400 pages to go, but I have to be in a certain mood to read it and I've been stuck the past week-ish. I never get legitimate anxiety from horror novels but this one is just really pushing my button as a mom. I keep yelling at myself IT'S FICTION!!!

Lindsay wrote: "I've only got about 400 pages to go, but I have to be in a certain mood to read it and I've been stuck the past week-ish. I never get legitimate anxiety from horror novels but this one is just real..."

Ha ha. What exactly is triggering your parent sense? Is it simply the kids out playing in completely unsupervised and isolated hazardous environments? The bullying and assaults?

It's the descriptions of the dead kids. Especially when (view spoiler)[ the first little ones they describe earlier on - drowned in the toilet with a broken back, and the one killed by his stepfather with a hammer, the child pulled off the tricycle. Now just in the last section, the elementary boy who liked to play Scrabble on rainy days. It's an absolute worst nightmare. (hide spoiler)] I'm determined to finish. I've read the darn thing before! It's just taking me more time because I have to tell my brain to knock it off.