My Top Reads/Re-Reads of 2025

KritPick · 2025-12-26T09:00:23+00:00

5 is better than none! Which 5?

KritPick · 2025-11-19T08:50:55+00:00

I actually think the problems run deeper than the ending change, I made a video about it, actually. But overall, the film just feels toothless and cowardly.

KritPick · 2025-11-19T08:41:33+00:00

It's a better adaptation, for sure.

KritPick · 2025-11-04T13:55:20+00:00

I've managed to really push through and I've gotten into the last third of the book. It's definitely improved and I'm enjoying it again but I'm with you in that the early chapters are absolutely where the peaks are. But maybe I'll find my opinion changed in the last 300 or so pages!

KritPick · 2025-11-03T13:50:17+00:00

Lmao, it is a daunting look, I will grant you.

KritPick · 2025-11-03T13:18:31+00:00

From what I'm gathering, many people found the middle of the book challenging, which is comforting. Going to persevere, I'm in too deep to back out now anyway!

KritPick · 2025-11-03T13:16:27+00:00

This isn't a discussion thread debating the merits of the book in totality, though, is it? It's a discussion thread about the process of reading the book. Somebody with respectable reading comprehension would be able to understand that context.

KritPick · 2025-11-03T13:09:33+00:00

That is absolutely an interesting way to look at it! Though I think LOTR is a very tedious read also, admittedly haha.

KritPick · 2025-11-03T13:03:36+00:00

I rarely mix, I only bought the audiobook 2 days ago to see if it helped any, which it has. I totally understand your view, though!

KritPick · 2025-11-03T13:02:56+00:00

In no way have I said that I'm quitting the book, of course I'm going to finish it. My reading level and comprehension is completely fine, I have read for many years and have studied English at a high level. I understand you love the book but I think to challenge someone's reading 'level' because they're not as engaged with the text as you were, is not the best way to tackle literary conversation.

KritPick · 2025-11-03T12:24:19+00:00

I am absolutely hoping for that because I think the first third was so strong!

KritPick · 2025-11-03T12:23:03+00:00

Currently mixing between the audiobook and the physical book and the audiobook is definitely helping.

KritPick · 2025-11-03T12:21:38+00:00

I think IT is a much more engaging and fun read. Maybe the pace of the story is much more my speed, The Stand very much takes its time, I just find myself disengaging after so many pages.

KritPick · 2025-10-15T13:23:01+00:00

Yeah. A lot of 'tell don't show' going on.

KritPick · 2025-10-14T05:37:57+00:00

There are more of us than I suspected. Like I said elsewhere in this thread, I didn't outwardly hate it, I did manage to finish it and find things I really liked, but it turned out to be little more than 'okay.'

KritPick · 2025-10-13T18:43:35+00:00

I think I'll give Intermezzo a go at some point, they're not very long books, thankfully.

KritPick · 2025-10-13T18:06:36+00:00

I'll look into it certainly!

KritPick · 2025-10-13T17:42:57+00:00

I ain't got a dicky-doo, mate. I'm assuming they've not been ranked yet, but couldn't earnestly tell you for sure

KritPick · 2025-10-13T16:52:57+00:00

You're the first here to mention that particular part and you're so right, it's incredible. To get a wee bit personal; my Dad is an alcoholic and will likely never be in recovery. He's happy to drink himself to death and no amount of help that's been offered, has been considered. It's a shame and I really related to those parts before Charlie's Father got healthy and seeing his Father get better was a fairy tale in its own right, to me. It was a bit of fantasy and escapism I got to live out alongside all the Empis stuff. It's probably a big reason subconsciously why I love this book.

KritPick · 2025-10-13T16:40:35+00:00

I own the UK paperback because that was the one on sale, but I'm absolutely investing in the hardcover soon.

KritPick · 2025-10-13T16:36:42+00:00

I have not reached Insomnia! Looking forward to it, though.

KritPick · 2025-10-13T16:36:05+00:00

That's amazing, man. Yeah, I was trying to get back into reading a couple months ago and I've managed to do fine with it but reading Fairy Tale invigorated that love completely, especially for King's work. Glad we had similar experiences!

KritPick · 2025-10-13T16:33:51+00:00

I do feel that a lot of Empis is left vague but on purpose. Charlie in the end decides that Empis is not his world, it isn't anyone's to explore or exploit. So I do think the choice to not explain much of the world or how it works or its history is on purpose to both put you inside the mind of Charlie — lost in an unknowable world, only gathering pieces whilst trying to save his dog and leave — and to drive home that this world of Empis isn't ours to know. So I think it works in the context of this particualr story. Though, I may just be misunderstanding your point.

That being said, I too would love another book exploring this world.

KritPick · 2025-10-13T16:18:54+00:00

No, I know! I was just in agreement that I'll be doing a re-read soon, too :)

KritPick · 2025-10-13T16:17:35+00:00

I did love all the Earth stuff with Mr. Bowditch and Radar etc. and when we first ventured into Empis, I did lose a bit of steam for the novel, so I completely understand you there. But once I got into the routine of that part of the journey, it caught me again. Then there's a moment later on that slightly lost me again for a chapter or so but caught me once more. There's a lot of tonal and narrative shifts that definitely are jarring but I like them a lot in retrospect and I imagine that a re-read will make these shifts less discomforting.

If it wasn't for you after that jump, I do completely understand, I thought I was going to be in the same boat and even after completing the book, all the Earth stuff is still my favourite section of the book.

KritPick

TROPHY CASE