A year ago, I finished 11.22.63 by Stephen King. I turned the final page, sat back, and let the entirety of it sink in (it’s a chunky book). It was a unique experience: it wasn’t only the story that stayed with me – it was the thrill of reading it. Now, a year later, I still find myself thinking about it. In fact, I’d go as far as to say it has become my favourite book of all time.
Stephen King is often associated with horror, but 11.22.63 is something else entirely. It’s a time-travel epic, a historical thriller, a love story, and, in many ways, a meditation on fate. The premise is deceptively simple: Jake Epping, an unassuming English teacher from Maine, is given the chance to travel back to 1958 via a hidden portal in a diner. His mission? To prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy on 22nd November 1963. But as Jake learns, the past doesn’t like to be changed.
Why 11.22.63 Still Stands Out
I’ve read a lot of books over the years, but there’s something about 11.22.63 that has stayed with me in a way few others have. Even now, a year later, I find myself randomly recalling scenes, wondering about the characters, and reflecting on the story’s deeper themes. Here’s why:
1. The Way King Brings the Past to Life
The level of historical detail in this book is staggering. King doesn’t just describe the late 50s and early 60s – he transports you there. From the smell of root beer in a roadside diner to the way people spoke and dressed, everything feels authentic. It’s immersive in a way that makes you forget you’re reading fiction.
2. The Characters Feel Real
Jake Epping is one of King’s most well-drawn protagonists. He’s not a superhero, just an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances. One of my faviourite parts of the book is when Jake visits a very well known town in the King-verse…🤡
And then there’s Sadie Dunhill. If you’ve read 11.22.63, you know exactly why she’s unforgettable. She doesn’t show up until about halfway through the book, but when her path crosses Jakes, their love story becomes arguably the heart of the book, and it’s a testament to King’s storytelling that it feels so genuine – and so bittersweet.
3. The Concept of Time Travel Feels Unique
Time travel in fiction can be portrayed in many different ways. I know this, having recently written a time travel story myself. In this one, I love the idea that that the past doesn’t want to be changed; this is something Jake learns the hard way. Every attempt he makes to change history is met with resistance, and the deeper he gets, the more unsettling it becomes. The past isn’t just difficult to change – it fights back (such a cool premise!).
4. The Ending Still Gives Me Chills!!
I won’t spoil it for those who haven’t read it, but the ending of 11.22.63 is one of the most emotionally powerful conclusions I’ve ever read. It’s the kind of ending that lingers, making you reflect on the nature of time, love, and sacrifice. Interestingly, I read somewhere that King had help from his son, Joe Hill (another fantastic author in his own right), in crafting the ending, which makes sense – it feels refined, carefully considered, and deeply affecting. Even a year later, I still think about it.
5. A Special Mention for the Audiobook
Alongside reading the book, I also listened to 11.22.63 through its audiobook, narrated by Craig Wasson. And what an experience it was. There were moments when I almost completely forgot I was listening to an audiobook – Wasson’s narration is that good. His voice doesn’t just tell the story; it becomes the story. He makes Jake Epping feel real, as if you’re not listening to an actor but to Jake himself recounting his incredible journey. The way he captures different accents, emotions, and the tension of key moments adds another layer of immersion that made the story even more vivid. If you haven’t listened to it, I highly recommend it, even if you’ve already read the book!
A Book That Changes the Way You See Time
Some books are great in the moment, but 11.22.63 has proven to be a book that grows on me the more I think about it. It’s thrilling, emotional, and full of weighty questions about destiny and the ripple effects of our choices.
A year on, I can confidently say it’s my favourite book of all time. Not just because of the plot or the characters, but because of how it made me feel – how it still makes me feel. If you haven’t read it yet, I envy you. King really hit this one out of the park. You’re in for something truly special.
