Joyland by Stephen King Book Review

Hello, friends! I am a voracious reader, so it might be surprising to hear that prior to Joyland, the only Stephen King book that I had ever read was Thinner. So, when I went to the library thinking that I wanted to try a King book, it truly was a completely random selection. I chose this one solely based on its cover, (I know… I know…) However, my judgment based on the cover was rewarded even still.

The prose style is loose and very laid-back, but there were many snippets that were pure poetry (or just very funny– not to mention naughty) Here are two that I enjoyed.

“Such fires are probably illegal in the twenty-first century; the powers that be have a way of outlawing many beautiful things made by ordinary people. I don’t know why that should be, I only know it is.” (108)

She wasn’t wearing makeup that night, and didn’t need any. The moonlight was her makeup.” (133)

Joyland follows Devin Jones, who is nursing a broken heart. He takes on a summer job at Joyland, hoping to make some money and forget about his ex-beloved. He soon learns that a murder took place at Joyland, years ago. As he goes about his duties, he finds himself consumed with this murder. We follow along as he works, makes friends, and tries to make sense of this unsolved murder.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would give it a 4/5. It was not life changing, but it’s a great summer read. It’s just the right amount of spooky, but nothing that will keep you up at night, if that is something that would deter you. From what I’ve seen online, this book is quite different from others in King’s collection, but many other people enjoyed it just as I did. It has a 3.9 star rating on Goodreads.

This book creates such a rich and nostalgic world, setting the scene of 1973 North Carolina in such a way that even those of us not alive in 1973 are able to confidently think that we’d know EXACTLY what it would feel like. King also uses Devin’s music collection to set the scene of 1973 as well as give us some insight into his state of heartbreak. (The Doors…Pink Floyd…etc) One of my personal preferences in media is no cell phones and no social media, so a book set before the usage of such things already intrigues me. It makes for more satisfying conversations and conflicts that feel like there’s more at stake. Such is the case in Joyland.

We also are blessed with such an eclectic group of characters that all add such richness, energy, and personality to the story. The employees of Joyland really feel like a family and I can picture them all so clearly in my mind. Even the people who attend Joyland, who we know much less, feel real. The excited children… the young lovers…the overwhelmed parents… I’ve been to fairs and I can picture it all so clearly. King does a fantastic job of allowing the reader to use their own real-life experiences to imagine such an environment and it is exceedingly effective.

I also feel the subject matter is so unique. I can’t think of a story that takes place at an amusement park/circus/fair besides Water for Elephants. (I’m sure plenty exist, I am just not privy to them). I enjoyed the concept of this book and found that all of the topics it broaches are well-balanced. There are a few different plot points but not enough to where the book felt too loaded. This book overall just felt easy and enjoyable to read. And thank goodness, because I have read some absolute stinkers this summer.

I’m beginning to research into what Stephen King book I should give a try next. I’m thinking Carrie. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

XOXO,

Mattie Mae