Time-travel can be quite a complex topic to write on, and with Stephen King's interpretation, it is just plain fascinating and downright exciting (for me, at least). The startling differences between the America of 2011 and the America of 1958 through 1963 are easy to see. For one, people seem to be much more trusting, and there is less paperwork when making purchases. For example, when Jake goes to buy a gun, he receives it on the spot, sans-paperwork, or even a background check. Several times. Also, the cars are amazing, such as Jake's Ford Sunliner.
I could go on and on about these differences, but this is a book review, not a cultural comparison. The idea behind this story is: A high school GED teacher, Jake Epping, reads a story penned by the janitor about the night his father massacred his family- just over fifty years prior. Later, Jake is taken to another time when a friend of his reveals a portal to 1958 in his trailer closet. What does Jake's friend want him to do? Spend five years in the past, follow Lee Harvey Oswald, and prevent the Kennedy assassination.
This portal comes with conditions (of course). Say one were to travel to 1958, change something, and travel back to 2011. If this person were to take a second trip, everything that you changed in the first trip would be reset. Also, no matter how long one were to spend in the 'past', he/she will always come out two minutes later in 2011 then when they entered the portal.
This 800-page behemoth will grab you with the first word, and keeps you through to the end. It might seem daunting, but the story is worth going through all 800-something pages.
I don't want to spoil the ending, so I'll cut this review short. I strongly recommend this book for casual readers and those who like to look into deeper meanings.
Long days and pleasant nights,
Neal
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