Stephen King's It receives praise for its compelling narrative and richly developed characters, capturing the essence of childhood fears. Critics commend its atmospheric tension and psychological depth. However, some reviewers find its length excessive and certain scenes disturbing. Overall, It remains a masterful blend of horror and nostalgia.

Fans of horror and psychological thrills will relish It by Stephen King. Ideal for readers who enjoy deeply complex narratives and rich character development similar to those in The Shining or works by H.P. Lovecraft, King's novel weaves chilling encounters and a nostalgic return to childhood fears. Suitable for those captivated by both the supernatural and the human psyche.

In It by Stephen King, a group of seven childhood friends in the town of Derry confronts a shape-shifting monster that takes the form of their worst fears. They believe they've defeated it, but when the monster returns 27 years later, they reunite to stop it for good. Their bond and bravery are tested as they face their deepest fears and past traumas, leading to a climactic battle in the sewers. The novel explores themes of friendship, fear, and memory and alternates between the characters' past and present experiences. The book includes graphic depictions of violence and trauma.

Mysterious / Dark / Unnerving / Suspenseful / Bittersweet

Stephen King

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore It reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read It | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore It and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

It Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Shadow Before”

Part 1 It Part 1 Summary & Analysis

“Derry: The First Interlude”

It “Derry: The First Interlude” Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “June of 1958”

Part 2 It Part 2 Summary & Analysis

“Derry: The Second Interlude”

It “Derry: The Second Interlude” Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Grownups”

Part 3 It Part 3 Summary & Analysis

“Derry: The Third Interlude” 

It “Derry: The Third Interlude”  Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “July of 1958”

Part 4 It Part 4 Summary & Analysis

“Derry: The Fourth Interlude”

It “Derry: The Fourth Interlude” Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “The Ritual of Chüd”  

Part 5 It Part 5 Summary & Analysis

“Derry: The Last Interlude” - Epilogue

It “Derry: The Last Interlude” - Epilogue Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

It Character Analysis

theme

Themes

It Themes

Symbols & Motifs

It Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

It Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

It Essay Topics

It

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read It?

Reading Age

Book Details