It: A Novel

Stephen King’s classic #1 New York Times bestseller and the basis for the massively successful films It: Chapter One and It: Chapter Two as well as inspiration for HBO Max’s series It: Welcome to Derry—about seven adults who return to their hometown to confront a nightmare they had first stumbled upon as teenagers...an evil without a name: It.

Welcome to Derry, Maine. It’s a small city, a place as hauntingly familiar as your own hometown. Only in Derry the haunting is real.

They were seven teenagers when they first stumbled upon the horror. Now they are grown-up men and women who have gone out into the big world to gain success and happiness. But the promise they made twenty-eight years ago calls them reunite in the same place where, as teenagers, they battled an evil creature that preyed on the city’s children. Now, children are being murdered again and their repressed memories of that terrifying summer return as they prepare to once again battle the monster lurking in Derry’s sewers.

Readers of Stephen King know that Derry, Maine, is a place with a deep, dark hold on the author. It reappears in many of his books, including Bag of Bones, Hearts in Atlantis, and 11/22/63. But it all starts with It.

“Stephen King’s most mature work” (St. Petersburg Times), “It will overwhelm you…to be read in a well-lit room only” (Los Angeles Times).

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Published Jul 30, 2019

1168 pages

Average rating: 8.14

340 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

kiney
Oct 18, 2025
10/10 stars
This chilling novel, written by American author Stephen King, made its debut in 1986. Reading it while I was in Ohio left a profound mark on me; the story still haunts my dreams. King's talent for crafting terrifying environments is exceptional and profoundly affecting. This book stands as his 22nd work and was the 17th novel published under his own name. The plot revolves around seven youngsters who are tormented by an evil entity referred to as It, which exploits their fears to take on various forms while pursuing its victims.
boyleschris
Apr 21, 2024
Recommended by Ron
raeallic
Oct 09, 2025
10/10 stars
this was so much more than i ever anticipated, and i simply don't have the words to tell you how unforgettable this book is
Vivsbooks_03
Apr 23, 2025
8/10 stars
Took me awhile to get through one of my first books from him and what got me hooked into reading definitely a good horror to read.
willowjgood
Feb 23, 2025
9/10 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Massive, Terrifying, and Unforgettable Achievement IT isn’t just a horror novel—it’s an experience. At over 1,000 pages, it demands your full attention, pulling you into a sprawling story that blends childhood trauma, deep-rooted fears, and friendships that cut straight to the heart. Finishing it feels like a feat, and the journey is nothing short of wild. The horror creeps in slowly, burrowing under your skin, and by the time it fully sinks its teeth in, there’s no escape. Pennywise is terrifying, but the real fear runs deeper—King explores how terror shapes people, especially through the lens of childhood. The Losers' Club shines as the emotional core. Their bond makes every horrifying moment hit harder, and watching them face impossible odds, both as kids and adults, is gripping. Every character feels fully realized, making their journey feel intimate despite the massive scope. King’s writing is relentless. The pacing whips you between nostalgic memories and pure nightmare fuel, creating a constant sense of unease. Some scenes left me holding my breath, others had me blinking at the pages, wondering how things escalated so quickly. It’s intense, dark, and completely absorbing without ever feeling overwhelming—just massive in a way that pulls you deeper with every chapter. Finishing IT is like walking away from a battle—exhausted but completely satisfied. It’s disturbing, emotional, and, at times, downright unhinged—but that’s what makes it brilliant. King doesn’t just tell a horror story; he drags you through it, making every terrifying, heart-wrenching moment linger long after the final page.

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