It

Pros

• Deep emotional resonance and a 'heartbreaking' ending
• Terrifying and well-balanced horror concepts (Pennywise and the Deadlights)
• Immersive, indulgent world-building that rewards patient readers
• High re-read value with memorable, chilling dialogue

Cons

• Extremely long and can feel unfocused or 'messy'
• Polarizing writing style that some readers find difficult to enjoy
• Contains highly controversial and 'questionable' scenes involving sexual violence and slurs
• The ending is a point of contention for some readers

Caveats

• The book is a massive undertaking, with the audiobook version lasting approximately 45 hours
• Includes graphic content, including sexualized bullying and racial slurs, which may be triggering for many
• Often described as 'divisive,' with some suggesting it may not be the best entry point for horror newcomers

Best for

• Fans of epic, long-form horror fiction
• Readers who enjoy character-driven stories with significant emotional depth
• Those looking for a 'classic' horror experience with high stakes

Avoid if

• You prefer concise, fast-paced, or tightly focused narratives
• You are sensitive to depictions of sexual violence or the use of slurs
• You find Stephen King's prose style or 'indulgent' writing frustrating