Side by side
11/22/63 vs The Dispossessed
11/22/63
87 positive (97%) · 2 mixed (2%) · 1 negative (1%)
Trust + time weighted: +96%
AI summary — not a quote
11/22/63 is widely regarded by readers as one of Stephen King's finest works, even by those who do not typically enjoy his horror novels. The story follows a man who travels back in time to prevent the assassination of JFK, but it is frequently praised more for its immersive historical atmosphere, emotional depth, and central romance than its high-concept premise. While its massive length is noted as a hurdle, the consensus is that the narrative is captivating enough to justify the time investment.
Pros
- Exceptional emotional impact, with many readers reporting a deep personal connection to the characters.
- Highly acclaimed audiobook narration by Craig Wasson, described as perfect for the material.
- Masterful storytelling that keeps readers engaged despite a 900+ page length.
- Appeals to a broad audience beyond traditional horror fans.
Cons
- Significant time commitment required due to its 'door stopper' size (30+ hours for the audiobook).
- The romance subplot is polarizing; while many love it, some readers find it less compelling than the primary plot.
Top excerpts
Among my favorites that tick these boxes are Dark Matter, 11/22/63, Flowers for Algernon.
11/22/63
11/22/63!!!!!
11.22.63 Stephen King Great audio book and brilliant story.
I’ve finished probably less than 15 audiobooks in my life and some of my faves were: 11/22/63
The Dispossessed
34 positive (94%) · 2 mixed (6%) · 0 negative (0%)
Trust + time weighted: +95%
Top excerpts
Have you explored any Ursula Le Guin or Kim Stanley Robinson yet? You might start with The Dispossessed
I'd recommend Left Hand of Darkness or The Dispossessed for more "classic" sci (other planets, space trave), or The Lathe Of Heaven for a story that's totally standalone and starts off in a more normal Earth. Beautiful prose, makes you think.
No particular order: East of Eden, The Dispossessed, The Lord of the Rings, Giovanni's Room, Stoner.
Ursula Le Guin - The Dispossessed. Literary sci-fi exploring freedom, anarchism, ambition and responsibilities.
and in SF the Dispossessed