Horror
The Shining
A struggling writer takes a winter caretaker job at an isolated Colorado hotel, bringing his wife and young son. As the snow closes in, the hotel works on the father, and the boy's strange gift draws its attention.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1977
- Pace
- Slow
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 497
- Format
- Book 1 of 2 in The Shining
Read this if you like slow-building, claustrophobic horror about a family and a house that does not want them to leave.
Skip this if you are sensitive to alcoholism and family violence, or have only seen the film and expect the same story.
The feel
Content warnings
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about The Shining
- What is The Shining about?
- A struggling writer takes a winter caretaker job at an isolated Colorado hotel, bringing his wife and young son. As the snow closes in, the hotel works on the father, and the boy's strange gift draws its attention.
- Who should read The Shining?
- Read it if you like slow-building, claustrophobic horror about a family and a house that does not want them to leave. Skip it if you are sensitive to alcoholism and family violence, or have only seen the film and expect the same story.
- How long and how fast is The Shining?
- It is a slow-paced, long read of about 497 pages, first published in 1977.
- Does The Shining have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Violence, Death, Addiction, Child abuse, Domestic violence, Mental illness.
- Can I borrow The Shining for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Shining; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after The Shining?
- Readers who liked it often move on to The Haunting of Hill House, House of Leaves, Misery.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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Horror