Gerald's Game by Stephen King Book Review & Reaction | Way More Scary Than Just The Handcuffs

Mike tries to find the keys to these cuffs so he can talk about the 1992 psychological thriller Gerald's Game by Stephen King.
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0:00 Introduction & Excerpt Reading
2:19 Background Info
4:49 What Is It About?
5:41 What Makes It Good or Bad?
14:25 Why You Should Read It
16:08 Final Thoughts
17:40 Multiverse Connections
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Excerpt music provided by Ross Budgen
/ @rossbugden
Music used: Epic Horror Synth Trailer Music - Something Wicked (Copyright and Royalty Free)
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Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
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Theme music provided by Infraction
/ @infraction
Music used: Epic (No Copyright Music)
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Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0(CC BY 3.0)
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#MikesBookReviews #StephenKing #GeraldsGame

[@josestorms5176]

Gerald's Game, one of King's most scariest and creepiest novels of all time, and easily one of my top 10 books of all time

[@JuanMartinez-ib7mz]

completely agree

[@korbaselectah]

Exactly

[@daddplayzgames]

Loved this book so much. The gore was intense, but the scariest thing was the flashback. It sickened me in the movie, and sickened me even more in the book!

[@mritvik8051]

How about an author interview with stephen king Make it happen mike Love ur work man

[@christopherfly9374]

I read Gerald's Game back when it came out too. As I read it, I began to wonder how a woman handcuffed to a bed was going to carry through for a whole novel. I found myself engrossed in the character study. You're right, King is great at characters, and the scariest thing in his books are not the monsters, but all the stuff the characters carry around in their heads. I always remember the character of the "Good Dog." He was a tragic figure, and I like that King got into his head a little. It's a great book and on my top 5 of King novels.

[@JuanMartinez-ib7mz]

This book is AWESOME. I absolutely love it, one of my favorite books by Stephen King honestly. I can't understand when people say it's boring, there's always suspense, always on the edge of my seat and the tension is palpable. It's also one of his most creative stories, to pull off a full-length novel with this premise. Plus, the villain here is probably one of the most spooky ever. One of the few books that actually scared me, maybe because the protagonist was so defenseless.

[@Bxtcxt1865]

I can not agree more

[@laraterzioglu6310]

I have to say that I absolutely love your videos. I feel like you are more sincere (in a good way) than most of the booktubers out there. I can understand that you do what you do because of the love you have about reading and books, and not because you want clout. I feel like this is really important especially these days where literature is unfortunately slowly getting forgotten. We need more people like you! 👋🏻

[@thatshaneguy9]

Gerald's Game has been on my TBR ever since watching the film last year. You are totally right about the fear of the dark - the villain in the film freaked me out and as a 34-year-old man, I had nightmares about that villain being in my bedroom at night. I had to literally sleep with the light on some nights. I can't wait to read the book and be absolutely terrified all over again. Great vid!

[@JuanMartinez-ib7mz]

the movie is amazing but the changes were big ones in order to make it work. I think you will get a lot out of the book even if you know the story.

[@ThisIsJaysWorld]

He's so much creepier in the book

[@anna_rn]

I must check this one out. Gerald’s game keeps going in and out of my TBR.

[@nsartin23]

Finally! More SK! Cant wait for the next one Mike!

[@TheBookCure]

Another fantastic entry in my favourite BookTube series! I’ll have to bump this one to the top of my King pile, since the way that you describe it makes it seem like one I’ll really enjoy.

[@vibacar93]

you make really great intros. Keep it up and your reviews are great

[@AndrewsWizardlyReads]

I will definitely get to this one eventually my King Journey continues. Great intro though. Love when you do the readings

[@richardcozad1166]

Great review Mike. I also read it as a teen. I'm going to go back and re-read!

[@SmurfyKimberly]

Love your reviews, I’m going to do a reread on this one after watching this.

[@unlimitedreads]

Great review, Mike 👍 I remember when I finished Needful Things (I was rabid about King's stuff by then!) I wrote to Mr King asking what book will he write next and his assistant, Marcia wrote me and said he's writing Gerald's Game. I felt like the king of the world that I knew before most people, without internet those days, it was a really big deal for me 😁

[@tomaszszczegola]

First time here. Enjoyed the review immensly. Thorough and enjoyable. Thanx!

[@esliet]

Awesome review. One of my favorites, Mr. King ❤️

[@PerfectCell9]

Loved the Netflix adaptation.. great video Mike!

[@CS10847]

This was my very first Stephen King read. Read it back in 2017 and I’ve been a king fanatic ever since.

[@alexandruteodor3585]

Hi, Mike, great review! When you were speaking about the fear of the dark in this book I couldn't help thinking about the tunnels from Metro 2033 :D.

[@JuanMartinez-ib7mz]

Stoked for you to get to INSOMNIA. That'll be a fun review, lol

[@Klerj]

Sounds interesting , i just ordered a copy of the book can't wait to read it

[@theuntimelyhippo7232]

I can’t wait to read this one! I just found the hardcover al a value village,. Along with rose madder and doloris Claiborne

[@KakashiHatake-ou7mp]

I don't really read any Stephen King (apart from Dark Tower) It's still interesting to see your videos on his books.

[@JuanMartinez-ib7mz]

his best work will always be among his stand-alones, that's what he's more comfortable writing

[@atom0191]

Thanks for the video

[@andrewl_17]

Just finished reading this, and I must say I really enjoyed it. It's only the 2nd book I've read from King, but I just got back into reading and plan on reading lots more. Thanks for the great review, I love your channel btw!

[@julietasolis3380]

you should really read dolores claiborne then! since it’s entwined with the eclipse story, i read right after geralds game and i really enjoyed it!

[@jeff5624]

Reading The Institute now, I think I’ll read this one next. Thanks Mike.

[@mayzo51184]

I haven't read the book but I have seen the Netflix movie a couple of times and really enjoyed it. I think I'm gonna read it soon. I've been wanting to read it for a while. As always great review and I'll catch you in the next one.

[@supernorry3847]

I have never read this book, but it sounds soo good, i really want to read this sometimes

[@Ulmo90]

Wow, what a great intro! I need to get into more King novels, I've only read Later so far Edit: watched the movie and really enjoyed it in a horrified way, need to pick uö the book as well

[@calista3371]

For me, this is the scariest, most frightening book King has written. It terrified me. I love this book and I should read it again. It's about being so helpless and the horror simply builds and builds and the end I could barely finish it as a teen.

[@mikesbookreviews]

It has some frights in it that put that chill up my spine the same way Shining did.

[@kardelenckc]

When I was reading Jessie's thoughts about casual sexism and her experiences with men I couldn't believe that those words were written by a man. If he wanted to write like a woman, he definitely succeeded at it. Btw, if I don't recall incorrectly, one of Jessie's hallucinations was talking about the 'beam'.

[@caitlinbrewer4843]

I was very surprised and immensely pleased to see a book written by a man in 90s brutality bitch slap the idea that ANYONE, but especially a child, could be responsible for unwanted sexual attention.

[@TheHumbleRoots]

I read this when it released but I don’t remember much of it. Maybe I’ll give it another shot. Thanks for the video. Cheers.

[@mikesbookreviews]

It's great on a re-read.

[@nightmarishcompositions4536]

The scene with the dad during the eclipse 🤢

[@conflictpersona8]

That's actually a gd point how scary a repressed memory could be i saw the netflix movie but now i do want to read the book 🤔 its heartbreaking what she goes through

[@mikesbookreviews]

It's a spectacular read.

[@danecobain]

You'd be alright these days 'cause you could just be like, "Hey Siri, call the police."

[@Dunno683]

OF COURSE Steven King wrote Gerald's game. I watched the movie only thinking what sorta phyco could make this. None other than the man who made penny-wise. The freakish clown that gave 7 year old me nightmares for months

[@loudoesreviews]

Great book. And great adaptation by Mike Flanagan.

[@tomaszszczegola]

"He does character the best." EXACTLY!

[@praetorxyn]

First. This one is on my list, but I can't imagine a book of the length King normally writes not dragging before the end given that (AFAIK) the main character doesn't move of the whole thing 😅

[@emosongsandreadalongs]

This book is shorter than many of his others. My copy (which is the same as the one Mike shows in the video) is 332 pages. That being said, I think it probably does drag in some places. I read just the 1st chapter and it was practically all the main character's internal dialogue, so not much actually happened

[@MichaelRomeoTalksBooks]

The title you were looking for that combined Gerald's Game and Delores Claiborne is Path of the Eclipse.

[@JeremyCRunge]

One of my favorite King books. While in Catholic High School I did a book report on this book after being told no King books. I ended up getting an A+ on it. But my English teacher , a nun whose name I wish I could remember since it’s been 30 years now pulled me aside after class and said no more King but excellent job on the report. For this reason I have always loved the book and wasn’t a big fan of the book. It’s just not the same.

[@caitlinbrewer4843]

Reading this book ended with me learning 3 different ways to get out of handcuffs.

[@lisac1619]

I read this book over ten years ago and it's one that's stuck with me. The book is much better than the adaptation but that was very good too. I've also read Dolores Claiborne, that crossover was extremely eerie and well done.

[@angelaholmes8888]

I didn't like the book but I absolutely enjoyed the movie version Mike flannigan did a great job directing it and doctor sleep I hope he does the dark tower series

[@joseph_b319]

Ive wanted to read the book, never got around to reading the story yet. I seen the movie and thought it was pretty good. Carla Gugino handcuffed to a bed, no problem here with that.

[@nateswan9527]

Maybe I will have to return to Gerald's Game again. I tried it a few weeks ago and at 40 pages I just found it kind of exhausting to read. I traded it for Needful Things, and I am loving that so far, I've read about 100 pages in 2 days.

[@margaritaramos3393]

Did you ever get back to Gerald's Game? Owned the book. Damn!! That book was creepy, intense and disgusting. SK finest.

[@chadeklund9835]

Never had that feeling ever with the dark lol

[@mikesbookreviews]

Guess I read too much Stephen King. Ha.

[@chadeklund9835]

@@mikesbookreviews I was numbed at a young age to horror even though I loved it when I watched alien and a nightmare on elm street. When I watched these movies I was never scared even that young. But it turned out that I’m autistic and that may play a part in why horror doesn’t scare me but just truly entertains me. Who knows really everyone is different.

[@emosongsandreadalongs]

I just got a copy of this one. The premise alone is so intriguing to me that it's making me want to skip ahead in my Stephen King read-along

[@ChaptersWeLove]

I loved Dolores Claiborne my favorite books so far but I'm just starting.

[@theromanwanderer8923]

Two things! First. Great t-shirt, I'm currently halfway through reading The Shining. Second. Does Gerald's Game gives some of the same sensations (restraint) that you feel while reading Misery?

[@emosongsandreadalongs]

I'm close to the end of The Shining myself. My friend and I are reading through King's fiction and doing a sort of podcast-style series of reviews. We're just about to finish up The Shining. Could I share a link to the playlist with you?

[@JuanMartinez-ib7mz]

For me, it was a totally different story and experience. Gerald's Game is more centered in Jessie, the main character, her character is way more deep than Paul Sheldon. The terror is more psychological, and relies on the spookyness of being ALONE. Now, both Misery and Gerald's Game make it in my top 10, both are awesome in different ways besides sharing the "stuck in a room" premise.

[@theromanwanderer8923]

@@emosongsandreadalongs yeah, go on!

[@emosongsandreadalongs]

@@theromanwanderer8923 here's the video where we started The Shining: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGG9lGp6jbaIg9E It's meant to be for people who have read the books so we give lots of spoilers and stuff. Hope you enjoy

[@reaper2r]

I read this book as a young boy and it definitely left a mark on me, probably was too young haha

[@michaelo5665]

I feel ya, I may have been a little young for it as well.

[@PinkKitten002]

I read Gerald's game when I was probably 15? Not his best book but pretty damn scary. I still prefer the long walk and the shining, but I haven't read this one in years so maybe I'll go back

[@dailycarolina.]

THAT scene in Misery (both in the novel and movie) is equally disturbing as THAT scene in Gerald's Game the movie, I'm yet to read the book.

[@OrcmanRepugnant]

I've heard it was his "Men are Bastards" trilogy. Gerald's Game, Dolores Claiborne, Rose Madder.

[@AgentSaibot]

Couldn't get into this book at all. The first pages or so were great but as soon as she started having conversations with her voices and whatnot, I put it away. It was too boring for me I might give it another try in the future. A lot of people seem to love it

[@littlec1332]

I have to say, I preferred Dolores Claiborne to Gerald's Game. Don't get me wrong, I loved both books but I just loved Dolores so much as a character. I don't know why. I devoured Dolores Claiborne in two sittings. And the only reason it took two sittings is bc I had to go to bed as I had work the next morning haha

[@Michael_L_Morrison]

This book is probably in the lower part of my mid-tier of King's books.

[@andreabknight]

I read this about 25 years ago- and I can remember very little about it, except that I found it engaging. So odd.

[@piousmutilator4513]

I thought it was a great novel, but could have been done as a short story. But even under the realm of novel-writing, I still felt it was at least 50 pages too long, especially towards the end. But still a great thriller! Thanks for the video!

[@mikesbookreviews]

That's a common criticism of King. I always wish his books were longer because his character work is so good. But I get it.

[@piousmutilator4513]

@@mikesbookreviews I don’t feel that way about some of his other longer ones like The Stand or IT. But for this type of story, I just thought he added way too much about Raymond Andrew Joubert. I thought it was cool; just too long, especially after it seemed Ike the novel was over. Like an extended epilogue of sorts. But Jessie’s character development was awesome! Additionally, I also really liked the film adaptation. I was pleasant surprised. Love your videos man. Keep it up!

[@piousmutilator4513]

@@mikesbookreviews Can’t wait to read Dolores Claiborne!

[@k.enterante]

Easily King’s scariest book! 🌚🌓

[@edisonlima4647]

I loved this novel but, as I read, I couldn't avoid thinking that, were Gerald's Game to be first published today, a "certain" subset of the internet would have gone ballistic with the feminist takes. I mean, a novel that starts with a dedication to women followed by "Men are pigs" even before the story starts would have caused quite a stir.

[@bparsons1987]

Lol "Probably too much information. "

[@alynam82]

I read this twice, I was a kid the first time, I wanna say 7th or 8th grade. I remember being very, um... squirmy?? Feeling like it was something I shouldn't be reading? Lol Second read was probably about 8-10 years ago, and one scene still sticks with me, as I remembered from the first read as well SPOILER . . . The broken glass (from either the water glass but I thought I remember some kind of jar, like hand cream or face cream, no?)... YEEESHHH! ULLGGGHHH!

[@JuanMartinez-ib7mz]

I think it was a glass, and YEAH that might be the most difficult scene to read I've encountered in any book, just nasty

[@alynam82]

@@JuanMartinez-ib7mz and it was just as nasty in the movie! I loved it

[@vinodhchincholi3698]

Hot take I guess but I'm more into Stephen King's more personal stories like Misery, The Shining or The Green Mile over something like It or Under the Dome. So definitely on my TBR.

[@JuanMartinez-ib7mz]

By personal you mean a shorter cast of characters? If you mean King writing actually personal books, Lisey's Story is his most personal.

[@vinodhchincholi3698]

@@JuanMartinez-ib7mz Oh that's cool. I'll check it out for sure.

[@LilFoxyCosplay]

Hate to say it but I hated this book way too slow for me Didn't finish it the first time the second time I did and definitely found some bits I enjoyed It was like the book didn't want to let me in

[@cabrademora1]

:D

[@SuperStrangSshadow]

I didn't like Gerald's Game possible because I read the norwegian editon. But in the later years I have read his books in English because it is best. I didn't like the way the translator was changing some of the names of the characters that the woman was thinking of because the translator was changing it to really odd names.

[@JuanMartinez-ib7mz]

I totally get you. I never fully disliked a book for that reason, but when I made the switch from Spanish to English the experience just got 50% better. Still, I became a King fan reading his stuff in spanish, so translations kinda hold a warm place in my heart, lol.

[@alynam82]

Really?? They change things up that much in translated books, even names? I didn't know that... nor do I much like the idea of it either. If I'm reading a book translated into English, I'm usually assuming it's as close to the original as possible

[@SuperStrangSshadow]

@@JuanMartinez-ib7mz I read the norwegian editions when I was young and not that good in English, but changed it to English in my older years. I must read King and horror in English or the language feels a bit childish.

[@SuperStrangSshadow]

@@alynam82 No, not always because the translations have a strict system I think. But they changed some of the names in this book and in the Harry Potter series. But other books I've read in Norwegian they mostly stick to the original names.

[@JuanMartinez-ib7mz]

@@alynam82 yes... names, a lot. Sometimes they even fully change the title of the book. The Regulators in spanish would be "Possession", The Stand is "Apocalypse" and (this might be a nitpick but I still don't like it) Pet Sematary is "Animal Cementery", with cementery spelled correctly.

[@CRohrscheib]

One of King's more disturbing novels in my opinion

[@ytrules35]

This is the book where Stephen King lost me as a reader. I just didn't like it.

[@aquamarina5216]

While I enjoy the book and I think Jesse is a very well written female character (King seems to only struggle with those when they are bland yet another blonde or redhead love interest for male lead, who in many stories are pretty much interchangeable, except few who manage to stand out like Bev or Rachel Creed) I do have few problems with it. First is his treatment of animals and painting them as these hellish alien beings, who are often bloodhungry, who need to be killed in the end of the story. #JusticeForPrince #PrinceDidNothingWrong The second thing is a big one and it's his treatment of disabled people or a more specific person in the story. King paints him as this inhuman bloodhungry monster, when in reality this person likely wouldn't hurt a fly. The way he wrote "antagonist" is straight-up horrible and shameful, and it really dampers my opinion about the whole book. I think it would be way better to leave the monster as just a fiber of Jessie's imagination, or just leave us guessing if it was real or not. The third and last one is the fact that in the end, he gets quite preachy with this whole "Jassie being done with listening to this condescending oppressing men", seriously? because I am a woman and I would have probably decked her for what she pulled on the last pages, so she should count her blessing that she had this "oppressing and condescending guy" by her side. My conclusion is the book was great but the ending was... something else, in fact, I would rather him leave the ending open instead, because this was not only bad but frecking horrible.