Stephen King - The Institute *REVIEW* 19 reasons to read this Stranger Things-esque novel!

We've reached 2019 and The Institute, a tale about stolen talented kids, a creepy government agency and a night-knocker - whatever one of those is. In this video I'll give you 19 reasons to read this one and will cluster any spoilers towards the end so you can bail if you need to!
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[@lizzietizzy]

The Institute was my first King read! ❤️ Glad to hear you enjoyed - I'd thought this was so good too. Even after reading quite a few more, The Institute will forever hold a special place! 💜📚

[@DaveReadsKing]

Nice! It definitely feels like a good first King book

[@VadiMiXeries]

mine too!

[@taddssucks92]

God damn we’re at the institute already. Probably my favorite king book of the past five years

[@DaveReadsKing]

I know, right? Can't believe we're nearly done with the books!

[@SteelSpurs]

This was the first ever King book I finished and I really liked it! Liked the characters, the story, the villains were probably the best part. I know King isn't really a sequel person, but I hope we see at least one of these characters in the future.

[@DaveReadsKing]

Nice! I could see him bringing Luke back at some point

[@michaelroy2054]

Approve of the new background Dave!

[@angelaholmes8888]

Yeah I'm loving it

[@barry1578]

Yeah, but I think I'm gonna miss that groovy wallpaper in the other house. :)

[@DaveReadsKing]

Thank you!

[@DaveReadsKing]

I know - I miss it too…maybe my wife will use it again when we decorate here!

[@DogEatingHotDog]

I agree that The Institute has so much of a Stranger Things vibe that it almost felt inspired by Stranger Things, which I thought was particularly interesting given that Stranger Things was inspired by Stephen King’s works. So full circle I guess. Oh, and I like the background, but I will say this about a bookshelf background: It works better if you’re seated in front of it. Watch any of the analysts and subject matter experts who report from their homes on news broadcasts. Being seated also solves your hand dilemma.

[@DaveReadsKing]

Thanks for the tip - I don't have any chairs that are tall enough to sit in front of the background, so I'll just have to get better at standing!

[@richardhall485]

I finished the audiobook about 10 minutes before watching this. I'm not a King expert, but really enjoyed this. Im sure Tim will pop up again down the line 👍😀

[@DaveReadsKing]

Maybe he’ll team up with Holly Gibney!

[@geoffreymaher7169]

"Bubble gum" book is a perfect description. I was into it while I was immersed in the story, but the overall story didn't linger after I was done. Also, I read this book over a long period of time, so when Tim re-enters the story at the end, I didn't remember who he was!

[@DaveReadsKing]

Not surprised! It’s literally hundreds of pages before we see him again isn’t it? Crazy!

[@chesterbrooks3606]

I vote no on the hand jesters, once u brought it up I couldn't stop staring and trailed off 🤣 don't be afraid to show hands though, preferably with a beer in one and smoke too if you're partial to that. And get a chair! Good vid and loved the institute it was a fun one.

[@DaveReadsKing]

I don’t have any chairs tall enough 😅

[@angelaholmes8888]

You definitely should check out stranger things I really enjoyed the first season I'm watching the third season of the show

[@DaveReadsKing]

Nice, it's definitely on my list - especially now Netflix has put it out on DVD

[@jeremybirch4061]

Ahh yes, the institute, aka diet firestarter (just with more kids). Your bubble gum comment was spot on. I remember reading it and I thought it was fine and then a month later I barely remembered what it was about.

[@DaveReadsKing]

Yep! Same!

[@charleypatterson9956]

Hello, Dave! I read The Institute when it came out, and it was so good that I passed it on to my Dad. I didn't think it was a bubblegum book, though. I loved the slow burn and the fast paced ending! To me, it was perfect modern King.

[@DaveReadsKing]

Awesome, glad you enjoyed it!

[@timasmus1197]

Hey Dave, I liked how you edited this video. What do you think of making a special video about books mentioned in Stephen King's work?

[@DaveReadsKing]

Ooh, there’s an interesting idea - I’ll see what I can do with it

[@ethankuhne9467]

I feel very late to this! I just finished this book, read it in a week. I gave it a 4/5 stars. It might be because I do like stranger things but this felt different leaning to a darker version. My only complaint is there were too many characters it was hard to connect with some of the less important characters. Overall a good read!!

[@DaveReadsKing]

Nice, glad you enjoyed it!

[@knittenpurl4274]

I actually really enjoyed this one. It was a quick read- i think it took me maybe 3 days. Loved the story, characters, setting, everything. I want to re-read this one again soon. Hands? No hands? Definitely JAZZ hands!

[@DaveReadsKing]

😂 I’ll give jazz hands a try 😂

[@user-qj3bh1jl2n]

I sent this to my friends lol. What an honest opinion. The first King book I read at 13 was The Stand my moms copy. I fell in love with King. I got a written permission slip for the library from my mom and read whatever I could get my hands on. Misery, The Shining, IT (probably shouldn’t have read that at 14 but whatever) and then it just snowballed from there. King has shaped my look on life and has had me question so much. I appreciate him and look forward to another wild trip.

[@DaveReadsKing]

Nice, and thanks for sharing the video!

[@francissookraj3202]

I enjoyed reading The Institute, yes it does compare to Stranger Things quite alot. But I found it one of his fast pace book with killer assisins and plenty of action.

[@DaveReadsKing]

Nice!

[@Maximus0623]

I loved this book and think it’s one of King’s best. I think one reason why this book isn’t generally praised by constant readers is that they tend to prefer King’s older works, which overall were darker and more R rated. The newer King books tend to be more PG-13 and not nearly as dark, scary or disturbing.

[@DaveReadsKing]

This one was definitely pitched toward the YA market, trying to cash in on Stranger Things. I think it’s fine, but there are plenty of others I like more

[@FullStewart]

Love this book!

[@DaveReadsKing]

Nice!

[@TheMikester307]

I used to work with a kid named "Sam Avery." Geez, he's probably fifty now!

[@DaveReadsKing]

Great name!

[@belaswhicker2033]

Great video! I just finished The Institute and noticed a plot hole. Why didn’t the precogs predict the destruction of the institutes?

[@DaveReadsKing]

Hmm, good question! Perhaps they were so muted by the place that they could only see what The Shop wanted them to focus on?

[@belaswhicker2033]

@@DaveReadsKingThe precogs should have seen that Luke and Avery would be responsible for bringing about the destruction of the institutes. The precogs “see” threats to civilization. Without the institutes, in the minds of the people who run the institutes, destroying the institutes would end this protection. It’s convoluted, I know.

[@greenmonkey2995]

Dave did you forget. Patrick Hocksteders baby brother was named Avery. But besides that great Videos as always and all that palather

[@DaveReadsKing]

I didn’t even forget that, I don’t think I’d ever even noticed it - nice catch!

[@greenmonkey2995]

@@DaveReadsKing Very hard to forget that part. I hope the upcoming HBO show tells the interludes from book. Kitchener Ironworks, the fire at the black spot, the Bradly gang and my favorite Claud Huroe and the silver dollar. They have so much to work with!

[@averylaing2264]

I literally bought 'The Institute' because there was a character named 'Avery'

[@DaveReadsKing]

Such a cool name!

[@Beans_blades_VMOGroup]

After finishing the book, I can see what you mean! I'm also speaking for the point of view that's not as familiar with King as most! But, I really enjoyed reading this one. 4,5 of 5 for me.

[@DaveReadsKing]

Nice 👍 and plenty more for you to discover!

[@allysaurus8707]

This book tore my heart apart and spat it out.

[@DaveReadsKing]

This seems to be one that, when it clicks for people, it *really* clicks

[@samtubebackagainramey6971]

Hi Dave loved the video did you watch The Shining mini series

[@angelaholmes8888]

Yes dave has watched the miniseries of the shining

[@samtubebackagainramey6971]

@@angelaholmes8888 ok

[@DaveReadsKing]

Yep, absolutely have - I think Steven Webber and Rebecca De Mornay are excellent in it, and it's a terrific adaptation of the book. Although, the less said about Courtland Mead the better!

[@samtubebackagainramey6971]

Yeah I watched it when I was 10 and to be honest I kinda sounded like Courtland Mead so I can't really say anything bad about him especially since I used to sound like him

[@ikward2217]

I liked this one a lot until about the last bit of it when SPOILERS!!! The bad guy just sort of walks up and explains everything to Tim? It felt like an exposition dump and just took me completely out of the story and left me with a bad taste in my mouth, otherwise, I thought it was really memorable and fun.

[@DaveReadsKing]

Yeah, that was a bit odd...it did run out of steam a litle

[@nigelmilner1514]

Really enjoyed this book. Kinda want to read more about Tim! Definetly would make a good YA movie. As to what to do with your hand.....use them to turn Netflix on and go watch Stranger Things. Yeah....I @ed you!

[@DaveReadsKing]

I'll use them for Netflix when Netflix drops their price! (And when my kids are older and I actually have time to watch the thing!)

[@KellyBrocklehurstBooks]

Avery 😢 I haven't stopped thinking about him since I read the book.

[@DaveReadsKing]

💔

[@Beans_blades_VMOGroup]

This is a FANTASTIC read maybe the best I've read and that's saying a lot.

[@DaveReadsKing]

Wow! That’s high praise!

[@Beans_blades_VMOGroup]

@@DaveReadsKing Well... haven't read ALOT of King compared to a lot, but plenty! I've read The Dark Tower series, and his main stuff (Minus IT (I know.... I know... started it a few times never followed through) the Shining, recently read the Dead Zone (amazing) and prolly a few others over the years. Not done with the institute yet but almost!

[@tdrdavies2]

I enjoyed reading this one, but upon reflection it feels that it's lacking some depth that could have elevated it. And the whole recreating bedrooms thing didn't really make sense. Why would they do that? And if they had those types of resources, why was the institute reasonably easy to escape from? But as I said, I enjoyed it. More than The Outsider, Sleeping Beauties, Elevation.

[@DaveReadsKing]

That’s a great point - the fake room I thought was creepy when he woke up, but was ultimately pointless

[@ianblackmore-allen163]

I thought this was an okay read when it came out. Interesting you mentioned it is an entry point for younger readers, the very progressive librarian in the school I work in said she got it in and it's been incredibly popular 👍

[@DaveReadsKing]

That doesn’t surprise me at all, just mention Stranger Things and they’d be on it! That librarian sounds cool as

[@ianblackmore-allen163]

@@DaveReadsKing I must say I'm really surprised you've not watched Stranger Things mate. Just something you haven't got round to yet? I was initially curious but when I heard about all the nods to King books and movies I was really intrigued!

[@DaveReadsKing]

@@ianblackmore-allen163 it's a very simple answer me; I don't have Netflix! However, now all four seasons have been given a DVD release, I'm hoping Santa brings them for me this year!

[@ianblackmore-allen163]

@@DaveReadsKing ah hah! That does make sense. I hope you enjoy it!

[@Mark-nh2hs]

Keep the flappy hands lol I've seen this book but have not picked it up yet. I don't know something just doesn't draw me to it like some other King's books. Lol

[@DaveReadsKing]

It's definitely worth at least one read

[@Mark-nh2hs]

@@DaveReadsKing will give it a go lol

[@AMcCarthy83]

I hear this book and Firestarter inspired stranger things. Which of the two books do you prefer?

[@DaveReadsKing]

I prefer Firestarter - fwiw The Institute wouldn’t have influenced Stranger Things as it came out 3 years after the first season…but by all accounts The Institute certainly has a ST vibe

[@AMcCarthy83]

@@DaveReadsKing ok thanks Dave. Looks like I’m getting both books then!

[@barry1578]

I agree with your take -- not too bad, but not so good that it sticks with you much. I was put off by the whole night knocker thing -- there is *no such thing* in modern-day America (and I have lived in small-town America almost all of my 53 years of life). It's just King trying too hard to exude a quaint, small-town vibe. (Like his penchant for having people who are not friends call each other "Mr. So-and-so" or "Mrs. So-and-so" rather than by their first names. At least in the US, even people who have just met one another almost always go by first names right from the start.)

[@DaveReadsKing]

Nice, thanks!

[@user-fg5dt1vh3l]

Just finished Love every word, love every character (but if I'll get the tank if I won't choose then I'll go with Avery & Orphan Annie) the start of the last part was kind of weird at first but then it all fit right into place, I enjoyed the political humor quite much, Btw stayed up until 2 am to finish it.

[@DaveReadsKing]

Nice! Always a good sign when you’re too hooked to sleep!

[@EarthSurferUSA]

I am about halfway through the audio book now, and I bet, like today, there will be no justice against the kidnappers/murderers of evil human experimentation at the end of the story. King was not a fan of the heroic romantic era of art. I guess you will get used to it and be happy, so they say. Nice dark shirt. Your grand kids give it to you? Sorry, I don't see any intellect on the shelf behind you, including the children's toys. Remember when you graduated and were told, "You are the future". Now that is scary.

[@DaveReadsKing]

Ok, thanks

[@angelaholmes8888]

The institute was nice but unfortunately I didn't enjoy it it's actually the first Stephen king book that I own my mother bought it for me

[@DaveReadsKing]

Oh nice - sorry it wasn’t a hit for you though!

[@leestirling4623]

I just finished this book. It's my second one of his,the first was called later. I'm assuming that's a newer one of his too. I really enjoyed the book although there were some cringey parts of it and I didn't like the way he describes children so sexually, that really creeped me out. Also there were anti white ray cist remarks here and there and I felt like his black characters were only there because they were black. He just kept pointing out there race which was weird. And pushing left wing political views, like praising hilary Clinton and slagging off trump and not all of them were part of the characters views. Some were clearly of the writer. There was an amazing emotional scene towards the end and right in the middle of it they bash trump and it ruined the whole thing. He's written a character whose supposed to be extremely clever but it falls flat and has a character whose into truth seeking or what people call a conspiracy theorist but yet he makes her anti trump aswell. I knew he was woke but thought I would try any way. Overall it was a good book and still recommend but judging by the two I've read ( later had pro blm rhetoric) I don't know why he's called a master of writing, that's probably unfair of me to say as I haven't read his older stuff before the brainwashing. I won't be buying any more new releases though but I might buy carrie.

[@DaveReadsKing]

Interesting. Why was Later’s pro Black Lives Matter stance a problem?

[@Frostyy14--]

Who built the cages Mr. King?? His politics are sooo bad

[@DaveReadsKing]

Are they bad though? Or are they just different to yours?

[@Miss_Cherry]

Am i the only one that hates this book?

[@DaveReadsKing]

I doubt it. I wouldn’t go so far as hating it, but I certainly don’t like it all that much

[@jawshysawcy]

Use those hands to wave around the book your talking about!

[@DaveReadsKing]

That would depend on the book - I don’t fancy waving The Stand around for 20 minutes 😂 too chunky!

[@jawshysawcy]

@@DaveReadsKing Ah that’s true 🤣🤣🤣

[@DaveReadsKing]

💪😂