It Book Summary - It Book explained in key points

It summary

Stephen King

Brief summary

It by Stephen King is a chilling horror novel that follows seven adults who return to their hometown to confront a shape-shifting entity that preys on children. The story is a gripping exploration of fear, friendship, and the power of imagination.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    It
    Summary of key ideas

    Confronting Childhood Fears

    In It by Stephen King, we are introduced to the small town of Derry, Maine, where a group of children, known as the Losers' Club, are terrorized by a malevolent entity that takes the form of a clown named Pennywise. The story begins in 1957 when a young boy named Georgie Denbrough is killed by Pennywise, setting off a series of events that will haunt the town for decades.

    The Losers' Club, consisting of Bill, Ben, Beverly, Eddie, Mike, Richie, and Stan, come together to confront their fears and battle the evil force that has been preying on the town's children for centuries. They soon realize that Pennywise is not just a clown, but a shape-shifting monster that feeds on the fear of its victims, taking the form of their worst nightmares.

    Childhood and Adulthood

    The narrative of It alternates between two time periods, following the Losers' Club as children in the late 1950s and then as adults in the mid-1980s. As children, they manage to wound Pennywise and believe they have defeated it. However, they make a blood oath to return to Derry if the creature ever resurfaces.

    Fast forward to 27 years later, the Losers' Club, now grown up and leading separate lives, are forced to honor their promise when the killings in Derry resume. They return to their hometown, struggling to remember their past and the horrors they faced as children. As they reunite, their memories resurface, and they realize that Pennywise has returned, stronger and more determined than ever.

    Confronting the Monster

    As adults, the Losers' Club must confront not only the physical manifestation of Pennywise but also their own personal demons and fears. They come to understand that defeating the monster requires them to believe in the power of their unity and friendship, just as they did as children. They also learn that Pennywise's true power lies in the fear it instills, and by standing together, they can weaken its hold on them.

    Throughout their battle with Pennywise, the Losers' Club also grapple with the idea of memory and its role in shaping their reality. They realize that the adults in Derry have chosen to forget the town's dark history, allowing Pennywise to thrive. The Losers' Club, however, refuse to forget, understanding that acknowledging and confronting their fears is the only way to defeat them.

    The Power of Friendship and Unity

    In the climactic showdown, the Losers' Club faces Pennywise in its true form, a giant spider-like creature. They use their combined strength and belief in each other to weaken the monster, ultimately defeating it. The battle is not without its losses, but the group emerges victorious, having conquered their fears and the evil that has plagued their town for so long.

    In conclusion, It is not just a horror story about a shape-shifting monster, but a tale of friendship, resilience, and the power of unity. It explores the idea that confronting our fears, both personal and collective, is the only way to overcome them. The Losers' Club's journey is a testament to the strength found in togetherness and the importance of remembering our past, no matter how terrifying, in order to shape our future.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is It about?

    It by Stephen King is a gripping horror novel that follows a group of outcast kids in Derry, Maine as they confront an ancient, shape-shifting evil that preys on the town's children. Twenty-seven years later, they must return to face the monster once again. Filled with tension, unforgettable characters, and terrifying moments, this book is a classic in the horror genre.

    It Review

    It (1986) by Stephen King is a thrilling novel that explores the horrors lurking in the small town of Derry. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:

    • With its richly drawn characters and intricate plot, it keeps readers on the edge of their seat, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the mysteries of Derry.
    • The book seamlessly combines elements of horror, suspense, and coming-of-age genres, creating a unique and captivating reading experience.
    • Stephen King's masterful storytelling and attention to detail draw readers into the world of Derry, making it impossible to put this book down.

    Who should read It?

    • Readers who enjoy horror and suspense novels
    • Fans of Stephen King's writing style and storytelling
    • Those looking for a deep exploration of human fears and the power of friendship

    About the Author

    Stephen King is a renowned author known for his captivating and chilling storytelling. With a career spanning over five decades, King has written numerous bestsellers, including Carrie, The Shining, and The Stand. His ability to create complex characters and build suspenseful plots has earned him a dedicated fan base. King's works often explore the darker aspects of human nature and the supernatural, making him a master of the horror genre. With over 350 million copies of his books sold, Stephen King's impact on literature is undeniable.

    Categories with It

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    32 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Start your free trial

    It FAQs 

    What is the main message of It?

    The main message of It is the power of friendship and overcoming childhood fears.

    How long does it take to read It?

    The reading time for It varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is It a good book? Is it worth reading?

    It is a captivating book worth reading due to its intricate storytelling and terrifying atmosphere.

    Who is the author of It?

    Stephen King is the author of It.

    How many chapters are in It?

    It has 5 parts, but the chapters are not titled.

    How many pages are in It?

    It contains approximately 1,116 pages.

    When was It published?

    It was published in 1986.

    What to read after It?

    If you're wondering what to read next after It, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
    • The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
    • Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
    • Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
    • Just After Sunset by Stephen King
    • Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
    • Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
    • Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
    • The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
    • Side Jobs by Jim Butcher