Book Review of Christine by Stephen King

This book review of Christine by Stephen King is part of my Stephen King Reading Quest.

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Vrooooom! Hoo-ah, this book was so much fun to read. At first glance, Christine seems like your typical horror story—an evil car comes to life and goes on a killing spree. Exactly the kind of thing you’d expect to see in a bad horror movie from the 80s. But Stephen King, of course, somehow turns it into something completely unique and amazing.

It’s funny how some objects seem to have a personality of their own. A favorite coffee mug, a well-loved guitar, or even a car that feels like it shares your mood on the open road. But what if that “personality” wasn’t all sunshine? What if it had a mind of its own—and not a kind one? I loved playing with that line of thought throughout my time reading Stephen King’s Christine. This book just totally reminded me why he’s one of the most celebrated storytellers of all time.

I went into reading this excited but maybe a little concerned about the idea of a haunted car. Was it going to come across a bit gimmicky. But leave it to King to take what might seem silly and turn it into something unsettling, emotional, and unforgettable. With its mix of relatable characters, intense horror, and surprising moments of heart, Christine was a ride I’ll remember for a long time. Let me tell you why.

Plot Summary (No Spoilers)

The story in Christine is focused on Arnie Cunningham. Arnie’s a shy teenager who stumbles up on a battered 1958 Plymouth Fury named Christine. And Arnie falls in love, or rather, becomes totally obsessed with her. Think love at first sight, but with a car. And from this moment, his life begins to change, and not really for the good. Because Christine is more than a car – she’s a spirit in a car body, and her influence on Arnie grows stronger every time he revs her up.

My Review

Characters

I really felt for Arnie. At first, he’s this shy, geeky guy who can’t catch a break. His best friend, Dennis, is a solid rock—loyal, brave, and honestly one of the most relatable characters in the book. And then there’s Christine herself, who somehow feels alive even though she’s just a car. The way King gives her personality without over-explaining is brilliant.

And don’t forget the amazing side characters, like Leigh (Arnie’s girlfriend) and the various bullies who seem to exist just to make Arnie’s life miserable. King makes everyone feel fleshed out, even the jerks. You love to hate some of them, and others just make you think, Why are people like this?!

Atmosphere & Setting

This book is dripping with ‘50s nostalgia, even though it’s set in the late ‘70s. And I’m totally here for it. Christine’s whole vibe—her music, her style—comes from the ‘50s, and King makes you feel it. There’s a haunting quality to how Christine represents a time long gone, like she’s a ghost from the past, refusing to fade away.

King also nails the small-town setting. You can practically feel the grease on the diner tables, hear the squeak of gym shoes on the high school floors, and smell the exhaust fumes in Arnie’s garage. It’s vivid, and it sucks you right in.

The Horror

Oh man, this isn’t the kind of horror that jumps out and yells “boo!” It’s a slow, creeping dread that builds until you’re squirming in your seat. The way Christine’s evil reveals itself is so subtle at first. You start second-guessing yourself like, Wait, did that just happen? By the time the gloves come off, you’re hooked and terrified.

But the horror isn’t just about Christine. It’s about how obsession can destroy someone, how love (or what we think is love) can make people blind to reality. It’s psychological horror as much as it is supernatural.

Who Should Read This

If you’re a fan of horror, this one’s a no-brainer. But even if you’re not, Christine has a lot to offer. It’s a story about friendship, love, and the scary side of obsession. If you like coming-of-age stories with a dark twist, this is for you.

That said, this isn’t a book for younger readers. There’s violence, some language, and a few moments that might make you squirm. I’d say it’s best for teens and up. Oh, and if you’re easily freaked out by the idea of inanimate objects coming to life, maybe skip this one. Or, you know, read it during the day.

Parting Thoughts

I’m giving Christine 4 out of 5 stars. It’s a fun book, with a pretty compelling mix of horror, heart, and “high-octane” thrills. With a few bumps along the way. While it didn’t quite reach the heights of some of King’s other masterpieces for me, it’s a testament to his storytelling genius that he could make something as seemingly mundane as a car come so alive—literally and figuratively.

I definitely recommend this book if you haven’t already read it. You won’t walk past a car – particularly an older – again for a while without thinking “what if?” or “did that car just nudge a little closer to me on it’s own?”. 

If this is long a favorite of yours, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Did you find Christine terrifying or just a little too over-the-top? Let’s chat about it!

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Other Books You Might Enjoy

• Book Review of Cycle of the Werewolf by Stephen King
• Book Review of Pet Sematary by Stephen King

About the Author

Stephen King is an American author known for his thrilling horror novels. Born on September 21, 1947, in Portland, Maine. King published his first novel, Carrie, in 1974, which became a huge success and launched his career. Over the years, he wrote many bestsellers, including The Shining, It, and Misery. His books have sold over 350 million copies worldwide, making him one of the best-selling authors of all time. King has won several prestigious awards, such as the Bram Stoker Award and the World Fantasy Award. In 2003, he received the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, honoring his impact on literature.