Horror
It
In Derry, Maine, a group of outcast children band together to fight a shape-shifting creature that preys on the town's young. Twenty-seven years later, the survivors must return and finish what they began.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1986
- Pace
- Slow
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 1376
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you like a long, character-rich horror novel that is as much about childhood friendship as about fear.
Skip this if you want a short read or are bothered by stories involving harm to children.
The feel
Content warnings
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about It
- What is It about?
- In Derry, Maine, a group of outcast children band together to fight a shape-shifting creature that preys on the town's young. Twenty-seven years later, the survivors must return and finish what they began.
- Who should read It?
- Read it if you like a long, character-rich horror novel that is as much about childhood friendship as about fear. Skip it if you want a short read or are bothered by stories involving harm to children.
- How long and how fast is It?
- It is a slow-paced, long read of about 1376 pages, first published in 1986.
- Does It have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Violence, Gore, Child death, Bullying, Child abuse, Homophobia.
- Can I borrow It for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends It; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after It?
- Readers who liked it often move on to 'Salem's Lot, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, The Only Good Indians.
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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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If you loved It
-
'Salem's Lot Another King story of a New England town quietly eaten from within by something old.
-
The Ocean at the End of the Lane
A far gentler, shorter story about childhood, memory and a supernatural threat.
-
The Only Good Indians Horror about a past act that comes back for a group of friends in later life.
Horror