Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Scribner (2019), Edition: First Edition, 576 pages
Description
Fiction. Science Fiction. Suspense. Thriller. HTML:2020 THRILLER/SUSPENSE AUDIE AWARD WINNER! From #1 New York Times bestselling author Stephen King whose "storytelling transcends genre" (Newsday) comes "another winner: creepy and touching and horrifyingly believable" (The Boston Globe) about a group of kids confronting evil. In the middle of the night, in a house on a quiet street in suburban Minneapolis, intruders silently murder Luke Ellis's parents and load him into a black SUV. The operation takes less than two minutes. Luke will wake up at The Institute, in a room that looks just like his own, except there's no window. And outside his door are other doors, behind which are other kids with special talents�??telekinesis and telepathy�??who got to this place the same way Luke did: Kalisha, Nick, George, Iris, and ten-year-old Avery Dixon. They are all in Front Half. Others, Luke learns, graduated to Back Half, "like the roach motel," Kalisha says. "You check in, but you don't check out." In this most sinister of institutions, the director, Mrs. Sigsby, and her staff are ruthlessly dedicated to extracting from these children the force of their extranormal gifts. There are no scruples here. If you go along, you get tokens for the vending machines. If you don't, punishment is brutal. As each new victim disappears to Back Half, Luke becomes more and more desperate to get out and get help. But no one has ever escaped from the Institute. As psychically terrifying as Firestarter, and with the spectacular kid power of It, The Institute is "first-rate entertainment that has something important to say. We all need to listen" (The Washington Post… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Carol420
I thought for a long, long time before even rating this book. I am a die-hard Stephen King fan...read every word that he's ever written and he has written many...nearly 600 pages in this one alone. I liked it but I liked his scarier offerings more. I will have to say that it's not Stephen King at
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his best but it's far, far from the worst either. It is a book that I believe readers will really like or really not like. You might say that it's a "character study" between the people that think everything they do is for the good of others and those that will try to stop them. King has never had any difficulty going overboard off the beaten path into the realm of the unlikely... but for this one,you must just leave your disbelief at the door. I'm a big fan of King and a "not at all fan" of one of the guys he makes digs at...so I'll give him the 4.5 rating. Show Less
LibraryThing member Bonnie.Franks
This book took me back to some of King's early writing. I felt as connected to this as I used to back in the early days to books such as The Stand. In fact, to my mind, that's what makes this book so scary. Back when I read The Stand, I highly felt that this whole scenario was a possibility. I feel
The way it happens. The children kidnapped, their parents murdered. The book cover will tell you that much, and you will think that is the worst that can happen. Wow. This is a great read and one that you will not want to quit. Carve out a fair chunk of time to read this. You will not want interruptions and you will not want to put it down.
And please read it carefully, as it was written to be read. You will love it if you are a fan......or if you're not.
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the same way about this book.The way it happens. The children kidnapped, their parents murdered. The book cover will tell you that much, and you will think that is the worst that can happen. Wow. This is a great read and one that you will not want to quit. Carve out a fair chunk of time to read this. You will not want interruptions and you will not want to put it down.
And please read it carefully, as it was written to be read. You will love it if you are a fan......or if you're not.
Show Less
LibraryThing member techeditor
I’ve read enough Stephen King books to say that most of them aren’t silly like most horror books are. Most of King's horror does not involve monsters or vampires; his books have a premise that I can swallow as long as I can accept, just for the sake of the story, a bit of the supernatural.
THE
Luke is 12 years old. He has slight telekinetic powers, but that is enough for him to be kidnapped, his parents murdered. He is brought to the Institute (in Maine, of course), where children with telekinetic and telepathic powers are put through horrendous ordeals to enhance their powers.
Because stories about children usually bore me, I admit that my favorite parts of this book involve adults, the nice ones. And there are some, although most of them are taking advantage of and discarding the lives of these children. The good guys are in a small town in South Carolina, and the best one is Tim.
Although my favorite Stephen King novel is still 11/22/63, THE INSTITUTE is good and I enjoyed it, although it would have been better without the political comments.
THE
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INSTITUTE is one such book. If you can accept that there are children all over the world with telekinetic and telepathic powers, then you can enjoy it and won’t think it’s silly. Luke is 12 years old. He has slight telekinetic powers, but that is enough for him to be kidnapped, his parents murdered. He is brought to the Institute (in Maine, of course), where children with telekinetic and telepathic powers are put through horrendous ordeals to enhance their powers.
Because stories about children usually bore me, I admit that my favorite parts of this book involve adults, the nice ones. And there are some, although most of them are taking advantage of and discarding the lives of these children. The good guys are in a small town in South Carolina, and the best one is Tim.
Although my favorite Stephen King novel is still 11/22/63, THE INSTITUTE is good and I enjoyed it, although it would have been better without the political comments.
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LibraryThing member waldhaus1
Randomness and paranormal phenomena are the hinges the story turns on. As always King brings his characters to life even when they are far from being standard issue human beings. There are of course a few imagination stretchers, but King makes suspending disbelief fun. Annie the homeless believer
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in conspiracy theories is well drawn and fun to greet to know. King is also at home describing small town America. Show Less
LibraryThing member aadyer
A good but not particularly original premise involving psychic powers, children and am chilling government program. Whilst King attempts to address a degree of moral ambiguity and Machiavellian behaviour, it doesn’t seem to take precedence over a tale of survival and friendship. There are some
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themes that are very King, with survival in the face of adversity, a journey, Everyman heroes and a fascination with Americana in general. Easy to read, gripping and fun, this is good if not original nor stretching fun. Show Less
LibraryThing member Stahl-Ricco
Tim gets hired as the night knocker for the town of DuPray. In South Carolina.
Luke Ellis is a 12 year old boy who is kidnapped and placed in The Institute. In Maine.
When these two come together, BOOM!!!
I really enjoyed this story, and I ate it right up! Reminiscent of King's "Firestarter", but not
Luke Ellis is a 12 year old boy who is kidnapped and placed in The Institute. In Maine.
When these two come together, BOOM!!!
I really enjoyed this story, and I ate it right up! Reminiscent of King's "Firestarter", but not
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in any negative way. Luke and Avery are really good characters, as is Orphan Annie, who really imprinted an image on me! This isn't a horror story, though horrible things happen, it's more of a psychological thriller with quite a bit of action to boot! Thanks Mr. King for another enjoyable ride! Show Less
LibraryThing member jfe16
Stolen from his home in the middle of the night, his parents murdered in their bed, Luke Ellis wakes up in a room meant to look like his own, but it lacks the window overlooking his best friend’s house. It isn’t long before he meets several other children . . . all stolen from their homes and
In this venomous place, watched over by Julia Sigsby and her hellish staff, the extranormal gifts the children possess are the prize, its power extracted from the children by whatever means necessary.
Why are the telepathic gifts of the children so valued here? And exactly where is here?
And what will happen if one of the children finds a way to escape?
Page after page, the malevolence insinuates itself into the narrative, building a palpable tension for readers. A compelling story, unexpected events and reveals, well-defined characters . . . together they keep readers on the edge of their seats, engrossed in an unputdownable tale. Does good trump evil, or do the bad guys win?
Highly recommended.
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all telekinetic or telepathic. In this venomous place, watched over by Julia Sigsby and her hellish staff, the extranormal gifts the children possess are the prize, its power extracted from the children by whatever means necessary.
Why are the telepathic gifts of the children so valued here? And exactly where is here?
And what will happen if one of the children finds a way to escape?
Page after page, the malevolence insinuates itself into the narrative, building a palpable tension for readers. A compelling story, unexpected events and reveals, well-defined characters . . . together they keep readers on the edge of their seats, engrossed in an unputdownable tale. Does good trump evil, or do the bad guys win?
Highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member phoenixcomet
Luke Ellis is not your typical 12 year old. He's smarter than the average bear by oh a-lot. He also possesses mild telekinetic powers. One night while he's sleeping, a team raids his home, murders his parents and takes him to The Institute, essentially a prison for psychically gifted children. The
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kids that enter never make it out. They are subjected to shots for dots and other gross indecencies to enhance their telekinetic abilities so much so until it kills them. Do not read Stephen King after midnight or if you expect to get a good night's sleep. Show Less
LibraryThing member Twink
Yes, I'm a Stephen King fan.....and I've liked some of his books better than others...but....I really liked this latest - The Institute.
I always like opening that first page, listening to that first chapter, wondering what King has in store for me. The first chapter of The Institute introduces us
Well, next we leave Tim and meet Luke - as he is being kidnapped. Luke wakes up in a room that looks similar to his bedroom, but isn't. When he ventures from the room, he meets a bunch of other kids. From them, he begins to piece together what has happened to him - and those who have come before. "They are all in Front Half. Others, Luke learns, graduated to Back Half, “like the roach motel,” Kalisha says. “You check in, but you don’t check out.”
What do they all have in common? Abilities - telekinesis or telepathy. And the adults at The Institute? Oh, you're going to love to hate them.
Ahh, you can see it now can't you? Nobody does good vs. evil like King. And kids battling that evil? Even better. (Shades of Firestarter!) King has created a fantastic core of main players. They too, are so well developed. The listener will feel like they're part of the group. (although you definitely wouldn't want to be - the adults are truly despicable.)
And as the book progressed, I wondered how was Tim going to figure into this tale? All tales of good vs. evil need the heroes to make a stand.....
I chose to listen to The Institute. The reader was Santino Fontana and his performance was excellent! His voice is clear and so easy to listen to. He enunciates well and modulates his speed. The voices he's chosen for the characters are just right. The voices of the children are individual and believable and matche the mental images I had for them. Those nasty adults? Excellent interpretation as well, with the inflection and tone emphasizing, as my gran used to say, what 'pieces of work they are'. There's lots of action and tension in this book and Fontana captures that as well.
Did you watch Stranger Things? Yes? Well, you'd love The Institute. I loved The Institute and binge listened (yes it's a thing) any chance I got. But even at 19 delicious hours of listening it was done way too quickly. Sigh...I'll be eagerly awaiting the next marvelous tale from Stephen King!
I always like opening that first page, listening to that first chapter, wondering what King has in store for me. The first chapter of The Institute introduces us
Show More
to Tim, a man not sure where he's headed next. This is what I love about King's storytelling. Rich, full descriptions, well developed characters and that wonderful frisson of what is going to happen next, how all the pieces will come together.Well, next we leave Tim and meet Luke - as he is being kidnapped. Luke wakes up in a room that looks similar to his bedroom, but isn't. When he ventures from the room, he meets a bunch of other kids. From them, he begins to piece together what has happened to him - and those who have come before. "They are all in Front Half. Others, Luke learns, graduated to Back Half, “like the roach motel,” Kalisha says. “You check in, but you don’t check out.”
What do they all have in common? Abilities - telekinesis or telepathy. And the adults at The Institute? Oh, you're going to love to hate them.
Ahh, you can see it now can't you? Nobody does good vs. evil like King. And kids battling that evil? Even better. (Shades of Firestarter!) King has created a fantastic core of main players. They too, are so well developed. The listener will feel like they're part of the group. (although you definitely wouldn't want to be - the adults are truly despicable.)
And as the book progressed, I wondered how was Tim going to figure into this tale? All tales of good vs. evil need the heroes to make a stand.....
I chose to listen to The Institute. The reader was Santino Fontana and his performance was excellent! His voice is clear and so easy to listen to. He enunciates well and modulates his speed. The voices he's chosen for the characters are just right. The voices of the children are individual and believable and matche the mental images I had for them. Those nasty adults? Excellent interpretation as well, with the inflection and tone emphasizing, as my gran used to say, what 'pieces of work they are'. There's lots of action and tension in this book and Fontana captures that as well.
Did you watch Stranger Things? Yes? Well, you'd love The Institute. I loved The Institute and binge listened (yes it's a thing) any chance I got. But even at 19 delicious hours of listening it was done way too quickly. Sigh...I'll be eagerly awaiting the next marvelous tale from Stephen King!
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LibraryThing member cathyskye
In any reading of the synopsis of The Institute, it should be clear that the torture of children figures highly in the story. If this is something you simply cannot read about, do not pick up this book. I've always seemed to have a higher tolerance level for some things and having read many Stephen
Those who have read The Institute will know what I'm talking about when I mention the humming that can be felt with increasing frequency. I experienced my own hum... more of a visceral thrum of anger... as it became more and more clear what was being done to these children. King made me want to take part in his payback, oh did he ever!
King has written before about the amazing power of what children can do together as a group, and as I neared the climax of The Institute, I realized once more that there's nothing better than the end of a Stephen King novel when the Forces of Good finally have their act together and have taken aim at the Forces of Evil. Payback can be a wonderful thing in the hands of a master.
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King novels, I knew that the payback for the perpetrators would be extremely satisfying. King takes time in setting up his story, laying out plots and subplots, populating his landscape with memorable characters, and using pop culture references like spaghetti Westerns, Dr. Seuss, and Reese's peanut butter cups to make us feel as though we're part of the story, too.Those who have read The Institute will know what I'm talking about when I mention the humming that can be felt with increasing frequency. I experienced my own hum... more of a visceral thrum of anger... as it became more and more clear what was being done to these children. King made me want to take part in his payback, oh did he ever!
King has written before about the amazing power of what children can do together as a group, and as I neared the climax of The Institute, I realized once more that there's nothing better than the end of a Stephen King novel when the Forces of Good finally have their act together and have taken aim at the Forces of Evil. Payback can be a wonderful thing in the hands of a master.
Show Less
LibraryThing member ecataldi
Man I could not put this book down! If you're looking for straight up Stephen King horror, it won't be found in this book. However if you're looking for complex characters, stomach turning scenarios, good vs. evil, and some bad ass kids; then this is the book for you. Alternating between Tim, a
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"retired cop" who is just floating through life and ends up in a dead end town working as a night knocker and Luke, a kid with IQ off the charts, who has been kidnapped and taken to The Institute. The Institute won't be found on any map, and no one has heard of it; but they specialize in kidnapping children who have telekinesis and telepathy and experimenting on them and using them for "nefarious" reasons. Luke and Tim have very different stories, but they may just find themselves crossing paths. Hard to put down, and expertly plotted; a unique story and I loved the children's perspectives and voice. Another Stephen King spectacular! Show Less
LibraryThing member andsoitgoes
Another great one by King! As soon as I finished it I wanted more. Don't want to give anything away but the ending was mostly satisfying, the adults needed to be punished more. Hoping for a sequel.
LibraryThing member readingover50
This book had me hooked from the first chapter. The first chapter introduces us to Tim Jamieson, and I was really into his story. Which only lasted for one chapter. Then on to Luke, the young boy who gets kidnapped by The Institute. I was a little bummed to say goodbye to Tim so soon, but I figured
The horror in this book is of the "man's inhumanity to man" variety. And there are some pretty messed up things in this book. Also a paranormal vibe with kids exhibiting mental powers. I loved this book.
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he would come back later in the book, and he did. The horror in this book is of the "man's inhumanity to man" variety. And there are some pretty messed up things in this book. Also a paranormal vibe with kids exhibiting mental powers. I loved this book.
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LibraryThing member nicolewbrown
Luke Ellis is a special twelve-year-old boy in that he is really smart and has now outgrown the school his parents have sent him to. Now he's ready for college. M.I.T. and Emerson are his choices. But his family lives in Minneapolis. The school's trust has found a way to relocate to Massacuttes and
When he wakes up it's to a room that looks exactly like his room at home. He walks out to the hallway and meets an African American girl named Kalisha who tells him he can call her Sha if he wants but to never call her sport because that's what they call her. She's TP pos or Telepathic positive. He tells her he's a TK or a Telekinetic but he doesn't know if he's a pos or not. She says can you do anything without trying? He says no, he does it by accident. And she says he's pink. The pink's they try to bring out the opposite ability.
They do this by giving you shots to hopefully get you to see dots. The shots have different reactions to you. They can itch, give you a fever, or choke you. They also stick a rectal thermometer up their buts which is quite painful. They also dunk them in the tank to bring about the Statsi Lights that would indicate a second ability.
The cafeteria has wonderful food and there are machines where you can use the tokens you earn for being good to buy candy, but also cigarettes and booze, but only enough booze to get buzzed. There's a playground with lots of equipment to play on such a trampoline and a basketball court. There are also games to play such as chess.
Some of the other kids are Nick, a TK pos who refuses to cooperate and fights them every step of the way and winds up with black eyes and split lips. George, a TK pos, believes in getting along to survive. Iris who is a bit high strung but sweet. Avery, little kid who is very strong TP comes in and Kalisha wants Luke to look after him. Helen comes in next. She's a punk rock girl with dyed hair and an attitude to match.
They make up the Front Half of the Institute. But there's a Back Half and then there's a Back Half to the Back Half. Eventually, you leave the Front Half and go to the Back Half where you watch movies that give you headaches. The movies are about certain people and their lives. Once you've worn yourself out in the Back Half you go to the Back Half Back Half never to be seen again.
When Kalisha gets sent to the Back Half and sends the information about it to Avery to tell Luke she also tells him to plan an escape. Luke is the smartest one of them there and if anyone can do it it's him. So Luke makes plans to escape. Will he make it? And what will happen to the others? Mrs. Sigby and Stackhouse who run the place have their own agenda.
The government really did experiments on people with TP and TK in the 1950s and 1960s. They gave them LSD to help them with their "powers". I think King got his idea for his book on those experiments. This being a Stephen King book, not everyone gets out alive, which will break your heart because you get attached to the characters. Avery is an adorable kid you want to protect and Luke is someone you see as being wasted in there. King has created a world that could very well exist. It's a scary world filled with all sorts of possibilities. This was an amazing book filled with plenty of thrills and chills and heartbreak. If I could give it more than five stars I would, since I can't I give it five out of five stars.
Quotes
Between midnight and four, everyone should have permission to speak freely.
-Stephen King (The Institute p 31)
It came to him that life was basically one lone SAT test and instead of four or five choices, you got dozens. Including shit like some of the time and maybe so, maybe not.
-Stephen King (The Institute p 56)
Karl Marx had called religion the opiate of the people, but Stackhouse begged to differ. He thought Lucky Strikes and Boone’s Farm (greatly favored by their female guests) did the job quite nicely.
-Stephen King (The Institute p 238)
It came to him, with the force of a revelation, that you had to have been imprisoned to fully understand what freedom was.
-Stephen King (The Institute p 267)
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find them jobs. Luke could also do something else. He was able to rattle the plates in the house when he got upset or move the pizza pan off the table when he got excited. One night after he'd taken the SATs a group of people broke into his house and killed his parents and took him to The Institute in the Maine woods.When he wakes up it's to a room that looks exactly like his room at home. He walks out to the hallway and meets an African American girl named Kalisha who tells him he can call her Sha if he wants but to never call her sport because that's what they call her. She's TP pos or Telepathic positive. He tells her he's a TK or a Telekinetic but he doesn't know if he's a pos or not. She says can you do anything without trying? He says no, he does it by accident. And she says he's pink. The pink's they try to bring out the opposite ability.
They do this by giving you shots to hopefully get you to see dots. The shots have different reactions to you. They can itch, give you a fever, or choke you. They also stick a rectal thermometer up their buts which is quite painful. They also dunk them in the tank to bring about the Statsi Lights that would indicate a second ability.
The cafeteria has wonderful food and there are machines where you can use the tokens you earn for being good to buy candy, but also cigarettes and booze, but only enough booze to get buzzed. There's a playground with lots of equipment to play on such a trampoline and a basketball court. There are also games to play such as chess.
Some of the other kids are Nick, a TK pos who refuses to cooperate and fights them every step of the way and winds up with black eyes and split lips. George, a TK pos, believes in getting along to survive. Iris who is a bit high strung but sweet. Avery, little kid who is very strong TP comes in and Kalisha wants Luke to look after him. Helen comes in next. She's a punk rock girl with dyed hair and an attitude to match.
They make up the Front Half of the Institute. But there's a Back Half and then there's a Back Half to the Back Half. Eventually, you leave the Front Half and go to the Back Half where you watch movies that give you headaches. The movies are about certain people and their lives. Once you've worn yourself out in the Back Half you go to the Back Half Back Half never to be seen again.
When Kalisha gets sent to the Back Half and sends the information about it to Avery to tell Luke she also tells him to plan an escape. Luke is the smartest one of them there and if anyone can do it it's him. So Luke makes plans to escape. Will he make it? And what will happen to the others? Mrs. Sigby and Stackhouse who run the place have their own agenda.
The government really did experiments on people with TP and TK in the 1950s and 1960s. They gave them LSD to help them with their "powers". I think King got his idea for his book on those experiments. This being a Stephen King book, not everyone gets out alive, which will break your heart because you get attached to the characters. Avery is an adorable kid you want to protect and Luke is someone you see as being wasted in there. King has created a world that could very well exist. It's a scary world filled with all sorts of possibilities. This was an amazing book filled with plenty of thrills and chills and heartbreak. If I could give it more than five stars I would, since I can't I give it five out of five stars.
Quotes
Between midnight and four, everyone should have permission to speak freely.
-Stephen King (The Institute p 31)
It came to him that life was basically one lone SAT test and instead of four or five choices, you got dozens. Including shit like some of the time and maybe so, maybe not.
-Stephen King (The Institute p 56)
Karl Marx had called religion the opiate of the people, but Stackhouse begged to differ. He thought Lucky Strikes and Boone’s Farm (greatly favored by their female guests) did the job quite nicely.
-Stephen King (The Institute p 238)
It came to him, with the force of a revelation, that you had to have been imprisoned to fully understand what freedom was.
-Stephen King (The Institute p 267)
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LibraryThing member Carolesrandomlife
This was spectacular! I hate to admit it but I avoided Stephen King's books until about 5 years ago or so. When I was a teenager almost 30 years ago, I read a short story written by King and didn't enjoy it. I didn't pick up another book with his name on it for another 25 years. It turns out this
I found myself like the characters in this book right away. We first meet Tim who becomes a night knocker in a small southern town. I liked Tim a lot but I really felt like Luke was the driving force of this story. Luke is a twelve-year-old boy who happens to be a well-adjusted genius. Luke's life falls apart when he is taken to the Institute. He is able to make friends and keep himself safe in this unkind environment. Luke never stops thinking and always seems to be two steps ahead of everyone else. I couldn't help but want to see good things happen for this awesome kid and his friends.
I loved the way this book came together. I felt like there were a lot of finely moving parts that worked perfectly to tell a larger story. Every piece of information may become important at a later time. The descriptions were so vivid that I almost felt like I was there with Luke through all of his experiences. I found this plot to be incredibly original. The story was really exciting at times with some pretty intense action. I found parts of the book to also be emotional. Luke goes through a whole lot in this book and I really felt for him at times.
I would highly recommend this book to others. I had a fantastic time with this book and hated to put it down. It really was a joy to read and I cannot wait to read more of King's work.
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was a very big mistake. Huge. I could have been enjoying his books all these years and didn't give them a chance because for some reason I thought that my teenage mind was able to make a good decision. I have matured a lot as a reader and a human being and have enjoyed his books that I have picked up during the past several years but I have a lot of catching up to do.I found myself like the characters in this book right away. We first meet Tim who becomes a night knocker in a small southern town. I liked Tim a lot but I really felt like Luke was the driving force of this story. Luke is a twelve-year-old boy who happens to be a well-adjusted genius. Luke's life falls apart when he is taken to the Institute. He is able to make friends and keep himself safe in this unkind environment. Luke never stops thinking and always seems to be two steps ahead of everyone else. I couldn't help but want to see good things happen for this awesome kid and his friends.
I loved the way this book came together. I felt like there were a lot of finely moving parts that worked perfectly to tell a larger story. Every piece of information may become important at a later time. The descriptions were so vivid that I almost felt like I was there with Luke through all of his experiences. I found this plot to be incredibly original. The story was really exciting at times with some pretty intense action. I found parts of the book to also be emotional. Luke goes through a whole lot in this book and I really felt for him at times.
I would highly recommend this book to others. I had a fantastic time with this book and hated to put it down. It really was a joy to read and I cannot wait to read more of King's work.
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LibraryThing member over.the.edge
The Institute
by Stephen King
2019
Scribner
4.0 / 5.0
King's latest, The Institute, is a dramatic and unforgettable story of kids confronting evil a d not always winning.
The Institute begins with Luke Ellis, a 12 year old with Telekinesis powers and a genius IQ. He is 6 years to young, but has been
Like makes new friends at the Institute, but quickly realizes when they are taken from the Front Half to the Back Half, it only gets worse....Luke has to find a way to escape and wants to save his friends.
Another King that is a message within a message and I could not put this down. It's a thick book but reads fast. Awesome book.
by Stephen King
2019
Scribner
4.0 / 5.0
King's latest, The Institute, is a dramatic and unforgettable story of kids confronting evil a d not always winning.
The Institute begins with Luke Ellis, a 12 year old with Telekinesis powers and a genius IQ. He is 6 years to young, but has been
Show More
admitted to classes at MIT, and is on his way to going to Boston, when his parents are murdered a d he is kidnapped by men in a black SUV and taken to the Institute, an organization that specializes in kidnapping children with psychic ability. They believe their abusive treatment of these children with Telekinesis and Telepathy are for the greater good of the world and attempt to neutralize their abilities by using torture methods. He is brought to the Front Half and they begin interrogating him and subjecting him to their torture methods.Like makes new friends at the Institute, but quickly realizes when they are taken from the Front Half to the Back Half, it only gets worse....Luke has to find a way to escape and wants to save his friends.
Another King that is a message within a message and I could not put this down. It's a thick book but reads fast. Awesome book.
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LibraryThing member rivkat
Most King books are, ultimately, about how there is a lot of evil and a lot of good in humanity, and which prevails in the end may depend on which impulse we choose to feed. This is classic King with more Trump references. Luke is a prodigy about to start college at age 12 when he’s kidnapped
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because of his minor psychic gifts. At the Institute, mysterious tests and injections prepare him and other kids for use as psychic weapons. The adults at the Institute are a mix of sadists and true believers (who also become sadists as a defense against the horror of what they’re doing). With his new companions, Luke has to figure out how to escape and, ultimately, stop the Institute—despite its staff believing that what they do is necessary to save the world (think Cabin in the Forest, though not in specific). Show Less
LibraryThing member DrApple
I love when Stephen King writes about children. He realistically portrays them, and also creates a greater sense of urgency since children are in danger. This was a page turner focused on a group of children, kidnapped and kept in “The Institute.” It keeps you going until the very end. I’d
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highly recommend it. Show Less
LibraryThing member invisiblelizard
Don't need to say much about this book. It's classic King. Good vs. Evil. With kids. Who have powers. His Constant Readers will love it.
Also, minor spoiler here:it has a good ending. What more can you ask for?
Also, minor spoiler here:
LibraryThing member SheriAWilkinson
The Institute by Stephen King
Luke Is kidnapped from his Minnesota home and his parents murdered. He wakes up in room exactly like his bedroom, minus any windows. He finds he is in "The Institute" along other kids like himself (with special abilities). He befriends Kalisha, Nick, George, Iris and
Mrs. Sigsby, the Director is no non-sense, strict and often cruel along with her staff. They will reward those who are obedient and punish those who are not. Soon the children find that they are "experiments" and none of them want to end up in the back half of The Institute (where kids seem to never return). For these children with extraordinary abilities life is hell, unless they can pull off the ultimate, escape.
A compelling original story with well developed characters. I really liked Luke and his friends especially young Avery. Luke is strong willed and wants to get them all out. The story is chilling as I felt something like this could really happen. With graphic details and engaging dialog I was engross and hooked from the beginning until the end. I am a huge Stephen King fan and really enjoyed The Institute, and feel others will as well. I highly recommend.
Luke Is kidnapped from his Minnesota home and his parents murdered. He wakes up in room exactly like his bedroom, minus any windows. He finds he is in "The Institute" along other kids like himself (with special abilities). He befriends Kalisha, Nick, George, Iris and
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Avery (who is only ten years old).Mrs. Sigsby, the Director is no non-sense, strict and often cruel along with her staff. They will reward those who are obedient and punish those who are not. Soon the children find that they are "experiments" and none of them want to end up in the back half of The Institute (where kids seem to never return). For these children with extraordinary abilities life is hell, unless they can pull off the ultimate, escape.
A compelling original story with well developed characters. I really liked Luke and his friends especially young Avery. Luke is strong willed and wants to get them all out. The story is chilling as I felt something like this could really happen. With graphic details and engaging dialog I was engross and hooked from the beginning until the end. I am a huge Stephen King fan and really enjoyed The Institute, and feel others will as well. I highly recommend.
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LibraryThing member JRlibrary
This felt/read like earlier Stephen King and I enjoyed the absence of excessive profanity.
The only reason I didn’t give five stars is because there were things that I wanted explained that didn’t get explained. I felt like when the lisping man meets up with Tim, there was ample room for
The only reason I didn’t give five stars is because there were things that I wanted explained that didn’t get explained. I felt like when the lisping man meets up with Tim, there was ample room for
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lengthier conversations such as more details about the other institutes and whether there was anyone left alive. I feel like there should have been. Show Less
LibraryThing member John_Warner
Luke Ellis, is a very intelligent 12-year-old whose parents are debating whether or not to send him to college. These plans are disrupted when he is kidnapped from his bed and his parents are killed. He is transported by night to a remote facility when he is meets a number of children similarly
This novel contains two plot elements common to several King's novels: people with paranormal abilities and children who ban together to fight evil. If you are a Stephen King fan you will want to include this novel in your "to-be-read" bookshelves.
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abducted who possess varying degrees of psycho-telepathy and psycho-telekinesis. Each one's powers will be tested and enhanced until at some point will be transferred to another section of the facility for some unknown purpose. Luke hopes to find a means of escape to inform the world of this clandestine project and rescue his friends.This novel contains two plot elements common to several King's novels: people with paranormal abilities and children who ban together to fight evil. If you are a Stephen King fan you will want to include this novel in your "to-be-read" bookshelves.
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LibraryThing member sturlington
I finished [The Institute]. Solid King entertainment. It took me a while to get into the story, and I wouldn't rate this up with my-all time favorites by King, but true to form, once I was hooked I couldn't put it down. King gives his characters heart in a way that so few other popular authors can
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do. Overall, though, the plot did remind me of a novel-length treatment of Ursula K. Le Guin's well-known short story, "[The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas]." Show Less
LibraryThing member dbeveridge
The proof that there are other dimensions and abilities that transcend those of the normal person, is the fact that Stephen King has for all these years created such fantastic adventures into the places the rest of us only dream about.
Thank you, as always, Mr. King, for this latest entry. I gobbled
Thank you, as always, Mr. King, for this latest entry. I gobbled
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it up as always I do, and I can't wait for the next helping. Show Less
LibraryThing member tibobi
The Short of It:
Not what I expected.
The Rest of It:
When it comes to King, it’s obvious to me and has been for decades, that he enjoys the storytelling process. I imagine him at his computer, wringing his hands and laughing maniacally over the words spooling out of his head and I am here for
But…
Something happened with The Institute. Two thirds of the book was lackluster. The setup? Long. The characters? Somewhat likable. The story? Unbelievable. But I am a Constant Reader and a huge fan of his regardless so I will stick to the positives.
Luke Ellis, 10, is kidnapped from the safety of his home and taken in an SUV to a place called, The Institute. There, kids are placed in rooms that look very much like home, but they are not home and in fact, being experimented on. These kids have powers, specifically telekinesis and telepathy but all to varying degrees. They are poked and prodded and injected with unknown substances to bring on the dots which represents their powers in action.
Luke befriends a group of kids, some older, some younger and together they attempt to figure out what is going on. Why are they there? What do the tests mean? What will happen to them in the end?
The Institute has some classic King elements but is definitely not horror. Not even close. I wouldn’t say it’s a thriller either. Although the last few chapters were nail biters the majority of the book hummed along and settled into the Sci-Fi category. A rather sleepy take on Sci-Fi, if that.
I enjoyed The Institute but it lacked that snappy King vibe that his most beloved books possess. Usually with King, the interactions between the kids are golden. I mean, think back to IT and how tight that circle was. That tightness was missing with Luke and his gang although there were hints of it when it came to The Institute’s youngest occupant, Avery. Overall, lukewarm.
I know many who read it when it first came out and loved it. It took me longer to get to than I wanted but now that I’ve read it I feel like maybe the lack of buzz while reading it might have affected my overall impression.
If you love King and have not read it yet, I would still recommend that you do because Constant Readers read it all. Right?
For more reviews, visit my blog: Book Chatter.
Not what I expected.
The Rest of It:
When it comes to King, it’s obvious to me and has been for decades, that he enjoys the storytelling process. I imagine him at his computer, wringing his hands and laughing maniacally over the words spooling out of his head and I am here for
Show More
it.But…
Something happened with The Institute. Two thirds of the book was lackluster. The setup? Long. The characters? Somewhat likable. The story? Unbelievable. But I am a Constant Reader and a huge fan of his regardless so I will stick to the positives.
Luke Ellis, 10, is kidnapped from the safety of his home and taken in an SUV to a place called, The Institute. There, kids are placed in rooms that look very much like home, but they are not home and in fact, being experimented on. These kids have powers, specifically telekinesis and telepathy but all to varying degrees. They are poked and prodded and injected with unknown substances to bring on the dots which represents their powers in action.
Luke befriends a group of kids, some older, some younger and together they attempt to figure out what is going on. Why are they there? What do the tests mean? What will happen to them in the end?
The Institute has some classic King elements but is definitely not horror. Not even close. I wouldn’t say it’s a thriller either. Although the last few chapters were nail biters the majority of the book hummed along and settled into the Sci-Fi category. A rather sleepy take on Sci-Fi, if that.
I enjoyed The Institute but it lacked that snappy King vibe that his most beloved books possess. Usually with King, the interactions between the kids are golden. I mean, think back to IT and how tight that circle was. That tightness was missing with Luke and his gang although there were hints of it when it came to The Institute’s youngest occupant, Avery. Overall, lukewarm.
I know many who read it when it first came out and loved it. It took me longer to get to than I wanted but now that I’ve read it I feel like maybe the lack of buzz while reading it might have affected my overall impression.
If you love King and have not read it yet, I would still recommend that you do because Constant Readers read it all. Right?
For more reviews, visit my blog: Book Chatter.
Show Less
Awards
Audie Award (Finalist — Thriller/Suspense — 2020)
Locus Award (Finalist — 2020)
British Fantasy Award (Nominee — August Derleth Award — 2020)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2019-09-10
Physical description
9.25 inches
ISBN
1982110562 / 9781982110567