CujoCujo
Score Classic
What it's about
In the small Maine town of Castle Rock, a big, friendly St. Bernard named Cujo chases a rabbit into a cave and is bitten by a rabid bat. Days later, Donna Trenton drives her four-year-old son Tad to a remote garage to fix her failing car. The car dies, and Cujo, now mad with rabies, attacks. Trapped in the stifling car in the summer heat, Donna and Tad wait for help that doesn't come.
Why it's worth reading
It hit #1 on the New York Times list. It's one of King's most relentless, realistic horror stories.
You'll love it if you liked
Good to know
It's intense and sad, with the suffering of a child. There's no supernatural element, except a hint.
By the numbers
- Readers12 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics0 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Bestseller63 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #68 of the 86 horror books we rank
- #657 of the 762 classics we rank
- #2312 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Dark, Gripping
More by Stephen King
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The Stand
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ItIf you like this, read next
The Picture of Dorian Gray
The Exorcist
Blood Meridian
Swan Song
Watchers
Light in AugustExplore the best-of lists
All 36 best-of lists →
Quick answers
Is Cujo worth reading?
Yes. It hit #1 on the New York Times list. It ranks #2,312 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 60.7 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is Cujo about?
In the small Maine town of Castle Rock, a big, friendly St. Bernard named Cujo chases a rabbit into a cave and is bitten by a rabid bat. Days later, Donna Trenton drives her four-year-old son Tad to a remote garage to fix her failing car. The car dies, and Cujo, now mad with rabies, attacks. Trapped in the stifling car in the summer heat, Donna and Tad wait for help that doesn't come.
How long does it take to read Cujo?
About 11 hours (432 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after Cujo?
If you liked it, try Pet Sematary by Stephen King, Misery by Stephen King or The Dead Zone by Stephen King.