Thread: Best Endings to Books

Whenever I've invested the time in reading a novel I've found that the ending doesn't usually stick out in my mind with the exception of a few works.

One of my favorites is the ending to "The Green Mile" by Stephen King. It's interesting -- "The Shawshank Redemption" was (in my opinion) only a so-so short story by King but an awesome movie. Completely conversely, "The Green Mile" was a so-so movie but an outstanding book. The last few pages to me were so poignant and powerful.

What are some of the best endings to books you've come across? (I think it goes without saying that to respond to this thread requires a little bit of subtlety in not revealing the actual ending.)

The ending (well the last chapter or so) of the Godfather by Mario Puzo is pretty action packed. I agree though that there are not too many books where the ending particularly sticks out. In fact in some cases I find the ending to be the most disapointing part of the book, as was the case when I read Stephen King's 'Cell' and Dan Brown's Angels and Demons. Both top books, but rubbish endings.

The ending to Earth Abides was incredible, a fantastic closing to what is easily one of the most underrated books in history.

"Reader, I married him."

I enjoyed the ending of The Five People You Meet in Heaven (by Mitch Albom). I thought the ending to the first Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever was on target as well. The build up for both had the proper payoff at the end, I thought.

I enjoyed the ending of the book/film
''Gone with the Wind'' it did put words to action which is a classic I say.

Ihave to say though generally the only time I remember the ending of a story is when the book has gone film.
all the books I have either read or been asked to read for learning purpose, the only thing that stands up for me is not the endign but the idea behind the story.
so in this sense I tend to focus what to write on rather how to end.
for me it is the general impression of the story that stays with me and not the ending if that makes sense.
I am guessing every reader is different .

I think the end of Orwell's 1984 was masterful.

Winston thought he had found love, in Julia. But in the end, he learns the true meaning of love...

The Dark by James Herbert. only one that really sticks in my mind.

Originally Posted by TWErvin2

I enjoyed the ending of The Five People You Meet in Heaven (by Mitch Albom). I thought the ending to the first Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever was on target as well. The build up for both had the proper payoff at the end, I thought.

somehow this book reminds of Jim Carey in Bruce Almighty.
have you read the other book by him Tuesdyas with Morrie?

The ending (well the last chapter or so) of the Godfather by Mario Puzo is pretty action packed.

I agree. Mario Puza is a brilliant writer. I'm reading 'The last Don' at the moment and I find it hard to put down when I've got other stuff to do. He just draws you into the characters as though you're reading their minds.

anyone ever read MIRIAM by Truman Capote?
it is a classified as classic.
and I am not understanding what a SOLO book mean? is there a DUEt book?