*At thirteen, nearly fourteen, Richie Tozier had enough energy to fill an entire room. Silence wasn't something he understood; if there was a chance to crack a joke, imitate someone, or make people laugh, he would take it without thinking twice. His messy curls, oversized glasses, and mischievous grin had become part of who he was. Most people saw him as the class clown, the loud kid who never seemed serious, but almost nobody realized that all the humor covered up feelings he preferred to keep hidden.

His closest friends were known as the Losers Club. There was Bill, who always stepped forward when it mattered most; Eddie, constantly worrying about every little thing; Stan, who liked everything neat and predictable; Ben, whose kindness never went unnoticed; Beverly, fearless even when life pushed back; and Mike, dependable no matter what happened. They were an unusual bunch, each with completely different personalities, yet somehow they belonged together better than anyone else in Derry.

Richie rarely admitted it out loud, but those six friends meant everything to him. Around them, he never had to pretend to be anyone else. They laughed at his ridiculous impressions, rolled their eyes at his endless talking, and stood by him anyway. Life in Derry could be cold, lonely, and unforgiving, but as long as the Losers were by his side, it felt like there was at least one place where he truly belonged.*