Stephen King Fans discussion
Recommendations
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Where should I start with King? *POLL*
My recommendation would be Gerald's Game. It scared the daylights out of me.
I wish you'd listed IT as an option. It's King's best, and scariest, book IMO.
I wish you'd listed IT as an option. It's King's best, and scariest, book IMO.
I agree about It but out of those, I'd probably go with Thinner, though I suspect I'm in the minority.
Thinner is a good book. The movie is awful. I read Thinner in high school. One of King's Bachman books.
I could pick up IT on Saturday, should I?
Hi Samantha,i would also go with Gerald's Game and providing you do not partake in any more "shopping" trips next up would be Under the Dome.Welcome to the wonderful world of sai King,you are in for an all out,rootin' tootin' time,enjoy.
If you do pick up "It" i would suggest that first then Dreamcatcher.
Of the ones above I would go with Duma KeyBut the best of all IMO is The Stand
IT is very good as well, still scares me
I go to the book store every Saturday and pick up anywhere between 15-20 books each trip, but this is my first trip that I was able to get so many King books for such a great price! Thank you, I'm excited to get into it, I enjoy Joe Hill's work.
I would also recommend It, or perhaps the Shining. But from your list my vote goes to Gerald's Game.
I'm surprised no one has mentioned this, but Black House is a sequel to The Talisman, so you might want to read The Talisman beforehand. My first King book was Pet Sematary, and it was a great introduction to King. If you can find a copy of that, it would also be a great introduction, even if you read it second or third.
I agree with Kathryn (and was about to post the same thing): Read Talisman before reading Black House. Other than that, I don't think that it really matters from your list although, from those, I think that I would pick Dreamcatcher.
Kathryn wrote: "I'm surprised no one has mentioned this, but Black House is a sequel to The Talisman, so you might want to read The Talisman beforehand. My first King book was Pet Sematary, and it was a great in..."
I was just going to say that Kathryn:) lol
I would recommend you start with something like Cujo, Misery, Carrie, 'Salem's Lot, The Shining. oNe of his older books which are his best IMO.
Thank you for telling be about The Talisman! Okay, I'm going back on Saturday to pick up a few more. I'll get It and one of his earlier books. Other than that, would you recommend Rose Madder or Desperation as well?
If you're just getting into King you really should get some of his short fiction collections too. Skeleton Crew is probably his best but all his collected shorts are worth checking out, Night Shift and Nightmares & Dreamscapes among his best.
Just get your hands on all the King you can,stick them on here and we shall make up a running order for you.Good shout Jack,Nightmares.. is a fab collection.
Desperation is amazing! I would recommend you pick that one up. I haven't Rose Madder yet, though.
The best King in my opinion is The Dead Zone & it is also a good place to start as it is more like a psychological thriller instead of other great King books like Pet Sematary or Salem's lot which are horror books that fans of other genre might not enjoy as their first read.
I have to add to the love for The Dead Zone. I'll show my age when I say in school we had to write a book report on a fictional character and I chose Greg Stilson from this novel as I'd just read the book after seeing the film of it which had just come out. Even back then I could appreciate what a great writer King was. I've re-read it in the last few years and it was still an incredible read.
You should start with 'Carrie', the one that started it all; you'd be astonished over how good he was even then, but also how he's evolved since. Currently reading 'Under the Dome' myself.
Thanks for all the suggestions! I am a fan of both the horror and thriller genre :)
The Dead Zone was my first King novel as well, and I really loved it. It depends I guess on what kind of a book you're looking for. Horror, psychological, suspense, huge arcing story . . . My all time favorite was The Stand, but I'm really enjoying Under the Dome at the moment as well.
Under the Dome would be a good one. It has great characterization.Duma Key is another good one. Although the ending is a little wispy.
lack luster endings has become a problem in the newest King books.
Thinner is good, but rather old fashioned in writing style.
Gerald's Game was a horrible read, IMO, not scary just in-your-head psychological fear while remembering what happened earlier in life.
On your list I'd start with Under the Dome and Duma Key. Both grab you from the get go. The first time I read Duma Key I actually found myself keeping the lights in the house on while I was reading at night.
I'm so surprised at everyone recommending Gerald's Game. When it was a discussion book everyone slammed it. The first hundred pages or so are a scary situation, but then it just drags on forever.I rated Under the Dome (5/5 stars), Duma Key (4.5/5) and Gerald's Game (2/5).
The uncut version of The Stand is my favorite.
The Shining or Salem's Lot if you wanna give yourself goosebumps!!!
I've only read Liseys story (ok), 11/22/63 (AMAZING) and currently reading Under The Dome (pretty good so far - 50% thru)I'm also interested on people's suggestions for what to read next.
Stefan wrote: "I agree with Kathryn (and was about to post the same thing): Read Talisman before reading Black House. Other than that, I don't think that it really matters from your list although, from those, I t..."I don't think it's completely necessary to read The Talisman before Black House, as it's a fairly "loose" sequel. There are several references, though, and so it would be helpful to read it first. Just not essential, IMO.
Katie wrote: "I'm so surprised at everyone recommending Gerald's Game. When it was a discussion book everyone slammed it. The first hundred pages or so are a scary situation, but then it just drags on forever...."
Personally, I have an odd relationship with Gerald's Game. I love the idea of a book that takes place largely in a character's mind as they think through their situation/experience things. When reading it, I didn't find that it kept me terribly interesting in actuality.
That said, when I was done, I found myself thinking back on it for weeks afterwards (far more than most books by King or otherwise), so it's sort of increased in my mind in the time since reading it.
Not sure if that's been the experience of others but it does explain my changing views on it.
Honestly those 7 books are not exactly the cream of the crop. Of those the two best are Duma Key and Thinner
try "duma key" I thought it was a simple story but very well written.
i'd say the dead zone or pet semetary your sure to getted hooked
Neither of them, you should start with Carrie, IT or The Shinning. Personally I started with IT. Is a great history but also is kind of an introduction to a greater universe. The books deal with deals with recurrent themes in King's bibliography and also some characters appears in othe kings books.
I believe is also a good introduction to a Dark Tower reading order.
That is an interesting group of books you picked up.To me, Gerald's Game needs to be read with Delores Claiborne. Rose Madder kinda goes with these 2 as well. Rose Madder is also connected to the Dark Tower.
You should read the Talisman then Black House. You do realize these are co-written with Peter Straub?
Dreamcatcher--I thoroughly enjoyed the book and could not stand the movie
Thinner--his books under Bachman are a very different style than the books published under King. I enjoyed Thinner immensely.
Insomnia--connects to Dark Tower. I would read at least the Gunslinger and Drawing of the Three before reading Insomnia.
Duma Key blew me away in many regards. I wondered how much of Edgar's experience echoed King's after his accident.
I would recommend Different Seasons, one of his collections of 4 novellas, to really explore the diversity of King's work. 2 of the 4 were made into memorable, and dare I say, classic movies (Shawshank Redemption and Stand by Me.) King is equally excellent when his main characters are kids or teens--as in The Body and Apt Pupil (made into a less memorable movie) or adults, as in Shawshank Redemption and the Breathing Method (the only weak link in the collection.)
I also think King may be personally fond of The Body (Stand by Me movie) as he read the campfire story Gordie tells, The Revenge of Lard Ass Hogan, at an Evening with Harry, Carrie and Garp in NYC.
You can't go wrong no matter where you start, but IT for me has probably been my favorite King book so far, though closely contested by Needful Things. No matter what you read first, I'd definitely recommend you read both of those at some point! Enjoy :)
As SK's #1 fan I think any person not just wanting 2 step n 2 Kings beautiful world but any1 who wants 2 start reading 4 pleasure should begin with Delores Claiborne as it is fast paced & short for King because his others r mostly Tomes that take awhile but Kings genius is being able 2 grab u where it hurts & not letting go of u until he's damn good & ready. Buckle up & hold on tight, King will blow ur mind, he's superb*+*
Samantha wrote: "I had a lucrative visit to Strand yesterday and scored 7 King books. I need to know where I should start with him.. I am halfway through Joyland and that happens to be the first I've read by Kin..."
Under The Dome
If you ever need a great classic; pick up
The Stand, The Talisman or It. These books give you a true taste of Mr King. When you are ready to take the plunge, the step into mid-world and take a ride... a ride on the train; Blaine the Train is a pain..he is insane. Pick up The Gunslinger, which is the beginning of your obsession... or is that mine??
Get salems lot!! So far that's the only one that scared me
To be honest most of his books are a good way to start but if you are looking for the grotesque part as well as something relatively new, go with full dark, no stars.
Of the ones you listed my favorite is Duma Key.
I would say Misery is an excellent place to start. While I haven't read all books on your list, Misery certainly tops the ones that I have.
From the list, I agree with Duma Key or Dreamcatcher. Under the Dome is heavy...literally and figuratively...and Gerald's Game is dark...great but dark...come back to it later
I have many more King books now: Thinner, It, Insomnia, Gerald's Game, Firestarter, Dreamcatcher, The Talisman, Black House, Joyland, Bag of Bones, The Dark Half, Desperation, The Regulators, Dolores Claiborne, Duma Key, Four Past Midnight, Nightmares & Dreamscapes, Rose Madder, Under the Dome, and The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon.
From that list my favorite, which I am actually re-reading now, is The Talisman. It is another of my favorites. Haven't re-read that one in a long time. hmm...
I think FireStarter is fantastic. Definitely doesn't get the credit it deserves.
Samantha, you must pick up The Dead Zone!!! Easily in my top 3 King works. Why hasn't anyone suggested picking up 11/22/63?! Such a brilliant read! I'd also highly recommend picking up Different Seasons to read Rita Heyworth & Shawshank Redemption. From your list, IT would be my pick, followed by UTD! I've never been to the Strand but I'm in the city all the time! Shame on me!
11/22/63 was a great read. Totally loved the storytelling that nobody but King could pull off. I also loved Lisey's Story. I expected nothing from it when I bought it (thought it was a love story) but gave it a chance and loved it. It was a love story but it turned out to be so much more!
Make sure you read Desperation before The Regulators. And read them in quick succession. Don't even take a break between them. Ok maybe to get some water but not longer than 10 minutes!
Stephen King Fans
Books mentioned in this topic
The Talisman (other topics)It (other topics)
The Stand (other topics)
The Talisman (other topics)
It (other topics)
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I am halfway through Joyland and that happens to be the first I've read by King, and I am enjoying it so far.
The books are:
Under the Dome
Duma Key
Gerald's Game
Dreamcatcher
Thinner
Insomnia
Black House
Thanks in advance!