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In what order should I read my King books? *LIST*
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I take it another shopping trip was the order of the day?
You would be right! Picked up some King books, and 10 other books.
I would start It right now .. Then go for Rose Madder & Desperation with Nightmares; in between.
Oh, I also own The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon, and read it years ago, but forget the details.
It first...Tom Gordon...can't read Black House without reading Talisman...I loved those two! Rose Madder, Gerald's Game, and Duma Key are really nice departures from his usual stuff.
I had talisman in my hand but I put it back, not sure why.
Samantha wrote: "I had talisman in my hand but I put it back, not sure why."Whhhy? It's so great! Go back and get it...now. :p
It doesn't matter which order you read them in, but you do need to read The Talisman before you read Black House.Also re: Insomnia - It has heavy Dark Tower references, and I've heard it makes a lot more sense if you read it after reading The Dark Tower series. I read Insomnia before I read the series, years ago, and while I liked it, I remember thinking it was really weird. I need to re-read it to test that theory.
You have to buy The Stand! I'm currently reading it, and it's amazing, so epic.
The Shining, Pet Semetary, The dark half, IT. These are all good stories
@courtney - I read Insomnia before DT and found I didn't understand some parts but at the same time the 7th DT book makes more sense if you've read it. I felt like I needed to read it twice - before and after the DT books!
IT!! Will scare you But I once again recommend The Stand,it is his best IMO
I once again recommend The Dead Zone the best place to get introduced to King.It has a quick pace & all fans tend to love it.I have not read most of the books you mentioned so am in no place to suggest a reading order.Malina wrote: "IT!! Will scare you
But I once again recommend The Stand,it is his best IMO"
Contrary to popular opinion I think The Stand is one of the worst books I ever read & by far the worst King I read.
Michelle wrote: "@courtney - I read Insomnia before DT and found I didn't understand some parts but at the same time the 7th DT book makes more sense if you've read it. I felt like I needed to read it twice - befor..."Yeah, I could see that. I really do need to give it a re-read!
Samantha wrote: "I had talisman in my hand but I put it back, not sure why."I would recommend it because it was a really interesting adventure. However, one of my daughters thought it was a little gross in places, so I think it would depend on your level of tolerance. Although, if you're already interested in King, my guess is you'd be fine.
Courtney wrote: "It doesn't matter which order you read them in, but you do need to read The Talisman before you read Black House.Also re: Insomnia - It has heavy Dark Tower references, and I've heard it makes a ..."
Yes, re-reading Insomnia after DT is incredibly rewarding!:)
From your list, read it or Dreamcatcher first. They were two of my firsts and they were incredible.
I think in this order on your list:It
Nightmares and Dreamscapes (I'm a big fan of the shorts!)
Four Past Midnight
Insomnia (agree, def. read after DT)
Under The Dome
Duma Key
Desperation
Thinner
Rose Madder
Gerald's Game
Dreamcatcher
Black House (but only if you read The Talisman beforehand)
IT would be a great summer read to kick off your King binge. Then pick up The Dead Zone, The Green Mile, Different Seasons and On Writing.
I'm a King super fan but if I were just starting out I'd choose a shorter one like Carrie or Delores Claiborn because King is known 4 his lengthy tomes. Although I love the long ones the most starting with a short commitment would introduce a person 2 King's addict-ability but once u get a taste if ur like most ppl u can't get enough! =+=
That is a very difficult question. I think for a shorter length (though not by much) I would choose CUJO. For scariness probably IT. For an end of the world adventure I'd choose THE STAND. I could go on, but I won't. Any of his books would be good in any order.
I was trying to write a novel and getting nowhere. A friend of mine, actually an old sitcom writer, said go get 3 books by Stephen King and do what he does, even if you have to copy him word for word. I hadn't read a book in years, but I went out and bought THE SHINING, the first king book I had ever read. Finished my novel and then all the King novels. I'd say why not start out with something scary as hell, but not too long. THE SHINING. Plus you'll be right up to speed when his new book comes out.
I do think order matters a little. Several books are predicated on The Dead Zone, so read that one before you read, say Cujo. Read the Dark Tower in order. Check the inside of newer books and they will tell you which books relate to the Dark Tower series. You may want to wait a little bit on those. The Dead Zone is a book King says he's proud of. Not a bad one to start with either.
Thanks H. If you want to ease your way in, don't start with anything too epic like IT. But do read IT before 11/22/63... there's another important connection there.
Have to agree with Polly on the order with one exception. Run... dont walk .. back to the bookstore and get The Stand and read it first. I think it's the best King with regard to his phenomenal character development. Then read It. After that youll be hooked!
I like to read them in order of publication, it's fascinating to do so!
I now own 33 of King's books and I still haven't got my hands on a copy of the Stand.. The world has it out for me.
I agree Kat, I'd read a few then decided to start trying to read them in order of publication. Every now and then I decide to be daring and read one that's not next on the list lol!
Samantha you might want to get the e-book for The Stand only because it's like carrying a baby while you read haha do try to find a hard copy for collectors sake though!
Why not close your eyes, while in front of your books of course, and pick a random King book, just kidding. Really though no matter what King book you read, you will be hook from the start. Guaranteed. Besides, if you are great at remembering things, unlike me =-), than it will all come together at the end. You must find a copy of The Stand and read it, if not first than soon after. Hopefully you are getting lots of insight on what you want to do. You will enjoy your king collection either way. By the way, here is a list...lol. It
Nightmares and Dreamscapes
Four Past Midnight
Insomnia
Duma Key
Desperation
Thinner
Rose Madder
Gerald's Game
Dreamcatcher
Black House
Under The Dome
reading Kings books at random is good but if you read the older novels first then you will enjoy all the cross connections and references to past stories. Most all of them are great books with the exception of a few in my opinion. I have read them all and feel that if you don't read the following you won't miss out.Rose Madder
Lisey Story
The girl who loved tom gordon
for me these didn't make the grade.
1. The Stand (Randall Flagg intro)2. Salems Lot (important plot piece in dark tower)
3. All Dark Tower books
4. Anything else by him (most have Dark Tower connections in them)
The Stand should be read in the Complete and Uncut Edition. Some have forgotten of 11/22/63 which can be read in any order of his books and which I loved.
Ericka wrote: "The Stand should be read in the Complete and Uncut Edition. Some have forgotten of 11/22/63 which can be read in any order of his books and which I loved."Hey Ericka, I think you'd get more out of 11/22 if you read IT first. those references to Bevvie from the Levvie, etc. are better if you had a little backstory. You're absolutely right about The Stand though.
I wouldn't like to say this is a be all and end all order, as there are probably many more, however I would say this is a good order to suggest you read these books;The Stand
Salem's lot
The Dark Tower series
The Talisman
Black House
It
11/22/63
Wind Through The Keyhole (Can be read after Book 4 of The Dark Tower)
Although I haven't read it yet, Insomnia sounds like it should be read some time after Dark Tower too. I also think Hearts In Atlantis needs to be read, as it contains a story with a strong Dark Tower connection.
Just a quick question to anyone who can answer this...are Needful Things, Sun Dog (from Four Past Midnight), and Dark Half, all connected? If so, is that the correct order?
Simon wrote: "Just a quick question to anyone who can answer this...are Needful Things, Sun Dog (from Four Past Midnight), and Dark Half, all connected? If so, is that the correct order?"Read them in order of publication The Dark Half followed by Four Past Midnight followed by Needful Things. They are not directly connected but exist in the same universe so the repeating characters like Sheriff Alan Pangborn often mentions his experiences from previous stories spoiling it for those who have not read them. All 3 books start strongly but are let down by weak endings. Needful things is not half as bad as some fans make it out to be and surely good enough to be read at least once.
BTW It is really suggested that you read the other Castle Rock novels before you read those 3 books as they contain heavy spoilers for books such as The Dead Zone, Cujo etc.
Some other poster mentioned wrongly Four Past Midnight contains Shawshank Redemption, that story can be found in Different Seasons. One of those rare cases when movie was much superior to the book.
"The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon" is my favorite and can be read in any order.
Tere wrote: "That was me, I made the mistake. The title WAS still Rita Heyworth and the Shawshank Redemption; however, I'm not so sure the movie was superior. I think they were equal, LOL. This is NOT neces..."
The movie ending of Shawshank was a bit better IMO and Cujo had a different sheriff.Pangborn makes his first appearance in The Dark Half if I remember correctly.
I don't know what long range ramifications the ending of Needful Things had as I am yet to read Dark Tower series (I guess that is where any long term effect would be felt) but as a stand alone story the ending was awful but that is the case with almost every second King book.I still think the book was pretty good till the ending.
Aditya wrote: "Tere wrote: "That was me, I made the mistake. The title WAS still Rita Heyworth and the Shawshank Redemption; however, I'm not so sure the movie was superior. I think they were equal, LOL. This..."
I'm going back a few years here too, but I think the connection was between Cujo and The Dead Zone. I made the mistake of reading Cujo first and then had such great expectations for The Dead Zone that I was disappointed when I read it. I think among the books that need to be read in order, Cujo should be read AFTER the Dead Zone. I know The Dead Zone one of King's favorites and one of his early successes, and these days it doesn't get much attention... there isn't even an audio book version of it.
Nick wrote: "I'm going back a few years here too, but I think the connection was between Cujo and The Dead Zone. I made the mistake of reading Cujo first and then had such great expectations for The Dead Zone that I was disappointed when I read it..."Cujo gives out major spoilers for The Dead Zone and they share the same sheriff. I usually make it a point to read all authors chronologically and I have seen it usually enriches my reading. For King reading the Castle Rock stories in order is a must.
But I have often wondered why King continuously spoil his earlier books for readers specially when the books are seldom directly connected. I remember when Needful Things lays out the ending of The Dark Half near the beginning of the book completely spoiling it for those who have not read it and then not talking about it for the next 500 pages. So the spoilers are often given pointlessly with little regard to readers.
Aditya wrote: "Nick wrote: "I'm going back a few years here too, but I think the connection was between Cujo and The Dead Zone. I made the mistake of reading Cujo first and then had such great expectations for Th..."I guess King supposes that you've read The Dead Zone when you read Cujo. The effect on me was expecting far more horrific stuff than King actually described. The result was overall disappointment with a book King thinks is one of his best. Bottom line: I agree the Castle Rock stories should be read in order.
Nick wrote: "I guess King supposes that you've read The Dead Zone when you read Cujo. The effect on me was expecting far more horrific stuff than King actually described..."Coincidentally The Dead Zone is my favorite King book.Pressure of expectation and excessive hype has ruined a lot of otherwise good books, movies and shows for me, recently I felt Breaking Bad did not deserve the hype it gets.
Here is the list:
Under the Dome
Desperation
Rose Madder
Duma Key
Four Past Midnight
Nightmares & Dreamscapes
Dreamcatcher
Insomnia
Thinner
It
Gerald's Game
Black House
Edit* The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon
Thanks guys! Also, which King books should I buy next?