The Shining
question
Name your top 5 Stephen King novels and why.
I've read 28 of them. Here are my top 5, in no particular order.
It- This was the first Stephen King I read, and it is still one of my favorites. Pennywise is horrifying.
Salem's Lot- Holy ish, this book is amaze balls. Such a fun read.
Wizard and Glass- My favorite of the Dark Tower series. Roland's backstory is haunting, exciting, and ultimately heartbreaking.
On Writing- It's unique and informative, and Stephen's voice still rings through.
The Stand- I'm getting close to finishing this one, and it's definitely near the top for me. No surprise here.
It- This was the first Stephen King I read, and it is still one of my favorites. Pennywise is horrifying.
Salem's Lot- Holy ish, this book is amaze balls. Such a fun read.
Wizard and Glass- My favorite of the Dark Tower series. Roland's backstory is haunting, exciting, and ultimately heartbreaking.
On Writing- It's unique and informative, and Stephen's voice still rings through.
The Stand- I'm getting close to finishing this one, and it's definitely near the top for me. No surprise here.
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There are so many I never got around to reading, but my favorites are:
1. The Stand- just epic, love this book and have read it multiple times
2. The Shining- such a good story also have read multiple times
3. Pet Semetary- probably the "scariest" of his books to me
4. The Girl who loved Tom Gordon- was really able to get inside her head, very good story
5. Gerald's Game- not scary but unsettling, on the edge of your seat kind of book
1. The Stand- just epic, love this book and have read it multiple times
2. The Shining- such a good story also have read multiple times
3. Pet Semetary- probably the "scariest" of his books to me
4. The Girl who loved Tom Gordon- was really able to get inside her head, very good story
5. Gerald's Game- not scary but unsettling, on the edge of your seat kind of book
I haven't read all his books and this list could be different if I had, but so far:
1. Pet Sematary is the first Stephen King book that I read and my absolute favorite. Creepy and dark in every sense. It's a brilliant introduction to King's books.
2. Misery has this strong sense of reality and that's what makes it so terrifying. I was reading it alone at night and at one point (I still remember the part...) I just had to close the books and put if away from my sight. It was interesting to try to fall asleep after that.
3. The Shining has this same affect on me. King has this ability on writing about normal everyday things and turning them into something dark and scary. In The Shining he also describes the dark and complicated tracks of human mind and throws in something supernatural.
4. Dreamcatcher is this creepy/disturbing-horror story. It might make you question "why the heck are you even reading it?" but it manages to keep the reader in. The story is.. different. It's not what you typically expect from a horror book but it's good.
5. Christine is very long book but to me it was worth the read. The characters are good and the story builds up to the very end.
1. Pet Sematary is the first Stephen King book that I read and my absolute favorite. Creepy and dark in every sense. It's a brilliant introduction to King's books.
2. Misery has this strong sense of reality and that's what makes it so terrifying. I was reading it alone at night and at one point (I still remember the part...) I just had to close the books and put if away from my sight. It was interesting to try to fall asleep after that.
3. The Shining has this same affect on me. King has this ability on writing about normal everyday things and turning them into something dark and scary. In The Shining he also describes the dark and complicated tracks of human mind and throws in something supernatural.
4. Dreamcatcher is this creepy/disturbing-horror story. It might make you question "why the heck are you even reading it?" but it manages to keep the reader in. The story is.. different. It's not what you typically expect from a horror book but it's good.
5. Christine is very long book but to me it was worth the read. The characters are good and the story builds up to the very end.
1-The DT series: The unifying element for the SK multiverse. Few authors have created such expansive, rich worlds.
2-The Stand (uncut): It has Flagg... but seriously, it's an awesome book and has a very well explored cast of characters. Good vs evil at it's best.
3-It: The origin of many people's fear of clowns. A great coming-of-age story with an iconic Lovecraft-ish villain.
4-The Shining: Classic S.K. One of horror's best.
5-Skeleton Crew: I was thinking of putting Nightmares and Dreamscapes here, but then I remembered how much I liked how bizarre the stories in this collection were.
2-The Stand (uncut): It has Flagg... but seriously, it's an awesome book and has a very well explored cast of characters. Good vs evil at it's best.
3-It: The origin of many people's fear of clowns. A great coming-of-age story with an iconic Lovecraft-ish villain.
4-The Shining: Classic S.K. One of horror's best.
5-Skeleton Crew: I was thinking of putting Nightmares and Dreamscapes here, but then I remembered how much I liked how bizarre the stories in this collection were.
1. The Stand- one of the best books I've ever read. 2. The Green Mile- a great character study 3. Salem's Lot- The scariest book I've ever read 4. The Shining- just great writing 5. Everything else King has written!
1. Salem's Lot - the description of the vampire at the window trying to get permission to enter had a profound effect on my young self.
2. Fire Starter - Sheer power in the hands of innocence. Good them.
3. The Stand - A plague is very possible and the descriptions of the aftermath were excellent. Expecially when one charachter caught a simple cold and everyone was afraid of him.
4. Needful Things - I read this one several times. Excellent book.
5. Duma Key - The import of the psycological impact of evil on the main character was excellent.
2. Fire Starter - Sheer power in the hands of innocence. Good them.
3. The Stand - A plague is very possible and the descriptions of the aftermath were excellent. Expecially when one charachter caught a simple cold and everyone was afraid of him.
4. Needful Things - I read this one several times. Excellent book.
5. Duma Key - The import of the psycological impact of evil on the main character was excellent.
-Desperation- I loved the way he brought these characters together and gave you a glimpse of each.
-The Shining- My sisters and I took turns reading this one aloud to each other in the dark with a flashlight...spooky
-It- This another good one
-Cujo- Like all of his books, this is good as a movie as well
-Misery- Awesome book!
Stephen King is a master of horror and anything he puts his pen to. You have begun your reading adventure with an excellent author. I think you will enjoy every book you read by him Noah. Happy reading :)
-The Shining- My sisters and I took turns reading this one aloud to each other in the dark with a flashlight...spooky
-It- This another good one
-Cujo- Like all of his books, this is good as a movie as well
-Misery- Awesome book!
Stephen King is a master of horror and anything he puts his pen to. You have begun your reading adventure with an excellent author. I think you will enjoy every book you read by him Noah. Happy reading :)
What only five, real hard to pick just five, got to be #5 the Green Mile Only the best story I've ever read. and yes I read it before the movie.#4 Tommy knockers All I can say is wow. #3 Carrie first read over 30 years ago and still in the top five all time good books #2 The Mist, not originally written as a book just a short story in one of his collections such good descriptions, I can still visualize the monsters just visible in the mist. #1 Has to be the stand I read it when it first came out in paper back and was hooked I have read it at least once every two to three years now on my sixth or seventh copy, just keep wearing it out. I currently have the unabridged addition. But I can't dismiss the other 51 books of his that I read Yes a true Stephen king fan.
1. The Stand 2. Different Seasons 3. The Green Mile 4. The Shining 5. The Dead Zone
I have read quite a few (to say the least) of Stephen King's books - even went to see his home in Bangor ME which is quite unusual with its gargoyled fence.
I used to read every book as soon as it was released but from 2000 - 2010 I was less than infatuated with his work and skipped a few.
My all-time favorites:
1. Lisey's Story
2. 11/22/63
3. Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon
4. The Shining
5. Under the Dome
I did not like nor did I read The Dark Tower Series.
I used to read every book as soon as it was released but from 2000 - 2010 I was less than infatuated with his work and skipped a few.
My all-time favorites:
1. Lisey's Story
2. 11/22/63
3. Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon
4. The Shining
5. Under the Dome
I did not like nor did I read The Dark Tower Series.
deleted member
Feb 26, 2014 06:08AM
0 votes
While I have read most of his works, I haven't read them all. In fact, I've been reading him for so long it's hard to remember them all. I'm sure I'll kick myself for forgetting some book or other after I post this, but for my part I would have to say those that stick with me most are:
The Stand- mainly because despite its supernatural overtones, that stuff could happen.
The Wind Through the Keyhole- a story within a story set in Roland's world of the Dark Tower.
Skeleton Crew- My all time favorite King story is The Mist which is in this collection (and I love what Frank Darabont did to the ending of his movie).
The Dark Tower Cycle- If you would indulge me in treating it as one story. Yes, it took some strange turns and for me fell flat at the end, but all in all worth the trip.
Salem's Lot- The only book that ever really creeped me out.
Also, check out his son Joe Hill's NOS4A2- A great read!
The Stand- mainly because despite its supernatural overtones, that stuff could happen.
The Wind Through the Keyhole- a story within a story set in Roland's world of the Dark Tower.
Skeleton Crew- My all time favorite King story is The Mist which is in this collection (and I love what Frank Darabont did to the ending of his movie).
The Dark Tower Cycle- If you would indulge me in treating it as one story. Yes, it took some strange turns and for me fell flat at the end, but all in all worth the trip.
Salem's Lot- The only book that ever really creeped me out.
Also, check out his son Joe Hill's NOS4A2- A great read!
- IT, the best ever.
- The stand, awsome.
- The tommyknockers, frightening.
- The dark half, my first *__*
- Pet cemetery, disturbing.
But I have still to read The dark tower series...
Good luck!
- The stand, awsome.
- The tommyknockers, frightening.
- The dark half, my first *__*
- Pet cemetery, disturbing.
But I have still to read The dark tower series...
Good luck!
1)IT why is emblem of fear
2)SHINING WHY because everything that's crazy is enclosed in Jack Torrance
3)DREAMCATCHER because in addition to being a nice fantasy is also a great way to represent a person with schizophrenia elements of pure fear
4)INSOMNIA on his way as scary as real to represent the fate and reality
5)L'UOMO IN FUGA because he has made it almost real and full of hatred and horror a reality perhaps not very far from us
2)SHINING WHY because everything that's crazy is enclosed in Jack Torrance
3)DREAMCATCHER because in addition to being a nice fantasy is also a great way to represent a person with schizophrenia elements of pure fear
4)INSOMNIA on his way as scary as real to represent the fate and reality
5)L'UOMO IN FUGA because he has made it almost real and full of hatred and horror a reality perhaps not very far from us
1- Salems'Lot - still is scary with vampires and SK leaves them being scary and creepy as they should be.
2- The Stand - a brilliant post apocalyptic tale
3- Different seasons - three brilliant novellas and one great story
4- The Shining - just haunting and beautifull
5- IT - just is a great coming of age story
2- The Stand - a brilliant post apocalyptic tale
3- Different seasons - three brilliant novellas and one great story
4- The Shining - just haunting and beautifull
5- IT - just is a great coming of age story
The Stand-
It- one of the most heartfelt stories of friendship and love ever written
Hearts in Atlantis- one of the few books I just keep riding year after year
Different seasons- I think the best King you can find is in short novel like the first three of this book
The Dead zone
The dark tower saga is outside the classification...it's the best thing I ever read
It- one of the most heartfelt stories of friendship and love ever written
Hearts in Atlantis- one of the few books I just keep riding year after year
Different seasons- I think the best King you can find is in short novel like the first three of this book
The Dead zone
The dark tower saga is outside the classification...it's the best thing I ever read
My top stephen king books are: (in reverse order)
5. Different Seasons - it was very diverse and unique at the same time, I specially liked the breathing method, it was gory and well written
4. Dolores Claiborne - her character just grips you by the throat, you could actually feel her emotions!
3. The Stand - i love how good and evil come together and battle it out!
2. It - the horrors these kids went through and their battle to overcome it, just amazes me!
1. Salem's Lot - the title itself is eerie enough to make you want to read the book, it was Dracula all over again!
5. Different Seasons - it was very diverse and unique at the same time, I specially liked the breathing method, it was gory and well written
4. Dolores Claiborne - her character just grips you by the throat, you could actually feel her emotions!
3. The Stand - i love how good and evil come together and battle it out!
2. It - the horrors these kids went through and their battle to overcome it, just amazes me!
1. Salem's Lot - the title itself is eerie enough to make you want to read the book, it was Dracula all over again!
I know that Stephen King has written many amazing books. So many that I haven't read them all. I had to belong to "TheStephenKingLibrary.com" to make sure I read them all. Of the ones I HAVE read--these are my top five:
1) IT--that is definitely on my scary list. I have never looked at clowns the same way again.
2)Full Dark-No Stars. One of his novellas that had some creepy stories in them.
3)The Green Mile--I absolutely loved this book AND the movie.
4)The Shining--The book was much better than the movie, but Jack Nicholson did play an excellent mad man.
5)11/22/63--I really did enjoy this novel. I think it was one of his better ones.
1) IT--that is definitely on my scary list. I have never looked at clowns the same way again.
2)Full Dark-No Stars. One of his novellas that had some creepy stories in them.
3)The Green Mile--I absolutely loved this book AND the movie.
4)The Shining--The book was much better than the movie, but Jack Nicholson did play an excellent mad man.
5)11/22/63--I really did enjoy this novel. I think it was one of his better ones.
1. The Dark Tower Series (I cant seem to pick one book over the other because I feel it is just one perpetual story. I will say this......the ending of the last book VII I loved it.....and then King put another ending in the book (hated it).....sometimes you just have to let it be.....let my imagination fill in the holes)
2.On Writing (i loved his life story and the detail he put on how to write.....always good to hear what leads you to where you are and the tools you used to get there)
3. The Long Walk (i loved this story.....and it plays on the struggle you go through in life and how you have to have persistence or die)
4.Four Past Midnight ( I liked all the stories....especially The Library Policeman and The Sun Dog.....kept me on my seat)
5.Rage (I know this book was pulled by King and probably rightfully so due to the temperament of our society BUT I really liked the book and the way it was so emotional)
2.On Writing (i loved his life story and the detail he put on how to write.....always good to hear what leads you to where you are and the tools you used to get there)
3. The Long Walk (i loved this story.....and it plays on the struggle you go through in life and how you have to have persistence or die)
4.Four Past Midnight ( I liked all the stories....especially The Library Policeman and The Sun Dog.....kept me on my seat)
5.Rage (I know this book was pulled by King and probably rightfully so due to the temperament of our society BUT I really liked the book and the way it was so emotional)
1. Different seasons- All 4 of these stories are excellent! I love all the stories, but Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption was my favorite.
2.Gerald's Game- I have only read 2 books in my life that gave me nightmares and this book was one of them. I woke up many times looking in the corners,hoping nothing was there that was "only made of moonlight".
3.The girl who loved Tom Gordon- I have read this book at least 20 times. I really like all the real life details he put in. I get all into this book, like I am really lost in the woods.
4.Pet Semetary-This book has the honor of being my very first Stephen King book I read. And it got me hooked on horror books.
5.Christine-I love this book, the ending line has stuck with me all these years.
2.Gerald's Game- I have only read 2 books in my life that gave me nightmares and this book was one of them. I woke up many times looking in the corners,hoping nothing was there that was "only made of moonlight".
3.The girl who loved Tom Gordon- I have read this book at least 20 times. I really like all the real life details he put in. I get all into this book, like I am really lost in the woods.
4.Pet Semetary-This book has the honor of being my very first Stephen King book I read. And it got me hooked on horror books.
5.Christine-I love this book, the ending line has stuck with me all these years.
1. The Stand - Amazing character development.
2. IT - Took the Derry tour last time I was in Maine, and am now scared to read this book again. I think it might be even more terrifying. :)
3. The Talisman - Fell in love with Jack and Wolf. Amazing characters.
4. Eyes of the Dragon - No real reason why this is in my top 5. It's just one book I really enjoyed.
5. The Dark Tower 2 -The Drawing of the Three - This book brings everyone together and made me really care about the Ka-Tet. Great story.
2. IT - Took the Derry tour last time I was in Maine, and am now scared to read this book again. I think it might be even more terrifying. :)
3. The Talisman - Fell in love with Jack and Wolf. Amazing characters.
4. Eyes of the Dragon - No real reason why this is in my top 5. It's just one book I really enjoyed.
5. The Dark Tower 2 -The Drawing of the Three - This book brings everyone together and made me really care about the Ka-Tet. Great story.
Top 5 King for me...
IMA totally cheat you know, because there's sooo many good books in the collection!
First I read I was 11 so of course its first mention; Talisman --jack and wolf and the intro to the world of so many of Kings works and then Black House Cuz they go together
The Dark Tower series, there's no other world so rich and you get lost in it and oh jeebz the ending... I'm rooting for Roland to get it right the next time -- one word BUGLE lolz.. it makes you think about the entire 7 books all over again and then go read them again...lol
Delores Claiborne and Geralds Game because it freaked me out how they tie together!!
Shining and Dr Sleep-- topiaries in the snow with a creepy haunted hotel and "imaginary" friends to help you through the tough spots...and let's toss Salem's Lot because I'm reminded of the vampires in Dr Sleep, it was oh crap it's our old enemies!
I can't choose so all the short story compilations, the body; Rita Hayworth and Shawshank redemption; Langoliers; trucks... you've seen so many of these turned into movies-- stand by me, Shawshank redemption, Langoliers, Maximum Overdrive... and the ones that werent were just as amazing in my own mind who needs someone else's interpretation??
You can't go wrong choosing any of King's works to read and it will be interesting which make your own top 5!! What's fun for me is finding the connections in so many of his works!
IMA totally cheat you know, because there's sooo many good books in the collection!
First I read I was 11 so of course its first mention; Talisman --jack and wolf and the intro to the world of so many of Kings works and then Black House Cuz they go together
The Dark Tower series, there's no other world so rich and you get lost in it and oh jeebz the ending... I'm rooting for Roland to get it right the next time -- one word BUGLE lolz.. it makes you think about the entire 7 books all over again and then go read them again...lol
Delores Claiborne and Geralds Game because it freaked me out how they tie together!!
Shining and Dr Sleep-- topiaries in the snow with a creepy haunted hotel and "imaginary" friends to help you through the tough spots...and let's toss Salem's Lot because I'm reminded of the vampires in Dr Sleep, it was oh crap it's our old enemies!
I can't choose so all the short story compilations, the body; Rita Hayworth and Shawshank redemption; Langoliers; trucks... you've seen so many of these turned into movies-- stand by me, Shawshank redemption, Langoliers, Maximum Overdrive... and the ones that werent were just as amazing in my own mind who needs someone else's interpretation??
You can't go wrong choosing any of King's works to read and it will be interesting which make your own top 5!! What's fun for me is finding the connections in so many of his works!
Wow, I started reading him when I was your age too! And that was more years ago than I would like to say! LOL My favorites:
Different Seasons - closest thing he's written that I would call real literature. The novella "The Body"is one of my favorite pieces of literature of all time.
The Shining - I read it 50+ when I was your age, never got tired of it.
'Salem's Lot - Stephen King is better at short stories. Still my favorite vampire book.
Pet Semetary - creepy and haunting.
Happy reading! :)
Different Seasons - closest thing he's written that I would call real literature. The novella "The Body"is one of my favorite pieces of literature of all time.
The Shining - I read it 50+ when I was your age, never got tired of it.
'Salem's Lot - Stephen King is better at short stories. Still my favorite vampire book.
Pet Semetary - creepy and haunting.
Happy reading! :)
I have read almost every Stephen King book; it was difficult for me to pick just five, but here's my list.
1. It- A coming of age story. I loved this one, the characters become friends of yours by the end.
2. Eyes of the Dragon--this one was simple, kind of fairy tale-ish. I read this one when I was younger and I still think about it.
3. The Stand--This one is a MUST read. It is just one of Stephen King's best works; plus Flagg.
4. The Dark Tower Series is also phenomenal. I know a lot of people complained about the ending, but I really thought it ended as it needed to. :)
5. The Talisman--This novel just has everything--LOVE IT! :P
Okay, it was much harder to pick 5 than I thought it would be. Even now I'm trying to decide if I chose well. I keep remembering more. Just read as many as you can. If one doesn't speak to you, try another. Each Stephen King book has something different to offer the reader, probably one of the reasons so many people read his books. Happy Choosing!!
1. It- A coming of age story. I loved this one, the characters become friends of yours by the end.
2. Eyes of the Dragon--this one was simple, kind of fairy tale-ish. I read this one when I was younger and I still think about it.
3. The Stand--This one is a MUST read. It is just one of Stephen King's best works; plus Flagg.
4. The Dark Tower Series is also phenomenal. I know a lot of people complained about the ending, but I really thought it ended as it needed to. :)
5. The Talisman--This novel just has everything--LOVE IT! :P
Okay, it was much harder to pick 5 than I thought it would be. Even now I'm trying to decide if I chose well. I keep remembering more. Just read as many as you can. If one doesn't speak to you, try another. Each Stephen King book has something different to offer the reader, probably one of the reasons so many people read his books. Happy Choosing!!
Noah wrote: "I've only read Thinner, (5 stars), The Shining, (5 stars), and Doctor Sleep, (4 stars). Just trying to see your opinions. I'm planning to read all of his books in the order that they were publish..."
I almost feel like you have to remove the Dark Tower series from his works before answering this question. They're so different from his other stuff, and so stand-alone, and it's just not fair for them to take up all the slots! That said, I think mine would be: 1) It; 2) The Shining; 3) The Stand; 4) Salem's Lot; 5)The Talisman. BUT, it was really hard to choose! I do prefer King's "classic" style (that's what I call his early stuff, before he got a little weirder and branched out), but he has some great stuff that was later, too. I also loved Bag of Bones, Eyes of the Dragon, Lisey's Story, The Running Man, Firestarter, and Desperation.
I almost feel like you have to remove the Dark Tower series from his works before answering this question. They're so different from his other stuff, and so stand-alone, and it's just not fair for them to take up all the slots! That said, I think mine would be: 1) It; 2) The Shining; 3) The Stand; 4) Salem's Lot; 5)The Talisman. BUT, it was really hard to choose! I do prefer King's "classic" style (that's what I call his early stuff, before he got a little weirder and branched out), but he has some great stuff that was later, too. I also loved Bag of Bones, Eyes of the Dragon, Lisey's Story, The Running Man, Firestarter, and Desperation.
I have only read 2.
1. 11/22/63
2. Carrie
Shawshank is one of my fave films though.
1. 11/22/63
2. Carrie
Shawshank is one of my fave films though.
IT is my absolute favorite, read it more times than any other. The story grabbed me as a child. It took me several readings cover to cover to grasp the story in its entirety, and I still discover things I missed before when I read it today. After IT,
2. Salem's Lot - one of the very few novels to actually scare me.
3: The Shining - goes without saying :)
4. The Dark Tower Series - the scope of these novels is so huge, and I adore how it became the nexus of King's written universe.
5. The Tommyknockers - not many votes for this one, but I love it! King doesn't do aliens very often, but when he does, he does it right.
2. Salem's Lot - one of the very few novels to actually scare me.
3: The Shining - goes without saying :)
4. The Dark Tower Series - the scope of these novels is so huge, and I adore how it became the nexus of King's written universe.
5. The Tommyknockers - not many votes for this one, but I love it! King doesn't do aliens very often, but when he does, he does it right.
Firestarter was my first "grown-up" book I read when I was probably too young to read it. I have been reading Stephen King since I was...12? I haven't read all of them and haven't read a lot of the big ones yet, but here is my list of the ones that I have read more than once or that have stuck with me (in no particular order):
1. The Long Walk (Bachman)
2. The Regulators (Bachman)
3. Dreamcatcher
4. Cell
5. Duma Key
I also read The Eyes of the Dragon more than once, but haven't read it for years
And the Green Mile -
1. The Long Walk (Bachman)
2. The Regulators (Bachman)
3. Dreamcatcher
4. Cell
5. Duma Key
I also read The Eyes of the Dragon more than once, but haven't read it for years
And the Green Mile -
EEE! I love SK! My favorites are:
The Dark Tower Series- I love the large-connectedness of this book, how it ties in with a bunch of other books! Such an intricate web of AWESOME..I am addicted to this book.
The Eyes of the Dragon- This was my first King book I read it when I was 9. It completely changed my life! *SK Addict
The Stand- Again with the Dark Tower connections. I love apocalypse themes and this book fit that bill nicely. My favorite part of this book was the little glimpses into random characters lives right after the shit hits the fan. I love the part about the lady on the porch when the gun explodes in her hand, killing her instantly.
The Talisman- More with the Dark Tower, sensing a theme yet? This was a fun and interesting adventure. I really liked Black House too...kind of cheating of me to sneak in another but technically since it's the sequel it's the same book.
Insomnia-I really liked the idea of the "balloon string" and how the book tied in with the Dark Tower, spectacular!
Mmm delicious books!
The Dark Tower Series- I love the large-connectedness of this book, how it ties in with a bunch of other books! Such an intricate web of AWESOME..I am addicted to this book.
The Eyes of the Dragon- This was my first King book I read it when I was 9. It completely changed my life! *SK Addict
The Stand- Again with the Dark Tower connections. I love apocalypse themes and this book fit that bill nicely. My favorite part of this book was the little glimpses into random characters lives right after the shit hits the fan. I love the part about the lady on the porch when the gun explodes in her hand, killing her instantly.
The Talisman- More with the Dark Tower, sensing a theme yet? This was a fun and interesting adventure. I really liked Black House too...kind of cheating of me to sneak in another but technically since it's the sequel it's the same book.
Insomnia-I really liked the idea of the "balloon string" and how the book tied in with the Dark Tower, spectacular!
Mmm delicious books!
1. The Stand- Easily the best and I still go back and re-read on the regular.
2. Dark Tower Series- The characters were amazing and I couldn't get to the next book fast enough. Plus it left me with an ending that pissed me off yet was still strangely satisfying.
3. IT- Was the first King book I read as a teenager and made me a King fan for life.
4. The Long Walk- Amazing story that stuck with me long after reading.
5. The Green Mile- This book put me through just about every emotion under the sun.
2. Dark Tower Series- The characters were amazing and I couldn't get to the next book fast enough. Plus it left me with an ending that pissed me off yet was still strangely satisfying.
3. IT- Was the first King book I read as a teenager and made me a King fan for life.
4. The Long Walk- Amazing story that stuck with me long after reading.
5. The Green Mile- This book put me through just about every emotion under the sun.
Okay, good luck to you on your goal! I do that with authors too and still do that--pick an author and read them all. He will be easy because although his books are long, they are fantastic and spell binding so you will not be able to put the books down..lol.
*The Shining I read at your age and re-read as an adult (on vacation in Colorado--close to the hotel..ewww). Fun! FANTASTIC book!
* Gerald's Game--He really got into my mind on this one.
*The Dark Half- read in another ski lodge and it was soo scary to me that I could not have the lights off at night for weeks...and I was out of college then..lol
*The Tommyknockers--great
*Under the Dome- He is so good at detailing how different personalities would emerge in a crisis situation
*Desperation--excellent
*Needful Things--loved this
*Joyland** a lighter book, not as creepy, but his writing is still enjoyable and has some mystery in it!
Enjoy!
*The Shining I read at your age and re-read as an adult (on vacation in Colorado--close to the hotel..ewww). Fun! FANTASTIC book!
* Gerald's Game--He really got into my mind on this one.
*The Dark Half- read in another ski lodge and it was soo scary to me that I could not have the lights off at night for weeks...and I was out of college then..lol
*The Tommyknockers--great
*Under the Dome- He is so good at detailing how different personalities would emerge in a crisis situation
*Desperation--excellent
*Needful Things--loved this
*Joyland** a lighter book, not as creepy, but his writing is still enjoyable and has some mystery in it!
Enjoy!
I know these are all just opinions, but if you google Kings best novels you will see that many of these are way off the mark.
this is also my opinion, and it doesn't exactly match the researched list, but it is very close. If you have any aspirations to be a writer I would put 'On Writing' on that list.
1- The Shining
2-The Dark Tower series (cheating because this is 7 books)
3-The Stand
4-It
5-The Dead Zone
this is also my opinion, and it doesn't exactly match the researched list, but it is very close. If you have any aspirations to be a writer I would put 'On Writing' on that list.
1- The Shining
2-The Dark Tower series (cheating because this is 7 books)
3-The Stand
4-It
5-The Dead Zone
1. The Shining - he actually writes like a true literary talent in his younger days, editing and foregoing all the laziness of including whatever pops into his head.
2. The Stand - a great epic with compelling characters. Apocalyptic tales get me every time.
3. On Writing - great memoir on the writing life that doesn't take itself too seriously
4. Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption - so good King can't possibly have written it.
5. Any short story collection -his style, general lack of editing and his influences lend itself to this format more than any other. If I respect him as a writer, it is for his short stories.
2. The Stand - a great epic with compelling characters. Apocalyptic tales get me every time.
3. On Writing - great memoir on the writing life that doesn't take itself too seriously
4. Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption - so good King can't possibly have written it.
5. Any short story collection -his style, general lack of editing and his influences lend itself to this format more than any other. If I respect him as a writer, it is for his short stories.
In no particular order
1. IT
2. The Stand
3. Pet Semetary
4. Misery
5. The Shining
1. IT
2. The Stand
3. Pet Semetary
4. Misery
5. The Shining
That's an interesting goal you have there, Noah. Hope the best for you and that you enjoy this writer's seemingly endless amounts of works!
5. The Shining. It's great, so unnerving, amazing tension.
4. Nightmares and Dreamscapes. '93. Possibly one of his best collection of short-stories in my opinion. Awesome.
3. Tommyknockers. '87. Looking back on the scenes I remember of this story sends chills down my back. Just read it, I don't want to give anything away!
2.Carrie. '74. I keep calling this a modern classic. The themes this deals with were sort of ahead of the book's time.
1. Night Shift. '78. This story collection has many memorable classics. If you ask me read "Quitters' Inc.," "The Boogeyman," "Children of the Corn," and "The Mangler," and see if his mix of the macabre, surreal ideas and somehow realness to them haven't made a mark on you.
Stephen King is a great writer!
5. The Shining. It's great, so unnerving, amazing tension.
4. Nightmares and Dreamscapes. '93. Possibly one of his best collection of short-stories in my opinion. Awesome.
3. Tommyknockers. '87. Looking back on the scenes I remember of this story sends chills down my back. Just read it, I don't want to give anything away!
2.Carrie. '74. I keep calling this a modern classic. The themes this deals with were sort of ahead of the book's time.
1. Night Shift. '78. This story collection has many memorable classics. If you ask me read "Quitters' Inc.," "The Boogeyman," "Children of the Corn," and "The Mangler," and see if his mix of the macabre, surreal ideas and somehow realness to them haven't made a mark on you.
Stephen King is a great writer!
deleted member
Jan 26, 2014 06:22PM
0 votes
I'm still reading through a lot of his books.
Lets see for me it would be 1) The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon, 2) Night Shift, 3) The Stand, 4) 'Salem's Lot, 5) The Green Mile.
Lets see for me it would be 1) The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon, 2) Night Shift, 3) The Stand, 4) 'Salem's Lot, 5) The Green Mile.
It's hard to narrow it down to just 5 but here goes:
~Needful Things...will always hold a special place for me because it was the first King novel I read
~Four Past Midnight...IMO, King excels particularly at short stories
~The Green Mile...again, superb because of its serial nature
~The Eyes of the Dragon...unlike most King novels but awesome just the same
~Misery
~Needful Things...will always hold a special place for me because it was the first King novel I read
~Four Past Midnight...IMO, King excels particularly at short stories
~The Green Mile...again, superb because of its serial nature
~The Eyes of the Dragon...unlike most King novels but awesome just the same
~Misery
Salem's Lot (my first Stephen King book and it scared the *beep* out of me!)
The Stand
Tommy Knockers
The Dark Tower Series
11/22/64
The Stand
Tommy Knockers
The Dark Tower Series
11/22/64
IT - this is a coming of age novel and I loved the way his characters faced the town's terror.
The Stand - he destroys 90% of the country and then rebuilds it.
The Langoliers - a novella, I forget which collection it's from, but love his way of messing with the space-time continuum.
Under the Dome - like The Stand, he's good at positing what people will do under extraordinary circumstances.
The whole Gunslinger series - just for the sheer scope of it, plus the ending really pissed me off.
The Stand - he destroys 90% of the country and then rebuilds it.
The Langoliers - a novella, I forget which collection it's from, but love his way of messing with the space-time continuum.
Under the Dome - like The Stand, he's good at positing what people will do under extraordinary circumstances.
The whole Gunslinger series - just for the sheer scope of it, plus the ending really pissed me off.
Christine - first one i ever read as a teenager. my mother was dead against me reading such "filth" and at one point pursued me around the house to try and take the book from me.
Salems Lot - read at very high speed during breaks at school
The Stand - again as a teenager, read it and loved it but got to the end and thought "hold up a minute"
The Wastelands - Dark Tower III - never has a cliff hanger been more "oh my god"........but then there was over a decade before book IV
The Mist - magic and yes, i was a teen when i read it. conincided with a very vute girlfriend and a love for goth stuff
so yeah, most of my favourite king books conincide with a time of life. i read him these days for nostalgia
http://atheistdad74.blogspot.com.au/
Salems Lot - read at very high speed during breaks at school
The Stand - again as a teenager, read it and loved it but got to the end and thought "hold up a minute"
The Wastelands - Dark Tower III - never has a cliff hanger been more "oh my god"........but then there was over a decade before book IV
The Mist - magic and yes, i was a teen when i read it. conincided with a very vute girlfriend and a love for goth stuff
so yeah, most of my favourite king books conincide with a time of life. i read him these days for nostalgia
http://atheistdad74.blogspot.com.au/
deleted member
Jan 28, 2014 01:53PM
0 votes
I've read them all. Top five (in no particular order) are:
1 - Carrie. King's first and my first as well. "It rocked my world" is a cliche expression these days, but seeing a bullied kid with a bad homelife (like me) take revenge? Mindblowing.
2 - Salem's Lot. Back when vampires were mean and scary.
3 - The Shining. Just reread this one and, personally, I don't think King has surpassed it. Big mistake to do a sequel though, as it was one of his worst.
4 - The Stand,. The end of the world. Captain Trips. Apocalyptic good versus evil. Oh hell, yes.
5 - The Green Mile. Just a flat out amazing book.
Honorable mentions:
Night Shift
It
Insomnia
Desperation
11/22/63
Joyland
Least favourite?
The Tommyknockers
Dreamcatcher
From a Buick 8
Cell
Lisey's Story
Doctor Sleep
1 - Carrie. King's first and my first as well. "It rocked my world" is a cliche expression these days, but seeing a bullied kid with a bad homelife (like me) take revenge? Mindblowing.
2 - Salem's Lot. Back when vampires were mean and scary.
3 - The Shining. Just reread this one and, personally, I don't think King has surpassed it. Big mistake to do a sequel though, as it was one of his worst.
4 - The Stand,. The end of the world. Captain Trips. Apocalyptic good versus evil. Oh hell, yes.
5 - The Green Mile. Just a flat out amazing book.
Honorable mentions:
Night Shift
It
Insomnia
Desperation
11/22/63
Joyland
Least favourite?
The Tommyknockers
Dreamcatcher
From a Buick 8
Cell
Lisey's Story
Doctor Sleep
The Stand, The Shining, Skeleton Crew are top 3. Of is early stuff Christine, and then of his later stuff I may be alone in really liking Duma Key.
1) The Stand- for an 1100 page book it's unbelievably entertaining. Totally epic, with equal doses or horror, action, romance, and great writing
2) The Green Mile- Some of King's very best writing, with a wonderfully story and great pacing
3) The Dead Zone- melancholy romance. loved it.
4) Pet Sematary- King's scariest novel in my opinion.
5) 11/22/63- one of his newest novels, and he's still got it. Great adventure and time travel story
Honorable mention:
The Long Walk- great book where the tension and suspense starts immediately and pretty much never lets up
*If this novella could be considered a book, then add it to my favorites list:
Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption: A Story from Different Seasons- this is possibly the best writing Stephen King has ever done. It's perfect in my opinion
2) The Green Mile- Some of King's very best writing, with a wonderfully story and great pacing
3) The Dead Zone- melancholy romance. loved it.
4) Pet Sematary- King's scariest novel in my opinion.
5) 11/22/63- one of his newest novels, and he's still got it. Great adventure and time travel story
Honorable mention:
The Long Walk- great book where the tension and suspense starts immediately and pretty much never lets up
*If this novella could be considered a book, then add it to my favorites list:
Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption: A Story from Different Seasons- this is possibly the best writing Stephen King has ever done. It's perfect in my opinion
1 - The Shining
2 - Salem's Lot
3 - It
4 - Skeleton Crew (especially The Mist, also really like Beachworld for some reason, and Ballad of the Flexible Bullet.)
5 - Dark Tower Series (Just finishing up the 7th right now actually, but liked it a lot more than I thought I would seeing as I think King is at his best when writing a more "traditional" horror story, like Salem's Lot)
Shout out as well to Nightshift for two of my personal favorites as well, Graveyard Shift and Strawberry Spring (both are soooo good!)
I was first really introduced to King freshman year of high school, and I was excited to see some mentioning "The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon" as that was my first reading of his!
2 - Salem's Lot
3 - It
4 - Skeleton Crew (especially The Mist, also really like Beachworld for some reason, and Ballad of the Flexible Bullet.)
5 - Dark Tower Series (Just finishing up the 7th right now actually, but liked it a lot more than I thought I would seeing as I think King is at his best when writing a more "traditional" horror story, like Salem's Lot)
Shout out as well to Nightshift for two of my personal favorites as well, Graveyard Shift and Strawberry Spring (both are soooo good!)
I was first really introduced to King freshman year of high school, and I was excited to see some mentioning "The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon" as that was my first reading of his!
1) The Stand - my first King novel and first epic horror/fantasy.
2)It
3)Doctor Sleep - it signaled his return to his roots.
4)Pet Cemetery
5)Desperation
Haven't yet read 11/22/63 but based on hype it could make it into the top five.
2)It
3)Doctor Sleep - it signaled his return to his roots.
4)Pet Cemetery
5)Desperation
Haven't yet read 11/22/63 but based on hype it could make it into the top five.
Am I the only person who didn't like The Shining, about halfway through I put it down. I was bored out of my mind reading it. Loved 11/22/63 and Under the Dome. I'm still a King newbie.
I started reading Stephen King around the 8th grade too. My favorites are:
1) The Eyes of the Dragon (I've read it so many times)
2) Needful Things
3) Misery
4) The Stand
5) Dark Tower: The Gunslinger
1) The Eyes of the Dragon (I've read it so many times)
2) Needful Things
3) Misery
4) The Stand
5) Dark Tower: The Gunslinger
#1 for me would be The Stand! absolutely loved the characters King created.
2) The Shining - I read this while snowbound in a lodge cabin on our vacation. What a setting and made it all the more scarier.
Honestly, these are the only two I've read from King but his other ones are on my reading list.
2) The Shining - I read this while snowbound in a lodge cabin on our vacation. What a setting and made it all the more scarier.
Honestly, these are the only two I've read from King but his other ones are on my reading list.
The Dark Tower Series (? 7 books). Excellent!!
The Stand - I read this after 9/11 and it hit me that it could come to pass.
The Shining - I was so scared, I couldn't get out of bed to walk across the hall to the bathroom at night.
Joyland - great writing. Possibly YA, but for everyone.
On Writing - A Memoir of the Craft, a must for anyone who wants to read his autobiography, or hopes to be published.
The Stand - I read this after 9/11 and it hit me that it could come to pass.
The Shining - I was so scared, I couldn't get out of bed to walk across the hall to the bathroom at night.
Joyland - great writing. Possibly YA, but for everyone.
On Writing - A Memoir of the Craft, a must for anyone who wants to read his autobiography, or hopes to be published.
The Stand - just one of my favourite books ever, excellent characters and brilliant story
22/11/63 - really clever, love the historical aspects and how it makes you think about the impact time travel could have if it existed
IT - again excellent characters
The Shining - you can't beat a classic, although there are some slow patches
Desperation - creepy policeman
22/11/63 - really clever, love the historical aspects and how it makes you think about the impact time travel could have if it existed
IT - again excellent characters
The Shining - you can't beat a classic, although there are some slow patches
Desperation - creepy policeman
1. 11/22/63
2. Shawshank Redemption
3. 1408
4. It
5. Desperation
2. Shawshank Redemption
3. 1408
4. It
5. Desperation
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