Audiobooks discussion
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Favorite Stephen King Audiobooks
I'm listening to it as well right now, and I am really enjoying it! Anne wrote: "l've only listened to 3 and am now listening to Mr, Mercedes. Love it so far."
Forgive me for naming 2 more than requested; but they are interconnected.The Dark Tower Series
The Gunslinger
The Drawing of the Three
The Waste Lands
Wizard and Glass
Wolves of the Calla
Song of Susannah
The Dark Tower
The first book was published in 1982 and the final installment in 2004; a span of 22 years.
I basically consider The Dark Tower Series as one book. BTW - he actually had to rewrite the first three books to make them fit better with the others. I read the first 3 and by time the others came out, I had to start all over again anyway.I understand that "Wind in the Keyhole" is part of the Dark Tower series but I never read it. Has anyone else? It would be fun to visit with Roland again. It fits between the Fourth and Fifth book.
Bill, it's a Dark Tower book, but not really part of the main sequence. It contains two Mid-World stories - one of Roland's youth and the other a fable - framed by a short ka-tet episode (but not really a story) set between books 4 and 5.It's a bit like The Little Sisters of Eluria, but told in the style of DTIV.
I enjoyed it a lot - better than the final three volumes, I'd say - but you need to set your expectations going in. You're not getting another DT novel.
HBJ
Oh, and the audiobook is great, btw. Read by King.HBJ
I have, though not in audio. I enjoyed it, although it's not directly related to DT story, but does feature the characters. If you've never read the short story "The Little Sisters of Eluria", I highly recommend it. Roland is a main character.
In the short story "everything's eventual", Dicky Earnshaw is the main character.
"Hearts in Atlantis" features Ted Brautigan and the Low Men, and of course, "Salem's Lot" tells the story of Pere Callahan.
There are more tie-ins, of course. These were some of my favorites though.
Thanks HBJ and Vanessa. The audible version of Eluria appears to be in a collection - Legends: Stories by the Masters of Fantasy, Volume 1.
http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Leg...
I have done Salem's Lot a long time ago. I think I saw the move on Atlantis. Looks like King and William Hurt narrate that one.
Maybe I should add these two to the Wish List. I think I might try the Keyhole next. HBJ, I glad you like King reading it. When I read the reviews, that was a criticism by many.
Little Sisters of Eluria is also in the unabridged Everything's Eventual collection (recommended)http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Eve...
I honestly really didn't like Wind through the Keyhole much at all. I can honestly say it is my least fav King audiobook, and I literally have listened to pretty well every audiobook of his other than Skeleton Crew. I can't quite remember why I disliked it so much. But I seem to recall thinking that it just didn't fit (if you read it in the supposed sequence it'd introduce continuity) and thought it a bit weak.
Thanks Michael. That one looks better.
BTW, there has been talk of a Talisman 3 or Jack Sawyer 3 for a long time. It took King years to do the final Dark Tower books, but he eventually did drag Roland across a finish line of sorts. I don't think that will happen with Jack Sawyer.Sigh.
Sad news, Eli Wallach, who was my favorite Stephen King narrator for his narration of (Insomnia, passed away. :(Got to say though, 98 years is a fantastic run.
I'd highly recommend his Insomnia reading.
Okay, all you King fans. I need some encouragement. I grew up reading Danielle Steele and Stephen King. I read The Shining, Dolores Claiborne, Misery, The Green Mile, Cujo, Christine, Pet Semetary (i'm sure there are more). I saw the movie Salem's Lot when I was about 18 and it scared me so bad, I quit reading King. Now I'm trying to get into him again and I have Dr. Sleep on audio and I am struggling. I am on disc 3 of 15 and it is so weird I don't know if I can finish it. I remember he wrote very weird scary and choppy chapters. Can one of you sell me on Dr. Sleep? I really want to like this.
I've read pretty well everything of his, and love them all, but honestly I've never really thought of them "scary". I don't really know what I'd categorize his work as other than just fiction. Tales of the Imagination might be a better categorization. Dr Sleep is the sequel to The Shining (the lead is the child from The Shining), so knowing that might give more context to it.People's tastes (including mine) do change over time.
Anne wrote: "l've only listened to 3 and am now listening to Mr, Mercedes. Love it so far."Wow. Didn't Mr. Mercedes just come out? Are they releasing audiobooks at the same time they're releasing the book itself? The world has changed.
Mr. Mercedes audiobook was released at the same time as the hardcover. I've read it and gave it 5 stars. Will Paton's narration is spot on.
Michael wrote: "I've read pretty well everything of his, and love them all, but honestly I've never really thought of them "scary". I don't really know what I'd categorize his work as other than just fiction. Tale..."I probably should have read the Shining again before starting Dr. Sleep. But it is getting better into the 4th disc. I'm going to finish it, I just need to get back in the King groove.
Stacy wrote: "I probably should have read the Shining again before starting Dr. Sleep. But it is getting better into the 4th disc. I'm going to finish it, I just need to get back in the King groove. "Good stuff! Yes I reread The Shining directly before it and that was great.
But don't be worried if you don't like his material anymore. We do change over time! I think like some of your perception of the material depends on your age of exposure. I really think that is the case for say the movie of Salem's Lot and The Exorcist. People who saw them as kids tend to find them terrifying even a long time down the road. Myself, I saw both as adults and didn't really get the same impact. But it seems to be like that with Stephen King that those exposed younger see it as scary even in adulthood. I remember as a kid friends had read Stephen King (I hadn't) and had them tell me about it and how scary it was. I didn't start until much much later though.
I am very easy to please when it comes to books and movies. It's all entertainment. I'm sure you are correct about the age thing. I started reading him when I was in middle school. I first read Carrie (which seemed terrifying at the time)then went to His other books of the 70's and 80's. I loved his books as Richard Bauchman also. But I haven't read anything by him since about 1990. I'm sure I'll find my way back because I always liked his humor and quirky writing.
I, like you, read King in high school. (Carrie, The Shining, It, etc.) My first re-entry back into King was 11-22-63 just a year or so ago. For me, a non-horror, lighter fantasy story was a great way to ease back into King. I've since read The Talisman, which was an excellent story, and Joyland, which I thought was OK. I now own Black House (the Talisman sequel), and Dolores Claiborne is on my short list.I'm interested in Mr. Mercedes, but for some reason I haven't been interested in Dr. Sleep. Maybe because I'm not a fan of repeating books/movies, and I know I'd benefit from revisiting The Shining first (which I feel no desire to do).
Michael wrote: "Susan wrote: "Hey Michael,Have you tried Ebay?"
Yes I have tried ebay. No luck."
Michael, have you tried using a VPN and/or proxy. You can then visit the site from a server based in the US.
Forney_bill wrote: "Michael, have you tried using a VPN and/or proxy. You can then visit the site from a server bas..."
The problem is there aren't any copies of it for sale anywhere (the full Skeleton Crew, unabridged). It was released in two parts on tape, and I did buy an old copy of one part, but the tape was sadly unusable.
Michael, sorry to be dense. You said..."If anyone can help me getting good version of the two part uncut Skeleton Crew on cassette, I'd be appreciative... I got one of them on tape, but it was junk, and beyond my skill to repair."
Tell me why it has to be on tape. I see the CD's say "unabridged selections". Does that mean that they left out some of the stories.
I saw a used audio tape on Amazon but the guy wants $40 for it.
Great thread. I love King! He, to me, is the king in so many ways. I read Carrie when I was around 13 after someone at the public library accidentally shelved it in the children's section. I've been hooked ever since. I only listened to it very recently (again from my public library) and loved it. These are the ones I'd most like to read via audiobook:
The Stand
The Dark Tower books
The Shining
Salem's Lot (movie scared the crap out of me)
Needful Things
Probably more I can't think of right now. ;0)
Michael wrote: "Hard choice...Insomnia (Eli Wallach)
Under the Dome
It (Steven Weber did a FANTASTIC job)
The Stand (like the book, narration OK (both versi..."
I agree that Steven Weber is amazing reading IT. I've listened to the entire book several times and he really draws you in. I have chills just thinking about it.
1. Dr. Sleep - Will Patton is THE BEST2. It - Steven Weber, a close second
3. Mr. Mercedes - Will Patton again
4. On Writing - Mr. King
5. Carrie - Sissy Spacek + 11/22/3 Craig Wasson
I listened to my "first" Stephen King booksThe Gingerbread Girl, read by Mare Winningham and
The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Anne Heche and both were very good stories and readers. I am not a fan of scary horror type stories at all and wanted to begin with something not too long and still get a flavor for his writing. So far so good.
Hey all, can anyone give feedback on the audio of The Tommyknockers? I've gone through this thread looking for audiobooks to listen to at work and decided to jump into King's catalog. My dad recommended Tommyknockers and I was wondering if anyone has listened to it on audiobook?
I'm probably the wrong person to ask. I've yet to listen to a Stephen King audiobook I didn't like. :)But Tommyknockers is a great story and a good reading. It isn't up there as my top reading, but definitely worthwhile.
This thread inspired me to get a King book on audio. Since I've read most of his "greats", I listened to Mr. Mercedes - so glad I did!
I don't know how I missed this thread. Since I've read most of King's books (a majority on audio), I thought I'd put in my two cents.1. The Green Mile (Frank Muller)
2. Misery (Lindsay Crouse)
3. Hearts in Atlantis (Wm Hurt/Stephen King)
4. 11/22/63 (Craig Wasson)
5. Carrie (Sissy Spacek)
I'll add that anything read by Frank Muller is worth a listen.
I listened to Dr. Sleep and I guess I am in the minority on that one. The book was uneven and I am probably going to say 2.5 stars. It suffered in comparison to The Shining which I listened to immediately before. I never really bought the villains in the RV with their peculiar form of vamping. I did enjoy listening to the Shining again although it wasn't my favorite. I will say 3. 5 stars.
EDIT - I listened to Eyes of the Dragon. It is my least favorite but it was part of the lore of In-world. I say 2.5 stars. I still have not listened to Wind Through the Keyhole. That should complete my Dark Tower related books. I have my fingers crossed that I will like that one.
Audible Books on deck are:
1. Hearts in Atlantis (Wm Hurt/Stephen King)
2. Revival (David Morse)
I see Hearts in Atlantis has some love in this thread. No one seems to have mentioned Revival yet. I am not sure when I am going to start them.
I posted elsewhere that King/Straub have Talisman 3 in the works for 2015. Talisman (Frank Muller) may be my favorite King book and King audio book.
What!!!!??? Talisman 3?!?! That's so exciting!Who in the world are they going to get that can hold a candle to Frank Muller though? :(
Awesome news about another Talisman book!
These are definitely among my top five:Duma Key (John Slattery)
Bag of Bones (Stephen King)
Full Dark, No stars (Craig Wasson) particularly "1922"
The Shining (Campbell Scott)
It (Stephen Weber)
Though their are many others
Not exactly on-topic, but this *is* a Stephen King audiobook thread, and I had to brag about this to people who would understand.I managed to pick up an ex-library CD copy of Desperation - unabridged, read by King - on ebay for under $40.
That might not seem cheap, but it's actually quite a deal. The commonly-available edition is abridged, read by Kathy Bates, I think. This edition was published by Recorded Books for libraries, and costs over $100 new - and is still available from them in various formats for that price.
It's much harder to find a used one for less, and I was very pleased to get it for this price.
HBJ
Hunchback wrote: "That might not seem cheap, but it's actually quite a deal. The commonly-available edition is abridged, read by Kathy Bates, I think. This edition was published by Recorded Books for libraries, and costs over $100 new - and is still available from them in various formats for that price.It's much harder to find a used one for less, and I was very pleased to get it for this price."
That's an awesome deal! Good job!
Hunchback wrote: "Not exactly on-topic, but this *is* a Stephen King audiobook thread, and I had to brag about this to people who would understand.I managed to pick up an ex-library CD copy of Desperation - unabri..."
Oh yes, good on you! I think I mentioned that recording here previously. A rare gem. It cost me a lot more than that. It is idiotic that that recording isn't wide release. Do you have the Frank Muller narrated companion book, The Regulators? I think that is hard to get too.
The corporate stupidity of Recorded Books never ceases to amaze me. They try to reduce their sales as much as possible.
Michael, I really have you to thank. I wouldn't know about this recording at all if you hadn't mentioned it here. I've been looking out for it ever since. So thanks very much!No, I don't have the Bachman unabridged counterpart - also known to me only because you mentioned it. It's also on my watch list.
HBJ
A couple of questions:1. Is "The Regulators" a stand alone. That is do I have to read "Desperation".
2. It the Kathy Bates version of Desperation good.
3. Is "The Regulators" above average for Stephen King?
Bill,1. No. I read Desperation and The Regulators at the same time when they came out, and the fact they had characters with the same name actually distracted me from the story, as I tried to "understand" the "connections". I read them both separately later and liked them both better.
2. I don't know, I haven't listened to it, as I don't listen to abridged audiobooks.
3. I would say it's about average for King.
HBJ
I don't have a hard and fast rule but I tend to favor unabridged. Still.... Kathy Bates. Also - I have read some books (one sci fi series in particular) where I think -"Geez - this guy spins a decent yarn but he should hire an editor".
Yes I'd agree The Regulators is average. They weren't really connected other than names. And cover. I think it was more a Stephen King experiment to do two books at the same time, one by his dark half...
Michael,Did you listen to both or are you looking for the original audio as well.
BillI have both already. I transferred The Regulators from a used tape version I bought, but they released it on CD and I got that.
Have to add Bag of Bones to my favorites list now too... Really enjoyed the book and Stephen King's narration.
I have tried to read Stephen King's books, and find that I do not digest them as well as when they are read to me, so I have been listening to them exclusively for the last two years. Duma Key. The overall best story and narration, all of the characters leap out of your speakers and drag you into the heady debacle.
Joyland. An unexpectedly tender story to match Michael Kelly's beautiful narration production.
The Long Walk. Try listening to this while on an epic walk yourself and you won't be able to stop.
It. Steven Weber does such an amazing job with all of the dozens of voices, especially as the terrifying Pennywise, that you'll never be able to think of him in any other role.
Bag of Bones. Although not my favorite story, it is narrated by Uncle Stevie himself, and has FANTASTIC blues music in every chapter.
Sara wrote: "I have tried to read Stephen King's books, and find that I do not digest them as well as when they are read to me, so I have been listening to them exclusively for the last two years. Duma Key. ..."
Man, I hate when Stephen King narrates his own stuff. Every time I hear him read, I'm like, "Wow, he sure is a good writer."
My favorite Stephen King audiobook was the first audiobook I ever listened to actually, Nightmares and Dreamscapes. Different readers do different stories. Very entertaining.
Audiobooks
Books mentioned in this topic
The Stand (other topics)The Stand (other topics)
The Stand (other topics)
’Salem’s Lot (other topics)
Different Seasons (other topics)
More...
1. Mr. Mercedes
2. Dr. Sleep
3. The Shining