What book do I read

[Maria Cristina]

Im a new stephen king reader and I just ordered the shining and misery.. which one should I read first?

[Mike]

Any one of them, they're not books that are connected; but I'd recommend The Shining first.

[Michael]

Michael wrote: "Any one of them, they're not books that are connected . . ."

Well, actually, in a small way, they are. So, read THE SHINING first, then see something in MISERY.

[Mike]

Oh.. is that so?

I've read both of the books, years apart though.

I'm curious, how is The Shining connected to Misery?

[Murray]

I'd go with The Shining.

[William]

Some people like to go in order, because they often reflect what was going on with Stephen King during that time in his life. Some constant readers go by the publishers, like his first novels were from Doubleday and then onto Viking. But some Stephen King is not for everybody, Some people love the Shining, I could never get into it and have never been able to read it through. But Carrie, "Salem's Lot,The Stand are some of my favorites of all time. Good luck.

[Scott]

It depends on what you are interested in. Stephen King is a bit all over the map, it's all horror of one kind or another but some is psychological, supernatural, dystopian, science fiction, fantasy. There are a couple of series that should be read in chronological order like 'The Dark Tower' , the Bill Hodges trilogy, or 'The Talisman' and 'Black House'. Same with 'The Shining' and 'Doctor Sleep'. I would go with one of the story collections like 'Night Shift or 'Skeleton Crew' first and then move on to something like 'Salem's Lot' , 'Pet Semetery', or "The Dead Zone'. Some of my favorites are 'Salem's Lot', 'Joyland', 'Christine' and 'The Talisman'.
Hope this has been helpful.

[Michelle]

The Stand, Misery, Under the Dome, It, and Gerald's Game are some of my favorites and highly recommended to a first-time King reader. I felt the the shining was too slow to enjoy. But that's the wonderful thing about Stephen King. You might not like every book but there is something for everyone.

[Trista]

I absolutely love both The Shining and Misery...I read Misery first, simply because it's shorter, and I'm happy I did, HOWEVER as a few people mentioned, The Shining does come first (you'll see when you read Misery). I think Misery moves a little faster, and has a bit more action than The Shining...I absolutely love The Shining, but it does start to drag a bit in the middle. Great question and you really can't go wrong either way, enjoy your study of the town of Sidewinder!

[Erin]

There are also the Bachman books to try as well.

[Kellie]

They are both very good and my favourite books along with IT, The Stand and Pet Sematary. I would read the Shining first before Misery. But definitely read both.

[Michael]

Michael wrote: "I'm curious, how is The Shining connected to Misery?"

Like this: (view spoiler)[Annie Wilkes picked up a hitchhiker on his way to Sidewinder to sketch the ruins of the The Overlook Hotel. (hide spoiler)]

[Tek]

For whatever reason, i had a hard time getting into the Shining the first time i tried it. Not sure why.

I don't think you can make a wrong choice here tho. Theyre both solid reads.

[Mike]

One thing you need to understand Michael Roch is Stephen King's books all have 'easter eggs' if you've ever read The Dark Tower series you'll know that ALL of Stephen King's books are in the same universe more or less; but that doesn't mean The Shining is Connected to Misery - it's a completely separate story.

[Michael]

Michael wrote: "if you've ever read The Dark Tower series you'll know that ALL of Stephen King's books are in the same universe more or less; but that doesn't mean The Shining is Connected to Misery"

That's true! That's why I never said they were connected by The Dark Tower.

It's widely accepted that fictional places and characters connect stories. For example, the Castle Rock stories are considered connected by way of the town of Castle Rock, yet each book is a separate story.