The book you like most discussion
If I were to tackle my first ever Stephen King, what would you recommend?
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nikole
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Jun 21, 2025 04:03PM
I want to be wowed ..
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Also The Shining - both great starting points.
I agree with the above two recommendations of Rob'sPet Sematary was my first Stephen King personally, and I loved it.
my favorites are The Stand and Salem's Lot
I'm reading the book called IT by him and I like it so far
IT is excellent. However, I don't remember reading any of his books that I didn't like. I have not read any in the last 30 years or so.
Cycle of the Werewolf was my first. Don't know if it was a good thing to be the first since I read it when I was about 10, but still in my top 10 to this day 20+ years later 🤣
I would read "The Stand" but the recent unabridged version.
Do you have any "triggers"? Under the Dome is my absolute favorite, but it's a lot to take on. The Stand is really beautifully written as well. If you want something shorter, Misery is great.
My first Stephen King was Carrie. I was in like 6th-7th grade and it got me hooked. Really depends on whether you want horror or something more serious though, he's really written something for almost everyone.
One of the first ones I read was Christine, loved it.
I've only read two, Carrie and 11.22.63. Both were easy to read, one was horror and the other more of a time travel sci fi novel. I enjoyed both. Looks like most people are suggesting Misery so I'm keen to read it now too! The Shining often appears on those lists of books you should read so that's King cannon too.
Pet Semetry , hands down ...That book spooked me !! Misery was my second read.
MISERY or GERALD'S GAME or DOLORES CLAIBORNE
Rita Hayworth and Shawshank RedemptionVery short and will give you a taste of his writing
I'm going to say The Green Mile. I think it's an incredible book.
if wanted a recent one by him i woukd suggest billy summers or fairytale. but if yould wanna just dip your toes on his more horror -ish / thriller ones then maybe i'd suggest you start with the shining or green mile or dolores clairborne
I really recommend fairytale, but also think misery is a good starting point
I concur with either The Shining or Misery. If you've already watched either of their movie counterparts, they are very similar save for the endings. I had read The Shining before I watched the movie, and preferred the book to the movie, but Misery I had watched before reading, not knowing that it was a SK novel and preferred the movie. Maybe it's because I am a Kathy Bates fan :) The first novel of his that I read that I didn't think was a movie was Insomnia. To be honest, it took a long while to get into it. It was also a longer book than The Shining and Misery. I still gave it 3.5 stars.
I've only read 2 of his books but out of the two I'd probably say Pet Semetary
The Long Walk! I read that many, many times over many years and I promise you it will haunt you forever!
IT, it's just a classic
i'm currently reading it and it's a lot. I'm enjoying it but still
Mr. Mercedes, or, Fairy Tale. You will not be disappointed!
Kali_readsbooks4 wrote: "I really recommend fairytale, but also think misery is a good starting point"I agree
secret window, Christine, pet cemetery, or carrie
Read IT. I was specially fond of that book. It is quite long but it is worth every page
Probably Carrie, because that’s the first one he wrote.
My first was The Long Walk and it stuck with me forever!!
The Shining, It, Dolores Claiborne, Any of his short story collections. His more recent novels are excellent as well - Billy Summers, Fairy Tale, and the Mr. Mercedes trilogy with their companion Holly books. I’m a Constant Reader so I’m unapologetically biased that everything he writes is worth your time to read😉
Fairy Tale was my first and I thought it was pretty good. I've heard Sleeping Beauties was a good start point too, but haven't read it myself yet.
This is semi relevant. I wanted to finally read Stephen King, picked Dark Tower, and felt like I didn't know how to read a book. I had zero clue what was going on. I Googled a section just to see and did not believe the results. I put the book down and sulked for a while. Is it just me? Or is he known to be a difficult read at times? I was deciding on picking up Salems Lot to try again. Ive read 1Q84 for Pete's sake I thought I could handle anything.
I started with Misery but I would recommend to start with Billy Summers first. It’s easier to digest and is more like a dip into the Stephen King world.
I am currently doing the Summer of Stephen King.I am currently in love with The Institute.
The book you like most
Books mentioned in this topic
Pet Sematary (other topics)The Green Mile (other topics)
The Tommyknockers (other topics)
Billy Summers (other topics)
