Recommendations where to start with Stephen King books?

[yamahacrasher]

Lots of people seem to struggle with it but I've read the series 8 times now I think. I'm pretty obsessed with it

Agreed. I'd lay down my life for that man, and he's fictional for Christ's sake. That's some pretty impressive writing.

 

[liner]

8 times?

What's the appeal, apart from obsession?

I miss being among roland and the ka-tet. After the second time through I thought I'd be done forever. But Roland stays with you, after a few years I missed him. especially when king tossed another Roland novel right in the middle.

I can already tell I'm going to burn through fairy tale. And will still want more king, and it's been years since I've been on the road with roland. Can't wait to start it all over again

 

[TheMaster]

I miss being among roland and the ka-tet. After the second time through I thought I'd be done forever. But Roland stays with you, after a few years I missed him. especially when king tossed another Roland novel right in the middle.

I can already tell I'm going to burn through fairy tale. And will still want more king, and it's been years since I've been on the road with roland. Can't wait to start it all over again

Cool man..
But don't forget time doesn't last forever and don't forget your life happening now and the present advertures you can create

 

[Lubaolong]

my two favorite kings are
Salem's Lot and IT

Salem's lot is a bit of a slow burn

but IT hooks in right away
the time jumps are a bit jarring but it flows together so well
tucking into it and Derry for a week or so is always a good time

You should check out Jerusalem’s Lot if you haven't already. It's a nice short story by King.

 

[volodya]

I miss being among roland and the ka-tet. After the second time through I thought I'd be done forever. But Roland stays with you, after a few years I missed him. especially when king tossed another Roland novel right in the middle.

I can already tell I'm going to burn through fairy tale. And will still want more king, and it's been years since I've been on the road with roland. Can't wait to start it all over again

Wait is Roland in the new book??

 

[chimpoehurricane]

11/22/63 is dark, ominous, and awesome if you like time travel.its a long read but we'll worth it.

It's a reminder that, there's no do over IRL. The clock is ticking in life. Take your shot in life.

I always thought with time travel, it's endless opportunities. The book reminded me that it's much much more complicated. Father time is coming for us all. There's another opportunity if ALIVE but you are always on the clock and it's never the same. Time always takes a bite out of you.

 

[CrazyN8]

I'll also recommend skeleton crew. Good intro to his style. I remember reading it when I was around 14 and a little story called survivor type really messed with my head.

 

[Madmick]

It's pretty simple.

Read his early works. When he was ambitious. The stuff from the 70's and the 80's.

 

[liner]

Wait is Roland in the new book??

Im talking about The Wind Through The Keyhole. it comes after wizard and glass. I forget when king wrote it maybe 10 year ago or so

 

[Harry Dresden]

I read IT when I was a kid left an Impression on me. His finest work is not his opus but Pet Sematary. Start there. Don't read TDT until you are done with the rest of his archive.

 

[Lubaolong]

I've read just over half of his novels and most of his short stories. I really liked The Stand and It, as most people do I guess. I think I would have liked The Shining a lot if I wasn't already familiar with the story.

 

[Ares Black]

It's pretty simple.

Read his early works. When he was ambitious. The stuff from the 70's and the 80's.

If you only read his early stuff you will miss a lot of great writing.

 

[badascan]

Nowhere. He's overrated...

 

[AGGAMEMNON66]

If you're not dead set on something with a more horror feel, try The Gunslinger.

I feel like trying to tackle the series right out of the gate is a bad way to go. The 1st book reads to me like a book that’s an intro to a series.. which it is


‘The Stand’ (which is a huge book) isn’t a bad idea for a start with King, or go the opposite direction and dive into his short stories.

 

[AGGAMEMNON66]

another vote for going with this route. Followed by The Stand and IT. Back when getting books from a library was a thing my Mom checked these out and my brothers and I were like vultures circling for her to put them down so we could start reading.

If you like IT I would also check out Dean Kootz's Phantoms. I love the creature in that book and its backstory.

If we’re talking Koontz I’d also add that the 1st ‘Odd Thomas’ book is pretty good

 

[Madmick]

If you only read his early stuff you will miss a lot of great writing.

He asked where to start. The best stuff is almost entirely in those two decades.

 

[Ares Black]

He asked where to start. The best stuff is almost entirely in those two decades.

I disagree

 

[NoGoodNamesLeft]

id prioblkay starty pn page 1

 

[cincymma79]

It's getting to be that spooky time of year, and this year I want to finally read a Stephen King book.

I've seen pretty much all the movies based on his work, and for years I've been meaning to read some of his books, but never quite got around to it. So this year I'm gonna read my first Stephen King book.


You guys have any favorites of his, or recommendations on a good one to start with?

I loved needful things and under the dome
It and fire starter were good
Girl who loved tom Gordon is decent

 

[HeffDoesWant]

The Stand.

Great but to long as a starter.

I really like The Long Walk and think it'd make for a great introduction. It's one of the books he released under name Richard Bachman, and I think this little collection is a good platform in general. It includes The Running Man which became the Arnie movie (The book is completely different) and also Thinner, which became a real gem in amongst his movie adaptations

Seconded.

Rage is no longer in print. King wanted it to go out of print due to its connection with a few school shootings.

What was rage about? I've read it several times but the title isn't triggering any memories.