I would rather not read a horror story, but just never read him before and know he writes more than just horror. Looking for an enjoyable read and wondering what is out there and good.
that isn't really horror titled 11/22/63 and it's about a guy who learns he can go through a portal back in time and then is intent on going back to save JFK.
I enjoyed it.
Also, his short story called the Body is the story Stand By Me was based on. I read it as a kid and it was a little deep for a kid but re-read it as an adult and it holds up well. Good read, especially if you liked the movie.
Shawshank Redemption is a novella in the Different Seasons collection. The full title is Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redeption: Hope Springs Eternal. Or something like that. I think it has also been published as a standalone book as well.
But if you get the collection, you can also read "The Body" (Turned into Stand By Me) and Apt Pupil (Apt Pupil) so it might be worth your time.
The Green Mile is another similar and obvious choice.
The Gunslinger is his first entry in The Dark Tower Series, which basically ties almost every other thing he's ever written together. I would say most of that series isn't horror, but a weird blending of western and fantasy. It's incredible, but you might want to read a lot more King to get the most out of it if that's a journey you want to embark on.
The Bill Hodges trilogy kind of skirts the border between horror and crime, but not supernatural at all. It starts with Mr. Mercedes.
Long Walk," written under his pseudonym, Richard Bachman. An absolutely fabulous metaphor for life. The story is riveting, and the character development is astonishing.
It is comprised of four short stories or novellas. Each is very good. In fact, out of the four, three have been made into movies. The Shawshank Redemption (as mentioned earlier), Stand By Me and Apt Pupil. Only one of the four stories is technically horror, but I think it is only in a minor sense. All good reads.
Another really good King novel is The Dead Zone. Not necessarily horror either. Compeling story and again, made into a very good movie with Christopher Walken.
He just came out with a book called Fairy Tale last year I think. It was pretty interesting. I really liked it. Lots of little allusions to other fairy tales and even his own works throughout.
Is his best novel IMO. It’s not hardcore horror genre, there are supernatural elements that drive the narrative; a good tale with some vivid characters.
11/22/63 (excellent)
Dead Zone
Talisman (although I read this when it first came out, forever ago)
Christine (better than you would think, nostalgia for me)
The Body (novella, stand by me was based on this)
The Long Walk (writing as Richard Bachman)
Needful Things
Is his best novel IMO. It’s not hardcore horror genre, there are supernatural elements that drive the narrative; a good tale with some vivid characters.
Agree with that. Despite its length I couldn't put this book down. I haven't watched the TV series, but there is so much going on in this story, it would be hard to adapt to series and impossible to adapt into a good movie.
First off, whoever said The Dark Tower, yes. It is his magnum opus and roughly half of his works have some sort of connection to it, sometimes direct and meaningful, sometimes something small and oblique. It is 7 main books with 2 side stories. It is a mixture of western, sci-fi, horror, and romanticism. It's one of the greatest stories ever told and it's made a deep and meaningful impact on my life. My son's middle name is Roland. Stand, and be true.
For non horror there are good suggestions here. 11/22/63 is an excellent book. Only thing I'd add here would be Hearts in Atlantis, a collection of 4 connected stories featuring the same characters. Especially if you are old enough to remember the 50s/60s/70s. It's a love letter to that era and while I didn't experience it (born in '82) it's still one of my favorites. Capturing the magic of childhood has always been one of Kings best abilities, and my God does he nail it in this story.
He did a "hardboiled detective" trilogy awhile back, the Bill Hodges trilogy. I enjoyed it, the 2nd book, Finders Keepers, is IMO the best work of his late career. It does veer into fantasy/horror by the 3rd book though, much to my disappointment. Just didn't feel like a natural conclusion.
And look, it's Stephen King, we gotta talk horror. My "cool aunt" got me 'Salems Lot for my 13th birthday and I never looked back, but King is the only horror author I read.
The Shining kept me awake at night. I read that book in 3 days as a kid in junior high bc I was too spooked to go to sleep.
Pet Semetary...used to be myeast favorite of his works. Super disappointed as he said he believes its his scariest book. The problem? I was in college. Didn't have kids. Gave it another shot a few years ago. He's right, it's horrific.
You want a fun read? Check out Revival. He's mining familiar tropes (tragic father, rock music, drug addiction) but let's just say this story is not going where you think it is.
I'll probably have more to say about this when I get home...lol
Is his best novel IMO. It’s not hardcore horror genre, there are supernatural elements that drive the narrative; a good tale with some vivid characters.
Agree with that. Despite its length I couldn't put this book down. I haven't watched the TV series, but there is so much going on in this story, it would be hard to adapt to series and impossible to adapt into a good movie.
Watch the old one, it isn't perfect by any means but it's good fun. The new one on apple+ I believe, is hot garbage.
Is his best novel IMO. It’s not hardcore horror genre, there are supernatural elements that drive the narrative; a good tale with some vivid characters.
Agree with that. Despite its length I couldn't put this book down. I haven't watched the TV series, but there is so much going on in this story, it would be hard to adapt to series and impossible to adapt into a good movie.
Watch the old one, it isn't perfect by any means but it's good fun. The new one on apple+ I believe, is hot garbage.
that isn't really horror titled 11/22/63 and it's about a guy who learns he can go through a portal back in time and then is intent on going back to save JFK.
I enjoyed it.
Also, his short story called the Body is the story Stand By Me was based on. I read it as a kid and it was a little deep for a kid but re-read it as an adult and it holds up well. Good read, especially if you liked the movie.
I clicked this thread to recommend 11/22/63 as well. Outstanding book, probably his best.
Is his best novel IMO. It’s not hardcore horror genre, there are supernatural elements that drive the narrative; a good tale with some vivid characters.
Agree. Read it the summer I turned 21, and to this day it's still the longest book I've ever consumed. Think it was 1256 pages.
Essex, you said no horror. Some of these suggestions are good, but are horror.
If you can stand a little horror, then I can't recommend "The Stand" strongly enough. The first version of the movie is also great.
The Bill Hodges trilogy is really good. Really good. And if you like the character from that book, Holly Gibney, she has her own book now, "Holly". I haven't read it yet though. Reviewers have liked it.
That trilogy was adapted to a TV series (1 season) on HBO, "The Outsider". It's really good. I read that it is also adapted to another TV series "Mr Mercedes" which I think is on Hulu or Peacock or both maybe. Did not see that one.
"The Institute" is a really good book, some scary but maybe not "horror".
I really liked "The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon". Not horror at all.
When I was a kid I loved listening to baseball on the radio. And I've always been concerned about getting lost in the woods. Both are key parts of that story.
1963 was really cool. His recreation of the era is really good. Mercedes killer trilogy, The Institute really good reads.
One of his best books is “On Writing”. It’s split between an autobiography and a guide on writing.
My first book was Cujo and after that made me wary of dogs, I tried Pet Cemetery. - I gave him up for years before a girlfriend raved about The Stand. I read the first edition and then years later the unedited version which I believe is the standard one now, 1000 pages plus.
He is an incredible writer, but everything he writes has that King twist of insanity/horror/beyond human thing etc.
So no SK recommendation.. but if anyone likes reading fantasy, I got absolutely lost in John Gwynn's series The Faithful and The Fallen. One of those that you go so fast through the first 3 books that you find yourself purposely slowing down on the last because you don't want it to end. Would be a perfect one to make into a tv series imo.
One of my all time favorite fantasy reads though is The Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss...however, I am convinces he will never finish it so it's a hard one to recommend.
I think I am going to chose between 11/22/63 and Different Seasons (although the 11/22/63 book is huge!).
You might consider signing up for a free trial of Audible and getting 63 as an audiobook. It's an amazing experience as a listen. One of the best audiobooks I have heard. And you can listen while you do other things, so easier to access, I think.
First off, whoever said The Dark Tower, yes. It is his magnum opus and roughly half of his works have some sort of connection to it, sometimes direct and meaningful, sometimes something small and oblique. It is 7 main books with 2 side stories. It is a mixture of western, sci-fi, horror, and romanticism. It's one of the greatest stories ever told and it's made a deep and meaningful impact on my life. My son's middle name is Roland. Stand, and be true.
For non horror there are good suggestions here. 11/22/63 is an excellent book. Only thing I'd add here would be Hearts in Atlantis, a collection of 4 connected stories featuring the same characters. Especially if you are old enough to remember the 50s/60s/70s. It's a love letter to that era and while I didn't experience it (born in '82) it's still one of my favorites. Capturing the magic of childhood has always been one of Kings best abilities, and my God does he nail it in this story.
He did a "hardboiled detective" trilogy awhile back, the Bill Hodges trilogy. I enjoyed it, the 2nd book, Finders Keepers, is IMO the best work of his late career. It does veer into fantasy/horror by the 3rd book though, much to my disappointment. Just didn't feel like a natural conclusion.
And look, it's Stephen King, we gotta talk horror. My "cool aunt" got me 'Salems Lot for my 13th birthday and I never looked back, but King is the only horror author I read.
The Shining kept me awake at night. I read that book in 3 days as a kid in junior high bc I was too spooked to go to sleep.
Pet Semetary...used to be myeast favorite of his works. Super disappointed as he said he believes its his scariest book. The problem? I was in college. Didn't have kids. Gave it another shot a few years ago. He's right, it's horrific.
You want a fun read? Check out Revival. He's mining familiar tropes (tragic father, rock music, drug addiction) but let's just say this story is not going where you think it is.
I'll probably have more to say about this when I get home...lol
^^This is a great rundown. I cannot overstate the greatness of The Dark Tower.
I don't think you can buy the original Bachman Books anymore with Rage
I enjoyed it.
Also, his short story called the Body is the story Stand By Me was based on. I read it as a kid and it was a little deep for a kid but re-read it as an adult and it holds up well. Good read, especially if you liked the movie.
But if you get the collection, you can also read "The Body" (Turned into Stand By Me) and Apt Pupil (Apt Pupil) so it might be worth your time.
The Green Mile is another similar and obvious choice.
The Gunslinger is his first entry in The Dark Tower Series, which basically ties almost every other thing he's ever written together. I would say most of that series isn't horror, but a weird blending of western and fantasy. It's incredible, but you might want to read a lot more King to get the most out of it if that's a journey you want to embark on.
The Bill Hodges trilogy kind of skirts the border between horror and crime, but not supernatural at all. It starts with Mr. Mercedes.
I liked his "1963" titled book too.
Rage
The Long Walk
Roadwork
The Running Man
Another really good King novel is The Dead Zone. Not necessarily horror either. Compeling story and again, made into a very good movie with Christopher Walken.
Enjoy
One of my favorite books from King. Definitely recommend also.
Well worth the read.
Dead Zone
Talisman (although I read this when it first came out, forever ago)
Christine (better than you would think, nostalgia for me)
The Body (novella, stand by me was based on this)
The Long Walk (writing as Richard Bachman)
Needful Things
I think I am going to chose between 11/22/63 and Different Seasons (although the 11/22/63 book is huge!).
For non horror there are good suggestions here. 11/22/63 is an excellent book. Only thing I'd add here would be Hearts in Atlantis, a collection of 4 connected stories featuring the same characters. Especially if you are old enough to remember the 50s/60s/70s. It's a love letter to that era and while I didn't experience it (born in '82) it's still one of my favorites. Capturing the magic of childhood has always been one of Kings best abilities, and my God does he nail it in this story.
He did a "hardboiled detective" trilogy awhile back, the Bill Hodges trilogy. I enjoyed it, the 2nd book, Finders Keepers, is IMO the best work of his late career. It does veer into fantasy/horror by the 3rd book though, much to my disappointment. Just didn't feel like a natural conclusion.
And look, it's Stephen King, we gotta talk horror. My "cool aunt" got me 'Salems Lot for my 13th birthday and I never looked back, but King is the only horror author I read.
The Shining kept me awake at night. I read that book in 3 days as a kid in junior high bc I was too spooked to go to sleep.
Pet Semetary...used to be myeast favorite of his works. Super disappointed as he said he believes its his scariest book. The problem? I was in college. Didn't have kids. Gave it another shot a few years ago. He's right, it's horrific.
You want a fun read? Check out Revival. He's mining familiar tropes (tragic father, rock music, drug addiction) but let's just say this story is not going where you think it is.
I'll probably have more to say about this when I get home...lol
I enjoyed The Stand although I think Swan Song by McCammon is better
Quote:
Is his best novel IMO. It’s not hardcore horror genre, there are supernatural elements that drive the narrative; a good tale with some vivid characters.
Agree with that. Despite its length I couldn't put this book down. I haven't watched the TV series, but there is so much going on in this story, it would be hard to adapt to series and impossible to adapt into a good movie.
Watch the old one, it isn't perfect by any means but it's good fun. The new one on apple+ I believe, is hot garbage.
Quote:
In comment 16223818 gary_from_chester said:
Quote:
Is his best novel IMO. It’s not hardcore horror genre, there are supernatural elements that drive the narrative; a good tale with some vivid characters.
Agree with that. Despite its length I couldn't put this book down. I haven't watched the TV series, but there is so much going on in this story, it would be hard to adapt to series and impossible to adapt into a good movie.
Watch the old one, it isn't perfect by any means but it's good fun. The new one on apple+ I believe, is hot garbage.
Think it's on Paramount Plus.
I read it as well. Wasn't at all what I was expecting, but I enjoyed it.
The Long Walk.
Anyway interesting read I enjoyed.
I enjoyed it.
Also, his short story called the Body is the story Stand By Me was based on. I read it as a kid and it was a little deep for a kid but re-read it as an adult and it holds up well. Good read, especially if you liked the movie.
I clicked this thread to recommend 11/22/63 as well. Outstanding book, probably his best.
Agree. Read it the summer I turned 21, and to this day it's still the longest book I've ever consumed. Think it was 1256 pages.
If you can stand a little horror, then I can't recommend "The Stand" strongly enough. The first version of the movie is also great.
The Bill Hodges trilogy is really good. Really good. And if you like the character from that book, Holly Gibney, she has her own book now, "Holly". I haven't read it yet though. Reviewers have liked it.
That trilogy was adapted to a TV series (1 season) on HBO, "The Outsider". It's really good. I read that it is also adapted to another TV series "Mr Mercedes" which I think is on Hulu or Peacock or both maybe. Did not see that one.
"The Institute" is a really good book, some scary but maybe not "horror".
I really liked "The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon". Not horror at all.
When I was a kid I loved listening to baseball on the radio. And I've always been concerned about getting lost in the woods. Both are key parts of that story.
One of his best books is “On Writing”. It’s split between an autobiography and a guide on writing.
My first book was Cujo and after that made me wary of dogs, I tried Pet Cemetery. - I gave him up for years before a girlfriend raved about The Stand. I read the first edition and then years later the unedited version which I believe is the standard one now, 1000 pages plus.
He is an incredible writer, but everything he writes has that King twist of insanity/horror/beyond human thing etc.
One of my all time favorite fantasy reads though is The Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss...however, I am convinces he will never finish it so it's a hard one to recommend.
I think I am going to chose between 11/22/63 and Different Seasons (although the 11/22/63 book is huge!).
You might consider signing up for a free trial of Audible and getting 63 as an audiobook. It's an amazing experience as a listen. One of the best audiobooks I have heard. And you can listen while you do other things, so easier to access, I think.
For non horror there are good suggestions here. 11/22/63 is an excellent book. Only thing I'd add here would be Hearts in Atlantis, a collection of 4 connected stories featuring the same characters. Especially if you are old enough to remember the 50s/60s/70s. It's a love letter to that era and while I didn't experience it (born in '82) it's still one of my favorites. Capturing the magic of childhood has always been one of Kings best abilities, and my God does he nail it in this story.
He did a "hardboiled detective" trilogy awhile back, the Bill Hodges trilogy. I enjoyed it, the 2nd book, Finders Keepers, is IMO the best work of his late career. It does veer into fantasy/horror by the 3rd book though, much to my disappointment. Just didn't feel like a natural conclusion.
And look, it's Stephen King, we gotta talk horror. My "cool aunt" got me 'Salems Lot for my 13th birthday and I never looked back, but King is the only horror author I read.
The Shining kept me awake at night. I read that book in 3 days as a kid in junior high bc I was too spooked to go to sleep.
Pet Semetary...used to be myeast favorite of his works. Super disappointed as he said he believes its his scariest book. The problem? I was in college. Didn't have kids. Gave it another shot a few years ago. He's right, it's horrific.
You want a fun read? Check out Revival. He's mining familiar tropes (tragic father, rock music, drug addiction) but let's just say this story is not going where you think it is.
I'll probably have more to say about this when I get home...lol
^^This is a great rundown. I cannot overstate the greatness of The Dark Tower.
I enjoyed The Stand although I think Swan Song by McCammon is better
Swan song was awesome. I also liked it more than the stand. I should reread it.
Hearts in Atlantis is great
The Talisman is a fun ride.
the Bill Hodges trilogy is good, and agree with above the 2nd book Finders Keepers is great.
Joyland is one that hasnt been brought up but is an easy read and not horror.
Then definitely 11/22/63. Holy moly.
The poster above with his analysis of Salems Lot and Pet Semetary are spot on.
I LOVED Christine. Probably my number 2 read of his, long but it makes the movie a sin to have even been made.
And I like the movie.
The shorter version is also good but really cuts out a lot of the story that makes it such a great read.
I also enjoyed Misery. Like most of King's books. It was 10X better than the movie.