Stephen King Fans discussion

Hello,

My name is Mateusz and I’m from Poland! I’m kind of new here so nice to meet you guys! :)

I just wanted to ask can you type your “Top 5” or so books recommendations for a person who is starting (hopefully long and great) adventure with King? Which books in your opinion I should read the first?

I’ve heard that there’s many “hard” books that I shouldn’t read at the beginning.

The only one King’s book that I have ever read (something like 8 years ago) is “Dolores Claiborne” which I pretty liked.

Can you help me? I’ll be glad for all your advices and help! Thanks in advance! :)

Raven2156 wrote: "Hello,

My name is Mateusz and I’m from Poland! I’m kind of new here so nice to meet you guys! :)

I just wanted to ask can you type your “Top 5” or so books recommendations for a person who is sta..."

I think most of us would agree that the best way to go about reading his books is to read them in chronological order since he builds an entire universe and refers to preceding books fairly often. You certainly don't have to, but you will get more out of them that way.

Having said that, Gerald's Game is a sister book to Dolores Claiborne, so might be good for you. One shared event is integral to both stories.

I agree with Raven, but I think that the short story/novella books like Different Seasons etc are some of the funnest and easiest to start with. I'm not a huge fan of King's early work (The Shining, Christine, Cujo etc). The Stand was my first King book and I've never looked back. Just save up the Dark Tower books, reading those in order altogether was a fantastic treat.

I just purchased Duma Key Is that a good Stephen King book ?

Liz

Ellizabeth wrote: "I just purchased Duma Key Is that a good Stephen King book ?

Liz"

Personally, I loved Duma Key. I've read it two or three times (not sure which). It would definitely be in my all-time top 10 Stephen King novels, possibly top 5. And I've read over 40 of his novels.

I got my wife into King by starting with some of the softer books. The Girl who Loved Tom Gordon for one and Duma Key. Even though there are some heavy horror elements in Duma, the underlying story is so strong that it carries you through. Also I agree with Alicia about Different Seasons. Shawshank is a great one.

I would probably start with Carrie. It's the first book he published, and it doesn't have any connections with other works of his. It's a good way to get an idea and then decide if you're up for the journey or not.

I recommend starting with ‘Pet Sematary’. It is a great start for people who are new to Stephen king. But it can be a bit depressing to some readers.

If you want to read classic Stephen King, then start with Carrie.

If you want to read Weird Stephen King, then read The Dark Half.

If you want to read an over 1000 page epic, then start with The Stand

If you want to read fantasy, then start with The Dark Tower Series

If you want to read Science Fiction, then start with Under the Dome or 11/22/63

If you want to read a new Stephen King book, then start with Mr. Mercedes

If you want to read Contemporary then read Different Seasons

If you like to be disturbed, then read ‘IT’

I loved Rose Madder!

Raven2156 wrote: "Hello,

My name is Mateusz and I’m from Poland! I’m kind of new here so nice to meet you guys! :)

I just wanted to ask can you type your “Top 5” or so books recommendations for a person who is sta..."

The first two Kings I read were "It" and "The Shining". "The Shining" is one of his earlier works, and one of my favorites of his, so I think it's a good introduction to King. "It" was a little weird but intriguing enough that I continued reading him. I think I'd recommend starting more or less where King started. You don't have to strictly keep to publication order, but starting with one of his earlier ones, ie. Carrie,
The Shining, Firestarter, etc. is a good way to get a feel for King and his writing style.

I came to this forum looking for Steven king book recs too. I haven’t seen anyone talking about this but I LOVED the institute

I think “Misery” or “Salem’s Lot” are good to start with.

Im pretty new to King as well, I’ve read less than 20 of his books. But so far my favorites have been;

The Stand
Misery
The Shining
Pet Sematary
and Different Seasons