question for Stephen King fans
10-12-07, 09:34 AM
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question for Stephen King fans
I've never read any of his books but I would like to start. I was thinking about going with Everything's Eventual or one of his other short story compilations. What are his absolute best books to check out for someone who hasn't read any? It doesn't matter if they are horror or not, I just want to read the good ones. Thanks
10-12-07, 09:55 AM
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While I recommed starting at the top with Carrie and going forth, be sure to check out The Stand, Gerald's Game and Skeleton Crew.
10-12-07, 10:00 AM
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If you want to start with short stories I would go with Skeleton Crew. For books pick a classic like Christine, Dead zone, Firestarter or Salem's Lot.
But stay away from Gerald's Game.
But stay away from Gerald's Game.
10-12-07, 10:01 AM
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Short stories are hit and miss. Skeleton Crew is pretty solid. Everything's Eventual has surprisingly little "horror" content which probably turns a lot of fans off a little bit, but the stories are pretty good.
10-12-07, 10:02 AM
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I loved Gerald's Game 
10-12-07, 12:08 PM
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Originally Posted by JAA
If you've never read King, this should get you off and rolling:
Pet Semetary
Pet Semetary
Also, check out 'The Mist'. I think its the best King short story. Its part of the Skeleton Crew collection mentioned above.
10-12-07, 01:32 PM
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I should mention that I've seen most of the film adaptions of King's work, and Pet Sematary is one of my favorites. I'm sure the book will make the movie look like crap though lol. I think i'll check out Skeleton Crew and then read PS.
10-12-07, 02:19 PM
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Night Shift is the first King work that I ever read. A lot of great stories, a few clunkers, but a definite must read. He weaves a fine tale, that guy.
10-12-07, 02:21 PM
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Originally Posted by JAA
If you've never read King, this should get you off and rolling:
Pet Semetary
Pet Semetary
His short story collections are great (I prefer these to his novels sometimes). You can't go wrong with Skeleton Crew, Everything's Eventual. Since "The Mist" is coming out next month maybe read that first (it is in Skeleton Crew). The Mist would be a great little introduction to SK, see the movie, get hooked for life!
10-12-07, 03:01 PM
#20
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I'd recommend anyone new to King start out at the beginning:
Carrie
'Salem's Lot
The Shining
Night Shift
The Stand
The Dead Zone
His early works are the definitive ones.
Carrie
'Salem's Lot
The Shining
Night Shift
The Stand
The Dead Zone
His early works are the definitive ones.
10-12-07, 04:18 PM
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Start out with the strong early stuff...
'Salem's Lot
The Shining
The Stand
The Dead Zone
Carrie is good, too, but this stuff is King at his best.
'Salem's Lot
The Shining
The Stand
The Dead Zone
Carrie is good, too, but this stuff is King at his best.
10-12-07, 05:34 PM
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I think any of them are a good start. I personally would go with:
Misery
The Running Man
The Stand
Pet Semetary
It
Just make sure you end up reading The Dark Tower series eventually.
Misery
The Running Man
The Stand
Pet Semetary
It
Just make sure you end up reading The Dark Tower series eventually.
10-12-07, 07:15 PM
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I actually like his short stories more. They are hit-or-miss, but so is his prose within the novels, and inconsistency in a longer piece can be a whole lot more irritating. Skeleton Crew is good, but one of my favorites is in Nightmares and Dreamscapes ("My Pretty Pony"). As far as novels go, I'm not sure he's ever topped Misery.