What Stephen King should I read?

[SuperScribbler]

OK so I'm not a huge fan of gory horror, but do enjoy psychological thrills/chills. I've read Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption and enjoyed it. I've also read On Writing, another good read. So what would fans recommend I chose next??

[Medal]

Doctor Sleep = AMAZING! I read it in 3 days and I think it is his best book in a while, no let down at all after The Shining.

[vichill]

It is good but crap ending. Pet sematary is really unnerving. Needful things ok.

[gamerchick]

Stephen kings I have a rule. If you're not into it by 100 pages then sack it off.

[gamerchick]

The girl who loved tom Gordon was an awesome book.

[PepeLePew]

The Stand is absolutely amazing. It's stayed with me in a way no other book has. It's not the most brilliant literary creation but there is something extraordinary about it, and the characters are so well drawn. As CaptainTripps said, I am slightly jealous of anyone who hasn't yet read it (and your posting name sent a small shiver down my spine, Captain)

I think Salem's Lot is an excellent horror story but I can't seem to read horror any more. I used to be a lot tougher.

I hated Rose Madder, but forced myself to finish it. So dull.

I remember liking some of the Richard Bachmann books. Thinner is pretty creepy.

Eyes of the Dragon was one I loved when I was younger. Not sure it has stood the test of time though. I'm contemplating The Dark Tower series next.

[Wherediparkmybroom]

Just avoid the girl who loved Tom Gordon, I loved insomnia tho!

[CaptainTripps]

I am sooo jealous that you have not yet read The Stand. You get to have all that enjoyment in front of you.

Will you let us know if you like it?

[Wallison]

Hope you enjoy them, OP!

[SuperScribbler]

Thanks all. Have settled on the Stand, Green Mile (have seen the film), the Shining and the jfk one (the concept intrigues me).

[SnozzleWobbleson]

The Jaunt (one of the short stories in Skeleton Crew)

Still freaks me out just thinking about it after all these years

[naturephoto19]

THE Wind through the keyhole

[gamerchick]

I couldn't read geralds game. Gave it the 100 pages you do for Stephen King and did a freezby across the room. I feel tense just thinking about it.

[FastWindow]

Stand, deffo. Full uncut. Give the miniseries a miss though, it was pants.
I never rated It.
Cujo terrified me... Still can't read it again and I'm 40.
11.22.63 was ace, if you love time travel and the whole jfk conspiracy, you'll be made up.
Geralds game.
Green mile for sure.
Thinner (Bachman books)
Four past midnight. The story 'the body' was made into the film 'Stand by me' with river phoenix.
Needful things...

Oh, just start at the beginning and quit when he does!!

[perceptionreality]

I read IT recently. It's an epic read but I cared enough about the characters to stick through it to the bitter end. I'm going to read The Stand too.

[Heartbrokenmum73]

Definitely The Stand and IT. But how has no one mentioned the absolutely amazing 'The Talisman' (unless they have, and I just got over-excited at the thread). I know it was co-written (with Peter Straub) so may not count, but by God I love that book and the follow-up, Black House, is one of the scariest books I've ever read.

Also, The Dark Tower series - wonderful, wonderful books.

[Wallison]

I think he's a fantastic writer and love loads of his books but if you want to avoid outright horror then The Stand, every time. And Dolores Clairbourne. Both of them are big on suspense, tell stories so well that you just know you are being guided by a master, and are utterly gripping.

[BelleOfTheBorstal]

For me it would be The Shining, followed by Misery followed by Carrie, seeing as you have already read The Shawshank Redemption.

[ScooseIsLoose]

Joyland is one of his more recent ones and it's brilliant, it's one of the first books I have read in ages that I couldn't put down. I highly recommend it!

[gamerchick]

Full dark no stars really ticked me off. It was like he was grumpy in the afterword slagging all his fans off. Or that's how I read it anyway. As if he had felt forced to write the book or something.

[ProfondoRosso]

Agree, Radagast - I wish someone would remake it in a properly eerie style!

[RadagastTheBrown]

Having said that, if it's psychological thrills/chills you're after, have you tried Deaver's Lincoln Rhyme series?

[RadagastTheBrown]

I know the made for TV film was pants but 'It' is a fantastic book. Pennywise the Clown is one of the scariest characters ever!

[Sorelip]

I forgot Christine, that is a damn good book.

[LeBearPolar]

I love his short stories - read Full Dark, No Stars over the summer and thoroughly enjoyed it. Other favourites are The Dead Zone, Misery, The Dark Half, Cujo. I liked Cell as well.

[bimblebee]

The Dead Zone is my favourite - not too gory like many of his others!!