Stephen King, help please?

[Number666livesaMrMIller]

Ok, I'll admit I've never really read a Stephen King book. I've dallied with the usual 'it' and 'pet semetry' in my teens but nothing since.
Any particular recommendations? What order do I need to read things in?
I'm not a fan of short stories and love a good chunky novel to get my teeth into.
Thank you

Forgot to say, there's a really good Rolling Stone interview with him where details his addiction problems and the drop in quality around The Tommyknockers. Really good insight for any fans.

That's so interesting. I used to be his 'number one fan' and really loved all of his books, but stopped reading him after The Tommyknockers. I read it on a beach circa 1988 and thought it was rubbish. I've only reread the older stuff since then, nothing new.

Which book would be a good re-introduction?

Cranston, I'd go for Insomnia, Needful Things and 22.11.63. I enjoyed Under the Dome, but found the ending a little weak. I'd avoid Gerald's Game, Lisey's Story and Hearts in Atlantis.

There's a really interesting series on the Guardian website where a King fan is re-reading and re-evaluating his books from the start - but there are spoilers in the articles, so best read after the books.

I'm another Stephen King constant reader - I started reading him when I was about 13 and now have all of his books. It's amazing how many people still pooh-pooh him as "just a horror writer" when, actually, he's a fantastic creator of characters who you get to know and care about, and empathise with - a canny writer of human relationships and fears (not just schlock horror ones), as well as an out and out spinner of rip roaring yarns. Can you tell I'm a fan yet? I have too many favourite Stephen King books to list, but a few I find myself rereading time and again include The Stand, the Dark Tower series, It, The Talisman, Insomnia and his short story collections.

I'm reading the Stand at the moment and its great. On page 1300 and a bit and the end is drawing near. I'm going to be sad when it's over. .

The Dark Tower series
The Shining
Insomnia
Needful Things
The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon
1408
The Langoliers
Low Men In Yellow Coats
Firestarter