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Original poster

I’m going to read all of Stephen King’s books, in order

52 replies

Cheesymonster · 20/07/2019 09:33

Wonder how long it’ll take me Grin

My mum got me into Stephen King when I was a teenager but I only read The Shining, Pet Sematary, IT, Misery and Carrie, in fact I have reread those ones dozens of times over. Oh and Nightmares and Dreamscapes. I have tried The Stand but can’t get into it! So now I’m determined to start from the beginning and read everything he’s written. So far I’ve read Carrie and am now about 30% through Salem’s Lot.

Just curious if anyone else has done this and which is your favourite? Any you gave up on?

OP posts:
timeforakinderworld · 20/07/2019 09:35

I'm not going to do this as I am not a huge fan but I am reading Pet Sematary at the moment. Not really getting into it as much as I thought I would.

Tinkhasflown · 20/07/2019 09:49

I was given a full set of Stephen King Novels and shamefully I've never read any of them! I don't really like scary books though, as I read at night and then can't sleep after them!

Maybe I should dip a toe in......

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 20/07/2019 09:57

I've read all of them, and some of them many times. Some are better than others, some are superb, and a few are utter drivel.

Pet Sematary is pretty rubbish.

It, The Stand and The Dark Tower series are my favourites.

PlinkPlink · 20/07/2019 10:25

I'm tempted to do this... also want to do the same with Dean Koontz. I love his books!
Also a Cliver Barker fan.

Don't even know where to start though 🙈

pleasehelpmewithmydilemma · 20/07/2019 21:14

I am a massive Stephen King fan. His earlier works are his best.

My favourites are The Stand, The Green Mile and It.

I wrote to him once, years ago, when he published The Green Mile, with suggestions as to who should play which character if it were ever made into a film.

And he wrote back to me Smile

Original poster
Cheesymonster · 21/07/2019 07:51

Cool!

OP posts:
gothicsprout · 21/07/2019 08:03

I remember liking Rose Madder at the time, but my memory could be being overly kind!

Cujo is odd (told from the perspective of the dog I think) and there was one involving aliens I really didn’t get on with - Wikipedia suggests this was Dreamcatcher.

I love his short story collections too.

MiddleOfTheRoad · 21/07/2019 08:05

Not read them all but have read a fair few. My favourites are IT and The Stand. I first read IT at 14 and am currently listening to the audio book.

I recently read Pet Sematary (King says this his favourite book that he has written) and after a slow start found it impossible to put down.

I'm going to take Night Shift on holiday as I want some short stories (or Novellas as King jokes) and haven't read it in years either.

HenSolo · 21/07/2019 08:07

Big Stephen King fan here, especially IT and there are many stories in the short story collections that are the scariest things I’ve ever read (The Jaunt anyone??)

Couldn’t get through The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon, Mr Mercedes or Liseys Story though. Also seem to be the only fan who doesn’t like Salem’s Lot. I forgive him those cos I love the rest Grin

Absoluteunit · 21/07/2019 08:11

Nice one! I love SK.

I've just realised I've never read Carrie! Will get on that right away. My faves are The Dark Tower series, IT, The Stand and Duma Key. Ooh and 11.22.63.

Enjoy!

mumsiedarlingrevolta · 21/07/2019 08:12

I read Pet Semetary when I was at Uni and I still remember the nightmares it gave me!!!

I read quite a few in a row but not all...I liked them all but think I was less critical back then Grin

May bring one on holiday now...

madcatladyforever · 21/07/2019 08:13

I love a good horror binge OP. Pet Sematary was the best. Some of his latest books are a bit Meh.

Absoluteunit · 21/07/2019 08:13

Forgot to say I nearly gave up on The Dark Tower because I didn't really like the first one. I persevered because everyone raves about them and so glad I did

MiddleOfTheRoad · 21/07/2019 08:19

Yes yes to Duma Key and 11.22.63.

I can't seem to get more than half way through The Dark Tower though and am annoyed with myself.

Eminybob · 21/07/2019 08:32

I wrote to him once, years ago, when he published The Green Mile, with suggestions as to who should play which character if it were ever made into a film

Were your suggestions used?

My favourites are Duma Key and 11.22.63 too.
Also I love his short stories, especially The Bachman Books and Skeleton Crew.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 21/07/2019 08:37

The Jaunt is fun. My favourite short stories are The Langoliers and Survivor Type.

Toughmonkeys · 21/07/2019 08:37

I also love Stephen King books. One of my favourites is Cell. Also love Dean Koontz and James Herbert books but Herbert's books show their age I find.

OddlyDesserted · 21/07/2019 08:38

Huge Stephen King fan here, I think I've read almost all his books although still haven't managed to read the eyes of the dragon though. I agree that his earlier stuff is better although Duma Key has to be one of his best in my opinion, it's such a rich book if you know what I mean? Also, The Long Walk is an amazing short story. For some reason that one stuck with me!

hammeringinmyhead · 21/07/2019 08:40

I've read almost all of them up until around Duma Key. Since then I've been a bit slack and a few recent ones I didn't like (couldn't finish Dr Sleep).

My favourite is The Stand followed by IT. I like a few less grand ones though like Gerald's Game and Bag of Bones.

hammeringinmyhead · 21/07/2019 08:41

Oh, I didn't finish the Dark Tower either. I did give it 4 books before I gave up!

chickensaresafehere · 21/07/2019 08:49

Another Stephen King fan here.
Been reading his books for over 30 years now.
I often go back & reread one.Lots of favourites Duma Key,Rose Madder,IT,11.22.63,The Tommyknockers,Needful Things. But my most favourite one of all is The Stand.

Atlasta · 21/07/2019 08:49

Wow. What a great thing to do. I'm a huge SK fan and love his proper horror novels and short stories.
IT was the one that started my love.
My favourite is Needful Things.
I also really enjoyed ( although I nearly didn't read) Joyland.
Mr Mercedes books I find aren't really my 'thing' nor are the si-fi esque ones but his early works of pure horror are amazing.

MiddleOfTheRoad · 21/07/2019 08:52

I recently listened to the short story 'The Breathing Method' and found this particularly eerie!

MiddleOfTheRoad · 21/07/2019 08:56

I started to watch 'Under the Dome' having not read the book and gave up.

I have a copy of the book waiting to be read and understand it's so much better than the series (which SK has criticised too).
Shall I dive in when I've re-read IT?

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 21/07/2019 09:08

Yes to The Long Walk - superb. I absolutely detest Needful Things.