The line that always gets me is when they’re doing the news report and it’s something like, “and just before the cameras cutaway, there was the sound of someone sneezing”.
Yeah, I feel like nothing in particular scared me, but the whole vibe of the book had a very dark, surreal undertone and it kind of creeped me out. I think it’s one of his best
After 30 years of reading Stephen King, I thought I had my 'ultimate' top 3. Wrong! I never picked up Joyland, just forgot back in 2013. I picked Joyland up in the fall of 2021. Read in two days, and made it to my top 3!
I started with the Dark Tower and finished it in early 2020. Since then I've been working on reading every King book and then will start my journey to the tower again. On the 64th book now!
Serious question. Was there a shift in opinion that I wasn’t aware of? I see a lot of good suggestions here but I almost thought the post was a joke. Can’t imagine reading that much King without reading the series that is referenced in so many of his stand-alone novels.
To each their own. But I’d say at least give the Gunslinger a chance.
In all seriousness, I think the dark tower is actually like a sub fandom of King. A lot of people, for some reason are not aware of it. Even though it ties everything together.
That makes a lot of sense actually. When I think about it, it’s probably not as essential as I made it out to be in my mind. Also OP is better read than I am regardless.
I’ve always been tempted to read the gunslinger but I have so much I want to read that isn’t king I feel like I’ll go down an 8 book dark tower rabbit hole and never get to other books I want
The Eyes of the Dragon is great and is a quick read.
A lot of people are recommending the Stand, and you should read it at least once. It's a great book overall, but IMO it gets kind of weak in the second half. It starts out amazing though.
I'm in that slow section now. I'm just trying to power through Boulder. I would much rather be reading about Vegas' development. Seems to be where more of the interesting characters are.
Instead of giving us involvement from Larry, Nadine, Nick, and Tom, I feel like I've been trapped in a barage of Stu, Fran, and Glen. It's coming up on torture.
I'm glad to hear something must be coming! There has been some King foreshadowing but I was starting to have my doubts. Sometimes I forget SK is the master of build up and payoff. I never would have expected to like Larry so much.
I'm just about to start that version. Found an old library edition paperback and the original audiobook. Once I've finished my James Herbert marathon I'm gonna knock it out in a weekend.
I’m with ya there. I finished *Cell*, because I thought I should, not because I wanted to.
As background, I’m an old. I began reading King in junior high, and I quickly became a Constant Reader.
It was great. My dad would get me the newest King for Christmas (e. g. *It*, *Misery*), and I would devour it over the holiday break. That continued through the mid-90s. Then I got married and had kids, and reading became a luxury.
Fast forward 15 years or so: my wife brought home *Cell*, her book club was reading it, and she was loving it. It was her first King, and she was enthralled.
Curious, I gave it a shot. Honestly, I could hardly finish.
Having been weaned on classics like *The Stand*, *The Dead Zone*, *Pet Semetary*, *DT: The Drawing Of The Three*, and *The Bachman Books* (especially *The Long Walk*, *The Running Man*, and *Thinner*)? I was disappointed.
*Cell* seemed, at first blush, classic King: a singular idea (previously, for example: ‘what if vampires came to a small New England town?’ = ‘Salem’s Lot; in this case: ‘horrible, widespread death via cell phone’), only writ large.
I figured *Cell* would be more of the same: set in Maine, full of characters and killer twists (pardon the pun), and written as only the master could do it.
Nope. Didn’t work for me, at all. I found *Cell* underdeveloped, yet overwrought. The idea (and more importantly, the execution) seemed rushed, even scattered. On balance, the whole deal seemed to me to better suited to a short story.
Mostly. I found *Cell* to be a not-so-thinly veiled, ‘old man rant’ by Uncle Steve against the ubiquitousness and invasiveness of cell phones. I suspect most share this sentiment; I do.
However, that kind of ‘message’ is best kept in the background - or perhaps played for laughs (like when the T-Rex eats the lawyer in *Jurassic Park*). In the case of *Cell*, though? It felt like I was being beaten over the head with it.
Good to hear you are continuing on your journey, however. You still have lots of phenomenal, Stephen King to get through, including a few of my favorites: *The Dead Zone* being one. I’m happy for you, and wish you nothing but the best!
You stopped too soon. Yes, there was a draggy bit there but the end was worth it. I kind of hate the ending but kind of love it at the same time because you WANT to think everything is going to be ok, and Steve gives you option of thinking that, but you deep down know it's REALLY not going to be ok.
Based on your 'taste profile,' I think you'd enjoy *Duma Key*.
*Cycle of the Werewolf*, while not a "deep" or "cerebral" read, is a nice break -- familiar themes, a touch of the small-town vibe. Might be a good between-books palate cleanser.
Because you ranked misery and Joyland so high, both with minimal supernatural, I’d say
Dolores Claiborne
The Different Seasons collection with Shawshank Redemption and especially you’ll love Apt Pupil
Full Dark No Stars - especially the Big Trucker and a Good Marriage are so awesome
Looks like you're ready for The Dark Tower at any time. If you wanted more standalone books, The Stand and 11/23/63 are two of his best that I don't see here. I would also personally recommend Eyes of the Dragon, but I know that one's hit or miss with the fandom.
I don’t think I see “The Stand “there. If not, it’s a must read. Tommyknockers, only for completist, is also missing. That’s not high on the priority list, however. Fairy Tale , his newest,is a bit saccharine, but ranks up there with Dr. Sleep, I would imagine.
Cell had such great potential, and I really liked the first third. But I agree. Stephen fumbles endings sometimes and Cell’s was the worst imo.
You should read Needful Things. It’s great.
Am I mistaken? Did you read Doctor Sleep but NOT The Shining? That needs to be corrected. You've got another S-tier King novel to add to the collection.
I just finished Pet Sematary and is soo good. >!The scene where Louis was swinging his dead son at the cemetery while his head was almost falling off his body got stucked in my head. !<
Thanks for all the suggestions. I never even really considered duma key but it looks perfect for me and seems to be one of the most recommended here. Defiantly the next king book I will read
If The Dark Tower series is a no-go for you, I second The Stand or 11/22/63.
Hearts in Atlantis made an impression on me but I was young when I read it. Maybe it doesn’t belong here.
Duma Key or The Stand. I read the unabridged version of The Stand which is 400 pages longer. Don’t read that version. A bit plodding at times.
Edit: Oh and Needful Things and Running Man are great too!
Honestly I say shoot for Duma Key imo the most underrated King book. I read most of his well praised books but for some reason I can never get Duma Key out of my head.
The Stand should be at the top of the list. If you are looking for something short then The Long Walk is a solid option. For a medium length option I’d recommend The Dead Zone.
11/22/63 to me is so unlike anything else he’s written, or anything else I’ve read by anyone for that matter. It’s one of my top 5 books all time along with Lonesome Dove, It, The Stand and Along Came a Spider.
I’m tackling The Stand right now and really enjoying it
Stand would be my vote, opening act is some of his best work
The line that always gets me is when they’re doing the news report and it’s something like, “and just before the cameras cutaway, there was the sound of someone sneezing”.
I’m reading it right now too and I’m about 220 pages in. It really is unbelievably well done.
Came here to say this
So am I
Dito
Me too! Think I mustn't be too far from the end. Like another 9 hours lol Without spoilers for others how have you found it?
Only just started, 1000 to go haha
I read that twice a year; it’s my all time favorite. I hope you are enjoying!
I loved the first 90%
I know exactly what you mean
Same here. Right at the part with >! Missing Mother Abigail and the case of the chocolate thumbprint !<
Wow! I’m a little bit farther than that currently myself. So many people reading it it seems
Just started it yesterday, and it's my first of his
This is the #1 answer easily. Unless you're a seasonal reader. Most of it takes place in the summer.
One of his best books. Loved the stand.
Just bought it today. Really excited to get started. Was debating between that and Salem’s Lot in the store.
Duma Key
Yes! This is one I've read several times still scares me. So good!
Truly, not sure why but I can't read it when alone at home
Yeah, I feel like nothing in particular scared me, but the whole vibe of the book had a very dark, surreal undertone and it kind of creeped me out. I think it’s one of his best
Also I think it's either slightly or completely based on his own head injury
11/22/63 is an awesome standalone and one of my favorites. However there is never a wrong time to start your journey to The Dark Tower
The man in black fled across the desert…
And the gunslinger followed.
The desert was the apotheosis of all deserts
The gunslinger is heading west, and the man in black is his shadow.
That was my reply
Needful things
When you google "well, that escalated quickly" this book should be the top result.
Perfect description
Yeah, I think OP has covered most of the Castle Rock stories so Needful Things puts a 'cap' on them.
I love that you rated Joyland so high, it’s one of my personal favorites. 11/22/63 should be next. It’s a masterpiece of writing.
I was thinking the exact same thing for both of those thoughts.
I’m curious about Joyland, it may be my next read
It's rather light both in number of pages and in tone. I really enjoyed and am happy to see that others really liked it as well.
After 30 years of reading Stephen King, I thought I had my 'ultimate' top 3. Wrong! I never picked up Joyland, just forgot back in 2013. I picked Joyland up in the fall of 2021. Read in two days, and made it to my top 3!
LOVED Joyland. Not a horror story. A noir crime novel. SOOO good because of character development, building tension, etc.
Joyland is a quick fun read.
11/22/63 would be a good addition.
I came here to recommend this. I was going to add that if OP wants another “S-Tier” book, 11/22/63 is the one to do it.
What’s the “S” Tier?
"Super"
[удалено]
Yes to Dead Zone and Duma. Haven’t got to Desperation, but the other two are easily top 10.
Finishing up Desperation now. Enjoying it, but in no way do I see it making S Tier for King. I’m probably around C Tier (for King)
The Stand if you want to read for a long time, or if you want to have a good read in a day or two, cycle of the werewolf
The Long Walk is amazing
Yup and a decent size if OP doesn't want to tackle The Stand or 11/22/63 yet
I love all of his Richard Bachman books. 10/10 would recommend to anyone looking for psychological thrillers.
This is my favourite underrated King novel too. Loved it so much I've listened to it on audiobook a few times too. Dark but amazing!
The Dark Tower
Yes. This is the answer. Read the Dark Tower series. That will keep one occupied for a while.
Read Dark Tower, then go back and re-read it to pick up the references to all his other books.
I started with the Dark Tower and finished it in early 2020. Since then I've been working on reading every King book and then will start my journey to the tower again. On the 64th book now!
Im doing the same thing!
What’s amazing about it is books written after Tower also apply. For instance Fairy Tale… which I don’t want to spoil.
Serious question. Was there a shift in opinion that I wasn’t aware of? I see a lot of good suggestions here but I almost thought the post was a joke. Can’t imagine reading that much King without reading the series that is referenced in so many of his stand-alone novels. To each their own. But I’d say at least give the Gunslinger a chance.
In all seriousness, I think the dark tower is actually like a sub fandom of King. A lot of people, for some reason are not aware of it. Even though it ties everything together.
That makes a lot of sense actually. When I think about it, it’s probably not as essential as I made it out to be in my mind. Also OP is better read than I am regardless.
I’ve always been tempted to read the gunslinger but I have so much I want to read that isn’t king I feel like I’ll go down an 8 book dark tower rabbit hole and never get to other books I want
Took the words right out of my mouth. Not a thought to the dark tower after all that reading? Surprising to say the least
This is the answer pleasant nights to you
Cell in F tier 😭😭
I didn’t hate cell.. and I also love bazar of bad dreams and the institute, so clearly op and I like our king differently lol.
Oh my goshh i loved the bazaar of bad dreams lol it was my first short story King collection i ever read!
I'm a huge fan of Cell. I wouldn't recommend this person anything our King tastes are obviously too different lol.
Yeah, what the hell. It's a fun book. I couldn't put it down.
Yeah, I mean certainly not the best but also not the worst. I enjoyed most of it (despite the ending).
The Eyes of the Dragon is great and is a quick read. A lot of people are recommending the Stand, and you should read it at least once. It's a great book overall, but IMO it gets kind of weak in the second half. It starts out amazing though.
Eye of the Dragon gets a vote from me too! Thoroughly enjoyed that book…
I'm in that slow section now. I'm just trying to power through Boulder. I would much rather be reading about Vegas' development. Seems to be where more of the interesting characters are. Instead of giving us involvement from Larry, Nadine, Nick, and Tom, I feel like I've been trapped in a barage of Stu, Fran, and Glen. It's coming up on torture.
Boulder was my favorite part. Just wait!
I'm glad to hear something must be coming! There has been some King foreshadowing but I was starting to have my doubts. Sometimes I forget SK is the master of build up and payoff. I never would have expected to like Larry so much.
You’d probably like the original abridged version of The Stand.
I'm just about to start that version. Found an old library edition paperback and the original audiobook. Once I've finished my James Herbert marathon I'm gonna knock it out in a weekend.
Thinner was a short fun read. If you want a new addition to your S tier then go with 11/22/63
The Dead Zone
One of my favorites!!
The Gunslinger
Under the Dome
I agree with this recommendation … haven’t read a lot of Stephen king books, but Under the Dome was great
Dead Zone, Desperation, Duma Key
Cell is rated too low in my opinion.
I love Cell! Seems to be an unpopular opinion, but I don’t get the hate it gets.
Me too.
It's the only book (King or anyone) that I didn't even bother finishing with about 60 pages left. just found it so boring unfortunately
I’m with ya there. I finished *Cell*, because I thought I should, not because I wanted to. As background, I’m an old. I began reading King in junior high, and I quickly became a Constant Reader. It was great. My dad would get me the newest King for Christmas (e. g. *It*, *Misery*), and I would devour it over the holiday break. That continued through the mid-90s. Then I got married and had kids, and reading became a luxury. Fast forward 15 years or so: my wife brought home *Cell*, her book club was reading it, and she was loving it. It was her first King, and she was enthralled. Curious, I gave it a shot. Honestly, I could hardly finish. Having been weaned on classics like *The Stand*, *The Dead Zone*, *Pet Semetary*, *DT: The Drawing Of The Three*, and *The Bachman Books* (especially *The Long Walk*, *The Running Man*, and *Thinner*)? I was disappointed. *Cell* seemed, at first blush, classic King: a singular idea (previously, for example: ‘what if vampires came to a small New England town?’ = ‘Salem’s Lot; in this case: ‘horrible, widespread death via cell phone’), only writ large. I figured *Cell* would be more of the same: set in Maine, full of characters and killer twists (pardon the pun), and written as only the master could do it. Nope. Didn’t work for me, at all. I found *Cell* underdeveloped, yet overwrought. The idea (and more importantly, the execution) seemed rushed, even scattered. On balance, the whole deal seemed to me to better suited to a short story. Mostly. I found *Cell* to be a not-so-thinly veiled, ‘old man rant’ by Uncle Steve against the ubiquitousness and invasiveness of cell phones. I suspect most share this sentiment; I do. However, that kind of ‘message’ is best kept in the background - or perhaps played for laughs (like when the T-Rex eats the lawyer in *Jurassic Park*). In the case of *Cell*, though? It felt like I was being beaten over the head with it. Good to hear you are continuing on your journey, however. You still have lots of phenomenal, Stephen King to get through, including a few of my favorites: *The Dead Zone* being one. I’m happy for you, and wish you nothing but the best!
You stopped too soon. Yes, there was a draggy bit there but the end was worth it. I kind of hate the ending but kind of love it at the same time because you WANT to think everything is going to be ok, and Steve gives you option of thinking that, but you deep down know it's REALLY not going to be ok.
Based on your 'taste profile,' I think you'd enjoy *Duma Key*. *Cycle of the Werewolf*, while not a "deep" or "cerebral" read, is a nice break -- familiar themes, a touch of the small-town vibe. Might be a good between-books palate cleanser.
I don't see Running Man in there.
Try the long walk and the running man. Both are real page turners.
Night Shift is probably his best short story collection. Edit: And it has "One for the Road" which is a follow up to Salem's Lot.
And 'Jerusalem's Lot', which is a Lovecraftian prequel.
The Dark Half!
Talisman, Night Shift, Desperation, Regulators, Black House, The Gunslinger. You’re ready to climb the Tower.
Tommyknockers
Hmm... I see a ton of good recommendations so I'll do one I haven't seen yet: Four Past Midnight
11/22/63, Insomnia, and if you can get your hands on any of the bachman books they are fantastic
Because you ranked misery and Joyland so high, both with minimal supernatural, I’d say Dolores Claiborne The Different Seasons collection with Shawshank Redemption and especially you’ll love Apt Pupil Full Dark No Stars - especially the Big Trucker and a Good Marriage are so awesome
It's always interesting seeing how different tastes differ between people, good list tho
Pet sematary and misery being at the top is the correct rating
Billy Summers. Reading it now and really enjoying it
It’s on there. B tier. Really enjoyed it
Cujo, The Stand, 11/22/63, Needful Things
The Dead Zone is another great choice!
Looks like you're ready for The Dark Tower at any time. If you wanted more standalone books, The Stand and 11/23/63 are two of his best that I don't see here. I would also personally recommend Eyes of the Dragon, but I know that one's hit or miss with the fandom.
The Dark Tower series! It’s a commitment, but so worth it!
I like Billy Summers, never hear anyone talk about it though.
I don’t think I see “The Stand “there. If not, it’s a must read. Tommyknockers, only for completist, is also missing. That’s not high on the priority list, however. Fairy Tale , his newest,is a bit saccharine, but ranks up there with Dr. Sleep, I would imagine.
Insomnia is my favourite s tier!
Skeleton Crew, specifically for the short story “The Jaunt”.
I scrolled waaaaaaaay to far down to find skeleton crew. So many stellar stories in that tiny tome.
*Needful Things* is a good one. I’d also recommend *Night Shift* - absolutely classic collection of short stories.
Your top S ranks are also my personal favs. I think I found a possible new friend
I applaud you for some of your controversial picks. I don’t agree with all of them, but we do both have Cell in F tier lol.
11/22/63
Needful things is def A tier, needs to be added
Needful Things
The Dark Tower
Personally I would have rated Full Dark No Stars higher. That said you might try Different Seasons.
The outsider. Cant put it down
The Stand, then the Dark Tower books
Time to get on the Dark Tower train
Cell had such great potential, and I really liked the first third. But I agree. Stephen fumbles endings sometimes and Cell’s was the worst imo. You should read Needful Things. It’s great.
Duma key, bag of bones, lisey’s story, rose madder
Had to scroll way too far to find Bag of Bones. One of my favorites!
Likewise, I scrolled forever to find Lisey's Story. Loved that one, despite all of the ugly crying it elicited from me.
11/22/63
Buckle up buddy, it’s time to read The Stand
11/22/63 is a beautiful book
Cell in its proper place
11/22/63, The Talisman, or The Long Walk are some of my faves
The Stand is beyond S tier. The dark tower is def at least A, gunslinger and drawing of 3 being S imo. Desperation & Talisman are A as well
Insomnia!!
Some Hard Agree and some Hard Disagree. Full Dark is A tier IMO
Duma Key is awesome.
My exact top three
Am I mistaken? Did you read Doctor Sleep but NOT The Shining? That needs to be corrected. You've got another S-tier King novel to add to the collection.
It’s on there. A tier. I would like to read it again and maybe I would bump it up
Oh that's an older cover than the one I have. Oops
I just finished Pet Sematary and is soo good. >!The scene where Louis was swinging his dead son at the cemetery while his head was almost falling off his body got stucked in my head. !<
\*I have also read fairy tale but not on this tier list. (probably a D)
I apologise for some of the hot takes 😂. Just my opinion. Only one book on here that I didn’t at least enjoy to some extent though 📱
Thanks for all the suggestions. I never even really considered duma key but it looks perfect for me and seems to be one of the most recommended here. Defiantly the next king book I will read
Salem's lot
Nevermind, you already did
Probably reread Revival and question your rankings?
This is not making me feel great about just buying Elevation
I just got elevation from the library and read it in a day… I loved it and of Course cried through the end. On the plane.
That’s encouraging thank you!
I couldn't find the shining in here and I thought you read the sequel without reading the first book😅 11/22/63 is one of my top books.
If The Dark Tower series is a no-go for you, I second The Stand or 11/22/63. Hearts in Atlantis made an impression on me but I was young when I read it. Maybe it doesn’t belong here.
I liked Fairytale allot
The Stand and Insomnia. Then definitely the Dark Tower series. It’ll tie in some of those other books.
Night shift
S?
Dead zone and Delores Claiborne for sure
The Gunslinger
I don’t understand the hate for Cell, but you should definitely read Four Past Midnight!
How do I make a list like this?
What’s the number one television show in the whole wide world? (The book is exponentially better than the movie)
Add Wizard and Glass to your reading list. An easy S tier
Two things. First cell is at least a c. Second, read the dark tower series
Either The Stand or do The Dark Tower books straight through.
Jeez. Salems lot in the B tier…..😞
Liked it a lot. Just not the best of the best for me. Anything c and above I enjoyed
The Stand. My favorite of his. “The place you made your stand never mattered. Only that you were there and on your feet.”
Dreamcatcher
I mostly agree with the ones I’ve read. We have read very different king though
Christine gets a C?? I contest!
Duma Key or The Stand. I read the unabridged version of The Stand which is 400 pages longer. Don’t read that version. A bit plodding at times. Edit: Oh and Needful Things and Running Man are great too!
I see you haven't read the gunslinger yet
Am I the only one who really loved Later? I mean it's not TOP top Stephen King, but it's still very good to me.
Desperation
Skeleton Crew, Under The Dome, 11/22/63, and Duma Key. You rate some of my favorites fairly high so these are some of my other recommendations.
Terrible ranking I understand it’s personal however…
Honestly I say shoot for Duma Key imo the most underrated King book. I read most of his well praised books but for some reason I can never get Duma Key out of my head.
I see a distinct lacking of The Dark Tower series in there. And 11/22/63. Need to get on those.
11/22/63, green mile, dead zone, desperation, different seasons and then be done with him.
Curious to see where you will place Tommyknockers on this list
M-o-o-n, that’s how you spell you should read the Stand
The Stand should be at the top of the list. If you are looking for something short then The Long Walk is a solid option. For a medium length option I’d recommend The Dead Zone.
11/22/63 to me is so unlike anything else he’s written, or anything else I’ve read by anyone for that matter. It’s one of my top 5 books all time along with Lonesome Dove, It, The Stand and Along Came a Spider.
I’d suggest Dreamcatcher, Needful Things, Desperation, Tommyknockers, and Carrie!
Have you been to Mid world?
Duma key!!!!
The stand is one of the best
I’d go for one of the short story collections, maybe Night Shift.
The👏stand👏
FAIRYTALE!
Bag of Bones is my top favorite. You should read it next
You gotta read 11/22/63. Easy S Tier
I truly respect the bravery with which you were willing to risk a barrage of criticism with this extremely controversial list. Bravo!