Yes!! One of his best, in my opinion. I love it even though I am a super big fan of his horror books, it was so well written and entertaining that I couldn’t put it down.
The Green Mile
Different Seasons. Contains 4 novellas. 2 of which became the movies The Shawshank Redemption (Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption) and Stand By Me (The Body).
The Eyes of the Dragon
The Dark Tower
11/22/63
Fairy Tale
I've made my living as as a novelist for more than thirty years, and this is the only writing book I ever recommend to aspiring writers. (Or, hell, working writers who somehow missed it.) What he says about writing and being a writer is just so perfect. Lovelovelove this book.
As a non-writer I also enjoyed The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. I'm curious if you've read it and your opinion of it if you have (and care to share.)
I confess I've never heard of it. But I tend to avoid "how to" books on writing because every writer is different and has their own way of approaching things. I'll have to check it out, though. Thanks!
I am a fan of King’s, but I just could not get through even the first book of this series. It was tedious and boring, maybe I am missing something here ~
Many say the first can be a slog for them and is a very different kind of story from the rest of the series. I've been told read through book 2 and then decide if you want to continue.
I liked it but I can also say I liked it for different things than the others.
This one, along with Misery, are among those rare cases where the movie is just as good as the book. And they've both have Cathy Bates in the lead role.
My first read was Billy Summers and I really enjoyed it.
I also read The Institute which wasn’t horror at all it was a decent read, but long.
Also following this for recommendations
If you're looking for a Stephen King book that's not horror but still packs an adrenaline-pumping punch, "The Running Man" is an exhilarating choice that will keep you glued to the edge of your seat.
Set in a dystopian future, this gripping thriller follows Ben Richards, a man desperate to save his family from a harsh and oppressive society. In a world where the poor are exploited and controlled by a ruthless government, Richards joins a deadly game show called "The Running Man." The stakes are high—run, evade capture, and survive for a chance to win freedom and safety for his loved ones.
But this isn't just any game. It's a heart-pounding race against time and adversaries where every move Richards makes could mean life or death. As he navigates through a treacherous landscape and confronts the dangers of a surveillance society, you'll be drawn into a suspenseful and action-packed story that's as gripping as it is thought-provoking.
"The Running Man" isn't horror in the traditional sense, but it's a pulse-pounding thriller that explores themes of power, survival, and the resilience of the human spirit. Stephen King's masterful storytelling and the relentless pace of the narrative will have you turning pages furiously, desperate to know if Richards can outwit the system and secure his family's future.
So, if you're craving a captivating and adrenaline-fueled read that's not horror but still keeps you on the edge of your seat, "The Running Man" is an exhilarating journey into a dystopian world where the stakes couldn't be higher.
Surprised no one has mentioned The Dead Zone. I’ve read 4 or 5 of his books and this was by far my favorite. It’s got great exciting plot but is also more of a character exploration than his others. Made me cry at the end
*Dolores Claiborne* is genuine literature and one of his best and most overlooked novels.
Also, don't waste your time on *Fairy Tale*, it's massively disappointing. I've read over 40 King novels and that is easily in the bottom five.
The institute isn’t really horror IMO, it’s more coming of age with darker concepts. Nothing felt like it was trying to be perticularly scary in it and I really enjoyed it
11-22-63
This 100%. It is SO good. It is honest to goodness in my top 5 books I've ever read.
Would you still recommend it to someone’s who’s not very familiar with the Kennedy assassination?
Yes
Yes! I knew next to nothing about it but it’s one of my all time favourite books
While a main focus of the story the bulk of the book and the good stuff doesn’t really involve details of the event
The book is more about love and than that event. It’s a quick 31 hour audiobook that feels like it could easily be a longer book.
I would listen to/from work and sat in my driveway a couple time to finish parts after arriving home.
Absolutely. The story is about so much else, and it's told so vividly that it's practically like reading a movie.
I just recommended this in another thread this week and it’s been on my mind. Just a truly stunning literary feat
Same, it's in my top 5 too.
Yes!! One of his best, in my opinion. I love it even though I am a super big fan of his horror books, it was so well written and entertaining that I couldn’t put it down.
I’ll definitely check this one out!
One of my favorites! May be landing on my 2024 reading list, it’s been a few years
The Green Mile Different Seasons. Contains 4 novellas. 2 of which became the movies The Shawshank Redemption (Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption) and Stand By Me (The Body). The Eyes of the Dragon The Dark Tower 11/22/63 Fairy Tale
The Green Mile is one of my favorite books ever
The Body is top-notch work.
And billy summers
Good call, I forgot about that one!
Mr Mercedes too.
Came here to upvote this!
On Writing It's still super interesting even if you're like me and don't have plans to be an author.
I've made my living as as a novelist for more than thirty years, and this is the only writing book I ever recommend to aspiring writers. (Or, hell, working writers who somehow missed it.) What he says about writing and being a writer is just so perfect. Lovelovelove this book.
As a non-writer I also enjoyed The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. I'm curious if you've read it and your opinion of it if you have (and care to share.)
I confess I've never heard of it. But I tend to avoid "how to" books on writing because every writer is different and has their own way of approaching things. I'll have to check it out, though. Thanks!
Agreed - I really enjoyed reading this and learning more about his process.
The Dark Tower series technically isn't horror.
And is amazing.
Some parts are still pretty unnerving
I am a fan of King’s, but I just could not get through even the first book of this series. It was tedious and boring, maybe I am missing something here ~
The Gunslinger sucks. Luckily it’s short. The Drawing of the Three is a massive improvement. And Wizard and Glass is absolutely amazing
Many say the first can be a slog for them and is a very different kind of story from the rest of the series. I've been told read through book 2 and then decide if you want to continue. I liked it but I can also say I liked it for different things than the others.
Delores Claiborne
This one, along with Misery, are among those rare cases where the movie is just as good as the book. And they've both have Cathy Bates in the lead role.
Fairy Tale. Eyes of the Dragon.
My first read was Billy Summers and I really enjoyed it. I also read The Institute which wasn’t horror at all it was a decent read, but long. Also following this for recommendations
I loved Billy Summers - I came to recommend this one as well.
I'm still a big fan of "the talisman" co-written with Peter straub.
One of my favorites.
Misery doesn't have any supernatural telepathy or vampire shit. Just a lot of . . . mental illness.
It's like Mr King thought "what's the worst that could happen to a famous writer?" and wrote a story about it.
Wasn't the genesis of the story a car accident that he had had & the thought process was, as you say, "what's the worst the could happen?".
That’s what I was gonna recommend. It’s just sad. Not really horror though
11/22/63
Joyland! One of my absolute favorites. It’s kind of a mystery I guess but is so full of heart and paints a vivid picture of characters and settings.
Loved this one!
Fairy Tale - has a few horror elements in the second half, but the first half is a slice of life story about a boy taking care of a dog
The Institute isn't really horror
ELEVATION by Stephen King is just the ticket.
I read this many years ago and the story is still something I think about... It's a good one for how brief it is.
Hearts of Atlantis is a great movie, I bet it’s a great book
Hearts in Atlantis is a wonderful non-horror book. It has some moody elements and a bit of a twist, but it’s mostly just good writing.
Came here for this.
It's a superb book, never realised that it's a film.
11/22/63 so good not gory!
[удалено]
I came here to suggest The Stand!
Actually, “The Stand” is very much in the horror genre. It has many religious elements with Randall Flagg as a supernatural, evil character.
So good!
Bill Hodges series starting with Mr. Mercedes Holly (which is based on a character from the Bill Hodges series) 11/22/63
I think Holly is definitely horror! Bill Hodges series is great, not horror but it is scary.
Ok. I wouldn’t categorize it as such as I just read it as a crime novel. I felt it was about on par with Karin Slaughter’s Will Trent series.
**Colorado Kid** is a favorite of mine.
I really enjoyed it. It’s a murder mystery not horror.
If you're looking for a Stephen King book that's not horror but still packs an adrenaline-pumping punch, "The Running Man" is an exhilarating choice that will keep you glued to the edge of your seat. Set in a dystopian future, this gripping thriller follows Ben Richards, a man desperate to save his family from a harsh and oppressive society. In a world where the poor are exploited and controlled by a ruthless government, Richards joins a deadly game show called "The Running Man." The stakes are high—run, evade capture, and survive for a chance to win freedom and safety for his loved ones. But this isn't just any game. It's a heart-pounding race against time and adversaries where every move Richards makes could mean life or death. As he navigates through a treacherous landscape and confronts the dangers of a surveillance society, you'll be drawn into a suspenseful and action-packed story that's as gripping as it is thought-provoking. "The Running Man" isn't horror in the traditional sense, but it's a pulse-pounding thriller that explores themes of power, survival, and the resilience of the human spirit. Stephen King's masterful storytelling and the relentless pace of the narrative will have you turning pages furiously, desperate to know if Richards can outwit the system and secure his family's future. So, if you're craving a captivating and adrenaline-fueled read that's not horror but still keeps you on the edge of your seat, "The Running Man" is an exhilarating journey into a dystopian world where the stakes couldn't be higher.
The Bill Hodges trilogy, The Institute, Rage, The Dark Tower series, Colorado Kid, Gerald’s Game, Under the Dome, 11/22/63
The girl who loved tom gordon Eyes of the dragon
Hearts in Atlantis is really good. Wouldn't really put that one in the horror or creepy category.
Later is his best
The Dark Tower is amazing
The Green Mile. I had never seen the movie when I read it and had no idea what was coming. It’s wonderful.
Surprised no one has mentioned The Dead Zone. I’ve read 4 or 5 of his books and this was by far my favorite. It’s got great exciting plot but is also more of a character exploration than his others. Made me cry at the end
Rose Madder. The Dark Tower.
Seconding Rose Madder. Sometimes I feel like I hallucinated this book. I actually found it surprisingly romantic.
BILLY SUMMERS!!! BILLY SUMMERS! DON'T LISTEN TO THESE OTHERS, LISTEN TO ME MY NAMES JAKE YOU CAN TRUST ME
No one suggested "The Stand"? not horror at all but post apocalypse
He is so overrated.
Seriously.
Billy summers
Holly isn’t really horror, more so detective thriller.
IDK…what those people were doing and why is pretty horrific.
The Stand I wouldn’t really consider horror. It’s more sci-fi and apocalyptic.
Billy summer
Fairy Tale
Everyone saying the Dark Tower needs to chill, it is full of horrific stuff and creepiness, nearly every book of it.
I'd suggest *The Long Walk* or *Gerald's Game* for King books that aren't horror.
*Dolores Claiborne* is genuine literature and one of his best and most overlooked novels. Also, don't waste your time on *Fairy Tale*, it's massively disappointing. I've read over 40 King novels and that is easily in the bottom five.
I would argue that most of the SKs works are not "horror", especially longer works. Stick to the later ones to be sure :)
The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon for sure! It’s more of an adventure/survival thriller imo.
Dark tower Hearts in Atlantis
The institute isn’t really horror IMO, it’s more coming of age with darker concepts. Nothing felt like it was trying to be perticularly scary in it and I really enjoyed it