Dave's Suggested Reading Order: 'Salem's Lot The Stand The Gunslinger (Revised, if possible) The Drawing of the Three The Eyes of the Dragon The Talisman The Little Sisters of Eluria (Located in Everything's Eventual) Black House The Waste Lands Wizard and Glass Insomnia Bag of Bones The Wind Through the Keyhole The Wolves of the Calla (Read 'Salems Lot beforehand, if you didn't already) Song of Susannah Everything's Eventual (Eponymous story of Everything's Eventual) Low Men in Yellow Coats (Located in Hearts in Atlantis, though the entire book is suggested) It The Dark Tower Weaning books: Rose Madder Desperation The Regulators From a Buick 8 The Mist The Dark Man (Poem) Charlie the Choo Choo
@@stickyy_fingaas Nope, the story stands on its own. It's a lot cooler, however, if you understand all of the references to the other works. You'll miss some context here and there, but you should be fine.
@@LunarEgo im okay with missing a few stuff. I guess its like reading lovecraft. if you haven't read call of cthulhu you wont be lost in another story that he is mentioned in but you get more insight on what he is
I just turned 31 and didn’t really find a love for reading until the last year and a half, and thank my Father I have! The Gunslinger was one of the first books I took on because The Dark Tower always just seemed like a necessary epic, in every sense of the phrase. I took a decent break after Wizard and Glass and am now in the midst of Wind Through the Keyhole. Out of sheer love of the World King has built, I’ve been doing some additional searching and it seems serendipitous that I have JUST found your video. Although, your suggestions have greatly increased my necessary reading, I couldn’t be happier. As someone who hasn’t read much King, but have been a huge fan of film adaptations since a kid, I can tell your passion for the series is deep and I think you’ve made an excellent companion video. And seeing as this is my first time stumbling onto your channel, you have just earned a new subscriber (for what it’s worth). Thankee, Sai! Hope all is well on your end of the world!
Thank you so much! Really appreciate you taking the time to share something so positive, and glad you're hooked on reading - you're in safe hands with Sai King!
I'm right there with you, buddy! Late bloomer to reading and I'm making my way through The Dark Tower now and was thinking on taking a break at the same point you did. I had a list of books I wanted to read but I ended up picking up an entire series before reading those stand alone books. I don't regret it as TDT has been amazing so far.
I'm in a similar boat I've always been so wired in with technology and discovering reading as a world of wonder and whimsy and not just a school assignment has been a near religious experience
Just finished it all there tonight. Loved the ending. It was all spectacular. Thanks for putting the extended list together. I dont know what to do with myself now 😂
So I've come back to say thank you for this recommendation. Outright the best fanatasy reading experience I've had. I started Salem's Lot in December and just finished DT7. What incredible world building and story telliing. Hearts in Atlantis, DT5, 6 and 7 were an absolute wild ride for me. I've never laughed and cried so much through a story. Long days and pleasant nights to ya, Sai 🤝
I really enjoyed talisman and black house actually, as far as the extended reading went they were some of my favorites to break with. Sure they aren’t “the stand” or “hearts in Atlantis” but they were great reads and lots of fun for me. Hail the tower, Ka mates
Talisman is one of my favorite books. Something about it just hits. I am not sure about black house. I need to read it again, but it just seemed off somehow.
I haven't read any Stephen King books (yet) but I really like watching and listening to you talk about them. You're so passionate about his work and it's so nice to see!! Also, your voice is super calming.
You won't be disappointed. Although your comment was a year ago, I'm sure you've probably started at least one by now. I envy you, I wish I could go back to those first times.
I would say read IT before Insomnia because Insomnia takes place in Derry about 6 years after IT and has some references to IT that are nice to catch. My order (which I’m on Everything’s Eventual): It The Gunslinger The Little Sisters of Eluria The Drawing of the Three The Stand Eyes of the Dragon The Waste Lands Wizard and Glass ‘Salem’s Lot Hearts in Atlantis Insomnia Everything’s Eventual Wolves of the Calla Song of Susannah The Talisman Black House The Dark Tower Wind Through the Keyhole The Gunslinger (been told to reread at the end)
I highly recommend the Dark Tower graphic novel series released by Marvel. Specifically the volumes covering Roland’s younger years. They are: The Gunslinger Born; The Long Road Home; Treachery; The Fall of Gilead; and The Battle of Jericho Hill. Not only are they great stories but they aren’t covered in King’s main novels(save for The Gunslinger Born which covers the flashback of Wizard and Glass but with a much better pace). You can also find the first 2 books in graphic novel format but they are not as necessary. The graphic novels I have recommended have incredible art and tell exciting stories. They feel like genuine Dark Tower stories(which they are) and are the perfect companion pieces to the series, filling in the gaps between Roland leaving Mejis and Roland following the man in black. I know it’s mentioned in the video but I have to declare my love for The Talisman but in audiobook format. The late Frank Muller is an amazing talent and reads King books like no one else. He also narrated The Dark Tower audiobooks 2-4 and Black House which are also amazing experiences (read the books yourself first). These are some dives into the Dark Tower universe in other media that really expand your enjoyment and understanding of this amazing series. I hope you get as much from these
Excellent video. I never read Salem's Lot, I read Stand and Eyes before DT, and I read Insomnia after DT. It's amazing how many different paths people have to the Tower. The disdain for Talisman and Black House is a bit surprising. I very much enjoy Jack Sawyer's story.
Thanks for your advice Salems Lot - finished The Stand - started reading this afternoon (63 pages in) My Dark Tower box set should be arriving end of August. Hopefully the dark tower encourages me to pick up where I left off in The Talisman (300 pages in) I will be reading all the books you recommended and in that specific order.... Including IT
Nicely done. I’m a long time King reader that has loved Dark Tower for decades. The suggestion I’d make to change the order is to read It before Insomnia. But great list and a well thought out order.
I have been reading King books for YEARS (though not all of them) and I had no clue about this! I made a screenshot of the list and try it out soon. I agree with The Black House.. I had a hard time reading it, I don't think I even made it halfway and quit.
Incredibly helpful and I am starting my journey with your recommendations and order. I already have The Stand, Salems Lot, IT, Bag of Bones, Eyes of the Dragon under my belt so the only proper thing to do is open The Gunslinger
Amazing. Not only are your videos fun, I also learn a fair bit too. Really love how you cover the connections and offer extra little nuggets! I'm just about to read TDT series all through in one go! 👌
I finally did it. I follower your list and even expanded it. I've ready Salem's lot, the gunslinger, call of the three, the stand, the eyes of the dragon, the talisman, the wastelands, wizard and icing, It, insomnia, the mist, bag of bones, Rose Madder, Desperation, The regulators, Everything's eventual, Hearts of Atlantis, Black House, The Wind Through the Keyhole, Wolves of the Calla, Song of Susannah, the Dark Tower and many more. It is 0:46 a.m. and I have now finished the Black Tower. Thank you for everything, long days and pleasant nights.
I followed your list almost to a T. I just couldn't get into Talisman. And I didn't read IT before Dark Tower, because I've read it about a dozen times already. But I loved the way things developed with the side reading acting as guiding lights. Also, I threw in Desperation and Regulators, just because they always intrigued me and I've heard they're Dark Tower heavy. They were DT heavy and both totally awesome.
This is such a fantastic reading order Dave!! I can't believe it took me 2 years to find this, but I'm glad to have found you. I've read all of these books on publication, but I'm long overdue for a re-read and I'm going to follow your path this time. Thank you!!
Thanks for your work Dave. Constant Reader for many years, but just recently stumbled on your channel. I read IT at 12 years old and have been an avid reader ever since. Now, at 48 years old, you've motivated me to restart my Dark Tower journey. I bailed on it back in the late 90's. I am going to follow your suggestions (*aside from a re-read of The Stand...once was enough for that one!) and get going on Salem's Lot soon. I'm guessing it will take 1.5-2 years to finish the journey all the way through The Mist. Should be a fun ride! Cheers
Gah. Ok. I think you’ve convinced me. I’ve read the 7 Dark Tower books and was about to do a reread. (Wind through the keyhole wasn’t out when I was reading them as they came out… yes, waiting YEARS for Wizard and Glass!!) I think my reread just got a whole lot more epic! 🤯
Thank you for this. I followed this to the letter. I didn't much care for the ending of the DTS, but this video made it the most epic journey. Long days and pleasant nights. Cheers!
You have remembered the face of your father. Thankee, Sai. I’m very surprised not many people care about the side stuff and how it informs the DT as a whole.
First video of yours I'm watching in over a year I think. And I'm revisiting this one. I got hit with a wave of nostalgia from 2 years ago just hearing the intro again
I've been getting into The Dark Tower recently. i've been meaning to get into it for a while but finally got to it when i found the first 5 volumes (Revised version) in excellent condition for 20 USD (equivalent). I've just finished volume 1 but got instantly fascinated by the HUGE multiverse that Stephen King created around this magnum opus. Also, i think that Randall Flag might have done cameos in more King novels than people might know. The Long Walk for example briefly features a depiction of "The Man in Black" that is not explained, and he is not mentioned by name. But it is a perfect depiction of the man in black. As he is described in The Dark Tower and The Stand. Great video! Subscribed.
Loved all the Dark Tower phrases woven into your video. You have not forgotten the face of your father. That was a really informative video. Thanks I think reading "The Library Policeman" from Four Past Midnight would be good as a 'side reading quest'? It has a character that feeds on the emotional terror of children, like IT and that emotional feeding vampire (I won't say any more - no spoilers) in the Dark Tower.
WHAT??????? The talisman and black house are annoying? Holy crap! These are two of my absolute favorite books and I am so looking forward to what The duffer Brothers do with the talisman. Please enlighten me as to why you did not like these. I truly am interested.
So, for me there were a number of things that just didn't work; aside from Wolf I really hated all of the characters - Jack and Richard I found painfully annoying and actively wanted them to get killed, and everyone else was just dull. I thought the plot was also really yawn-inducing, and the flipping between worlds just wasn't interesting at all. I also thought there was never any sense of true peril - Jack was always going to succeed. Finally on The Talisman, Speedy Parker is such a problematic magical negro character that I just can't get on board. I do Black House slightly more, but find the first 100 pages or so really offputting - the narrative style is just smug and annoying. I liked Henry, but the philosophy-reading, microbrewing bikers really wound me up. All that being said, I'm also really keen to see what the Duffers do - I think these stories are primed to work better as TV than on the page!
@@DaveReadsKing well I appreciate you letting me know why, even though I don't agree. I will absolutely agree about the magical negro thing, but I still liked him. So funny how different people get different things from books. What are your thoughts on The dark Tower series? That is my absolute favorite of everything he has done. Oh and the reason I never responded is cuz I never got a notification that you had responded.
I've done all these before about 8 years ago, but I am revising my order to the following for my second go around because I think it makes more sense as to when you encounter some of the themes and characters. The Gunslinger The Eyes of the Dragon The Talisman The Drawing of the Three IT The Wastelands The Stand Wizard and Glass Insomnia Little Sisters of Eluria (short story in Everything's Eventual) The Wind Through the Keyhole Salem's Lot Wolves of the Calla Black House Song of Susannah Low Men in Yellow Coats (Short story in Hearts in Atlantis) Everything's Eventual (short story in Everything's Eventual) The Dark Tower
I think, on my next trip to the Tower, I'll follow your path along the Beam. Interestingly, it was this video and your Hodder one that inspired me to start collecting that Hodder Rainbow for that journey (even managed to find Black House!). Thanks, Dave!
Great list. Thank you. Gotta say tho I enjoy The Talisman and Black House. I know they don’t make a lot of peoples list, but I loved the character Henry Laden from BH. I read BH first and I think that helped.
@@DaveReadsKing Jack is the least interesting character in the entire story line. Which I believe is why BH is the better of the two, as it’s talking directly to the reader about a group of characters. Instead of narrating at the reader about one bratty kid’s take on things. I do wish King and Straub had finished the trilogy though.
Thanks for this guide! I like the little reviews too. I've been on and off with Stephen King for more than 5 years now, I've read 18 books of him so far. But own more. And I've been thinking of reading TDT for awhile now, I just don't own all the copies yet and don't know where to start, really. I've read some of those "required" novels but still got a lot more left. Again thanks! Now I know what books to read first from my stephen king shelf in preparation for TDT. 😁
hey! just wanted to thank u for the list, this was very helpful! just finished salem's lot and im going to start the stand tomorrow. its really great for the community that u made this video, ill be following your order but with a little twitches i got from the comments, like the eyes of the dragon after the stand and it before insomnia! really, thank u!
11:28 I've climbed the tower a I think 3 times, and I've read/listened to most of the books mentioned in this video, but I've listened to the It audiobook 5 times (I personally absorb the book better through audiobooks). It is, in my humble and admittedly morbid opinion, one of the beatest books ever written
You're most welcome, it was fun to put together! And I think you're being very kind to me there - it was more like a few *months* ago you asked...still, better late than never, right?
I do suggest people follow this advice, as I MIGHT have read IT before the Dark Tower (if not, I read it immediately after), so Dark Tower was either the first or second King work I read, and all this background info would have been extremely helpful.
Yes! Although he did go back a rewrite a lot of it in 2003 so it was a neater tie-in with the ending…I can’t remember if the original version is quite so in line
I’m sure my opinion could possibly change by the time I get through all of these books, but for now I would actually have the eyes of the dragon in between the gunslinger and drawing of the three, instead of drawing of the three and the wastelands. Thus far, that little alteration to the list has worked out well for me.
Wow! I'm impressed. I've read all the books you've mentioned (except that I couldn't finish Talisman for some reason :-) ) but not exactly in the order you mentioned it. I simply read them in the order life gave me those books. Your approach would be absolutely ideal though and if I, at some point, decide to reread the whole thing, it will be a great journey do do it like that. Little side note - I also believe "It" is one of the best books of all time! It's my first visit to your channel and I'm very happy that I found it. Not only somebody is talking about some of my favorite books in a refreshing and interesting way, but also that somebody is super cute with very sexy voice 🙂 Sorry, you probably don't care much about this last comment, just couldn't help myself... Anyway, I'm hitting like and subscribe with no hesitation. See u on your other videos.
Thanks Adam - glad it's been able to give you a plan for your next trip to the Tower! And very flattered to be called cute with a sexy voice 😂 that certainly brightened up my Tuesday morning!
Sir...I just finished The Gunslinger last night for the first time (even though I’ve been reading King for almost 20 years), and now I feel ready to take the journey in the right direction! Thank you! Just curious, are your copies of wolves of the calla and song of Susannah mass markets from Hodder & Stoughton?
Ah excellent - glad to be a help, and I hope you enjoy your journey! My copies of Wolves and Susannah are actually the Pocket Books editions - quite how they ended up in a charity shop in the middle of England I'll never know, but they're pretty cool covers!
@@DaveReadsKing Okay I read The Drawing of Three and since it’s been 14 years since I read Salem’s Lot, I decided to reread it and I’m almost finished. I would re-read The Stand, but I agree with you that it’s a bit overrated! When it was only the second King book I’d read of course it made my head explode, but most of his books that I’ve read since then quickly ranked over it. After Salem’s Lot its off to Eyes of the Dragon, Talisman, and Black House! Can’t wait!
HOLY S@#%! I thought I was well-read in the King canon and ready to restart the series after abandoning it in high school 15 years ago. At least I've read Salem's Lot, The Stand, The Talisman, and Insomnia (and a countless others which aren't Tower related). Now I know who King was addressing as Constant Reader in all those introductions 😉 Thanks for the excellent guide to entering Mid-world! Liked and subscribed.
Im going through an extended “dark tower” universe read right now. Im glad you said read “the stand” first. One, there’s that moment in “the waste lands” that will lack intensity if you haven’t read “the stand.” Two, after “drawing of the three” you’re pretty desperate to get to “waste lands” and having a 1400 word novel in between would be a headache, which would suck since “the stand” is a masterpiece one should take the time to appreciate
So I just started and finished The Gunslinger for the first time, after The Talisman and Black House; thanks your 19 reasons to read Black House video. This list excites me! There are some I have read long ago, like IT and Insomnia. I've known of the Dark Tower series but not being a western fan, I overlooked it. But I thoroughly enjoyed the Gunslinger! I'm going to jump into the prereading now rather than straight on to The Drawing of the Three as planned. Gosh I'm excited 😆 Thanks for all your awesome King content! 🙌
Fyi, read the dark in any order you want, cause no matter what, no matter how good the overall journey is overall, it's still going to get you confused but I bet Dave is right here on all the books to corleate with the timeliness while reading to truly get a better understand of this story with Roland and we'll you know or you will know, a good series, definitely !
Great llist.Definitely I will follow this order to help me in the DT path. Actually I haven't read only The talisman and black house. Do you think I have to read them in between DT books or just read them before starting DT ?
I think, as I said in the video, the best place for The Talisman and Black House is either after Wizard and Glass, or right at the very end of everything. You could read them before you start DT, but they make a bit more sense if you've already spent some time in Mid-World first!
**** Possible Spoilers here I suppose ****** Nice comprehensive list of extra reading and I totally agree with it. My only critique or difference of opinion would be that I love Wind Through the Key Hole last as it helps me say goodbye to the Ka-tet and the worlds where this takes place when they are in their prime. Before the world had moved on.
That's very fair - I guess I put it where I did as I being beholden to the chronology of the whole story, but I totally agree it's a nice reminder of times well spent...I recently hit WTTKH on my own King chronological reread and it was very pleasant to hang out with the gang again!
Great video, but if you want to have the whole picture, you have to read the comics books ”The journey home” just after Wizard and glass... You should have, at least, mentionned it, your video is so accurate... despise this omission. :)
That’s very fair - I left out the comics mainly because 1) they’re not the easiest (or cheapest) to track down and I didn’t want people thinking they would have to go hunting and 2) I’ve not read them myself, so can’t really comment on them!
Just finished TDotT. I enjoyed it more than I thought. I've already read Salem's Lot, The Stand, Bag of Bones, The Talisman, From a Buick 8, The Gunslinger, Christine, The Tommyknockers Needful Things, 1922, The Eyes of the Dragon. And all of these since September lol. Bag of Bones is great and very underrated. I even liked From a Buick 8 and The Talisman. I've never understood the hate for The Talisman. I think the underlying theme of Jack and his mother is a window into Kings relationship with his mother. Remember King's mother died of cancer. Looking forward to the rest of the list. I saved this video and refer to it often to check the order. Great video. You and The Love of Reading channel are my top 2 King channels. I'll be back after Blackhouse.
Honestly the only change I'd make is to shift Salem's Lot to before Wind Through the Keyhole and fill it's place with The Shining since the shining and the touch are pretty much the same thing and the kids from It, if you choose to read that book, are implied to have the shining too
Thanks for the recommendation. I've been wondering how to tackle The Dark Tower for a while. I've been reading Kings work in publication order, but I think I'm going to cheat and read The Gunslinger. I read IT a while back but, I might just read it again when I get there. It's such a great book!
Unfortunately I had moved back into my folks house and I had a great majority of these books ever since I was a kid and they got ruined being in storage along with my entire library I'm slowly gaining them back from library and estate sales one day I will have everything King
The colourful ones with the spiky fonts? They are the famous 'rainbow' editions from Hodder - released here in the Uk in the mid-00s and very beautiful on your shelf. I'm planning a video on them soon, but you can get the ISBNs for them in this blog post: www.tattooedbibliophile.com/post/stephen-king-hodder-uk-paperbacks
I went between the book to audible with it and fell asleep while listening to the last 4 hours of it on audible and realized what I've been told about the ending and what I've seen in the movies, I most likely don't need to get back to it lol but the regulators that was work of art, very talentently written, Charlie the Choo Choo?
Fair enough! I know the Talisman is a favourite for many Constant Readers but I really disliked it both times I’ve read it. So boring (imo) and full of annoying characters.
Imo people should also read the shining and Dr. Sleep. Danny says "There are other worlds than these" and the true knot made me think of Pennywise and the similar creature in the 7th book which led me to create a fan theory regarding the shining, the breakers and todash creatures
@DaveReadsKing so, in case you are at all interested, my theory goes like this. The breakers all are using some form of the shining, both the true knot and todash creatures like Pennywise are after people's shining because everybody has a little and emotion is like seasoning for them
The Marvel comic saga is definitely worth a read if you want a ton of extra info about rolands younger days and intervening moments in the major plot. Some plot holes so don’t take it all as gospel but definitely fills out tons of lore and amazing moments
Great list! I just finished Wizard and Glass and read everything before it except for the Sisters story and Black House. What do you recommend next? I was thinking of “It” and Insomnia next.
The shining .. and doctor sleep are very dark Tower .. as they wanted to harvest children with special talents as well I read eyes of the dragon as my very fist king novel and then the gunslinger
How do people who haven’t read TDT make sense of some of the references made in the other books? I made my first journey to the tower about 10 years ago and decided to take another trip. After Wizard and Glass I decided it would be the extended journey. I read Low Men in Yellow Coats. How would anyone know what Ted Brautigan(sp) was talking about without any knowledge of the DT story? Love the vid!
It’s a great question! On my first read of King stuff I did the DT last, so all those references in other books I just glossed over or straight up missed. But, it did make the reread incredibly rewarding
The Institute makes you think it’s a Dark Tower tie in. (and maybe it is) The Talisman was great and Black House was good. Maybe a reread of The Talisman as a mature adult compared to reading it in my young 20’s may be a different story but still, good stuff. From A Buick 8 is crazy good if only in that it makes you wonder about who the Low Men are and where the cars come from. Wizard and Glass is the best you’ll ever read. Dammit, now I gotta go back and read all those books again…
@@DaveReadsKing crazy! Adult Jack Sawyer felt parallel to Rolan. Especially the way other characters regarded him with regalness. To me it felt like Jack conveyed confidence through his character and actions while Rolan exuded authority. However, others on reddit seen Jack as more of Jake's twinner. Jack Sawyer stories were good, man.
@@jonathanmason7572 I don't really like Roland or Jake either 😂 I just prefer some of his other stuff, but that's the beauty of King's extensive discography...there's something for everyone, and we all have our favourites and least favourites. For me, I'm just not into The Talisman and Black House 🤷♂️
Without knowing all the links with the Dark Tower, I've been reading some of the books in chronological order, such as: Carrie Salem's Lot The Shining The Stand (Complete and Uncut) The Dark Tower I IT The Dark Tower II Misery The rest of The Dark Tower Hopefully, I didn't lose some important links there, as I don't have time and space to read other King novels!
I’m halfway through pet cemetery and I’ve not touched it in years. Kinda guessed how it’s gonna go and while I want to finish it I just can’t find the motivation to. Have read duma key, insomnia, Carrie and a few non king too. Should I force myself to finish pet cemetery and hopefully get back into it or just forget it and start the gunslinger as I really want to do the dark tower series.
If Pet Sematary isn't clicking with you now, don't force it - let it breathe and come back to it. It's a good one to read around Halloween. But, if you're ready to jump into the Gunslinger, then go for it!
Just finished Black House. Way better than The Talisman. This book is full of awesome characters. Couldn't stop reading. I believe the wastelands is next
Oh man, maybe I'll finish the series after all. Stephen King was my very first favorite writer after reading Salems Lot when I was 13 and he deserves that I try again. I was one of those who lost interest after having to wait so many years for Wizard and Glass, and the novels he published after that were really bad, so I stopped reading his books after Dolores Claiborne.
@@DaveReadsKing Yeah I will definitely try completing it. Having read everything he published up until Dolores, he will hold a special place in my heart anyway. I just discoverd other writers as well and never really returned to him. I did listen to an Audiobook of Insommnia a few years ago, but I found it also lenghty and not very good.
@@therealcampoz9375 fair enough - Insomnia does make way more sense when you've completed the journey to the Tower as well. Beyond that, 11/22/63 is hands-down one of the best things he's ever written - give that one a go if nothing else!
"The Dark Tower" is the Dark tower itself. Let's explain, but first we need to start from "Time". Because when I reread "Wizard and the Glass " it was the things said about time that first made me suspicious. There, he talks about how it feels like a week has passed since the story started, but the night isn't over, saying something like, "The night will last as long as Roland wants." Since the first book, he talks about the fact that time is changing, sometimes it stretches and sometimes it is short. Where does a second last for hours or tens, hundreds or even thousands of years pass at once?…In the Books of course. Let's come to the infinite number of "Worlds" revolving around the black tower. In some, humanity has been destroyed by an epidemic, some have become uninhabitable by wars, and in some, vampires are running around. How can this be? All these worlds are books. The "Doors" between the worlds are simply "Submission" or "Association" to other books. 6 beams that keep the “Dark Tower” that holds the worlds together, other 6 books in the series . The gunslinger goes on an adventure between worlds, that is, between King's books. When he finally comes to the tower and enters inside, he sees sections from his own life, adventure, story, namely his own book, "The Dark Tower". In the top room, he goes back to where he started, to the desert, to the beginning of the book. (sorry about "translate" translation)
@@DaveReadsKing "Gan", that is, King himself, as he clearly says in the book. As important as the tower, even the equivalent of Gan , “Rose” is King's wife, Tabitha King. In the first story of the book "Hearts in Atlantis", which is not in the series but is vitally connected to the series, the phrase "Every book is a world", said by "Breaker" Ted Brautigan, helped me solve the case. Who are the "Breakers"? They are "Editors". I think the "Low Men In Yellow Coats" are the critics, although I'm not as sure as the others. And we come to the archenemy The Crimson King. The Crimson King, the creature that claims Dark Tower and tries to destroy the tower and destroy “Gan” (in the series), is none other than the publisher. I know that King doesn't like publishers and wants to get them out of his way with his readers. He even tried it out with the story "Riding the Bullet". The book has been released online for free as an e-book. If the incoming donations were sufficient, he would have published the end, but the project, which, in his own words, would "bring the end of the publishers" did not turn out as he wanted. Thats what I'm solve.
@sadbuttrue1354 I think you’re mixing up Riding the Bullet with The Plant. RTB was a standalone short that did get released as an ebook first but not for free. The Plant was done in instalments on an honest system, and not enough people paid…but it is a available for free on King’s website now
@@DaveReadsKing I remember Stephen King talking about this venture at the end of "The Green Mile" (which was also published in volumes). It's been so long that I'm probably misremembering.
Just finished The Talisman, but I don't get the point of it being annoying. I really enjoyed the book, yes at points it was a bit longer than needed, but I enjoyed the book a lot. I think it would be a really good adventure movie.
I totally get that - I know plenty of Constant Readers love The Talisman, it just wasn’t for me. I agree with you about it having the potential to be a great movie though, totally!
The Little Sisters of Eluria, the opening novella, is a prequel to the Dark Tower adventure and Stephen King said as much. Its a sprawling fantasy work and its amazing it got finished. Its a longer read than La Recherche Du Temps Perdu but everyone knows from Marcel Proust, once you begin with an epic, you have to get on with it. It will eventually bring you the reward you were seeking and its apropos the inspiration came from Robert Browning’s famous poem, Roland Childe To The Dark Tower Came.
Final Task definitely, but this video was recorded almost two years before that book came out. I don’t think Button Box on its own would fit, but it’s useful pre reading for Final Task
Quick question. You advice to start with Salem's Lot, but it only becomes relevant to TDT in Wolves of the Calla. That means there are about 10 books in between them according to your reading order. Would it perhaps be better to read SL right before WotC? Im just worried that I wont remember the references when I get to them. Thanks in advance.
Yeah, you definitely could do that for sure. I guess I think it's nice to do Salem's Lot early as it's a great introduction to King's writing style and key strengths...as long as you make note of the Father Callahan stuff you should be ok. But, ultimately, it's up to you!
Sai Musson, have finished Wolves of the Calla, and have forced myself through Everything's Eventual and Low Men in Yellow coats. I don't think I can wait through IT before I read DT7. How important is it really, cry your pardon, Sai.
Sai George, I hear you well and you have not forgotten the face of your father. Go for it with DT7 - Derry and IT will be waiting for you once you’re done! Long days and pleasant nights, Sai!
Dave's Suggested Reading Order:
'Salem's Lot
The Stand
The Gunslinger (Revised, if possible)
The Drawing of the Three
The Eyes of the Dragon
The Talisman
The Little Sisters of Eluria (Located in Everything's Eventual)
Black House
The Waste Lands
Wizard and Glass
Insomnia
Bag of Bones
The Wind Through the Keyhole
The Wolves of the Calla (Read 'Salems Lot beforehand, if you didn't already)
Song of Susannah
Everything's Eventual (Eponymous story of Everything's Eventual)
Low Men in Yellow Coats (Located in Hearts in Atlantis, though the entire book is suggested)
It
The Dark Tower
Weaning books:
Rose Madder
Desperation
The Regulators
From a Buick 8
The Mist
The Dark Man (Poem)
Charlie the Choo Choo
Thank you! 🙏🏻🥰❤️
Do i really need to read all of these if i want to read the series
@@stickyy_fingaas Nope, the story stands on its own. It's a lot cooler, however, if you understand all of the references to the other works. You'll miss some context here and there, but you should be fine.
@@LunarEgo im okay with missing a few stuff. I guess its like reading lovecraft. if you haven't read call of cthulhu you wont be lost in another story that he is mentioned in but you get more insight on what he is
Is The Shining not part of the Dark Tower universe?
I just turned 31 and didn’t really find a love for reading until the last year and a half, and thank my Father I have! The Gunslinger was one of the first books I took on because The Dark Tower always just seemed like a necessary epic, in every sense of the phrase. I took a decent break after Wizard and Glass and am now in the midst of Wind Through the Keyhole. Out of sheer love of the World King has built, I’ve been doing some additional searching and it seems serendipitous that I have JUST found your video. Although, your suggestions have greatly increased my necessary reading, I couldn’t be happier. As someone who hasn’t read much King, but have been a huge fan of film adaptations since a kid, I can tell your passion for the series is deep and I think you’ve made an excellent companion video. And seeing as this is my first time stumbling onto your channel, you have just earned a new subscriber (for what it’s worth). Thankee, Sai! Hope all is well on your end of the world!
Thank you so much! Really appreciate you taking the time to share something so positive, and glad you're hooked on reading - you're in safe hands with Sai King!
I'm right there with you, buddy! Late bloomer to reading and I'm making my way through The Dark Tower now and was thinking on taking a break at the same point you did. I had a list of books I wanted to read but I ended up picking up an entire series before reading those stand alone books. I don't regret it as TDT has been amazing so far.
I'm in a similar boat I've always been so wired in with technology and discovering reading as a world of wonder and whimsy and not just a school assignment has been a near religious experience
I am reading Salem's Lot in this moment and is absolutley fantastic. And scary. And the list was helpful. Thanks!
Ah yes, Salem's Lot is excellent! Glad the list was useful, thanks for sharing!
Salem's Lot is such a fun read. A scary, fun, streamlined narrative in that spunky early King voice! I may need to reread that one this autumn.
@@uptown3636 I think is my second favourie after IT
Yeah, I will be scared by it. The Shining is starting to scare me now. Favourite book
Isnt that same as netflix midnight mass
Just finished it all there tonight. Loved the ending.
It was all spectacular.
Thanks for putting the extended list together. I dont know what to do with myself now 😂
😂 sorry/you’re welcome! 😂
So I've come back to say thank you for this recommendation. Outright the best fanatasy reading experience I've had. I started Salem's Lot in December and just finished DT7. What incredible world building and story telliing.
Hearts in Atlantis, DT5, 6 and 7 were an absolute wild ride for me. I've never laughed and cried so much through a story.
Long days and pleasant nights to ya, Sai 🤝
Excellent stuff - and may you have twice the number 🤘
I really enjoyed talisman and black house actually, as far as the extended reading went they were some of my favorites to break with. Sure they aren’t “the stand” or “hearts in Atlantis” but they were great reads and lots of fun for me. Hail the tower, Ka mates
Absolutely fair - I know plenty of constant readers love those two, they’re just not for me
100%
Talisman was the first King book I read that mentioned the other dimensions.
Talisman is one of my favorite books. Something about it just hits. I am not sure about black house. I need to read it again, but it just seemed off somehow.
There 2 of my favorite stories up there with Dark Tower IT and the Mist
I haven't read any Stephen King books (yet) but I really like watching and listening to you talk about them. You're so passionate about his work and it's so nice to see!! Also, your voice is super calming.
Thank you, I appreciate that a lot! When you *do* get onto reading his work, you've got lots of amazing books to choose from!
You won't be disappointed. Although your comment was a year ago, I'm sure you've probably started at least one by now. I envy you, I wish I could go back to those first times.
It's so interesting every person you talk to has different opinions on Kings books, I love the talisman and black house.
Totally! There’s something for everyone in King’s bibliography
I would say read IT before Insomnia because Insomnia takes place in Derry about 6 years after IT and has some references to IT that are nice to catch. My order (which I’m on Everything’s Eventual):
It
The Gunslinger
The Little Sisters of Eluria
The Drawing of the Three
The Stand
Eyes of the Dragon
The Waste Lands
Wizard and Glass
‘Salem’s Lot
Hearts in Atlantis
Insomnia
Everything’s Eventual
Wolves of the Calla
Song of Susannah
The Talisman
Black House
The Dark Tower
Wind Through the Keyhole
The Gunslinger (been told to reread at the end)
That's a great point about IT, and I *love* the idea of reading The Gunslinger again at the end - thanks for sharing!
I highly recommend the Dark Tower graphic novel series released by Marvel. Specifically the volumes covering Roland’s younger years. They are: The Gunslinger Born; The Long Road Home; Treachery; The Fall of Gilead; and The Battle of Jericho Hill. Not only are they great stories but they aren’t covered in King’s main novels(save for The Gunslinger Born which covers the flashback of Wizard and Glass but with a much better pace). You can also find the first 2 books in graphic novel format but they are not as necessary. The graphic novels I have recommended have incredible art and tell exciting stories. They feel like genuine Dark Tower stories(which they are) and are the perfect companion pieces to the series, filling in the gaps between Roland leaving Mejis and Roland following the man in black. I know it’s mentioned in the video but I have to declare my love for The Talisman but in audiobook format. The late Frank Muller is an amazing talent and reads King books like no one else. He also narrated The Dark Tower audiobooks 2-4 and Black House which are also amazing experiences (read the books yourself first). These are some dives into the Dark Tower universe in other media that really expand your enjoyment and understanding of this amazing series. I hope you get as much from these
Thank you so much for this - I definitely plan to get into the comics at some point!
Excellent video. I never read Salem's Lot, I read Stand and Eyes before DT, and I read Insomnia after DT. It's amazing how many different paths people have to the Tower. The disdain for Talisman and Black House is a bit surprising. I very much enjoy Jack Sawyer's story.
I get that on the Talisman and Black House, totally…I just did not like either book 🤷🏻♂️
Thanks for your advice
Salems Lot - finished
The Stand - started reading this afternoon (63 pages in)
My Dark Tower box set should be arriving end of August.
Hopefully the dark tower encourages me to pick up where I left off in The Talisman (300 pages in)
I will be reading all the books you recommended and in that specific order.... Including IT
Niiiiiice!
Nicely done. I’m a long time King reader that has loved Dark Tower for decades. The suggestion I’d make to change the order is to read It before Insomnia. But great list and a well thought out order.
Thanks!
I have been reading King books for YEARS (though not all of them) and I had no clue about this! I made a screenshot of the list and try it out soon. I agree with The Black House.. I had a hard time reading it, I don't think I even made it halfway and quit.
Nice - hope this order gives you something different!
Incredibly helpful and I am starting my journey with your recommendations and order. I already have The Stand, Salems Lot, IT, Bag of Bones, Eyes of the Dragon under my belt so the only proper thing to do is open The Gunslinger
Excellent! Hope you enjoy the journey!
Amazing. Not only are your videos fun, I also learn a fair bit too. Really love how you cover the connections and offer extra little nuggets!
I'm just about to read TDT series all through in one go! 👌
Thank you! Enjoy your journey to the Tower!
I finally did it. I follower your list and even expanded it.
I've ready Salem's lot, the gunslinger, call of the three, the stand, the eyes of the dragon, the talisman, the wastelands, wizard and icing, It, insomnia, the mist, bag of bones, Rose Madder, Desperation, The regulators, Everything's eventual, Hearts of Atlantis, Black House, The Wind Through the Keyhole, Wolves of the Calla, Song of Susannah, the Dark Tower and many more.
It is 0:46 a.m. and I have now finished the Black Tower. Thank you for everything, long days and pleasant nights.
Excellent! Thank you, and may you have twice the number!
I followed your list almost to a T. I just couldn't get into Talisman. And I didn't read IT before Dark Tower, because I've read it about a dozen times already. But I loved the way things developed with the side reading acting as guiding lights. Also, I threw in Desperation and Regulators, just because they always intrigued me and I've heard they're Dark Tower heavy. They were DT heavy and both totally awesome.
Fantastic! Glad the list worked for you 😊😊
This is such a fantastic reading order Dave!! I can't believe it took me 2 years to find this, but I'm glad to have found you. I've read all of these books on publication, but I'm long overdue for a re-read and I'm going to follow your path this time. Thank you!!
Thank *you*! I really appreciate this - hope you enjoy the next trip to the Tower!
Thanks for your work Dave. Constant Reader for many years, but just recently stumbled on your channel. I read IT at 12 years old and have been an avid reader ever since. Now, at 48 years old, you've motivated me to restart my Dark Tower journey. I bailed on it back in the late 90's. I am going to follow your suggestions (*aside from a re-read of The Stand...once was enough for that one!) and get going on Salem's Lot soon. I'm guessing it will take 1.5-2 years to finish the journey all the way through The Mist. Should be a fun ride! Cheers
That’s so cool to read! Enjoy…and come back when you’re done and tell me how it was!
Gah. Ok. I think you’ve convinced me. I’ve read the 7 Dark Tower books and was about to do a reread. (Wind through the keyhole wasn’t out when I was reading them as they came out… yes, waiting YEARS for Wizard and Glass!!) I think my reread just got a whole lot more epic! 🤯
Awesome! Enjoy!
Good video. Starting Wizards and glass soon. Looking forward to that.
Nice - enjoy! It's one that a lot of people hold very close to their heart!
Thank you for this. I followed this to the letter. I didn't much care for the ending of the DTS, but this video made it the most epic journey. Long days and pleasant nights. Cheers!
May you have twice the number!
You have remembered the face of your father. Thankee, Sai. I’m very surprised not many people care about the side stuff and how it informs the DT as a whole.
Thankee! Wishing you long days and pleasant nights!
First video of yours I'm watching in over a year I think. And I'm revisiting this one. I got hit with a wave of nostalgia from 2 years ago just hearing the intro again
👋 welcome back! 😊
This was so helpful and exactly what I was looking for, thank you x
I've been getting into The Dark Tower recently. i've been meaning to get into it for a while but finally got to it when i found the first 5 volumes (Revised version) in excellent condition for 20 USD (equivalent).
I've just finished volume 1 but got instantly fascinated by the HUGE multiverse that Stephen King created around this magnum opus.
Also, i think that Randall Flag might have done cameos in more King novels than people might know.
The Long Walk for example briefly features a depiction of "The Man in Black" that is not explained, and he is not mentioned by name. But it is a perfect depiction of the man in black. As he is described in The Dark Tower and The Stand.
Great video! Subscribed.
Thank you so much, and great catch on The Long Walk - I’d never spotted that!
Loved all the Dark Tower phrases woven into your video.
You have not forgotten the face of your father.
That was a really informative video. Thanks
I think reading "The Library Policeman" from Four Past Midnight would be good as a 'side reading quest'? It has a character that feeds on the emotional terror of children, like IT and that emotional feeding vampire (I won't say any more - no spoilers) in the Dark Tower.
Thankee-sai. And that's a good shout about Library Policeman for sure!
WHAT??????? The talisman and black house are annoying? Holy crap! These are two of my absolute favorite books and I am so looking forward to what The duffer Brothers do with the talisman. Please enlighten me as to why you did not like these. I truly am interested.
So, for me there were a number of things that just didn't work; aside from Wolf I really hated all of the characters - Jack and Richard I found painfully annoying and actively wanted them to get killed, and everyone else was just dull. I thought the plot was also really yawn-inducing, and the flipping between worlds just wasn't interesting at all. I also thought there was never any sense of true peril - Jack was always going to succeed. Finally on The Talisman, Speedy Parker is such a problematic magical negro character that I just can't get on board. I do Black House slightly more, but find the first 100 pages or so really offputting - the narrative style is just smug and annoying. I liked Henry, but the philosophy-reading, microbrewing bikers really wound me up.
All that being said, I'm also really keen to see what the Duffers do - I think these stories are primed to work better as TV than on the page!
Talisman is my favourite King's book too
@@DaveReadsKing well I appreciate you letting me know why, even though I don't agree. I will absolutely agree about the magical negro thing, but I still liked him. So funny how different people get different things from books. What are your thoughts on The dark Tower series? That is my absolute favorite of everything he has done. Oh and the reason I never responded is cuz I never got a notification that you had responded.
I've done all these before about 8 years ago, but I am revising my order to the following for my second go around because I think it makes more sense as to when you encounter some of the themes and characters.
The Gunslinger
The Eyes of the Dragon
The Talisman
The Drawing of the Three
IT
The Wastelands
The Stand
Wizard and Glass
Insomnia
Little Sisters of Eluria (short story in Everything's Eventual)
The Wind Through the Keyhole
Salem's Lot
Wolves of the Calla
Black House
Song of Susannah
Low Men in Yellow Coats (Short story in Hearts in Atlantis)
Everything's Eventual (short story in Everything's Eventual)
The Dark Tower
Fair enough - I admire your discipline in sticking a chunky thing like The Stand in between the cliffhanger of the Waste Lands and W&G!
I think, on my next trip to the Tower, I'll follow your path along the Beam. Interestingly, it was this video and your Hodder one that inspired me to start collecting that Hodder Rainbow for that journey (even managed to find Black House!). Thanks, Dave!
Oh, thanks so much! As for the rainbows - apologies to your bank balance 😂😂
The dark tower is my favourite book series.. Haven't read them since I was young.. I'm going to watch this video and re read them in your order
Excellent - enjoy!
Great list. Thank you.
Gotta say tho I enjoy The Talisman and Black House. I know they don’t make a lot of peoples list, but I loved the character Henry Laden from BH.
I read BH first and I think that helped.
I think you're onto something there - Black House is definitely stronger and I also thought Henry was a great character. It's Jack who I don't like!
@@DaveReadsKing Jack is the least interesting character in the entire story line. Which I believe is why BH is the better of the two, as it’s talking directly to the reader about a group of characters. Instead of narrating at the reader about one bratty kid’s take on things. I do wish King and Straub had finished the trilogy though.
@@Nott_Vermeen Yeah, that's fair...I can totally live without a third one though, ha!
Thanks for this guide! I like the little reviews too. I've been on and off with Stephen King for more than 5 years now, I've read 18 books of him so far. But own more. And I've been thinking of reading TDT for awhile now, I just don't own all the copies yet and don't know where to start, really. I've read some of those "required" novels but still got a lot more left. Again thanks! Now I know what books to read first from my stephen king shelf in preparation for TDT. 😁
You're so welcome, I hope you have a great time on your path to the Tower!
hey! just wanted to thank u for the list, this was very helpful! just finished salem's lot and im going to start the stand tomorrow. its really great for the community that u made this video, ill be following your order but with a little twitches i got from the comments, like the eyes of the dragon after the stand and it before insomnia! really, thank u!
Great vid mate. Long days and pleasant nights, fellow traveler along the path of the beam
Thankee-sai!
Thanks for this. Found out about tons of books to read along the way. Greatly appreciate it
You’re welcome!
great video 👍🏻 i’ve been reading Stephen king for a few years and he’s my favourite author but still haven’t read the dark tower series.
Thanks :-) if you're a King fan you will definitely dig the Tower!
Mike Hamlin from IT is also featured shortly in Insomnia as well! He really does build the world perfectly.
Yes! Loved seeing Mike show up in that one!
Thank you SO much for this video. I have been trying to find this exact information and it’s not been easy to find!
Great! Happy to help!
Thanks! This Dark Tower read is my first time reading King.
Awesome!
Hi😊, glad that I found your Video before reading. So much Stephen King to read i‘m in love😇
Greetings from Germany 🙋🏻♀️
Guten tag! Enjoy your King journey 😊
I've read all the Stephen king books and now have started rereading them
Nice! I got *so* much out of rereading them
@@DaveReadsKing yeah I found things that I had missed before or small important details that I had forgotten or didn't connect the first time
Two years later. You gave me a reason to read the Dark Tower. I only made it to The Gunslinger. When it first came out.
Happy to help!
11:28 I've climbed the tower a I think 3 times, and I've read/listened to most of the books mentioned in this video, but I've listened to the It audiobook 5 times (I personally absorb the book better through audiobooks). It is, in my humble and admittedly morbid opinion, one of the beatest books ever written
Nice!
Oh that’s the video I requested from you the other day ! Thank you so much it is very useful !
You're most welcome, it was fun to put together! And I think you're being very kind to me there - it was more like a few *months* ago you asked...still, better late than never, right?
I do suggest people follow this advice, as I MIGHT have read IT before the Dark Tower (if not, I read it immediately after), so Dark Tower was either the first or second King work I read, and all this background info would have been extremely helpful.
Happy to help!
I think it's amazing how the gunslinger has the seeds for the entire 7 books in it, even Susan, even Sheb, even the hints of how it is going to end.
Yes! Although he did go back a rewrite a lot of it in 2003 so it was a neater tie-in with the ending…I can’t remember if the original version is quite so in line
@@DaveReadsKing What a sneaky bastard!! I have a paperback copy from the 90s, I'll re-read it instead of the more recent edition.
I’m sure my opinion could possibly change by the time I get through all of these books, but for now I would actually have the eyes of the dragon in between the gunslinger and drawing of the three, instead of drawing of the three and the wastelands. Thus far, that little alteration to the list has worked out well for me.
Interesting! Thanks for sharing!
Wow! I'm impressed. I've read all the books you've mentioned (except that I couldn't finish Talisman for some reason :-) ) but not exactly in the order you mentioned it. I simply read them in the order life gave me those books.
Your approach would be absolutely ideal though and if I, at some point, decide to reread the whole thing, it will be a great journey do do it like that.
Little side note - I also believe "It" is one of the best books of all time!
It's my first visit to your channel and I'm very happy that I found it. Not only somebody is talking about some of my favorite books in a refreshing and interesting way, but also that somebody is super cute with very sexy voice 🙂
Sorry, you probably don't care much about this last comment, just couldn't help myself...
Anyway, I'm hitting like and subscribe with no hesitation.
See u on your other videos.
Thanks Adam - glad it's been able to give you a plan for your next trip to the Tower! And very flattered to be called cute with a sexy voice 😂 that certainly brightened up my Tuesday morning!
You got a pretty mouth Dave 🌚😈
Sir...I just finished The Gunslinger last night for the first time (even though I’ve been reading King for almost 20 years), and now I feel ready to take the journey in the right direction! Thank you! Just curious, are your copies of wolves of the calla and song of Susannah mass markets from Hodder & Stoughton?
Ah excellent - glad to be a help, and I hope you enjoy your journey! My copies of Wolves and Susannah are actually the Pocket Books editions - quite how they ended up in a charity shop in the middle of England I'll never know, but they're pretty cool covers!
haha! I think the same thing when I find Hodder editions in thrift shops here in Johns Creek, Georgia
@@DaveReadsKing Okay I read The Drawing of Three and since it’s been 14 years since I read Salem’s Lot, I decided to reread it and I’m almost finished. I would re-read The Stand, but I agree with you that it’s a bit overrated! When it was only the second King book I’d read of course it made my head explode, but most of his books that I’ve read since then quickly ranked over it. After Salem’s Lot its off to Eyes of the Dragon, Talisman, and Black House! Can’t wait!
@@patrickking9600 Nice! Enjoy the journey!
Great watch! Excellent advice for the would-be Towerphile.
Thank you!
Watching this video like oh crap! Then to realize I’ve already read both of his pre-reading suggestions. Win!
Niiice!
HOLY S@#%! I thought I was well-read in the King canon and ready to restart the series after abandoning it in high school 15 years ago. At least I've read Salem's Lot, The Stand, The Talisman, and Insomnia (and a countless others which aren't Tower related). Now I know who King was addressing as Constant Reader in all those introductions 😉
Thanks for the excellent guide to entering Mid-world! Liked and subscribed.
You're most welcome - thanks for subscribing!
Im going through an extended “dark tower” universe read right now. Im glad you said read “the stand” first. One, there’s that moment in “the waste lands” that will lack intensity if you haven’t read “the stand.” Two, after “drawing of the three” you’re pretty desperate to get to “waste lands” and having a 1400 word novel in between would be a headache, which would suck since “the stand” is a masterpiece one should take the time to appreciate
Absolutely on both parts! Long days and pleasant nights Sai!
So I just started and finished The Gunslinger for the first time, after The Talisman and Black House; thanks your 19 reasons to read Black House video.
This list excites me!
There are some I have read long ago, like IT and Insomnia.
I've known of the Dark Tower series but not being a western fan, I overlooked it.
But I thoroughly enjoyed the Gunslinger!
I'm going to jump into the prereading now rather than straight on to The Drawing of the Three as planned.
Gosh I'm excited 😆
Thanks for all your awesome King content! 🙌
You're so welcome!
The gunslinger in my oppinion is the weakest of the series.. It gets amazing
Fun drinking game to play while reading The Talisman. Every time you read the word “wolf” take a shot 😂
Yeah, if you play that you're fucked!
@@DaveReadsKing 🤣
Fyi, read the dark in any order you want, cause no matter what, no matter how good the overall journey is overall, it's still going to get you confused but I bet Dave is right here on all the books to corleate with the timeliness while reading to truly get a better understand of this story with Roland and we'll you know or you will know, a good series, definitely !
Fair!
Thanks for that! Good thing i already read the Stand earlier this year, so I guess it's time for Salem's lot now :)
Nice! Have fun!
Great llist.Definitely I will follow this order to help me in the DT path. Actually I haven't read only The talisman and black house. Do you think I have to read them in between DT books or just read them before starting DT ?
I think, as I said in the video, the best place for The Talisman and Black House is either after Wizard and Glass, or right at the very end of everything. You could read them before you start DT, but they make a bit more sense if you've already spent some time in Mid-World first!
His voice is like honey. Thanks for the video man
You're welcome!
You'll have to add the Gwendy series, at least Gwendy's final task. Great video.
I know, right? Imagine my thoughts when I read Final Task 🙃 perhaps I should add a note in the description
**** Possible Spoilers here I suppose ******
Nice comprehensive list of extra reading and I totally agree with it. My only critique or difference of opinion would be that I love Wind Through the Key Hole last as it helps me say goodbye to the Ka-tet and the worlds where this takes place when they are in their prime. Before the world had moved on.
That's very fair - I guess I put it where I did as I being beholden to the chronology of the whole story, but I totally agree it's a nice reminder of times well spent...I recently hit WTTKH on my own King chronological reread and it was very pleasant to hang out with the gang again!
Desperation is phenomenal.
I enjoyed it a lot more second time around
I'm about to read the wastelands the only four books that I have not read are black house and that short stories hearts in Atlantis's and it 😱🤔💀🤯
Nice! Hope you enjoy them all when you get there!
Id recommend to Black House right before you start the last Dark Tower book! It'd be more worth it
Loved the Talisman and Black House
Nice! They’re not my favourites 😬
Great video, but if you want to have the whole picture, you have to read the comics books ”The journey home” just after Wizard and glass... You should have, at least, mentionned it, your video is so accurate... despise this omission. :)
That’s very fair - I left out the comics mainly because 1) they’re not the easiest (or cheapest) to track down and I didn’t want people thinking they would have to go hunting and 2) I’ve not read them myself, so can’t really comment on them!
Just finished TDotT. I enjoyed it more than I thought. I've already read Salem's Lot, The Stand, Bag of Bones, The Talisman, From a Buick 8, The Gunslinger, Christine, The Tommyknockers Needful Things, 1922, The Eyes of the Dragon. And all of these since September lol. Bag of Bones is great and very underrated. I even liked From a Buick 8 and The Talisman. I've never understood the hate for The Talisman. I think the underlying theme of Jack and his mother is a window into Kings relationship with his mother. Remember King's mother died of cancer. Looking forward to the rest of the list. I saved this video and refer to it often to check the order. Great video. You and The Love of Reading channel are my top 2 King channels. I'll be back after Blackhouse.
Thanks so much! And what a great reading list - sounds like you've had a good year!
Black house is great, I hope you like it🤙🏽
Honestly the only change I'd make is to shift Salem's Lot to before Wind Through the Keyhole and fill it's place with The Shining since the shining and the touch are pretty much the same thing and the kids from It, if you choose to read that book, are implied to have the shining too
Good suggestion, thanks!
You did superbly! I agree with everything that you’ve stated here. 🎉
Thank you!
@@DaveReadsKing You have a new subscriber.
Thank you!
Thanks for the recommendation. I've been wondering how to tackle The Dark Tower for a while. I've been reading Kings work in publication order, but I think I'm going to cheat and read The Gunslinger. I read IT a while back but, I might just read it again when I get there. It's such a great book!
Nice! And yes, totally agree on IT - so worth all the pages!
I actually like the first Dark Tower book better than any of the others. It seems like a lot of people have the opposite opinion.
Nice! I think it is one many struggle to get into - myself included - but it also gets better with each reread
Unfortunately I had moved back into my folks house and I had a great majority of these books ever since I was a kid and they got ruined being in storage along with my entire library I'm slowly gaining them back from library and estate sales one day I will have everything King
Good luck picking them all up!
Geez...there is no way I am reading the extended version of The Stand again...or It...unless I'm i prison or trapped in a well.
Fair enough. I hope that if you do ever have the misfortune of falling down a well it is one stocked with some Stephen King!
@@DaveReadsKing 💀
Could I ask where you got most of the non Dark Tower books?
The cover art for all of them are amazing!
The colourful ones with the spiky fonts? They are the famous 'rainbow' editions from Hodder - released here in the Uk in the mid-00s and very beautiful on your shelf. I'm planning a video on them soon, but you can get the ISBNs for them in this blog post: www.tattooedbibliophile.com/post/stephen-king-hodder-uk-paperbacks
I went between the book to audible with it and fell asleep while listening to the last 4 hours of it on audible and realized what I've been told about the ending and what I've seen in the movies, I most likely don't need to get back to it lol but the regulators that was work of art, very talentently written, Charlie the Choo Choo?
I like Charlie the Choo Choo a lot - the illustrations are just as creepy as they are described in the Dark Tower series
You don't like The Talisman? That novel is what got me into the Dark Tower in the first place cuz I really needed more of this multiverse
Fair enough! I know the Talisman is a favourite for many Constant Readers but I really disliked it both times I’ve read it. So boring (imo) and full of annoying characters.
The Talisman is one of my favourite Stephen King books LOL
😂 and that’s totally fine! It just did not work for me sadly
Imo people should also read the shining and Dr. Sleep. Danny says "There are other worlds than these" and the true knot made me think of Pennywise and the similar creature in the 7th book which led me to create a fan theory regarding the shining, the breakers and todash creatures
I can see that - nice suggestion!
@DaveReadsKing so, in case you are at all interested, my theory goes like this. The breakers all are using some form of the shining, both the true knot and todash creatures like Pennywise are after people's shining because everybody has a little and emotion is like seasoning for them
@thetotalwarrior nice!
The Marvel comic saga is definitely worth a read if you want a ton of extra info about rolands younger days and intervening moments in the major plot. Some plot holes so don’t take it all as gospel but definitely fills out tons of lore and amazing moments
Thanks - they are definitely something I want to explore!
Great list! I just finished Wizard and Glass and read everything before it except for the Sisters story and Black House. What do you recommend next? I was thinking of “It” and Insomnia next.
Insomnia is a great choice - personally, I’d save It until the summer, as it’s a better match with most of that storyline
The shining .. and doctor sleep are very dark Tower .. as they wanted to harvest children with special talents as well
I read eyes of the dragon as my very fist king novel and then the gunslinger
Yeah, I can see them being Tower adjacent - wouldn’t necessarily say they’re a must-read for Tower junkies though
How do people who haven’t read TDT make sense of some of the references made in the other books? I made my first journey to the tower about 10 years ago and decided to take another trip. After Wizard and Glass I decided it would be the extended journey. I read Low Men in Yellow Coats. How would anyone know what Ted Brautigan(sp) was talking about without any knowledge of the DT story? Love the vid!
It’s a great question! On my first read of King stuff I did the DT last, so all those references in other books I just glossed over or straight up missed. But, it did make the reread incredibly rewarding
I loved Black House and the Talisman. Read them when I was 11 or 13
Nice - they're just not for me really
Well done dude
Thanks!
The Institute makes you think it’s a Dark Tower tie in. (and maybe it is)
The Talisman was great and Black House was good. Maybe a reread of The Talisman as a mature adult compared to reading it in my young 20’s may be a different story but still, good stuff. From A Buick 8 is crazy good if only in that it makes you wonder about who the Low Men are and where the cars come from. Wizard and Glass is the best you’ll ever read. Dammit, now I gotta go back and read all those books again…
Sorry, not sorry :-)
I just finished reading black house 2 days ago and talisman 2 months ago. how did you hate these books? these books are treasures.
I just hated most of the characters - especially Jack - and found the stories dull and overlong. But, hey, that's just me!
@@DaveReadsKing crazy! Adult Jack Sawyer felt parallel to Rolan. Especially the way other characters regarded him with regalness. To me it felt like Jack conveyed confidence through his character and actions while Rolan exuded authority. However, others on reddit seen Jack as more of Jake's twinner. Jack Sawyer stories were good, man.
@@jonathanmason7572 I don't really like Roland or Jake either 😂 I just prefer some of his other stuff, but that's the beauty of King's extensive discography...there's something for everyone, and we all have our favourites and least favourites. For me, I'm just not into The Talisman and Black House 🤷♂️
@@DaveReadsKing I feel you. Roland is definitely the best character I have read, but I didn't like jake either.
Without knowing all the links with the Dark Tower, I've been reading some of the books in chronological order, such as:
Carrie
Salem's Lot
The Shining
The Stand (Complete and Uncut)
The Dark Tower I
IT
The Dark Tower II
Misery
The rest of The Dark Tower
Hopefully, I didn't lose some important links there, as I don't have time and space to read other King novels!
You've hit some of the big ones already - Insomnia, The Talisman and Black House are other important ones you should factor in 👍
I’m halfway through pet cemetery and I’ve not touched it in years. Kinda guessed how it’s gonna go and while I want to finish it I just can’t find the motivation to. Have read duma key, insomnia, Carrie and a few non king too. Should I force myself to finish pet cemetery and hopefully get back into it or just forget it and start the gunslinger as I really want to do the dark tower series.
If Pet Sematary isn't clicking with you now, don't force it - let it breathe and come back to it. It's a good one to read around Halloween. But, if you're ready to jump into the Gunslinger, then go for it!
I’m going to start reading the Dark tower maybe in like later summer
nice - you'll have a great time!
Just finished Black House. Way better than The Talisman. This book is full of awesome characters. Couldn't stop reading. I believe the wastelands is next
Enjoy!
Oh man, maybe I'll finish the series after all. Stephen King was my very first favorite writer after reading Salems Lot when I was 13 and he deserves that I try again. I was one of those who lost interest after having to wait so many years for Wizard and Glass, and the novels he published after that were really bad, so I stopped reading his books after Dolores Claiborne.
The series is definitely worth completing - it's...emotional! I'd also advocate giving Dolores another go, but then I am a total mark for 90s King
@@DaveReadsKing Yeah I will definitely try completing it. Having read everything he published up until Dolores, he will hold a special place in my heart anyway. I just discoverd other writers as well and never really returned to him. I did listen to an Audiobook of Insommnia a few years ago, but I found it also lenghty and not very good.
@@therealcampoz9375 fair enough - Insomnia does make way more sense when you've completed the journey to the Tower as well. Beyond that, 11/22/63 is hands-down one of the best things he's ever written - give that one a go if nothing else!
"The Dark Tower" is the Dark tower itself. Let's explain, but first we need to start from "Time". Because when I reread "Wizard and the Glass " it was the things said about time that first made me suspicious. There, he talks about how it feels like a week has passed since the story started, but the night isn't over, saying something like, "The night will last as long as Roland wants." Since the first book, he talks about the fact that time is changing, sometimes it stretches and sometimes it is short. Where does a second last for hours or tens, hundreds or even thousands of years pass at once?…In the Books of course.
Let's come to the infinite number of "Worlds" revolving around the black tower. In some, humanity has been destroyed by an epidemic, some have become uninhabitable by wars, and in some, vampires are running around. How can this be? All these worlds are books. The "Doors" between the worlds are simply "Submission" or "Association" to other books.
6 beams that keep the “Dark Tower” that holds the worlds together, other 6 books in the series .
The gunslinger goes on an adventure between worlds, that is, between King's books. When he finally comes to the tower and enters inside, he sees sections from his own life, adventure, story, namely his own book, "The Dark Tower". In the top room, he goes back to where he started, to the desert, to the beginning of the book.
(sorry about "translate" translation)
Fair enough!
@@DaveReadsKing "Gan", that is, King himself, as he clearly says in the book. As important as the tower, even the equivalent of Gan , “Rose” is King's wife, Tabitha King.
In the first story of the book "Hearts in Atlantis", which is not in the series but is vitally connected to the series, the phrase "Every book is a world", said by "Breaker" Ted Brautigan, helped me solve the case.
Who are the "Breakers"? They are "Editors".
I think the "Low Men In Yellow Coats" are the critics, although I'm not as sure as the others.
And we come to the archenemy The Crimson King. The Crimson King, the creature that claims Dark Tower and tries to destroy the tower and destroy “Gan” (in the series), is none other than the publisher.
I know that King doesn't like publishers and wants to get them out of his way with his readers. He even tried it out with the story "Riding the Bullet". The book has been released online for free as an e-book. If the incoming donations were sufficient, he would have published the end, but the project, which, in his own words, would "bring the end of the publishers" did not turn out as he wanted.
Thats what I'm solve.
@sadbuttrue1354 I think you’re mixing up Riding the Bullet with The Plant. RTB was a standalone short that did get released as an ebook first but not for free. The Plant was done in instalments on an honest system, and not enough people paid…but it is a available for free on King’s website now
@@DaveReadsKing I remember Stephen King talking about this venture at the end of "The Green Mile" (which was also published in volumes). It's been so long that I'm probably misremembering.
Just finished The Talisman, but I don't get the point of it being annoying. I really enjoyed the book, yes at points it was a bit longer than needed, but I enjoyed the book a lot. I think it would be a really good adventure movie.
I totally get that - I know plenty of Constant Readers love The Talisman, it just wasn’t for me. I agree with you about it having the potential to be a great movie though, totally!
What are those versions of the stand and Salem’s lot? Looks like also the same version you had of IT and several others.
They're from my collection of Rainbow Hodders - published in the UK in the mid 00s...I love them!
The Little Sisters of Eluria, the opening novella, is a prequel to the Dark Tower adventure and Stephen King said as much. Its a sprawling fantasy work and its amazing it got finished. Its a longer read than La Recherche Du Temps Perdu but everyone knows from Marcel Proust, once you begin with an epic, you have to get on with it. It will eventually bring you the reward you were seeking and its apropos the inspiration came from Robert Browning’s famous poem, Roland Childe To The Dark Tower Came.
Sprawling is a great word for it - King’s achievement in getting this done is something else
What about Gwendys button box and Gwendys last task? I just read them and they clearly belong in there!
Final Task definitely, but this video was recorded almost two years before that book came out. I don’t think Button Box on its own would fit, but it’s useful pre reading for Final Task
I've read all 7 books 3 times over the years.
Nice!
Quick question. You advice to start with Salem's Lot, but it only becomes relevant to TDT in Wolves of the Calla. That means there are about 10 books in between them according to your reading order. Would it perhaps be better to read SL right before WotC? Im just worried that I wont remember the references when I get to them. Thanks in advance.
Yeah, you definitely could do that for sure. I guess I think it's nice to do Salem's Lot early as it's a great introduction to King's writing style and key strengths...as long as you make note of the Father Callahan stuff you should be ok. But, ultimately, it's up to you!
Sai Musson, have finished Wolves of the Calla, and have forced myself through Everything's Eventual and Low Men in Yellow coats.
I don't think I can wait through IT before I read DT7. How important is it really, cry your pardon, Sai.
Sai George, I hear you well and you have not forgotten the face of your father. Go for it with DT7 - Derry and IT will be waiting for you once you’re done! Long days and pleasant nights, Sai!
Thankee Sai