Pet Sematary almost just stays in my head. It helped me look at my grief in a new way, and you are absolutely right about what makes this a horror novel is NOT the things that come back.
Just wanted to show my appreciation for your content, I'm 30 years old, was never a massive reader but have found a new love for books in the past year. I have decided to go on a bit of a Stephen King binge as I am a fan of horror /suspense. Started off with Needful Things almost finished loving it. Your videos and descriptions are excellent and I appreciate how you spark an interest in these books without giving too much away. I've bought Salems Lot and The Shining so I'm gonna jump into one of them next 🤷♂️. Keep up the good work Mike 🔥🤟
"Christine" was my introduction to Stephen King when I was in high school. As a huge Herbie the Love Bug fan when I was little, the idea of an evil car had huge appeal. I really identified with Arnie Cunningham (being a high school outsider myself). I have reread that novel more than other, period. I had several passages memorized verbatim. I saw the movie in the theater 3 times. I knew all the novel's faults, and tolerated them. Side note: for my senior art class we had a calligraphy project and while others did theirs on 8"x10" paper I wrote out Dennis' first dream sequence with Christine on 24"x36" poster board. My art teacher liked it so much she displayed it on one of the bulletin boards in the main hallway complete with a background she made with a darkened garage and 4 headlights inside. It hung up there for about two weeks I think. Did I get shit from my classmates? Oh hell yes I did. And I loved it. This is my favorite King period as I was reading anything I could get my hands on by him. I could talk for days on almost any of the books here. Thanks Mike!
@@mikesbookreviews Like you said, King really had the greaser bullies to a T, but he also nailed the nerds and outsiders. So many people can relate to those lonely, beaten down characters.
Never read the book, but I always thought the film was excellent. The Moochie chase is still haunting with Christine waiting in the dark under the overpass. Its windows blacked out & Little Bitty Pretty One playing on the radio. Headlights kick on & Carpenter's theme comes at you.
@@timmeyer9191 You got to love the scene before that when Arnie stands in front of Christine and says, "Okay. Show me." Then the car begins to regenerate. Gives me goosebumps every time.
when someone says the horror of the book is the fast killer car, in my opinion they didn't understand the book at all... the horror of the story is Arnie's change due to obsession and adiction it's the same as saying that the horror in Cujo is just the rabid dog who kills everyone or that horror in pet sematary is just about the reanimated creatures
Love these rankings I'm looking forward to part 3 11/22/63 was my introduction to Stephen King because I'm a sci Fi thriller reader and I loved it so can't wait to see your review.
IT is so great man. I'm halfway through and it's chocked full of bittersweet childhood memories bookended by terrific horror scenes. Literally what's not to love???
I love both videos in this series. I have only read a portion of these books, but the way you discuss them all is thoroughly entertaining. You have such a natural, conversational style that just makes the half hour or so fly by. Looking forward to part 3!
Love these videos! IT is my absolute favorite as well, doing my third read this summer-and I agree I could talk about that book for hours. Looking forward to the next video!
Awesome rankings. I agree Thinner is very underrated and The Tommyknockers could've been ao much better but it went off the rails (love the multiverse video on it as well).
I'm new to the channel, and I gotta say man: I usually don't like watching people talk about Stephen King because I feel like they haven't read enough of his books, or don't really get the guy, but you really know your stuff. I'm even learning new things about some of the books, like the inspiration for Misery being the fan reception of Eyes of the Dragon. Can't wait for the next vid my brother.
Thinner was the first book I ever read from Stephen King and I got hooked immediately. I absolutely love The Gunslinger and The Tommyknockers. I think to this day, Thinner will always be super special to me.
Love love love your King content! I enjoy ranking these along as I watch your video to see where we differ. I only read the Talisman not long ago and almost couldn't finish. It lacks the spark that makes it a page turner. Also I would put Drawing of the Three in Ka for sure. It's my favorite Dark Tower book, and Eddie is also one of my favorites.
I’ve read 25ish SK books, I’m going to get through all of them. I have Fairy Tale preordered I’m PUMPED for that book. It’ll be the first time I can read a new release the day it comes out! Im currently reading 11/22/63 350 pages in so far so good! This video makes me so excited to read tommyknockers, talisman, and thinner. I really want to read those 3 soon, I know a lot of people love or hate all 3. Great video :)
Hey Mike, I have never read King before. You have sparked my interest. I recently bought 25 King novels including the entire Dark Tower. I plan on reading The Stand as my first. I also bought 12 Crighton novels per your recommendations and a ton of Star Wars EU novels including 18 of the 19 NJO books. You are the best man, ur channel serves as great guidance and entertainment.
Another great video. Can’t wait for part 3. I wait for your next video like I wait for King’s next book. Different Seasons - My Heart Burns there too Christine - you’ve got the shine Cycle of the werewolf - dirty birds Pet Sematary - my heart burns there too The eyes of the dragon - you’ve got the shine The talisman - dirty birdys Thinner - my heart burns there too IT - ka and everything else The drawing of the three - ka and everything else Misery - my heart burns there too The tommyknockers - dirty birdy The dark half - you’ve got the shine
@@mikesbookreviews yes I noticed a lot of what you said I completely agree with. I especially love the fact someone agrees with me on the Talisman. I really didn’t like it
Hey man! I just wanted to say i really enjoyed watching this video and the part 1. IT was also my gateway to King in about 2015. It took me quite a while to get through, but it was so rewarding to see it through. I am a slow reader, and have started reading a bit “late” in life (soon to hit my 30s). I am familiar with a lot of Kings back catalogue but I have not read more than, say, 10% of his output. You are making a compelling argument for a complete read of all of these works. Except maybe Tommyknockers. That sounds out there! Haha. Keep up the great work. You can thank the TH-cam Algorithm for bringing me here. Now i’m off to watch your other King videos. Appreciate the work you put into it all. Promoting reading is very important and you’re doing awesome 🙂
You are so on the money with your rankings. Only thing is, I haven't finished Tommyknockers and a few books that it's been so long since I've read, but I absolutely love revisiting these titles with you. IT I read for second time over vacation this past summer and practically defined my trip for me, lol Pet Semetary, I read for the third time over Halloween 2020 as that one is up there amongst my favorites. I even gave to my dad to read
I totally agree on The Talisman, I think that’s why I loved the sequel Black House because it focused more on Jack and had a better supporting cast than The Talisman when it shifted off of Jack
This is gonna sound weird but the one scene in IT didn’t affect me all to much, cause I knew it was coming. Obviously it’s really weird and uncomfortable but it didn’t in any way shape or form make the book any less good, and that book is the best book I’ve ever read. I finished it in 10 days
Hey Mike! Love these ranking videos, even if I don't always agree. It's nice to see your opinion and your take on these books. I'd really like you to tackle Stephen King's short stories, though I can understand why you wouldn't want to do it in this format. I just really thing Mr. King is a pro at short stories, and some of them are worth talking about. Maybe you could do a video per compilation and talk about your favorite ones in the book? Love to hear your take on them is all.
I appreciate the disclaimer about being on the right frame of mind before reading. As a person with depression, i have to be in a certain mood for some things. 👍🏽
Ok, I’m 49 and have been a lifelong King fan. I’ve read nearly everything but the Dark Tower. I am not a Sci fi fan and steer clear of it in general. I’ve heard that there are strong books and very weak ones in the series…specifically the beginning and the end and another couple in between. Given the weaknesses that I’ve heard endlessly over the decades, I’ve put it off. Mike is getting me closer every day to reading it but I’m not there yet.
I've read The Shining, Firestarter, Salems Lot, IT and they were all really good suspenseful books. I'm getting ready to read Nightmares and Dreamscapes and I want to read The Stand and The Running Man.
So happy to see you getting back to the sai King content. I am currently reading Insomnia as well, as I am going through the dark tower. I needed a palate cleanser and break after finishing book 6...I finally get why you stopped reading him lol. He had a tiny meta moment at the end of book 5 I thought was eye roll dumb and then in book 6 he expands on it and goes full meta and it completely shit all over that book. 80% of book 6 was fine but "that" chapter and the journal entries at the end completely dunked it. If it wasn't so close to the end I would have stopped the series it was that outrageous of a choice. As far as your list goes I think it's very solid. For me personally I would put The Stand 1st since it's my all time favorite and I would swap Salem's Lot with Different Seasons.
@@nikkivenable3700 In his Dark Tower series he has a language called "high speech" the word Sai is used as a gender neutral title. It essentially translates to Sir in our language.
You matched my top tier selections this go round. During this time was when my parents wouldn't allow me to read Stephen King for two years or so until I got to high school with EYES OF THE DRAGON changing their mind. I'd been reading King for a year or two when THINNER came out. I am guessing my mom decided to give King a try because the book was so 'thin' compared to the other books I had been bringing home from the library. She didn't like the material at all though I think the movie version of THE SHINING would have been clue enough, I had tried to get IT but the book flap was a no go. EOTD passed the book flap test and a reading from mom. She even read MISERY and remembering her commenting he had really cut down on the cuss words.
The first Stephen King novel I ever read was “IT”. I read it round-the-clock, even while going to university in the bus. I was in college and it took me a week to finish it. I loved it! First time to read the “F” word! Read it again as an adult a couple of years ago. It was easier to understand. Enjoyed it each time!
HEy Mike, this is so much fun and I am enjoying it. I can see your opinion on most of them, but I have to disagree with Thinner, respectfully. Can't wait for more.
I just finished the Gunslinger and really enjoyed it, especially chapter 1. Now i’m on chapter 4 of The Drawing of a Three, and it’s an absolute page turner!
Re: Eye of the Dragon If anyone is at all curious, the audiobook for this is INCREDIBLE! Bronson Pinchot does an outstanding job narration this book! I hardly remember the broad strokes of the book itself but I remember how he read it and how he brings so much life and mania to many parts of it. Even if you've already read it, the audiobook is worth your time, I promise!
Cycles of the werewolf was the first Stephan king book I ever read. I’m rereading it now at a slower pace and I’m really appreciate it more now. Good read. Would definitely recommend it as a beginner Stephan King book
Mike, I'm 100% with you on The Talisman. It's one of my least favorite King books. I'm with you on IT and Pet Sematary. I also think The Dark Half is underrated. I'm a little higher on The Tommyknockers than you are, however. I have somewhere in the middle of the pack in my rankings. It's by no means a classic, but that complete batshit craziness is quite an experience.
My feelings align with yours pretty well so far, though personally I'd reverse The Talisman and Thinner, but it's been more than 20 years since I read either. Looking forward to the next instalment.
So this is exactly why this is fun.... I'd put Christine way at the bottom and I love, love, love the two books with Straub. Wolf! Thinner feels like a homage to Matheson's Incredible Shrinking Man, in the way The Shining is a homage to Jackson's Hill House. Thanks for helping me think about these books.
You and I are both re rereading king lol. Your life experience sounds similar to mine. I read it at 12 and became the biggest Stephen King fan. It's funny how opinions differ. But I respect your arrangement even though I disagree with a few placements. Not much though and I super enjoy hearing you talk. Tommyknockers- am I the only one who loves this novel? I put it mich higher. Even king knocks it. Oh well. I read it first at 13. Maybe that's why. Oh and Talisman...I read it at 12 and cried some private tears for one of the characters. Any how bravo and thank you for your channel.
HUGE King fan here. Have read everything except of some of the Bachman book. The Tommyknockers is the only Stephen King novel that I just could not finish. I just thought the writing was poor. I just wasn't pulled in and riveted like his other books.
I’ve never read It because I’m a little bit scared by it! Clowns are not my thing. I’d put Drawing of the three in the top tier as I think it’s such a great story. I love Eddie Dean and Odeta. The audiobook narrator got these characters personalities perfectly.
While not in the same order, all of your Ka, and Then Everything Else books appear in mine as well, except that I have The Drawing of the Three in there too.
Completely agree with your estimation of It...but I enjoyed The Dark Half quite a lot....It gripped me from the very first page. A constructive feedback: I think you were a bit spoilery about Pet Sematary, I have read it, phenomenal book but I think it works better if you don't know too much about it going in. The other day I was talking with this guy on Reddit, he was saying he couldn't get into/wasn't interested in Pet Sematary because he had watched the movie...
The Tommyknockers was my FIRST King book. 7th grade. Got it cause of the cover and the thickness to look impressive to my classmates. Hehehe! I still catch myself saying, "Last last night and the night before, Tommyknockers, Tommyknockers knocking at the door..." when someone says something like "last night and the night before" or some similar queue.
I recently lost my second-born son and I've just started reading King books. I've seen the movies, and I'm both dreading and looking forward to Pet Semetary for that reason
Part 3!!!! Part 3!!!! Part 3!!!! Awww man! Tommyknockers so low! For me that wuda been up there for sure. Gard probably my favourite protagonist ever in a horror novel.
I wish they would re-release Cycle of the Werewolf in hardcover. After The Wolfman film, I think Silver Bullet/Cycle of the Werewolf is the best werewolf story out there that I've come across. I would like a hardcover for my collection, but I don't want to pay hundreds of dollars for it. Adendum: American Werewolf in London is a close 3rd place among Werewolf stories. (Stories includes all forms of media).
Underrated agreeing with you….Thinner and Christine 4/5, Needful Things 4.5, but quite liked Tommyknockers 3.75. Same top tier as you for same reasons. Could have made It and The Stand even longer and I’d love it.
Oh man, the Talisman take just hurts. For some reason I find that book fascinating in the same way I found The Stand fascinating. I'll give you a pass since you introduced me to Red Rising.
A bit of useless information: There’s a Japanese video game by Studio Ghibli called Ni No Kuni that has practically the exact same plot as The Talisman. There’s also a character in it called Roland who is a gunslinger. Even after the incredibly obvious similarities, they have never publicly stated that Stephen King was an inspiration for it.
I never read Pet Sematary as a young man. I was too scared. Still today I can sense that the book is a bit too haunting for me...Some phobias stick around and I am superstitious
I'm doing an event with some Booktube friends called Horror May-hem next month and Thinner is in my reading list, and as for It...what can I say? It is awesome!!!
Hey. Could you rank say your top King short stories? Not the actual collections but just your top short stories. My top one would be Sometimes They Come Back
I agree with everything on the top line ... and everything on the last 2 lines ... but everything on lines 2 and 3 could be all one line in various orders of importance depending on what day of the week it is. So hard to rank the bulk of his "middle" work.
this is perfect timing.i been meaning to pick up some stephen king since i read heart shaped box from your recs last year. i have never read anything by him.whats s good rec to start?
You should probably start with kings short story collections that's what I did when I started reading his work full dark no stars was the first book I read
Back in the 90s i was a fan of both King and Straub but I thought the Talisman was boring and needed a lot of editing to pick up the pace. I have no problem saying It is my favourite book of all time. The audiobook is amazing as well.
Can you do part 3 right now? Okay, great🤙
is part 3 out?
Yes plz
Where the hell is 3 Mike?
I agree the short stories deserve a separate ranking system
Yes they do 💯
Pet Sematary almost just stays in my head. It helped me look at my grief in a new way, and you are absolutely right about what makes this a horror novel is NOT the things that come back.
Yeah, it's a deep book.
Respect for this ranking! Stephen King has such a wide variety of books that is is hard to decide.
Indeed.
I absolutely enjoyed eyes of the dragon it really doesn't get the love or attention it deserves 💝👍
Yeah, it was adorable. I enjoyed it.
This book was one of the most boring books I’ve read this year. Glad you enjoyed it but holy cow.
Just wanted to show my appreciation for your content, I'm 30 years old, was never a massive reader but have found a new love for books in the past year. I have decided to go on a bit of a Stephen King binge as I am a fan of horror /suspense. Started off with Needful Things almost finished loving it. Your videos and descriptions are excellent and I appreciate how you spark an interest in these books without giving too much away. I've bought Salems Lot and The Shining so I'm gonna jump into one of them next 🤷♂️. Keep up the good work Mike 🔥🤟
"Christine" was my introduction to Stephen King when I was in high school. As a huge Herbie the Love Bug fan when I was little, the idea of an evil car had huge appeal. I really identified with Arnie Cunningham (being a high school outsider myself). I have reread that novel more than other, period. I had several passages memorized verbatim. I saw the movie in the theater 3 times. I knew all the novel's faults, and tolerated them. Side note: for my senior art class we had a calligraphy project and while others did theirs on 8"x10" paper I wrote out Dennis' first dream sequence with Christine on 24"x36" poster board. My art teacher liked it so much she displayed it on one of the bulletin boards in the main hallway complete with a background she made with a darkened garage and 4 headlights inside. It hung up there for about two weeks I think. Did I get shit from my classmates? Oh hell yes I did. And I loved it. This is my favorite King period as I was reading anything I could get my hands on by him. I could talk for days on almost any of the books here. Thanks Mike!
Yeah, I definitely had a similar experience to Arnie pre-psychotic.
@@mikesbookreviews Like you said, King really had the greaser bullies to a T, but he also nailed the nerds and outsiders. So many people can relate to those lonely, beaten down characters.
Never read the book, but I always thought the film was excellent. The Moochie chase is still haunting with Christine waiting in the dark under the overpass. Its windows blacked out & Little Bitty Pretty One playing on the radio. Headlights kick on & Carpenter's theme comes at you.
@@timmeyer9191 You got to love the scene before that when Arnie stands in front of Christine and says, "Okay. Show me." Then the car begins to regenerate. Gives me goosebumps every time.
when someone says the horror of the book is the fast killer car, in my opinion they didn't understand the book at all... the horror of the story is Arnie's change due to obsession and adiction
it's the same as saying that the horror in Cujo is just the rabid dog who kills everyone or that horror in pet sematary is just about the reanimated creatures
Love these rankings I'm looking forward to part 3 11/22/63 was my introduction to Stephen King because I'm a sci Fi thriller reader and I loved it so can't wait to see your review.
A spectacular book!
Loved that book. And as great as it was, the miniseries was as bad. I hope someone competent takes another crack at the story and does it justice.
IT is so great man. I'm halfway through and it's chocked full of bittersweet childhood memories bookended by terrific horror scenes. Literally what's not to love???
I love both videos in this series. I have only read a portion of these books, but the way you discuss them all is thoroughly entertaining. You have such a natural, conversational style that just makes the half hour or so fly by. Looking forward to part 3!
Love these videos! IT is my absolute favorite as well, doing my third read this summer-and I agree I could talk about that book for hours. Looking forward to the next video!
You’ve really inspired me to keep reading SK. I wasn’t sure about reading TDK series but now I’m really looking forward to it.
Oooo....been looking forward to this.
Hope it met expectations.
Awesome rankings. I agree Thinner is very underrated and The Tommyknockers could've been ao much better but it went off the rails (love the multiverse video on it as well).
I'm new to the channel, and I gotta say man: I usually don't like watching people talk about Stephen King because I feel like they haven't read enough of his books, or don't really get the guy, but you really know your stuff. I'm even learning new things about some of the books, like the inspiration for Misery being the fan reception of Eyes of the Dragon. Can't wait for the next vid my brother.
Thinner was the first book I ever read from Stephen King and I got hooked immediately. I absolutely love The Gunslinger and The Tommyknockers. I think to this day, Thinner will always be super special to me.
Love love love your King content! I enjoy ranking these along as I watch your video to see where we differ. I only read the Talisman not long ago and almost couldn't finish. It lacks the spark that makes it a page turner. Also I would put Drawing of the Three in Ka for sure. It's my favorite Dark Tower book, and Eddie is also one of my favorites.
Eddie is the best.
I’ve read 25ish SK books, I’m going to get through all of them. I have Fairy Tale preordered I’m PUMPED for that book. It’ll be the first time I can read a new release the day it comes out! Im currently reading 11/22/63 350 pages in so far so good! This video makes me so excited to read tommyknockers, talisman, and thinner. I really want to read those 3 soon, I know a lot of people love or hate all 3.
Great video :)
I'm a huge fan of Different Seasons. Glad you loved it too.
Hey Mike, I have never read King before. You have sparked my interest. I recently bought 25 King novels including the entire Dark Tower. I plan on reading The Stand as my first. I also bought 12 Crighton novels per your recommendations and a ton of Star Wars EU novels including 18 of the 19 NJO books. You are the best man, ur channel serves as great guidance and entertainment.
Love these! As a reborn constant reader this really helps me find Gems from his backlog
You Keep the King coming I’ll keep giving thumbs up.
I have to thank you for encouraging me to discover Stephen King. I am on my 5th by him so far and I am very impressed.
You are so welcome!
Loving this tier series, and it’s a bit of bonus hearing your quick two bite thoughts on them as you go. Great stuff.
Glad you enjoy it!
Another great video. Can’t wait for part 3. I wait for your next video like I wait for King’s next book.
Different Seasons - My Heart Burns there too
Christine - you’ve got the shine
Cycle of the werewolf - dirty birds
Pet Sematary - my heart burns there too
The eyes of the dragon - you’ve got the shine
The talisman - dirty birdys
Thinner - my heart burns there too
IT - ka and everything else
The drawing of the three - ka and everything else
Misery - my heart burns there too
The tommyknockers - dirty birdy
The dark half - you’ve got the shine
We seem similar on these. I approve.
@@mikesbookreviews yes I noticed a lot of what you said I completely agree with. I especially love the fact someone agrees with me on the Talisman. I really didn’t like it
Hey man! I just wanted to say i really enjoyed watching this video and the part 1. IT was also my gateway to King in about 2015. It took me quite a while to get through, but it was so rewarding to see it through. I am a slow reader, and have started reading a bit “late” in life (soon to hit my 30s).
I am familiar with a lot of Kings back catalogue but I have not read more than, say, 10% of his output. You are making a compelling argument for a complete read of all of these works. Except maybe Tommyknockers. That sounds out there! Haha. Keep up the great work. You can thank the TH-cam Algorithm for bringing me here.
Now i’m off to watch your other King videos. Appreciate the work you put into it all. Promoting reading is very important and you’re doing awesome 🙂
You are so on the money with your rankings. Only thing is, I haven't finished Tommyknockers and a few books that it's been so long since I've read, but I absolutely love revisiting these titles with you.
IT I read for second time over vacation this past summer and practically defined my trip for me, lol
Pet Semetary, I read for the third time over Halloween 2020 as that one is up there amongst my favorites. I even gave to my dad to read
Tommyknockers is...something.
My first book by Stephen King I read was It in the early 90s at school. Recently read Salem's lot and loved that one too🙂
I totally agree on The Talisman, I think that’s why I loved the sequel Black House because it focused more on Jack and had a better supporting cast than The Talisman when it shifted off of Jack
I love that you’re doing more King content.
Mike the realest in the game ..nice rankings..i know what i want to try next better now ..keep it up brother
This is gonna sound weird but the one scene in IT didn’t affect me all to much, cause I knew it was coming. Obviously it’s really weird and uncomfortable but it didn’t in any way shape or form make the book any less good, and that book is the best book I’ve ever read. I finished it in 10 days
Hey Mike! Love these ranking videos, even if I don't always agree. It's nice to see your opinion and your take on these books.
I'd really like you to tackle Stephen King's short stories, though I can understand why you wouldn't want to do it in this format. I just really thing Mr. King is a pro at short stories, and some of them are worth talking about. Maybe you could do a video per compilation and talk about your favorite ones in the book? Love to hear your take on them is all.
I will always love a SK video
I appreciate the disclaimer about being on the right frame of mind before reading. As a person with depression, i have to be in a certain mood for some things. 👍🏽
Ok, I’m 49 and have been a lifelong King fan. I’ve read nearly everything but the Dark Tower. I am not a Sci fi fan and steer clear of it in general. I’ve heard that there are strong books and very weak ones in the series…specifically the beginning and the end and another couple in between. Given the weaknesses that I’ve heard endlessly over the decades, I’ve put it off. Mike is getting me closer every day to reading it but I’m not there yet.
It’s been a year. Did you get around to reading The Gunslinger series? Same with me. Had a hard time reading it, when it first came out.
Just found your channel a few days ago. Just finished it (my first Stephen king book) a few days ago. Very excited about these videos thank you
Welcome!
More! More! More! More!
I'm right there with you on The Talisman, I absolutely hated the book and couldn't wait to finish it.
Looking forward to part 3!
Great one again cant wait foe the next one :) It's like an history class on King
I've read The Shining, Firestarter, Salems Lot, IT and they were all really good suspenseful books. I'm getting ready to read Nightmares and Dreamscapes and I want to read The Stand and The Running Man.
Didn’t care for Firestarter. Nightmares and Dreamscapes is good. However, read Night Shift. That’s a good read. The Stand is a classic.
Love the list! Looking forward to part 3 when you get to it.
So happy to see you getting back to the sai King content. I am currently reading Insomnia as well, as I am going through the dark tower. I needed a palate cleanser and break after finishing book 6...I finally get why you stopped reading him lol. He had a tiny meta moment at the end of book 5 I thought was eye roll dumb and then in book 6 he expands on it and goes full meta and it completely shit all over that book. 80% of book 6 was fine but "that" chapter and the journal entries at the end completely dunked it. If it wasn't so close to the end I would have stopped the series it was that outrageous of a choice. As far as your list goes I think it's very solid. For me personally I would put The Stand 1st since it's my all time favorite and I would swap Salem's Lot with Different Seasons.
Oh, I'll be dunking on Song of Susannah a LOT when that one comes up.
Why is he called Sai King? I’ve heard that term but have zero idea what it means.
@@nikkivenable3700 In his Dark Tower series he has a language called "high speech" the word Sai is used as a gender neutral title. It essentially translates to Sir in our language.
Thanks for the video, Mike!! I was waiting for this
You matched my top tier selections this go round.
During this time was when my parents wouldn't allow me to read Stephen King for two years or so until I got to high school with EYES OF THE DRAGON changing their mind.
I'd been reading King for a year or two when THINNER came out. I am guessing my mom decided to give King a try because the book was so 'thin' compared to the other books I had been bringing home from the library. She didn't like the material at all though I think the movie version of THE SHINING would have been clue enough,
I had tried to get IT but the book flap was a no go. EOTD passed the book flap test and a reading from mom. She even read MISERY and remembering her commenting he had really cut down on the cuss words.
The first Stephen King novel I ever read was “IT”. I read it round-the-clock, even while going to university in the bus. I was in college and it took me a week to finish it. I loved it! First time to read the “F” word! Read it again as an adult a couple of years ago. It was easier to understand. Enjoyed it each time!
HEy Mike, this is so much fun and I am enjoying it. I can see your opinion on most of them, but I have to disagree with Thinner, respectfully. Can't wait for more.
Thinner & Talisman are going to get pushback, I'm sure ha ha
I just finished the Gunslinger and really enjoyed it, especially chapter 1. Now i’m on chapter 4 of The Drawing of a Three, and it’s an absolute page turner!
@@asusminor it is a bit weird and not what I expected, but i’m loving it
Love to hear that! Enjoy the trip.
100% agree about IT
As all should ;)
Re: Eye of the Dragon
If anyone is at all curious, the audiobook for this is INCREDIBLE! Bronson Pinchot does an outstanding job narration this book! I hardly remember the broad strokes of the book itself but I remember how he read it and how he brings so much life and mania to many parts of it. Even if you've already read it, the audiobook is worth your time, I promise!
Great Video! Would love to see part three, please!
Cycles of the werewolf was the first Stephan king book I ever read. I’m rereading it now at a slower pace and I’m really appreciate it more now. Good read. Would definitely recommend it as a beginner Stephan King book
This is awesome!!
can't wait for part 3
Drawing of the three is AWESOME and solidified my decision to finish that series after the gunslinger.
“Goin on vacation with an ambulance”👌🏻😂😂😂 I haven’t even read the book but this comment man🤣
He's the worst.
Mike, I'm 100% with you on The Talisman. It's one of my least favorite King books. I'm with you on IT and Pet Sematary. I also think The Dark Half is underrated. I'm a little higher on The Tommyknockers than you are, however. I have somewhere in the middle of the pack in my rankings. It's by no means a classic, but that complete batshit craziness is quite an experience.
My feelings align with yours pretty well so far, though personally I'd reverse The Talisman and Thinner, but it's been more than 20 years since I read either. Looking forward to the next instalment.
Apt Pupil is the only SK book in my 50 years of reading his books that is so disturbing I am not rereading it.
So this is exactly why this is fun.... I'd put Christine way at the bottom and I love, love, love the two books with Straub. Wolf! Thinner feels like a homage to Matheson's Incredible Shrinking Man, in the way The Shining is a homage to Jackson's Hill House. Thanks for helping me think about these books.
You and I are both re rereading king lol. Your life experience sounds similar to mine. I read it at 12 and became the biggest Stephen King fan. It's funny how opinions differ. But I respect your arrangement even though I disagree with a few placements. Not much though and I super enjoy hearing you talk. Tommyknockers- am I the only one who loves this novel? I put it mich higher. Even king knocks it. Oh well. I read it first at 13. Maybe that's why. Oh and Talisman...I read it at 12 and cried some private tears for one of the characters. Any how bravo and thank you for your channel.
HUGE King fan here. Have read everything except of some of the Bachman book. The Tommyknockers is the only Stephen King novel that I just could not finish. I just thought the writing was poor. I just wasn't pulled in and riveted like his other books.
I’ve never read It because I’m a little bit scared by it! Clowns are not my thing. I’d put Drawing of the three in the top tier as I think it’s such a great story. I love Eddie Dean and Odeta. The audiobook narrator got these characters personalities perfectly.
Ahh i was waiting for this vid. Finally it be here
Hope you enjoyed!
While not in the same order, all of your Ka, and Then Everything Else books appear in mine as well, except that I have The Drawing of the Three in there too.
It's quite good.
Completely agree with your estimation of It...but I enjoyed The Dark Half quite a lot....It gripped me from the very first page.
A constructive feedback: I think you were a bit spoilery about Pet Sematary, I have read it, phenomenal book but I think it works better if you don't know too much about it going in. The other day I was talking with this guy on Reddit, he was saying he couldn't get into/wasn't interested in Pet Sematary because he had watched the movie...
The Tommyknockers was my FIRST King book. 7th grade. Got it cause of the cover and the thickness to look impressive to my classmates. Hehehe! I still catch myself saying, "Last last night and the night before, Tommyknockers, Tommyknockers knocking at the door..." when someone says something like "last night and the night before" or some similar queue.
I first read Pet Sem when my twin daughters were less than a year old, and holy hell did it mess me up
Yeah, my second had just been born when I re-read it. I was not okay.
I recently lost my second-born son and I've just started reading King books. I've seen the movies, and I'm both dreading and looking forward to Pet Semetary for that reason
Random thought. I think the scruff looks good on you man!
I wish Stephen King would write a book on Pennywise backstory
Where's part 3?
Thinner is a fantastic book. A lot of fun. And I agree with you on The Talisman.
Thinner gets so much hate and I don't get it.
Part 3!!!!
Part 3!!!!
Part 3!!!!
Awww man! Tommyknockers so low! For me that wuda been up there for sure. Gard probably my favourite protagonist ever in a horror novel.
I wish they would re-release Cycle of the Werewolf in hardcover. After The Wolfman film, I think Silver Bullet/Cycle of the Werewolf is the best werewolf story out there that I've come across. I would like a hardcover for my collection, but I don't want to pay hundreds of dollars for it.
Adendum: American Werewolf in London is a close 3rd place among Werewolf stories. (Stories includes all forms of media).
That would be cool!
Underrated agreeing with you….Thinner and Christine 4/5, Needful Things 4.5, but quite liked Tommyknockers 3.75. Same top tier as you for same reasons. Could have made It and The Stand even longer and I’d love it.
Oh man, the Talisman take just hurts. For some reason I find that book fascinating in the same way I found The Stand fascinating. I'll give you a pass since you introduced me to Red Rising.
A bit of useless information:
There’s a Japanese video game by Studio Ghibli called Ni No Kuni that has practically the exact same plot as The Talisman. There’s also a character in it called Roland who is a gunslinger. Even after the incredibly obvious similarities, they have never publicly stated that Stephen King was an inspiration for it.
I never read Pet Sematary as a young man. I was too scared. Still today I can sense that the book is a bit too haunting for me...Some phobias stick around and I am superstitious
I'm doing an event with some Booktube friends called Horror May-hem next month and Thinner is in my reading list, and as for It...what can I say? It is awesome!!!
Ohh here is part 2
Hey. Could you rank say your top King short stories? Not the actual collections but just your top short stories. My top one would be Sometimes They Come Back
Perhaps down the line. I'd have to reacquaint with a lot of them.
Totally agree on The Talisman. My mom loved it though.
Got to watch the trailer for Misery in a theater with Rob Reiner and his family
I agree with everything on the top line ... and everything on the last 2 lines ... but everything on lines 2 and 3 could be all one line in various orders of importance depending on what day of the week it is. So hard to rank the bulk of his "middle" work.
I overall agree with your list. What book do you have on the bottom? I can’t make out the title… thanks
Roadwork
Cam we has part 3 pls 🙏 many thankles
ok seriously...part 3?
Ha. Gonna be a bit on that one because I still have to re-read a few.
Where did you get the t shirt from? Love the videos Mike!
My wife actually made it for me!
Have you ever read books written by sandra brown or Michael Connelly 🤔📚📖
You should read Black House. It is completely different then Talisman. The tone is way darker and mature and it has a direct Dark Tower influence.
I intend to.
this is perfect timing.i been meaning to pick up some stephen king since i read heart shaped box from your recs last year. i have never read anything by him.whats s good rec to start?
You should probably start with kings short story collections that's what I did when I started reading his work full dark no stars was the first book I read
@@angelaholmes8888 thank you.im transitioning from girly thrillers i want something alike but from a new perspective.i appreciate your rec 🥰
Scary: Pet Sematary or Salem's Lot
Romance: 11/22/63
Coming of Age: IT or The Body (Different Seasons)
@@mrsduncanthetall oh your welcome 😃
Like first, then watch!
Appreciated!
Back in the 90s i was a fan of both King and Straub but I thought the Talisman was boring and needed a lot of editing to pick up the pace.
I have no problem saying It is my favourite book of all time. The audiobook is amazing as well.
It certainly could have been sped up.
I'm with you on the Talisman... it was like DT-esque-lite. I don't even want to read Black House! 😬😬
Yeah, I'm not excited about it. But I'll still read it.
We NEED part 3
Tommyknockers was the only Stephen King book I couldn't finish
I made an impulse buy of 'It' the other day.
An excellent decision.
I'd put Tommyknockers below Running Man and Rage.
Ha ha I wouldn't fight you too hard on it, to be honest.
Christine doesn’t get the love it deserves imo. I really identified with Arnie and felt some really strong emotions from how the book ended.