My current top 10 1. The Stand 2. It 3. 11.22.63 4. Needful Things 5. Salem's Lot 6. Under the Dome 7. Drawing of the Three 8. Misery 9. Desperation 10. The Green Mile Have to point out that despite reading my first King novel circa 1991, and having been a massive fan ever since, I've STILL not read the Shining or Pet Sematary. I will remedy that over the next couple of months, so this list could, and probably will change.
If you read the Shining, try to read the Cemetery Dance edition with the bonus content. It includes the prologue, Before the Play that makes a big difference in understanding the long bloody history of the Overlook. Pet Sematary is horrific and heartbreaking and one of King's most focused books.
So glad to see you had Needful Things and Drawing of the Three on your top 10 as well as my own. Drawing of the Three was like crack to me especially that first act
I can't possibly form a top 10 list, but I think nostalgia alone would force me to put Christine somewhere in there, as it was my first King read. I was 14 in 1983, and while I had already read a few horror / suspense books, I certainly hadn't experienced anything close to that. I was hooked.
My top ten favorite books 1. The stand 2. Wizard and glass 3. The talisman 4. Insomnia 5. the wastelands 6.the gunslinger 7. Eye of the dragon 8. Rose madder 9. Black house 10. Song of susannah
So stoked the Magic Duff Bucket provided Peter for this list! Our top two are the same, and we definitely have some overlap in the rest of your list. But you gotta read 11/22/63, what are you doing with your life.
That saison was DELICIOUS! I'm still a stout lout, but you made one hell of an argument for something other than a stout. And Producer Jill loved it! At some point I'll read 11/22/63. Maybe.
Great list Jeff, 2 points, i actually like the Pet Sematary remake and it's nice to see The Tommyknockers in a top ten, one of my favourites and never understand the hate it gets at times
I also liked the Pet Sematary movie remake. They changed just enough to make it interesting for those of us that had read the book and seen the original movie multiple times. I thought the young actress that played Ellie was fantastic. And you can never go wrong with John Lithgow in any role he chooses.
Well, I'm not one of those guys who thinks there's only one correct opinion to have, who takes it personally when others have a different opinion. So I can accept that there are people who like the Pet Sematary remake. And hell, I'll even agree that you cannot hate John Lithgow in any role. I just HATED the way Louis Creed was played.
I love the name of your channel lmao My current ranking of all his books that I've read: 1. IT 2. The Wastelands 3. The Drawing of the Three 4. The Shining 5. The Talisman 6. Desperation *** 7. Pet Sematary 8. The Gunslinger 9. The Stand 10. Salem's Lot 11. Doctor Sleep 12. Insomnia 13. Needful Things 14. Rose Madder 15. The Eyes of the Dragon ***Still reading, about 30% of the way through, but so far I really like it
Wow! I'm a little surprised to see The Eyes of the Dragon at the bottom. That's a usual fan favorite. But I can't really argue against the rest of the list. I myself should have put The Talisman in my top 10. LOVE that book! You should definitely read Misery and Black House.
Well, to be fair, if I were asked to rank these books on another day with no memory of having already done so, books 11 - 15 could probably be in any order. Mixed feelings about each of them. If I had to pick a book to criticize, it would be The Stand. I feel like the build up and character development were top notch. But for a book that's been described as the ultimate battle between good and evil, there was very little conflict between the opposing sides. If The Stand was split into two books, the split being when they arrived at Boulder, part one would be #1 or #2, whereas part two would be #16. Black House is on my list, as I'm reading anything that's related to the Dark Tower, and I will read Misery at some point after, thank you for the suggestions! I have some non-King recommendations if you're interested: -Ghost Story by Peter Straub -My Best Friend's Exorcism by Grady Hendrix -Bird Box by Josh Malerman -Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky -A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay
Nice job Jeff. Made a list before you started. Had Wizard and Glass, Insomnia, Different Seasons, Thinner and Firestarter on mine. Hopefully none of these make it on your "worst of King" list.
What’s strange about doing a King top ten, as you say, is the rankings tend to change. Once all his books are read they are allowed to steep within our minds and hearts and most readers tend to rank very similar top fives. Then upon rereads we start to second guess ourselves because so many of his books are so good. Needful Things is a great book yet oft forgotten.
I agree! I also think it changes as you get older! The first time I read The Green Mile I was 14, it stuck with me but not nearly the same as it did when I was 26. King has this uncanny way of writing something that grows with you.
Nice list and great video! I agree with 7/10. Tommyknockers is somehow the only book by King I haven’t read- bumping it up my “to read” list. I think you’re flat wrong about TWTTKH that high- I’m ok with 2 DT books in the top 10 but would have included W&G. Cell is the only other one that wouldn’t make my top 10. Bag of Bones or Insomnia probably find their way into my top 10. I’m not a boomer, but I might try to make space for 11/22/63- maybe just have one DT book.
A lot of people hate Tommyknockers. I almost had W&G instead of DoTT. I almost gave Bag of Bones an honorable mention. So that one is lurking at 11 and could pop into the top 10 at any time.
10. Eyes of the dragon 9. Misery 8. The gunslinger 7.The drawing of the three 6. The wastelands 5. Different seasons 4. The green mile 3. The stand 2. Insomnia 1. IT My list changes sometimes but in general these are my top 10
This is such a good Ranking of Stephen King books!!!!!! I'm so thankful that Tommyknockers is in your Top 10.. I love the story!!! My Top 10: 1) IT 2) Shining 3) Misery 4) Tommyknockers 5) The Stand 6) Pet Semetary 7) Thinner 8) The Green Mile 9) Dreamcatcher 10) Duma Key/The girl who loved Tom Gordon I also love Cujo, Geralds Game, Needful Things and Christine♡
These top 10 lists change all the time. If I were to post another one today I guarantee some of those titles would change. Even as I saw you mention Duma Key I thought YES! THAT should be on there. Lol. Thanks for watching and sharing your list. I definitely can’t argue with your selections.
I know I'm not a good Constant Reader by missing out on 11/22/63. I have a nice copy and I'm sure I'll get to it someday. Thanks for the vote for Billy Summers. I need to read a new King and see what I think after all this time.
@@THEJEFFWORD If you like his classic stuff then youll probably enjoy "Later". I thought Billy Summers was much better than most people give it credit for. If the political jabs in the book dont bother you too much its a great story and really got me back into reading constantly! 11/22/63 my second all time favorite next to "IT". It really is that good!
my top 10 1.Geralds game 2.misery 3.firestarter 4.rose madder 5.the long walk 6.salems lot 7.11/22/63 8.IT 9.pet semetary 10.insomina. I have read all of stephen king novels the top 5 are no Brainer for me but insomina could very well be changed with the institute tbh
@@THEJEFFWORD the institute was very good. It's hard to read at some points bc of how sick the villans are. Geralds game was very good I love phycolgical horror and geralds game finds ways of getting more messed up when you think it won't the whole story. It really stuck with me after I finished reading. But you should get on 11/22/63 it's quite a ride outside the historical stuff haha.
I am not a boomer, Kennedy being assassinated isn't an emotional investment for me, but 11/22/63 is my favorite King book, by far. A masterclass of character development and the ending was exceptional.
I did eventually read 11/22/63 and I posted two reviews on this channel--one was a One Minute Book Review and the other went into more detail. Essentially, I thought the middle where Jake was living in Jodie Texas was bloated and unnecessary. The beginning and ending were perfect. But that middle dragged the book down for me. The love story felt like the hormone fueled love fantasy of a teenager who never had a girlfriend. It's a bit misogynic too. His girlfriend is valued because she's pretty and a virgin! How rare and collectible. He got to be the one to break the seal like she was preserved for him. I don't know. It just really repelled me. And since it got so much of the focus it made me not like the otherwise fantastic parts of the book. Though I know I'm in the minority on this one.
I’m late. I can only hope for forgiveness. I haven’t read everything, but I am under ten to go. But from what I have read: 1. Wizard and Glass 2. Revival 3. The Stand 4. 11/22/63 5. The Shining 6. Needful Things 7. Under the Dome 8. Duma Key 9. The Colorado Kid 10. Insomnia Everything I have yet to read is tied to a reread of one or more books. It’s going to take forever. I haven’t read Regulators, but I want to reread Desperation first, but I don’t want to reread that until I’ve read everything else. I haven’t read Wind Through the Keyhole, but I want to read that during a full reread of the Tower series. I’m so close, but there’s so many other authors..
Yes, there are just too many books to read! And I'm in the same boat, I was to reread The Talisman, but also Black House directly after. I want to read the entire Dark Tower series straight through. But what about allllllll the other books and authors? You have a really interesting top 10. I've never seen anyone put DT4 at the top like that.
Regardless of how many books youve read, your top 10 is right on. Wizard & Glass is Kings best book and The Colorado Kid is so amazing because it can go in so many directions. It will be even better once you re-read all of the Tower series.
I can't argue with that list! Pet Sematary could easily be number one with the best last sentence in any King book. I would probably swap 'Salem's Lot and The Shining though. I never got into 'Salem's Lot all that much. Even re-reading it in a deluxe edition.
@@THEJEFFWORD Thank you! I just felt Pet Sematary hit me much more, especially when I read it my kid was Gage's age lol. IT is fantastic but its a slog to get through at times and I'm more likely to pick up one of his shorter books to reread. Tbh I think out of the shining and Salem's Lot I'd reread the latter and as far as I can remember I enjoyed the characters more in Salem's Lot and the vampire story more than the haunted hotel.
I'm glad you acknowledged the sheer creepiness of the Tommyknockers. While it's not in my top 10 overall stories, it's gotta be top 2 most creepy vibes.
You almost lost me with the near-fetishization of that saison, but damn you have some beautiful editions of those King books, especially the Suntup Misery and CD Shining--truly stunning volumes! From one bibliophile to another, kudos on the collection.
That’s the Suntup artist gift edition. Published back in 2018. You can find it on eBay but it’s pretty expensive. That cover art is by Rick Berry and it’s wonderful. I also wrapped it in Mylar so maybe that’s why it looks glossy.
I also did an unboxing video showing off the book in greater detail. I say a lot of stuff about the publisher in the first 4 minutes and THEN get to the book. So start at the 4 minute mark if you just want to see the book: th-cam.com/video/vEcXLUVM0Do/w-d-xo.htmlsi=95qvkKOYs3IA4jxj
Some real unexpected picks there! I've never seen anyone put Under the Dome at the top. I loved that book too.But the ending . . . And it's interesting that you've included THREE collections. That's wild. But I can't argue it's a great list.
@@THEJEFFWORD It's because I haven't read as many of the master's books, this list will probably change over time. Under the Dome is my favorite because of the amount of characters I liked, the villain and the amount of epic scenes. Some of these scenes are too vivid in my head
The only one I'm pretty shocked by is Gerald's Game. I've read a good chunk of King's work throughout my life and I think that's the only one that I straight up didn't like. But hey, I'm glad someone enjoyed it.
@@THEJEFFWORD I'll have to give it a shot. I passed over it since I was so lukewarm on the novel but you never know. Enjoyed your video regardless though, man.
That Space Cowboy! And yeah, all these lists are basically set on opinion and not objective quality. And my opinion is muddled because it comes from a muddled brain.
So glad you put The Tommyknockers in there. It's a great read. Much better than the movie! Your # was a no brainer. Also speaking of Kathy Bates she was also in Delores Claiborne by Stephen King... Oh and also, check out Fairy Tale. Great book!
I did review Fairy Tale and that's a weird one. I loved it while I was reading it, but the more I reflect on it, the less it excites me. I think part of the reason is the last part of the book didn't have all the adventure and fantasy I wanted.
I’m totally not a boomer. I’m from 1982. And I’m from the Netherlands, not the USA. And I think it’s very very rude to say such weird things about a extremely sad killing like that.
You're right. You don't have to be a boomer or from the US to know it's not funny to make light of a presidential assassination. I guess for me, having not lived through it, it's as remote as a dusty history lesson and so I don't have an emotional connection. Doesn't make it right. I was mostly just shrugging off the rabid fandom of 11/22/63 as a way of justifying having never read the book up to that point. I don't seriously carry any disdain for boomers or fans of 11/22/63. It was just a crude throwaway comment that I'd take back if I could.
I generally feel that a persons top ten can't be wrong as it is their opinion. I will make an exception as you have included Cell and any top ten Stephen King list that includes The Cell is simply wrong!
Whoa Whoa Whoa who you calling a boomer you old man! UNSUBSCRIBE!!! Just Kidding. I did really like 11/22/63 though. I also really liked Cell and Drawing of the Three. That was my favorite of the DT books as well. I need to read Tommy Knockers. I only hear bad things about it so it's a breath of fresh air to hear something good.
I need to read 11/22/63. I have a beautiful first edition that I bought at a thrift shop. Tommyknockers is bonkers and I think there are worse books by King. Books. I don't know why Tommyknockers is hated.
Ah please don’t be upset. I was only being sarcastic. Trying to talk like a punch half my age. I don’t hate Boomers or Millenials and I find all this compartmentalizing of humans ridiculous and regressive.
@@THEJEFFWORD I could never actually be upset with your vids. I know it's your sense of humor. I'm much more upset that you chose Cell as 1 of your best King books. I have liked every book he's written, but that is certainly not near the top. But that's what makes the world go round.
Enjoyed the video, bit different with the selections. Not a huge fan of the TH-cam thing of aggressively cutting all the silence, I'm just a curmudgeon.
I hear you about the heavy edits but this video demanded a heavier hand. There were a LOT of ums and me spinning my wheels and restating things I had already said a few times. I think I chopped out about 8 minutes of sputtering. I promise to always be as natural and conversational as possible.
I was 10 when Kennedy was shot. It was more shocking than 9/11 simply because of the timing and sense of general well being America had for quite awhile in spite of the Cuban missile crisis. When you mock that experience for us boomers you mock your own personal experiences that you are hard wired to bury deep inside for deep remembrance. Unsubscribed.
I wasn’t seriously mocking the boomer experience. Those were some tumultuous times and I think it’s stupid to put everyone in a generational box anyway. The people within a generation can live extremely different lives. I think all boxes serve no one. Sorry if you felt my mocking was serious or based on any real worldview.
Just kidding of course. Great video, as always. I don’t think I could pick a top 10 King - it’s been too long since I’ve read some of them. A nice mix of predictable entries and some real surprises. Nice to see the fancier editions on display as well. Personally, my favourite King book it still IT. Has been since I read it back in the 80s. The creation of a town history deeply corrupted by evil, and a perfect novel about childhood, just puts it at the top.
Yeah, IT sits at the top sometimes. I was surprised when Ire-read 'Salem's Lot a couple years ago to see the seeds of IT in that book--the town history and evil events. Also with The Shining by CD that included Before the play. Loved reading about the history of The Overlook.
I've got good news and bad news. First the bad news--that shirt is no longer available. It was created for a marching band fundraiser a few years ago. The good news--the wonderful talent who created that shirt makes ALL KINDS of King related merchandise that really bring my bookshelves to life. You can see their stuff here: lightbox-photography-cards.myshopify.com/collections/all
My current top 10
1. The Stand
2. It
3. 11.22.63
4. Needful Things
5. Salem's Lot
6. Under the Dome
7. Drawing of the Three
8. Misery
9. Desperation
10. The Green Mile
Have to point out that despite reading my first King novel circa 1991, and having been a massive fan ever since, I've STILL not read the Shining or Pet Sematary. I will remedy that over the next couple of months, so this list could, and probably will change.
If you read the Shining, try to read the Cemetery Dance edition with the bonus content. It includes the prologue, Before the Play that makes a big difference in understanding the long bloody history of the Overlook.
Pet Sematary is horrific and heartbreaking and one of King's most focused books.
@@THEJEFFWORD I like your list, but I dont like Pet Sematary. Any rec for great read? My rec is "Night in Zagreb" by Adam Medvidović.
So glad to see you had Needful Things and Drawing of the Three on your top 10 as well as my own. Drawing of the Three was like crack to me especially that first act
I can't possibly form a top 10 list, but I think nostalgia alone would force me to put Christine somewhere in there, as it was my first King read. I was 14 in 1983, and while I had already read a few horror / suspense books, I certainly hadn't experienced anything close to that. I was hooked.
I remember loving Christine as well. It just didn't make that abiding impression.
Where have you been, man??
My top ten favorite books
1. The stand
2. Wizard and glass
3. The talisman
4. Insomnia
5. the wastelands
6.the gunslinger
7. Eye of the dragon
8. Rose madder
9. Black house
10. Song of susannah
That’s a fantastic top ten. I should have The Talisman on mine. I adore that book.
Subscribed! Nothing better than drinking and talking about King!
Thank you! I cannot disagree with that!
So stoked the Magic Duff Bucket provided Peter for this list! Our top two are the same, and we definitely have some overlap in the rest of your list. But you gotta read 11/22/63, what are you doing with your life.
That saison was DELICIOUS! I'm still a stout lout, but you made one hell of an argument for something other than a stout. And Producer Jill loved it!
At some point I'll read 11/22/63. Maybe.
Great list Jeff, 2 points, i actually like the Pet Sematary remake and it's nice to see The Tommyknockers in a top ten, one of my favourites and never understand the hate it gets at times
I also liked the Pet Sematary movie remake. They changed just enough to make it interesting for those of us that had read the book and seen the original movie multiple times. I thought the young actress that played Ellie was fantastic. And you can never go wrong with John Lithgow in any role he chooses.
I don't understand why The Tommyknockers gets singled out either. It's a fun, crazy, creepy-as-hell read.
Well, I'm not one of those guys who thinks there's only one correct opinion to have, who takes it personally when others have a different opinion. So I can accept that there are people who like the Pet Sematary remake. And hell, I'll even agree that you cannot hate John Lithgow in any role. I just HATED the way Louis Creed was played.
6:45 start of the top 10
But the magic begins the moment you realize you’re not alone.
I'm a big book nerd. Found you on my Home Page.
Thank you for understanding and not having me arrested for breaking into your home page.
Great list Jeff!!!
Thanks! I'll probably move them around over time, but I doubt any newer King books will ever be in the top ten.
I love the name of your channel lmao
My current ranking of all his books that I've read:
1. IT
2. The Wastelands
3. The Drawing of the Three
4. The Shining
5. The Talisman
6. Desperation ***
7. Pet Sematary
8. The Gunslinger
9. The Stand
10. Salem's Lot
11. Doctor Sleep
12. Insomnia
13. Needful Things
14. Rose Madder
15. The Eyes of the Dragon
***Still reading, about 30% of the way through, but so far I really like it
Wow! I'm a little surprised to see The Eyes of the Dragon at the bottom. That's a usual fan favorite. But I can't really argue against the rest of the list. I myself should have put The Talisman in my top 10. LOVE that book! You should definitely read Misery and Black House.
Well, to be fair, if I were asked to rank these books on another day with no memory of having already done so, books 11 - 15 could probably be in any order. Mixed feelings about each of them.
If I had to pick a book to criticize, it would be The Stand. I feel like the build up and character development were top notch. But for a book that's been described as the ultimate battle between good and evil, there was very little conflict between the opposing sides. If The Stand was split into two books, the split being when they arrived at Boulder, part one would be #1 or #2, whereas part two would be #16.
Black House is on my list, as I'm reading anything that's related to the Dark Tower, and I will read Misery at some point after, thank you for the suggestions!
I have some non-King recommendations if you're interested:
-Ghost Story by Peter Straub
-My Best Friend's Exorcism by Grady Hendrix
-Bird Box by Josh Malerman
-Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky
-A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay
I was searching for Josh Malerman's Goblin reviews and found your channel.. I think you're my new favorite. 🤣🖤
Well thank you! I’m glad you’ve found your way here.
Nice job Jeff. Made a list before you started. Had Wizard and Glass, Insomnia, Different Seasons, Thinner and Firestarter on mine. Hopefully none of these make it on your "worst of King" list.
No, those are great King books! Wizard and Glass was almost on my list instead of Drawing of the Three.
What’s strange about doing a King top ten, as you say, is the rankings tend to change. Once all his books are read they are allowed to steep within our minds and hearts and most readers tend to rank very similar top fives. Then upon rereads we start to second guess ourselves because so many of his books are so good. Needful Things is a great book yet oft forgotten.
Yeah the books mean different things upon new readings. And this list isn’t nearly as fixed as the video suggests.
I agree! I also think it changes as you get older! The first time I read The Green Mile I was 14, it stuck with me but not nearly the same as it did when I was 26. King has this uncanny way of writing something that grows with you.
Glad to finally find Cell in a top 10 Stephen King Books
It’s such a fun satisfying read. I’m shocked it gets the hate it does.
cool list... Carrie...
Glad you enjoyed it
I liked watching this video. Thanks
I like that you liked watching the video! :)
Nice list and great video! I agree with 7/10. Tommyknockers is somehow the only book by King I haven’t read- bumping it up my “to read” list. I think you’re flat wrong about TWTTKH that high- I’m ok with 2 DT books in the top 10 but would have included W&G. Cell is the only other one that wouldn’t make my top 10. Bag of Bones or Insomnia probably find their way into my top 10. I’m not a boomer, but I might try to make space for 11/22/63- maybe just have one DT book.
A lot of people hate Tommyknockers. I almost had W&G instead of DoTT. I almost gave Bag of Bones an honorable mention. So that one is lurking at 11 and could pop into the top 10 at any time.
My #1 favorite Stephen king book is actually a Bachman book. The Long Walk. What a story...has not left me since I read it.
I need to read it again--it's been ages.
You need to read the outsider and billy summers. Both great!
I'm sure I will eventually. Though I am much more stoked for Fairy Tale!
awesome shirt!
Thank you! I got it from 19th Edition as part of a fundraiser.
10. Eyes of the dragon
9. Misery
8. The gunslinger
7.The drawing of the three
6. The wastelands
5. Different seasons
4. The green mile
3. The stand
2. Insomnia
1. IT
My list changes sometimes but in general these are my top 10
YES to Eyes of the Dragon. And I loved Insomnia. And I love the DT books, but Gunslinger was a rough start.
@@THEJEFFWORD if I could I would just add the dark tower series as one slot freeing up spots for other choices but I felt that was cheating
@@burgerhicks8025 yeah I feel the same way. And I think the last three books aren’t nearly as good as the first four.
Is different season good
@@youarebulletproof6613 amazing 4 novellas
This is such a good Ranking of Stephen King books!!!!!! I'm so thankful that Tommyknockers is in your Top 10.. I love the story!!!
My Top 10:
1) IT
2) Shining
3) Misery
4) Tommyknockers
5) The Stand
6) Pet Semetary
7) Thinner
8) The Green Mile
9) Dreamcatcher
10) Duma Key/The girl who loved Tom Gordon
I also love Cujo, Geralds Game, Needful Things and Christine♡
These top 10 lists change all the time. If I were to post another one today I guarantee some of those titles would change. Even as I saw you mention Duma Key I thought YES! THAT should be on there. Lol. Thanks for watching and sharing your list. I definitely can’t argue with your selections.
You gotta read 11/22/63!!! I’m a millennial and I loved it haha.
Billy Summers I absolutely think is worth the read as well!
I know I'm not a good Constant Reader by missing out on 11/22/63. I have a nice copy and I'm sure I'll get to it someday.
Thanks for the vote for Billy Summers. I need to read a new King and see what I think after all this time.
@@THEJEFFWORD If you like his classic stuff then youll probably enjoy "Later". I thought Billy Summers was much better than most people give it credit for. If the political jabs in the book dont bother you too much its a great story and really got me back into reading constantly! 11/22/63 my second all time favorite next to "IT". It really is that good!
Great list. Have to read Gerald’s game. Sounds brilliant. Good channel.
Well thank you! Gerald's Game is claustrophobic and dread-filled. The movie adaptation was actually excellent.
my top 10
1.Geralds game
2.misery
3.firestarter
4.rose madder
5.the long walk
6.salems lot
7.11/22/63
8.IT
9.pet semetary
10.insomina.
I have read all of stephen king novels the top 5 are no Brainer for me but insomina could very well be changed with the institute tbh
I need to read the Institute. Really happy to see Gerald's Game up there. It doesn't get the love it deserves.
@@THEJEFFWORD the institute was very good. It's hard to read at some points bc of how sick the villans are. Geralds game was very good I love phycolgical horror and geralds game finds ways of getting more messed up when you think it won't the whole story. It really stuck with me after I finished reading. But you should get on 11/22/63 it's quite a ride outside the historical stuff haha.
@@undergod4930 everyone agrees I really need to read 11/22/63.
I am not a boomer, Kennedy being assassinated isn't an emotional investment for me, but 11/22/63 is my favorite King book, by far. A masterclass of character development and the ending was exceptional.
I did eventually read 11/22/63 and I posted two reviews on this channel--one was a One Minute Book Review and the other went into more detail. Essentially, I thought the middle where Jake was living in Jodie Texas was bloated and unnecessary. The beginning and ending were perfect. But that middle dragged the book down for me. The love story felt like the hormone fueled love fantasy of a teenager who never had a girlfriend. It's a bit misogynic too. His girlfriend is valued because she's pretty and a virgin! How rare and collectible. He got to be the one to break the seal like she was preserved for him. I don't know. It just really repelled me. And since it got so much of the focus it made me not like the otherwise fantastic parts of the book. Though I know I'm in the minority on this one.
I’m late. I can only hope for forgiveness. I haven’t read everything, but I am under ten to go.
But from what I have read:
1. Wizard and Glass
2. Revival
3. The Stand
4. 11/22/63
5. The Shining
6. Needful Things
7. Under the Dome
8. Duma Key
9. The Colorado Kid
10. Insomnia
Everything I have yet to read is tied to a reread of one or more books. It’s going to take forever.
I haven’t read Regulators, but I want to reread Desperation first, but I don’t want to reread that until I’ve read everything else. I haven’t read Wind Through the Keyhole, but I want to read that during a full reread of the Tower series.
I’m so close, but there’s so many other authors..
Yes, there are just too many books to read! And I'm in the same boat, I was to reread The Talisman, but also Black House directly after. I want to read the entire Dark Tower series straight through. But what about allllllll the other books and authors? You have a really interesting top 10. I've never seen anyone put DT4 at the top like that.
Regardless of how many books youve read, your top 10 is right on. Wizard & Glass is Kings best book and The Colorado Kid is so amazing because it can go in so many directions. It will be even better once you re-read all of the Tower series.
I've only read eight so far:
8. Carrie
7. The Institute
6. The Shining
5. Joyland
4. Misery
3. Salem's Lot
2. IT
1. Pet Sematary
I can't argue with that list! Pet Sematary could easily be number one with the best last sentence in any King book. I would probably swap 'Salem's Lot and The Shining though. I never got into 'Salem's Lot all that much. Even re-reading it in a deluxe edition.
@@THEJEFFWORD Thank you! I just felt Pet Sematary hit me much more, especially when I read it my kid was Gage's age lol. IT is fantastic but its a slog to get through at times and I'm more likely to pick up one of his shorter books to reread. Tbh I think out of the shining and Salem's Lot I'd reread the latter and as far as I can remember I enjoyed the characters more in Salem's Lot and the vampire story more than the haunted hotel.
Excellent, excellent video. Thanks for that. 👍
Thank you for the comment and support!
I'm glad you acknowledged the sheer creepiness of the Tommyknockers. While it's not in my top 10 overall stories, it's gotta be top 2 most creepy vibes.
So true. I have no idea why it's disregarded and hated on.
Yes, so creepy!! And I like it so much!
You almost lost me with the near-fetishization of that saison, but damn you have some beautiful editions of those King books, especially the Suntup Misery and CD Shining--truly stunning volumes! From one bibliophile to another, kudos on the collection.
Thank you! I’ll admit I get too enthused at times. Please don’t watch my unboxing of The Shining.
@@THEJEFFWORD I was just giving you a hard time about the saison. I really like what you’re doing on the channel.
@@uptown3636 thank you! I really appreciate the support. But the fact remains: sometimes I need to chill out. 😬
Suns out guns out 💪
I used to be better armed.
Which edition of the Misery book is that? I am in love with the art cover and the glossy finish.
That’s the Suntup artist gift edition. Published back in 2018. You can find it on eBay but it’s pretty expensive. That cover art is by Rick Berry and it’s wonderful. I also wrapped it in Mylar so maybe that’s why it looks glossy.
I also did an unboxing video showing off the book in greater detail. I say a lot of stuff about the publisher in the first 4 minutes and THEN get to the book. So start at the 4 minute mark if you just want to see the book: th-cam.com/video/vEcXLUVM0Do/w-d-xo.htmlsi=95qvkKOYs3IA4jxj
My top 10
Under The Dome
It
11-22-63
Salem
Dead Zone
Night Shift
Bag of Bones
Squelleton Crew
Roadwork
Everything is Eventual
Some real unexpected picks there! I've never seen anyone put Under the Dome at the top. I loved that book too.But the ending . . .
And it's interesting that you've included THREE collections. That's wild. But I can't argue it's a great list.
@@THEJEFFWORD It's because I haven't read as many of the master's books, this list will probably change over time. Under the Dome is my favorite because of the amount of characters I liked, the villain and the amount of epic scenes. Some of these scenes are too vivid in my head
Sorry for my English, i'm from Brasil and my vocabulary is poor
@@josiasalves5995 your English is perfectly fine! Even for people who’ve read all his books, the top favorites constantly change.
Ranking starts at 7:02
It sure does!
The Stand a deserved No. 1. Personal choice would be The Green Mile.
I always forget about the Green Mile. Reading those as they were published as chapters was a wonderful experience.
im righting a book on the black forest in Germany wow this book is wild in wow its so nuts
Good luck!
The only one I'm pretty shocked by is Gerald's Game.
I've read a good chunk of King's work throughout my life and I think that's the only one that I straight up didn't like.
But hey, I'm glad someone enjoyed it.
That book just clicked with me. You should watch the Netflix adaptation--you might like it even though you didn't like the book.
@@THEJEFFWORD I'll have to give it a shot. I passed over it since I was so lukewarm on the novel but you never know.
Enjoyed your video regardless though, man.
I had to put down Gerald's Game and come back to it just from the screen door banging in the wind . Kathy Bates won an Oscar dude , shame lol
That Space Cowboy!
And yeah, all these lists are basically set on opinion and not objective quality. And my opinion is muddled because it comes from a muddled brain.
So glad you put The Tommyknockers in there. It's a great read. Much better than the movie! Your # was a no brainer. Also speaking of Kathy Bates she was also in Delores Claiborne by Stephen King... Oh and also, check out Fairy Tale. Great book!
I did review Fairy Tale and that's a weird one. I loved it while I was reading it, but the more I reflect on it, the less it excites me. I think part of the reason is the last part of the book didn't have all the adventure and fantasy I wanted.
Blobluoblobli ....
did King really write all those books bloblibls
So crazy mind blobbing
So much blobbing
I’m totally not a boomer. I’m from 1982. And I’m from the Netherlands, not the USA. And I think it’s very very rude to say such weird things about a extremely sad killing like that.
You're right. You don't have to be a boomer or from the US to know it's not funny to make light of a presidential assassination. I guess for me, having not lived through it, it's as remote as a dusty history lesson and so I don't have an emotional connection. Doesn't make it right. I was mostly just shrugging off the rabid fandom of 11/22/63 as a way of justifying having never read the book up to that point. I don't seriously carry any disdain for boomers or fans of 11/22/63. It was just a crude throwaway comment that I'd take back if I could.
Video starts at 6:52
Yep. And the party don’t start ‘til Pink walks in.
You’ve got moxie
Is that what it is? I think that's the nicest description of my affliction. thank you!
I love King but have too say after reading both. Swan Song is way better then The Stand
I wouldn't disagree with you too strongly. I'm overdue for a re-read of Swan Song. I loved it.
Take this with a grain of salt . People hate me
I generally feel that a persons top ten can't be wrong as it is their opinion. I will make an exception as you have included Cell and any top ten Stephen King list that includes The Cell is simply wrong!
Hahahahahaha yeah future Jeff will probably disagree with this list too.
@@THEJEFFWORD Hopefully the future Jeff will read 11/22/63 as well!
The thing about jfk assignation is that Israel and the mossad never gets a mention
I don't even remember mentioning the JFK assassination in this video.
Good list, but please please please a million times please read 11/22
I promise!
once you read 11.22.63, it will be sucked into your top 5, I dare you
That's the overwhelming opinion. And it's probably spot on. I promise I'll get to it someday and revise!
I think you need to remove the "ever of all time" if you haven't read them all, lol. No need for an asterisk then.
I was just leaning into the silliness of trying to make a definitive list based on one guy's opinions.
Whoa Whoa Whoa who you calling a boomer you old man! UNSUBSCRIBE!!! Just Kidding.
I did really like 11/22/63 though. I also really liked Cell and Drawing of the Three. That was my favorite of the DT books as well. I need to read Tommy Knockers. I only hear bad things about it so it's a breath of fresh air to hear something good.
I need to read 11/22/63. I have a beautiful first edition that I bought at a thrift shop. Tommyknockers is bonkers and I think there are worse books by King. Books. I don't know why Tommyknockers is hated.
So you started off abusing boomers, of which I am proudly on, and then Cell made your list? That's as far as I got.
Hhahahaha it was either this or start a Twitter feud with King.
@@THEJEFFWORD I am very unhappy with you right now!
Ah please don’t be upset. I was only being sarcastic. Trying to talk like a punch half my age. I don’t hate Boomers or Millenials and I find all this compartmentalizing of humans ridiculous and regressive.
@@THEJEFFWORD I could never actually be upset with your vids. I know it's your sense of humor. I'm much more upset that you chose Cell as 1 of your best King books. I have liked every book he's written, but that is certainly not near the top. But that's what makes the world go round.
Tough crowd! 😁
Good list not great. It’s hard to understand why you haven’t read 11-22-63.
I’ll fix that and I’m sure it’ll appear in a future King list if I do one.
Enjoyed the video, bit different with the selections. Not a huge fan of the TH-cam thing of aggressively cutting all the silence, I'm just a curmudgeon.
I hear you about the heavy edits but this video demanded a heavier hand. There were a LOT of ums and me spinning my wheels and restating things I had already said a few times. I think I chopped out about 8 minutes of sputtering. I promise to always be as natural and conversational as possible.
@@THEJEFFWORD I wasn't meaning to complain, I just find a lot of stuff on YT exhausting to watch.
@@michaelj63 I agree!
This was very dull
I guess so.
I was 10 when Kennedy was shot. It was more shocking than 9/11 simply because of the timing and sense of general well being America had for quite awhile in spite of the Cuban missile crisis. When you mock that experience for us boomers you mock your own personal experiences that you are hard wired to bury deep inside for deep remembrance. Unsubscribed.
I wasn’t seriously mocking the boomer experience. Those were some tumultuous times and I think it’s stupid to put everyone in a generational box anyway. The people within a generation can live extremely different lives. I think all boxes serve no one. Sorry if you felt my mocking was serious or based on any real worldview.
You can tell hes drunk
Shhhhhhh
@@THEJEFFWORD lol
Wrong.
Just kidding of course. Great video, as always. I don’t think I could pick a top 10 King - it’s been too long since I’ve read some of them.
A nice mix of predictable entries and some real surprises. Nice to see the fancier editions on display as well.
Personally, my favourite King book it still IT. Has been since I read it back in the 80s. The creation of a town history deeply corrupted by evil, and a perfect novel about childhood, just puts it at the top.
Yeah, IT sits at the top sometimes. I was surprised when Ire-read 'Salem's Lot a couple years ago to see the seeds of IT in that book--the town history and evil events. Also with The Shining by CD that included Before the play. Loved reading about the history of The Overlook.
Where did you get that Constant Reader shirt? I need it!!
I've got good news and bad news. First the bad news--that shirt is no longer available. It was created for a marching band fundraiser a few years ago. The good news--the wonderful talent who created that shirt makes ALL KINDS of King related merchandise that really bring my bookshelves to life. You can see their stuff here: lightbox-photography-cards.myshopify.com/collections/all
@THEJEFFWORD Thank You so much!!! Great list and great video!