Where To Start With Stephen King & The Multiverse | A Beginner's Guide
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ย. 2024
- Mike answers the Stephen King question he gets asked most frequently: Where should I start if I've never read a King book?
1:33 The Long Walk
4:58 Different Seasons
6:55 Pet Sematary
8:23 Salem's Lot
10:29 The Stand
12:33 IT
14:47 Carrie
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I started my King journey with a little book called "Misery". That novel is why I became an avid reader for the first time in my life at 32 years old. I recommend that book to anyone as it's easy to follow with only a few characters to follow, but man--the few characters he creates in that novel are fantastic. Not to mention it's cock-a-doodie terrifying.
Great video, Mike!
I never read King up until just now. Started with Pet Semetary. My son is 10 months old. And I have a cat.
I have made an egregious error.
Right? It scared me more as an adult with kids than it did as a 15 year old.
@Bruno Omg I feel bad for you
Don’t read Pet Sematary! It’s too scary!!!
Unlucky, just know if you become good friends with an old man not to follow him into the woods.
@@danielmkandrews that’s some of the greatest advise I’ve ever heard...
11 22 63 is still my favorite king book but he is definitely grown on me.
It's a really great book.
@@mikesbookreviews What's you favourite King book?
I just finished it last week and I loved it soo much. I was honestly sad to finish it. But I've moved on to Salem's Lot now and I have about 100 pages left to it. I guess I'll be reading The Long Walk next.
@@dylanbivins847 Salem's Lot is great too. I am reading The Dark Tower and some of the characters cross over.
the first SK novel I read was Pet Sem. I was HOOKED instantly. What followed was a crazed book purchasing spree. I purchased The Stand, It, Cell, The Shining, Rose Madder, Salems Lot, Sleeping Beauties, The Institute, The Outsider, Misery, Doctor Sleep, Cujo, Firestarter and The Talisman. Am I poor now? yes. Do I regret it? NOPE!!
Yeah, similar story for me after I read IT.
@@mikesbookreviews I started with Pet Sematary not long ago and I didn't like it that much. It was just a sad story and not much else for me. I don't have kids and I love my cat so idk..
Now I'm scared I will read another SK book and I won't like it either and ending up giving up with the whole of them. Maybe horror it's not for me I guess.
Lol glad I’m not the only person that went on a King spending spree after reading only one book (for me it was It)
Same here!!! I just bought 20 books, XD
"It" is quite a book.. the "Moby Dick" of horror novels..
The Stand was my second book I’ve read from Stephen King and my favorite. Love it so much I’ve read it five times so far. Really wished he wrote a sequel so I know what happened to all the surviving characters.
It's the first book of his I'm reading. It's HUGE, so this is encouraging to hear
Salem's Lot creeped me out. I read it at night and always looked at my bedroom window expecting Barlow or really any of the characters looking in at me.
Great book..
I'm reading it now.
That is the only book I've ever read that actually gave me nightmares.
I'm too corrupted by non-scary vampire lore. It freaked me out up until it was revealed to be vampires. Still plenty of dread, though
I read misery and Salems lot as a teenager, that was a long time ago so I decided to read IT I’m in the middle of that now, I think I’ll try to stand next thanks for your recommendations
For sure! Glad you're reading IT.
Started with Salems Lot, loved it. Now I'm reading The Stand. Idk how I havent read King up until now
And for people who think King can't write an ending...
The Long Walk, Cujo, Firestarter, The Gunslinger, Pet Semetary, The Shining, The Deadzone, and Thinner all have satisfying conclusions,
For sure. He's gotten that reputation now so folks think he has NEVER written a good ending. I challenge anyone to read 11/22/63 and tell me that ending does nothing for you.
Oh, I did not like the Cujo ending but that's mostly because it would have been very easy for him to end on one emotional note instead of immediately pivoting to kind of the complete opposite emotion the way he did.
I thought that Misery had a fitting ending, and the ending of The Gunslinger helped motivate me to read the rest of the series, despite it being a bit mediocre.
Who cares when half of those books are not good
@@Alix777. Well, at least you have the other half.
I consumed so many King works when I was a tween, I'm currently revisiting him in my late thirties and it hits different and deeper.
I read 11 22 63 recently in a few days while in the hospital and it blew me away. I've become obsessed with the multiverse since then...reading IT for the first time even though I've owned it for 20 years. Awesome channel you have here, sir
i'm late to the party but my first read was "The Institute" and I absolutely loved it. I'm hooked on all his works now!!! Love his work!
For me exactly the same, went on a shopping spree for his books and read like 6-7 of his works now
The Stand along with It were the first 1000 page novels I read when I was 15. They both completely blew me away. I read The Stand this year for the first time since then and it was a great, fresh experience. I plan to read It next which was my favorite of the two back then. As far as The Stand goes, the first part of the book where a pandemic wipes out most of mankind was quite intense to read after what we went through with Covid. Anyway, I really enjoyed the video. Thank you.
Funny enough, I started with IT haha XD Although i wouldn't recommend for a first timer, its just a miracle that the IT vibed with me. Your videos are a great help in these uncertain times! :)
Thank you for saying so
Salem's Lot was my introduction into King, been a Constant reader ever since
The Stand was my first King book. My favorite book he’s ever written is The Talisman.
I'm starting The Stand now and it's my first King book. I don't know what I was thinking. Glad I'm not the only one!
Currently reading 11.22.63, read the outsider a few months ago
Honestly a bit annoyed it took me until I was 25 to get into his stuff, it's fantastic!
Keep up the good work and big love from the UK!
It’s like finding a treasure trove and you didn’t even need the money. Enjoy!
Misery is my favorite. Only book where I was in such suspense I stood up as I read it. The movie was good too. The Eye of the Dragon was also very good. On Writing is great for anyone interested in writing.
I felt like I was learning stuff while reading On Writing.
@@mikesbookreviews Do you dabble in creative writing at all? I've been watching Brandon Sanderson's videos lately. They are great!
I read the uncut version of The Stand and I didn’t want it to end. I don’t particularly like dystopian books but I picked it up. You know it’s a good book when it’s huge and you wished it went on and on. Definitely agree to read some other books first because it’s hard to recover from the emotional attachment to the characters. Everything else seems to pale in comparison. I had to take a reading break after that one.
I am so happy that you started with the long walk! Not a lot of people talk about it and I personally think it's one of the best dystopian storytelling I've ever read. I have actually suggested it for my kids when they needed to read for school.
I’ve been reading King since the 90s , his Bachman books are fantastic, simple and effective. The Long Walk is one of my favorites. His early work is timeless. The characters he created and the descriptive narrative he wrote is made him a legend.
*** high five ***
I just finished reading "The Long Walk" today and also it's my first Stephen King novel for me.. such greatness in the story, and now i know how great he is at playing with our emotion. Now i'm really looking forward for reading his other works now..maybe the stand, or the body..
The Long Walk was emotional assassination!
I really love The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon, my second King read. I actually DNF'd The Body, need to take another crack at it.
I started my Stephen King journey last year with The Shining (audiobook form for me bc big books are scary), swiftly followed by devouring Shawshank and IT in the last couple months of the year. Now I’m currently reading Elevation and Misery, and have The Green Mile, The Stand, The Institute, Skeleton Crew and The Gunslinger lined up for the next few months. Safe to say I’m hooked.
“Salem’s Lot” man…listened to the audiobook. Broad day light at work, no a/c in my car in August…”There’s someone upstairs.” CHILLS. Instant. Fcking. Chills.
my very first chapter book was Carrie, so one can say that King has greatly impacted my life. my dad loves him so his books were always skewed around our house and since I was an advanced reader, I obviously decided to go big or go home! I'm now 21 and writing a Master's Thesis about horror so yeah, King is a huge inspiration to me. (that being said, it is so important to discuss the questionable and problematic themes within his novels, especially his older ones!)
What did you think of the Institute? Very uncomfy. I think it raises a very scary question.
You are such an enthusiastic and knowledgeable reviewer...In fact I don't want to call you a reviewer at all. You sir are an influencer. Brilliant work
My first ever King read was actually Billy Summers.. been binging him and watching your king content ever since Mike! IT, and 11/22/63 are my clear cut favorites and I’m 12 in now. Can’t wait for more king content bro!
I’ve just finished The Body as my first ever taste of King, so I had to watch Stand By Me on Netflix tonight. Now I’m choked up and feeling nostalgic.
I’ll be reading the rest of different seasons and then more King very soon.
Ive been thinking about starting King soon, so thanks for this! I will probably start with 11/26/62, though i understand that older king and newer king are a little different so its nice to have recommendations for both!
11/22/63 is a hefty read, but so damn worth it.
I'd suggest starting with something less intimidating. . .The Long Walk or 'Salems Lot. . .or Firestarter!
The Stand is phenomenal, read it over the entire summer of 2009. Exactly, it’s a journey and part of what makes it so incredible
I was 9 when I first found SK. It was the Night Shift collection of short stories. Jerusalem's Lot really wigged me out. So when I read 'Salem's lot not too much later, I was sooo terrified. And that was the beginning of an obsession.
I’m new to being a constant reader. Thanks for the recommendations
Happy to help!
Believe it or not, my first Stephen King book was The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon. Was very sad and was the first time a book made me tear up. It made me love SK.
Underrated King book.
@@mikesbookreviews I agree!
I try to make everyone I know read Lisey's Story. It's such a poignant picture of grief, of loss, of love, and also wow the horror. But the point of the story isn't the horror. The point is the very real grief of losing a spouse too soon. Every time I let someone borrow that book, I just go out and buy a new copy for myself. I have yet to have someone return the book, because they all fall in love with it (and they see the new one on my shelf). Any other book, I hunt people down to return because I'm rather protective of my library. But Lisey's Story is one of those books I think everyone should experience. IMO it's one of the best stories he has ever pulled from the Pool. It's traumatic but cathartic. It feels so very real, and yet completely bonkers SK horror at the same time. I love it.
I plan to read LS for the first time before the Apple TV series comes out this year. Looking forward to it, especially after this sales pitch.
@@mikesbookreviews the story of where he got the inspiration for it is striking. When he came home from the hospital after nearly dying, his wife was reorganizing and redecorating his study. He came home to all of his writing, all of his books, everything he was working on, packed up in boxes. It hit him that this is what it would look like had he not survived the accident, and started wondering what his wife would go through with fans if he had died right then. The story is viscerally real, with or without the horror elements. But the horror element...it's probably my favorite one in all of his books.
I can't wait to see your review of this one!
Joyland was my first introduction to the king, and I liked it enough. Next up was the shining, and it sealed the deal in forever being a fan.
I'm wrapping up the first 25% of 11/22/63 and it's picking up steam like snowpiercer. Duma key was my first king. The character work was so addicting that i knew I'd be reading more king by the end of Duma. A couple years later I've read 19 of his books/collections!!
Just read it...and I am floored by it! Needs to be a film one day...
My first SK was Salems Lot and I loved it so much. I’m currently reading my second SK The Shining and I’m going to jump into Doctor Sleep. I’m loving the Shining so much more than movie.
I only started reading about 2 years ago and I'm 38 lol. SK was my first choice of books to read. I read pet semetary, shinning, dead zone and institute and tbh I barely remember anything from them but that was when I read physical books. Since reading kindle books my reading is much better and I remember way more. Been reading the stand and it's amazing so far. I'm 50% through it and I'll definitely go back to my first read SK books on kindle.
If it wasn't for the kindle I probably would have given up reading
My first experience with King was listening to the audiobook of IT. I thought it would be long and hard to get through at a daunting run time of 45 hours. Then when I was halfway through I remember being so crushed that I only had 20 hours left 😂😂😂. The book is incredible and don’t be afraid of it’s length!
Excellent video! New subscriber! I started with The Gunslinger a few years back and so far my top 3 are The Stand, IT, and Salem’s Lot.
I just started reading SK in the past year. So far i've read all his Novella collections, all but a couple of the short story collections, plus Salem's Lot and Pet Semetary. So many stand out Novellas particularly The Mist, 1922, The Body, Library Policeman, Good Marriage. Pet Semetary was horrifying as a parent with young children, no doubt about it. Also loved the short story The Jaunt
I enjoy your review and comments, insightful, intelligent and thought provoking. Thanks and keep up the great work!
Just started 11/23/63. It's my second stephen king book. The first one I read was the gunslinger. I tried it when the dark tower movie came out a few years ago. I found it very strange
Dark Tower is certainly peculiar.
Been reading King since I was 9, I'm 46 now. I've read every book multiple times the first being Cujo. I tell everyone just start at the beginning with Carrie and read in publication order.
Not a bad plan at all. Especially now that I'm going through them in publication order for my Into the Multiverse series.
I feel like Hunger games was more like a rip off from a Japanese novel called : Battale Royale. which ofc all as well as SK's long walk were inspired by the lord of the flies. Thanks a lot for your amazing content.
Hi I’m new here and totally new to reading I’m 28 and just finished my first book in like 15 years. It’s really a super nice and new experience! Thanks for your recommendations! I’ll see what I can get my hand on the start out my SK journey.
The only books I had previously read by SK was The Dark Tower 1&2. Although I liked DT 2 better than DT 1, I was shocked by the critical and fan acclaim of SK...based on those two books. SOOOOO glad I picked up "The Long Walk", thank you! It was very good and will definitely keep me reading SK. I will plan to read one or two per year!
Awesome to hear. Long Walk is soooooooo good.
Mike, I recently discovered your channel while on a big King kick. I decided to read The Long Walk on your recommendation. I must say, it completely blew me away. I was riveted, especially in those final few chapters. I don’t know when I would have read it otherwise. I appreciate your channel 🚶🏻🚶♂️🚶🏽🚷
Ha! IT was my first King read as a 13-14 yo because I had just watched the miniseries when it aired in Australia in 1991. After many (many) years I then picked up The Stand. Third book was Joyland - loved it! - after which I decided to go back and read King chronologically. Next up is The Talisman.
Would recommend Joyland if you want something spooky but not horror, The Shawshank Redemption if you don’t want any horror or supernatural shenanigans, and IT if you want an amazing coming of age/epic friendship story.
I started with The Shining. I think I did a good decision. Now I am reading The Dark Tower. Starting Book IV. Really like it so far
Lol, I was at a book store yesterday and I was thinking “man.. I really want to start getting in to Stephen King.. but I don’t really know where to start!? I should ask Mike to do a video!!!”
I did a quick search, and taadaa!!! Watching now......
Thanks!!! I took lots of notes. Excited to dive in.
King is my dude, so any questions you have, please don't be afraid to ask. There are no bad or dilly questions about the Kingdom.
Which one are you starting with?
I just hopped on Thrift Books and grabbed Different Seasons, Pet Sematary, The Stand, and The Eyes of the Dragon. You didn’t mention The Eyes of the Dragon, but I figured since I am transitioning out of fantasy it might be a good place to start? I already own The Dark Tower (set), The Green Mike, and It. They’ve just been chillin on my shelf for a minute. Not sure which one I’ll read first though!! Do this video, I am thinking Different Seasons..
Side note, I am obsessed with Thrift Books, because I am a “paperback only” kind of gal, and you can get hella cheap PBs from that site!!!
@@madisongoodyear5040 PB is certainly a less dangerous collecting habit.
i just got the audible version of Pet Sematary and I can't wait to start it! Michael C Hall narrates it (the guy who played Dexter) and he has the perfect voice for horror. I'll admit, I haven't read a ton of SK. Lisey's story I read every couple of years because I love it so much. Salem's Lot scared the bejesus out of me and I loved every minute of it. there are a few others. But I'm super excited to hit play on this one!
thanks for the warning that it hits harder now that you're a parent. I have a 10 and 15 year old at home, and a cat, hahaha.
Also, vampires became sexy when Anne Rice made Lestat that dark, brooding, mysterious, dangerous, and also sexy vampire. Not in the "ooohhhhh he's so hot" kind of sexy. But that incubus/succubus way. idk, that's how her books hit me when I was a teenager in the late 90's goth kid scene, lol.
Pet Sematary is so great. Both times I read it.
@@TheDevler23 Huh. I never got that feeling from Lestat. But I also probably wasn't looking for it, tbh. Different times.
@@mikesbookreviews different perspectives too, I imagine. Teenage/young adult guys probably didn't come to the story from the same angle as teenage/young adult girls. And that's ok! It's fascinating to me, honestly. the scary horror aspect is there, alongside seductive and homoerotic undertones. That is part of what makes those first four books in the series so captivating, to me. It's a great blend of subtlety and thrills. I wish she'd return to that.
Only about five minutes in, but man I do love the Long Walk. "It's just people walking".
Carrie is the best King book to start with for a couple reasons:
- It was where King got his start, and it lays the foundations style-wise for some of the later books in his bibliography
- It is not written as a traditional novel that is broken up into chapters. It is written as a three-part case study with only two discernible breaks. This can serve as a bit of training for the "big books" in his bibliography
- It is plenty creepy with themes of extreme religious fanaticism, superstition, and ESP
- It is a shorter novel, so not really a deep dive at all. Some might even call it a quick read.
I DEVOURED Carrie, and am now on a Stephen King journey.
I was scared silly with The Shining, those moving topiary bushes!
The first two King books I read were The Stand and Insomnia. I read them more or less at the same time. Looking back I think I jumped into the deep end and had to fight to keep my head above water. He has done some great stuff.
Hey, my parents owned a Dunkin Donuts in Preque Isle around the time the long walk was out there. There was no Dunkin in Caribou, but there was one in Presque Isle. =) He bought donuts from me once btw. =)
The very first Stephen King book I read was "Desperation" way back in 1997 or 98. Since then I've been his constant reader
The first book that I had read by Stephen king was IT, after that I fell in love with his writing.
Vampire diaries is mikes favorite confirmed! Planning a Stephen king once a month next year and came here for some ideas! Great picks thanks again Mike!
I don't even remember what I said ha ha but you're welcome
I’m here to figure out where to start. Thank you for the video. I will take what you and others have said as a start to figuring things out.
Thank you so much for this my 1st Stephen king book was the dead zone and boy was I confused through the whole book
King is one of my go to authors love almost every book he wrote, this is my top 10: "Under The Dome" is my favorite Stephen King book would love if you do a review))) and "The Ten O'Clock People
" is my favorite short story ;
2)Dark tower books; 3)Insomnia; 4)Stand; 5)Salem's Lot; 6)Pet Sematary;
7)It; 8)The Mist; 9)11/22/63; 10)Dreamcatcher;
I hate that I don't see more love for UTD. Highly underrated.
@@mikesbookreviews UTD is one of my favorites too, BTW i love your King reviews
I've read UTD twice so far, love that one.
The secret to King, to me at least, is writing great characters that you love and putting them in incredibly dangerous situations.
My first King book was Dark Halve. From there I went to Salem's Lot, Shinning, Stand, and finally the Gunsliger. From there on I started to read every King Novel or story I could get mi hand on
I'm a Wheel of Time fã. Always wanted to read SK books, but was never a fã o terror. I heard about The Stand and after watching a few reviews I bought it. Following your advice, I'm going to finish a few series that I am current reading before starting.
The Stand is one incredible journey. But it really is that; a journey. One just has to accept it's the only book you're going to be reading for awhile. But it's so worth it. There is very little horror in it outside of what the end of the known world would be like. Hope you enjoy the ride!
The gunslinger was my first king novel. I wasn't even aware it was part of a larger series. I loved it as a stand alone novel( in my head). It is a bit risky as a first read. But I think it does a good job of laying out what an "average" king novel does. It is a bit slow but for me is a favorite
Start with his short stories!!! He has so many and they are as good as his full length novels. Mile 81 and Apt Pupil are my personal favorites
I recently just read The Stand. I agree that it is a great book. I would recommend the later re-release. I believe that included another 200 or so pages into the tome.
The Bachman books definitely have a slightly different tone that I'm just not as thrilled about. But they're good reads too. I doubt that you'll be able to find Rage though.
Carrie, The Shining and Salem's Lot are good starter King books.
I only read 4 Stephen King books but none of them blew me away. I want to try Pet Sematary because everyone keeps saying it's so good. I also want to finally read the Shining because a friend told me it was the only one that scared her.
I don't usually get scared reading books but it happened a few times before.
With great expectations come sometimes unachievable goals. Hype can really make or break an author or book for a reader.
His name is King for a Reason. He's the King of Writing. I started in the Dark Tower, and King has several long ass novel that are so enjoyable and so fun like The Stand, Under the Dome or IT, but something like Eyes of the Dragon, Salem's Lot, or Needful Things are great Starting point.
Awesome video! I have all of his books and started reading them from the start this year. Read and recommend: Carrie, The Shinning, Salem’s Lot. Also The Institute, Christine, Needful Things, Cujo, and the collected stories Night Shift, Just After Sunset, etc.
Salem’s Lot is my favorite King book but Revival is up there as one of my favorites it’s probably in my top 5 as far as favorite. Love Revival
Reading it early next year!
The only books I've read of Stephen King is The Graveyard shift (short story collection), The Green Mile, The Shining, IT, and The Gunsliner. By far, IT and The Gunslinger is my favorites. I'm gonna read more of his books one day when I get the time.
I read Stephen king when I was in fourth grade,started with it and then read anything king I could get my hands on then I forgot about him until I read misery about a year ago and rediscovered my love for Stephen king books again
I started with Stephen king about 3 years ago and I actually got hooked with “Elevation” and Gwendy’s button box. Great books but I know they are king his weakest works. I’m glad I started with those because since then everything else I read by him it’s even better. I think Institute and 11/23/63 are my favorites
The Institute is phenomenal! One of my faves from him
Love your stuff Mike I have been binge watching your videos :)
I wasn't as in love with A Long Walk as you. That being said, I'm shocked that he had written that while so young. That is impressive and gives me a new appreciation of the book.
I'm also a King fan. I was introduced to him as a kid staying up at night while my parents were asleep, watching scary movies based on his works. Then I jumped to his short stories. I think the short stories are truly underappreciated. I remember reading Graveyard Shift. I was so scared that I actually couldn't sleep until the next morning. 🙈🙈🙈🙈
oh man the first King book i ever red was Needfull Things when i was like 10-11...I ve now also read The institute and The outsider and own the stand, salems lot and eyes of the dragon. Planing to start salems lot right now.
Mike your so cool! Iam getting The Stand tomorrow.Hope I will like it.loads of love
Enjoy it!
My first three books from Stephen King that I read are The Shining, The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon and Pet Sematary.
I read salems lot in 2015 in my sophomore year of high school and I felt like it was a great entry into his books
Great suggestions - I always recommend Pet Semetary for a new King reader.
Hey Mike.. My favourite Stephen King book has to be Salems Lot.. So spooky when i read it. rattled my cage at the time. Time for a reread. Then it has to be IT.. what a great immersful read. Never read The Stand, maybe its time. Also enjoyed Cujo quite a bit.
All of his 70s and 80s stuff in near untouchable.
The Stand is awesome, def read it.. I actually prefer the original shorter version though, but maybe that's because I read it first..
about 80% of skeleton crew is perfect for diving in to short SK work - the raft, mrs todd's shortcut, the jaunt, the mist, gramma, the monkey, survivor type; gives me shivers just thinking about them!
From a Buick 8 was the first King book that I picked. I just selected it randomly from all King's books in the store. End up loving it so decided to go through all his books. I am on the Dark Tower series (Book 2) and currently loving it.
I’ve always loved King. I’ve read him since the 70’s. My problem with him has always been his inability to end a story. I used to always feel like he spent a bunch of time on the first 80% of a book and then seems to just get tired of writing it and just wrapped it up too abruptly. I experienced that as a reader over and over and over. To me The Stand is a brilliant story until the ending. I stopped reading King for a bit after reading the ending of The Stand. The TV shows Lost and Game of Thrones were just like that. Brilliant until the end.
Started with The Gunslinger. After I was strongly recommended it. First stand alone novel was cell. I thought it was good. Happier to know that it wasn't the most recieved so up and up I go.
I started with Christine and im 3/4 through the book and it’s amazing so far
SK is the master!! Hellossssss.. I had no idea about the horror community! So excited!!
I usually re-read king books often because I love them so much. When I read "It" i was so scared that it was 10 years before I got the courage to read it again!
I started with The Dark Half. Then Needful Things. Alan Pangborn was my first fav King Character.
Oh my God, "The Long Walk!" I don't even like sharing a universe with that story. It terrified me because this scenario could, conceivably happen. King's supernatural horror, though engaging, doesn't scare me as much as what he writes that could actually be real (Hello, "The Stand" and COVID-19!)
"Pet Semetery" scares the bejesus out of me every time I read it (and, yes, I've read it multiple times because I'm a moron).
My advice to someone who wants to get started with King is to start with the short stories and the anthologies.
since you liked Anne Rice's vampires, check out Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter if you haven't already, I thought it would be kind of a joke concept but it's actually amazing. Can't wait to see the movie when I'm done.
Not the first King I read, but definitely one of my favorites that I always recommend is The Shining. I think it gives you everything he does well with very few of his more annoying traits.
Good video as always.
My two all-time favourite King books are It and Needful Things. Every time I decide to read a Stephen King book, I find myself rereading those (been doing this for the last 30 years now)
I cannot stand the “real life” kinda supposed horror that people like in books! Cancer, losing a child and that kinda depressing fear is NOT what I would be interested in reading about! And I’m not talking about the kids in IT or any of the coming of age stories with kids in them. I’m talking about people claiming that a book is the scariest book they’ve read and it’s because of the real life kinda fears like cancer etc... who in the world wants to read about that kinda fear???
I get it when it's mixed in. For example in season 5 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer when she realizes she can save those she loves from demons and other evils, but can't save her mother from a sudden heart aneurysm. I'll even accept things like alcoholism being the real villain for a protagonist. But I get where you're coming from, for sure. It depends on the context for me.