My TOP 10 Stephen King Books
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 มิ.ย. 2024
- With the release of Stephen King's new book, "Holly," (which I will be reading next month) I did my absolute best to rank my top 10 Stephen King books of all time... I am sure this list will have to be updated at some point.
If you enjoyed the video, please feel free to check out some more, leave a like, or subscribe to the channel! All of those things help out more than you know :)
Twitter: / jajminton
00:00 - Intro
02:10 - Number 10
03:56 - Number 9
04:58 - Number 8
06:26 - Number 7
08:26 - Number 6
09:27 - Number 5
10:37 - Number 4
11:53 - Number 3
12:47 - Number 2
14:07 - Number 1
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My Stephen King Top 10 books :
1. It (1986)
2. The Shining (1977)
3. The Green Mile (1996)
4. 11/22/63 (2011)
5. Pet Sematary (1983)
6. Needful Things (1991)
7. Salem’s Lot (1975)
8. Misery (1987)
9. The Stand (1978/1990)
10. Duma Key (2008)
Honorable mentions:
Dead Zone , Christine, Firestarter, The Institute, Different Seasons, Full Dark No Stars, Billy Summers.
I need to read Duma Key, Billy Summers and the Institute. Thanks so much for this I will move these up on my TBR. I gotta admit alot of your list was on my list at 1 time or another. I am continually second guessing myself! Thanks so much again!
Hey man just finished pet sematary and am planning on reading 11/22/63 is it good or do you any other recommendations?
@@mybruh8614 it is very good IMO. A bit slower paced and not a horror more of a time travel story. If that sounds what u r looking for dive in.
@@mybruh8614ST's 11 63 is WONDERFUL BOOK. But honestly only if you are old enough to remember the 60's.... its helpful that he can take a person to a decade....especially events like the JFK horror that went down. His book is mesmerizing how he can take you back.....
One of the best commentaries in a top 10 stephen king video. Nice job
Wow! Thanks so much for that.
I loved this list! As I have only read The Shining and now ready to take on It for the month of October, I’m so excited to the King experience again! Great video John!
Thanks so much for kind words. Means more than you can know.
So cool to see Different Seasons at no. 2 and Night Shift in the top ten, couldn’t agree more. Great post.
His shorter stuff hits so hard for me. Looking forward to the novellas coming out later this year.
Love the passion! I have yet to really begin my King journey but this is getting me excited to try all the ones on my shelf! I’ve read Salem’s Lot and Apt Pupil so far and liked both and need to keep going!
The Stand is a post apocalypse, epic fantasy type duel between light and dark. With King's character work. It is massive but well worth it!
Gosh. You speak with so much passion I just have to add The Stand to my wish list. Fantastic video 👏👏👏.
Thanks so much I just checked out your channel. Excited to sub to it!
Great job on this video. You're entertaining dude, great job.
Wow thanks so much for the kind words and for watching. Means more than you know.
I think we had 6 in common! I always love seeing a Stephen King top 10. I get to the end and think "yeah, right on!"
So many I wish could fit!
Amazing video, only started reading King this year and now everytime i finish a book I get the itch to read another! And this video has amplified that itch 😂
Thanks so much for watching. So many great reads waiting for you!
Man we have such similar tastes in books, what a great channel you've got here. Nice list!
Just checked out your channel. Great stuff! Happy I found you and subscribed.
@@Talking_Story well thank you!!!
I'm just getting into King (recently finished It as my first book), and looking for the next books to read. Your vid really helped a lot. Thanks! The way you explain these books are so interesting it makes me want to buy every single one of them. Since 'It' was too long, I want to try something shorter, so I am definitely gonna check out Mr. Mercedes and The Shining next. I have a question, though. Are the rest of the books in the 'Bill Hodges' trilogy as good as the first one? Don't know if I should buy all of them as a set, or just try the first one.
You will most assuredly want the set. All of the trilogy is great mystery/detective vibe stuff. Of course with character first and foremost like all of King’s stuff. Thanks so much for checking out the channel and your kind words!
Just started Mr. Mercedes tonight. Seeing it on your list got me all the more excited for it!
Oh you r in for fun ride. Let me know what u think.
Love the list we share a lot!
Awesome. Thanks for the kind words and for checking out the channel.
I can't agree more with that list. New subscriber 🙌
Thanks so much for checking me out and subscribing!
You sold me on Different Seasons! Just finished Pet Semetary. The beginning was slow, in the middle I wept,the end left me with a feeling of emptiness. I wanted more or perhaps a different ending. The Shining is my favorite SK so far. Can’t wait to read Different Seasons, thanks!
Please let me know what you think of it as you go through.
I loved this. I've only recently got into Stephen King and read 3 of his novels (misery, the shining and the institute) that were all brilliant! I'm hoping to read the stand next because the plot interests me so much and I feel that it would become one of my favourite books.
If you enjoy The Stand, and you will, check out Sean Song by Robert McCammon. 1 of my all time favs!
Glad Different Seasons is high on the list! You just gained a subsctiber, Sir.
Thanks so much for checkin me out and the sub! For me Different Seasons just hits it out of the park!
Great top ten!! You may have convinced me to FINALLY go buy a copy of The Stand. the size of it scares the shit out of me though (Welp!)!!!!!
Go for it! Just a bit here and there when u r ready for it and the next thing you know you will be sucked in. Don’t even think about the length.
@@Talking_Story Great points mate!
Great list! My personal favorite King book is "Salem's Lot", if you haven't yet read that one, I highly recommend reading it. Especially during the early autumn months when it takes place.
I have read it and it was on the list at 1 time. Hated having to make some of the cuts I had to do. Thanks so much for watching!
Yes I reread it every August to prepare me for Ghost Story by Peter Straub an even better story telling of what these creatures might be?
Peter Straub is pretty great!@@4thlinemaniac356
Peter Straub is pretty great!@@4thlinemaniac356
@@Talking_Story "No story exists without its past and the Past of a story is what enables us to understand it,but because-precisely because,I am so aware of the past pressing in on my own story,I wish to allow it to leak in when it must,and not butter it over the beginning."-If You Can See Me Now- IMO the best book the most enjoyable book to the and reread over and again on the days it takes place.
Great list! My favorite SK is Pet Sematary. Made me cry. 😭 I’m itching for a reread so maybe this fall is the time! 🐈⬛
I gotta re read as well. It didn’t hit me as it should. Thinking back I am convinced I was too young when I read it. Now as a parent and someone who has dealt with some loss I bet it would floor me and I would have to make a new list. Thanks so much for watching
I’m pretty much in agreement with the list. Just curious was the stand at number one the original version, or the later uncut version?
I have only read the original. Hard for me to re read so I was on the fence if there was enough changed to re visit. What would you say?
Your passion for King has me eager to read his stuff! Not sure where I’ll start yet, perhaps The Dark Tower
If you want a great taste go with Different Seasons. 4 novellas and you will see a lot of what he has to offer after that 1 collection.
The green mile is also a good all around everyone approved kind of book.
@@--harry_ I do like that 1 but I read it as it came out and I think waiting for the installments slowed the momentum for me. I bet if I re read it could make the list. It has a great adaptation imo as well.
I started my King journey this year. So far I've read The Shining, Billy Summers and Fairy Tale. Enjoyed all three of them. Now in October I'm actually planning on reading Revival so it's nice to see it in your top 10. If I have time I also want to read 11/22/63 this year. I've been looking forwards to that one for a very long time.
I have not got to Billy Summers yet. Let me know what you think of 11/22/63 and Revival. Revival is a great October read for sure!
Revival is SO GOOOOD. Loved Fairy tale and of course the Shining as well
I hope Holly is a good time it is coming up for me at the beginning of October. @@PsilocybeJedi
I loved 11/22/63 and then watched the TV series... thought it was one of the best screen adaptations of his. Normally I watch them and complain, not the case. My wife became hooked on the show. The tv mini series seems to be the best for his stuff because they have more time... was not disappointed with Mr. Mercedes tv series. The poison scene, just wow... more powerful than the book... don't want to go into to much detail with spoilers. So recommend watching them after reading..
@@--harry_ I have watched both those and enjoyed them a lot. His adaptations swing from great to not good for me. Mini series do seem to work well as they have more time for character growth. Actually thanks for reminding me I don’t think I ever caught the last season of Mr Mercedes I will have to find that 1!
Great video and nice list. As someone who has absolutely no ties to America, it always amazes me that Stephen King draws me in and makes me feel like I belong there.
I think the criticism he received in some places re his ability to write perfect endings was possibly justified but he absolutely nails every other aspect and he has improved his endings too in my opinion.
I started reading his books back in the late 70’s, getting his early novels from my sister who was a fan before me. And I have continued to be a fan up to the present day.
On January 1st this year I decided to go back to the very beginning and read as many of his novels back to back as I can, starting with Carrie. I finished Pet Sematary yesterday so it’s going well and these rereads are bringing back so many memories!
I read those so long ago I think re-reads are in order as well. I bet they would hit me very differently now. Thanks so much for kind a words and checking out the list. I really appreciate this comment let me know how your walk down memory lane with King continues.
I’m curious where you would put the long walk and salems lot would they be top 20? I love the long walk I wouldn’t say it’s my number one or anything like that but it’s a piece of work that I can come back to over and over again like a really good sitcom or The Thing(1982)
Yes The Thing! Both of those were both on the list and it was so hard to cut them. He wrote Long Walk as a teen which blows me away. For sure they would make top 15. This list plagues me still cause there are so many I love not on it.
1. The Stand
2. Misery
3. Pet Semetary
4. Salem’s Lot
5. Different Seasons
6. It
7. 11.22.63
8. Christine
9. The Dead Zone
10 The Shining
Nice! Thanks so much for sharing. I think the universal choice I am getting is Pet Semetary. I gotta go back and re read. I now see I read it to young and didn’t get was he was writing. Just finished Holly and will have a full review by next week. Thanks so much for watching!
Great list! In my opinion, Wizard and Glass is definitely top 5 and the best book of the DTS by far! The series hit its peak with that book and then took a nosedive.
It is my fav of the series for sure.
I like your list order. The only books you have on here that I haven't read is Misery, the Stand, the glun slinger series, and Different Seasons. I do have them on my ever growing tbr
Ohhh those r good ones. Let me know what you think when you get to them. Thanks for checking out the list!
…it’s like that Norman Rockwell, Frank Capra, Americana feel, but it’s through a funhouse mirror…”
Great description of Stephen King’s vibe. In my 50s, been reading him since stumbling on Night Shift as a kid.
Right there with you!
Great list...thanks. Reading Stephen King becomes a very personal journey as he speaks to the reader at a level I've never experienced before. Pet Sematary was so disturbing...especially as I was a new dad when I first read it. The Dead Zone...which is not talked about much...is still one of my favorites. If you only watch the screen adaptations and never read the books you are missing out.
I completely agree with you. I think he puts a lot of himself into his characters. That makes them so recognizable and relatable. It also makes the books hit you differently depending on what stage of life you are in when reading. I read Pet Cemetery and Dead Zone when they first came out. Along with Firestarter I have a soft spot for them but I bet if I re read them they would make a different impression and I would have to re do my list yet again. Thanks so much for checking out the list!
I could not have said this better. His writing just resonates somehow.
I feel he does such a great job of channeling what he is going through in different periods of his life to the page that it just speaks to our experience. Let me know if you decide to pick up the Stand. @@pattic6077
Revival is the darkest book he's written in ages, and the character work is phenomenal. I loved it so much, super underrated novel! Great list...
It does go to darkest places emotionally and otherwise. Thanks for watching!
Yes it totally is
Respect the list man! I’m 19 years old and started reading king when I was 17. So far I’ve read just under 40 of his works. I think these are my Top 10 at the moment:
1. The Green Mile
2. Pet Sematary
3. IT
4. The Shining
5. Cujo
6. Misery
7. Blaze (Richard Bachman)
8. Salem’s Lot
9. Gerald’s Game
10. Different Seasons
Honourable mention: On Writing: Memoir of the Craft
Wow 40 in 2 years! I respect your list! I find it awesome that King keeps getting new fans like yourself. A great story is timeless! Thanks so much for sharing this list with me and for checking out the channel.
@@Talking_Story I became a super fan after my first read of his which was Misery. From there I was hooked and I’ve been obsessed ever since!! My copy of The Deadzone arrived today so that will be my next read!! I read mr Mercedes a few days ago and thought it was brilliant. I’ll also be writing my dissertation at university on Stephen king too as I study / am majoring in English Lit 😊
@@louisstorey3241 I have great memories of Dead Zone! Let me know what you think of it. Good luck on that degree program! U plan on writing, teaching or both?
Aaaah yesss THE STAND! Couldn't agree more , my favorite book ❤
So gooood!
Great top ten...mine is pretty similiar but the ones that aren't on my top ten here are probably on my top 15. I actually set a goal for myself to read all of King's bibliography this year and I am starting the last one, Pet Sematary, this week! It's surreal to have almost finished.
Also, Revival is very underrated.
I am no where near caught up. Still have some favs of alot of people to get to.
Totally agree with the stand - the right call
Thanks so much! I know some say it is too long but I could have stayed with those characters for many more pages.
I love your list and agree the "The Stand" is King's best work. I would like to ask if you've ever read "Swan Song" by Robert McGammon. It is basically the same story except the apocalyptic event is nuclear war, not a virus. McGammon's description of nuclear war are incredibly vivid, and the character work is almost as good as that in "The Stand". I think that if you enjoyed "The Stand", and haven't read it, then you will love "Swan Song".
McCammon's Swann Song is a fav. I love the Matthew Corbett series as well. I think I have almost read all of his stuff.
I didn’t like the ending. Stephen King isn’t the best at endings.
@@garythompson3223 He is not the strongest at endings at times I do have to agree. He is definitely the character journey is more important than the destination kind of writer.
Great list! My favorites, in no particular order, are Mr. Mercedes, The Shining, The Stand, Wizard and Glass, The Outsider, Misery and 11/22/63 at number 1.
We are of the same mind on a lot! Outsider is really good. I like Holly quite a bit as well. I think I will have a review up week after this 1 coming up. He is a real inspiration to me for staying so creatively active later in life. Thanks so much for sharing and checking out the list!
Oh wow thanks for the sub as well just saw that.
The Unabridged “The Stand.”
I’ve read it as a Teen, a College Graduate(first time I had the time again), again at 40.
Everytime I read it, I felt and noticed different things from different perspectives!!!!
You should read all your favorite books over now, I promise you will note- “Wow, I don’t remember that😳!!”
With my old man brain there is no way I would disagree with you. I hope when I get caught up on some new stuff I have time to do exactly that!
I think with the 10 you picked I would go: It > 11/22/63 > Different Seasons > The Stand > Wizard & Glass > The Shining > Revival > Misery > Mr. Mercedes > Night Shift But you cant really go wrong, all of them are great. I could easily switch around any of the top 5 on any given day. Plenty of others that probably would have made my top 10 vs a few of the ones you selected, but I'd have to think on it some.
I went back and forth so many times. 😂So awesome to compare lists with folks and see the impact and memories Mr. King has given us all with so many great reads!
The green mile and Thinner
@@hanjesse31 Both great! Both on my list during the war with myself to cut it to 10. I read Green Mile when it first came out in installments and I think the wait between those installments colored my enjoyment. I bet if I re read it straight through it would overtake something on the list. A curse with the single word of thinner whispered to someone? C’mon that is good stuff! I completely agree with you.
1. Wizard and glass
2. The shining
3. Under the dome
4. Four past midnight
5. Night shift
6. Misery
7. The running man/the long walk..(4 X Richard Bachman)
8. The tommyknockers
9. The Dark tower final - The dark tower
10. Skeleton Crew
This is my list..some are the same in ranking..I love to see. great video!
Thanks so much for checking out the list and sharing yours!
I reread a few SK classics a couple of years ago and all went down in my appreciation except one that now is my favorite, Pet Sematary. High on my list is The Long Walk and The Mist. But i have to agree that the first half of The Stand and Salem's Lot are as good as can get for a horror novel. Great Video
Thanks so much for the kind words. I am confident from talking with folks that I read Pet Semetary too young and did not get what he was laying down. Now having dealt with loss and helping to raise a son I must schedule a re read.
@@Talking_Story Exactly! i read it in my late teens and i liked it but it wasn't even one of my favorites. Reread it in my late 40's and became my number 1 SK novel. I find it better written than most of his classics maybe because something you mentioned in your video: it is a shorter novel than his usual, 374 pages in my edition. I think you are up to something. Subscribed!
@@carlosbranca8080 Thanks for the sub!
THANK YOU! Stephen King's character work is impeccable. However, I got so disappointed by his endings that I haven't read him for a long time. I don't think I've read enough of his work at this point to put together an accurate Top Ten but my 2 favorites (for very different reasons) are The Dead Zone and It. Though that may have a lot to do with when I read them. I still have to finish the Gunslinger series and I do want to read 11/22/63.
Dead Zone was on my list at 1 point as I debated myself. That and Firestarter are a couple early King books I have a great fondness for.
I'm finding it so difficult to rank King books. I've become a Constant Reader recently and everything is so damn good!! IT is my favourite book ever. I recently devoured Misery. Really enjoyed Cujo, Christine, The Dead Zone. Pet Sematary, The Shining, Doctor Sleep, and Duma Key are all great reads for me. 11.22.63 was also fabulous. It's so difficult!!
Oh i made this list at least 10 times and looking back I still don't have it right. So many good choices. I have picked up Duma Key recently since I have heard so many say it is one of their favs and I have not read that 1 yet. If I revisit this list again in '24 I'm sure it will have changed.
So glad you mentioned Mr. Mercedes, but I would add that there are two other books with the same old man as a protagonist. It is called the End of Watch trilogy or, alternatively the Bill Hodges trilogy. One book I'd like to insert would be Needful Things. Probably because I am a big admirer of the legendary writer Ray Bradbury. I feel King was channeling Bradbury while I wrote it. Has a similar feel to Bradbury's story "Something Wicked This Way Comes".
And it's crazy that we have a living author that we have to sweat and ponder over on how to list his top ten books!!
Yes! It is amazing how we have to sweat. Needful Things is a book I love and if I re made the list I might have to change things up to get it on there. Something Wicked is very special to me. I actually got meet him at a signing when I got a signed copy of Illustrated Man signed. He was such a lovely gentleman to all us fans waiting.
I’ve just started reading Stephen King’s book which is STAND! I’m glad to know the book is your best one! I feel I chose a right book to read! Thanks for the wonderful video!
Please let me know what you think as you go through it!
I’ve been wanting to start this one also but I’ve been intimidated by the length.
It is a chonker but I think it is so worth it and the character work makes it go by pretty quickly. @@pattic6077
I keep a hardcover version of The Stand by my bedside both because I love it and so I can throw it at any potential intruders
The Stand is TOO GOOD A BOOK to let it be close to any INTRUDER...
Extremely curious, where would you put Bag of Bones? That is easily one of my top 5, and I never hear anyone talk about it.
I do like Bag of Bones and it was on the list but then I had to start cutting. It is like Pet Sematary. I think I read it a little young to get and appreciate all the themes he was exploring. I bet if I did a re read now I would have very different feeling for it.
So nice to see "Revival" in there. It flew a bit under the radar, but for me it's even in his Top 5. Just a great horror novel and not too long either. Another underrated one for me is "The Wind Through The Keyhole". While it's not really necessary to the main Dark Tower plot, I love the layered storytelling, the fairytale feeling and the worldbuilding in there.
Thanks so much for checking out the list. Love the Dark Tower but I have not got to Wind Through the Keyhole. After your praise I will be picking it up soon.
@@Talking_Story Hope you will enjoy it!
@@michaelleuchtenberger434 Sure I will. I find he is like pizza. Even a book that is not my fav is pretty good going down.
@@Talking_Story That's a good comparison. Actually having pizza right now. 😄
I agree , Survival is incredible, i love this and Duma Key
ON WRITING! YES....THANK YOU!
Im currently reading my second stephen king book ever. The Stand. I am about 400 pages in and I am loving it. The other book I have had the pleasure of reading is 11/22/63. I am new to reading books and reading his books are so addictive. Thanks for the suggestions on this list.
Ohhh you are starting out right with some great ones. Let me know what you think after you finish The Stand.
@@Talking_Story will do sir. I also subbed to your channel today. Look forward to seeing more content!
@@jasonjaffeux866 Thanks and welcome!
Great list! I’m surprised not to see Pet Sematary. One of only a few books that has ever made me cry.
Read it when it first came out and I don’t think I got it. If I re read now after being a parent and processing some loss myself I bet it would hit me hard and make the list. He is writer that I find puts so much of his own experiences and fears onto the page that if you are in the sweet spot with him of life experience the work hits you so differently.
@@Talking_Storymy grandfather has always been a big King fan and he told me that he got Pet Sematary the weekend it came out. Now, at the time, my mom and uncles were all under 10 and they lived right on a very busy road just past a blind culture. He got to the page where Gage died, immediately put the book down, grabbed his key, then went to go buy the lumber to put up a front yard fence. He's never finished reading the book.
@@caitlinbrewer4843 wow that is great story. Did he ever try another King book ?
@@Talking_Story Yes, plenty of them. He was the one to introduce me to King. Never finished that book.
@@caitlinbrewer4843 Ahhhh. Great memories sharing stories like that. Special to me you have shared it with me now.
Joe Hill’s (King’s son) the Black Phone is also an amazing collection of short stories. The very first one scared the absolute crap out of me.
I loved 20th Century Ghosts. I need to read the Black Phone.
Although it was a collaboration, I personally love 'the Talisman' I have read it it multiple times and always get something new with each reading.
I do enjoy that and the follow up as well.
Top 5 imo, 1, The DeadZone, 2 Different Seasons 3 The Drawing of the Three, 4, Cujo, 5, Christine. He actually is the best writer ever as he can do it all, not just horror. And he loves AC⚡️DC. Hehe. 🐀
I am with you he has been on my top fav list for decades. Dead Zone and Drawing of the 3 were on my list. Still second guessing some of my choices. Thanks so much for sharing your top 5 and of course for watching.
I find his short stories most attractive with King. Most of my favorites are shorts. Also, when he keeps out the supernatural stuff, or at least keeps to a minimum.
Why I love Different Seasons so much. I always recommend it readers that haven’t tried him but want to
1. The Stand
2. The Shining
3. Different Seasons
4. Pet Sematary
5. IT
6. Misery
7. Firestarter (this one is really underrated for some reason)
8. Cujo
9. The Dead Zone
10. Christine
If I could extend this list to 11, I'd choose Revival. For 12, I might actually choose Full Dark, No Stars, if only because of A Good Marriage, which is one of the darkest and strongest things he's written since Apt Pupil, imo. It's also very cool how many of us can agree on The Stand.
Had Firestarter on my list along with Dead Zone. Hated to cut those. They are really great early works. After so many people sharing their list it has made me think a lot and I am sure my list would be different if I made it again. Crazy how much great stuff is in 1 author’s catalog. Thanks so much for checking out the list and sharing.
1. The Stand
2. It
3. 11.22.63
4. The Shining
5. The Green Mile
6. Salem
7. Misery
8. Duma Key
9. Billy Summers
10. The Institute
I love Desperation and The Dead Zone too.
The order might change from 1 to 5, as well as from 6 to 10.
I'm about to finish reading Holly and I'm going to buy Needful Things, which I watched the miniseries years ago.
One of my favorite movies ever is The Shawshank Redemption.
Love this list. 8 through 10 I have not read but they are all on the stack. Thanks so much for sharing this!
I read Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption shortly after Different Seasons came out. One of my favorite stories of all time...regardless of author. Indomitable, far better than the movie, IMO. I have always loved Stephen King, even when I didn't love whatever book I just completed, of which I have indeed read dozens, but far fewer than 84! I've read...maybe half? And amazingly, I have never read the Dark Tower series. I did love the Stand back when I first read it as a teenager, for one reason because there's a surprise sentence in there that REALLY tricked me!! I can't say which particular sentence it was, because it's a massive spoiler. But as memory serves, it was the last sentence of a particular chapter. And Nick Andros is one of my all-time favorite SK characters.
I also loved On Writing. Amazing insight into a genuine, American treasure.
And a shout out to Mrs. Todd's Shortcut. One of my favorite SK short stories.
And finally, Johnny Smith...Dead Zone. Amazing, timeless book, Johnny Smith one of the greatest heroes of all time, a book that has a heinous character with eerie parallels to another strongman politician...
Thank you for the list! I will definitely pick up Revival.
Wow thanks so much for this. Wonderful memories of moments spent with an artist through time. He has traveled with so many of us for so long it is amazing how our lives can become intertwined with a storyteller. I do think you will enjoy Revival. Please let me know what you think of it when you finish. Thanks again for sharing.
Here's my picks
1. Dolores Claiborne
2. Billy summers
3. Wizard and glass
4. The wastelands
5. Rose madder
6. The stand
7. The gunslinger
8. Needful things
9. the dead zone
10. Christine
I must put Billy Summers and Rose Madder on my TBR they are 2 of his that I have missed. I can see you are a Dark Tower fan it will be on my all time fantasy list I am putting out by the years end for sure. Thanks so much for checking out my list and sharing yours!
@@Talking_Story I hope you will enjoy billy summers and rose madder
Sure I will I immediately put them on my wish list. @@angelaholmes8888
There’s not a single booktuber I know who’s a stephen king fan that doesn’t have 11/22/63 in their top list. I’m currently 20% into it, and I am soooo anxious to know how it ties everything together since I heard a lot of people cried through the ending. Also, have you read Pet Sematary? What did you think about it? I really wanna read it next because I’ve heard great things about how King handled grief & loss in the story.
I read Pet Cemetery when it first came out and I don’t think I was in a place in life to appreciate all it did and the themes it has. I bet if I re read it now after being a parent and having to process loss it would make my list. I think that is the mark of a good writer though if their stuff hits differently through different periods of your life.
Also let me know what you think of 11/22/63 when you finish.
@@Talking_Story I completely agree. Having recently lost my dad, who I consider to be one of my best friends, drew me into reading books with themes exploring grief, so I was curious what you thought about it. Anyways, another great video, John! ☺️👌🏽
@@NellyVilla09 Thanks so much. So sorry to hear about your loss. I have had enough years go by since the loss of my father that I know he is not gone cause I see him every time I look in the mirror. Always worked to be my own person and now I find so much comfort to see him in who I am.
@@Talking_Story It might take a while since it’s a pretty thick book, but so far it’s well on its way to being a 5-star read!
The stand, The shining, and Pet cemetery are my favorite books from him but I haven't read all these. They are on the list now.
Let me know your thoughts when you get to them please.
I am 59 years old and fell in love with Stephen King books with my readings of Night Shift, The Shining, The Dead Zone, Different Seasons, Salem’s Lot, etc. back when I was in middle school. I took a 25 year hiatus but have been catching up on audible. I feel that many of his post 2000 books are AMAZING! Similar to what you said, the list could change tomorrow but here is my top 10 list right now:
10 - Different Seasons
9 - Mr. Mercedes
8 - The Outsider
7 - Duma Key
6 - Misery
5 - The Shining
4 - Pet Semetary
3 - Night Shift
2 - 11/22/63
1 - Revival
Wow we almost have the same story. I found him young and had layoff as well. I just ordered a copy of Duma Key in yesterday as it I see on so many other’s list that have responded to mine. Thank you so much for sharing your list and for checkin out mine.
Hey am planning on reading some
Stephen King books now am about to finish Carrie
Can you give me some recommendations?
@@mybruh8614 I would say stay early King and move onto Dead Zone, Firestarter and The Shining. If you want a short story collection go for Night Shift.
How could The Stand not make your list?
Your #2 is mostly my #1. He so expertly puts you right back to where and when history takes you where you cant forget nor unfortunately change.
My personal favourite Stephen King stories are Pet Sematary, Gerald's Game, & Salem's Lot. I still remember being genuinely frightened while reading Gerald's Game when i was a teenager (the part of that story involving the moonlight man is still the stuff of my worst nightmares). Also the 70s miniseries adaptation of Salem's Lot was my introduction to Stephen King & his work when i was growing up so that book holds a special place in my heart.
I remember that mini series! Scared me for sure. I need to re read Pet Sematary bet it hits different now that I am older and a parent. Amazing how he has been haunting us for so long now that he colors our memories to this extent.
@@Talking_Story -So true. Just goes to show what a powerful storyteller Stephen King is.
@@kirstyfairly4371 Just finished Holly yesterday. He is still going strong.
Reading Gerald's Game resulted in me learning 3 different ways of getting out of handcuffs. 5/5, would recommend.
I was about 16 I had just left school and I was lucky I went directly from school straight into my first job as a Butchers assistant . To go from the safety and comfort of school directly into doing 8 hour shifts and 12 hours on a weekend in my areas busiest Butchers was a shock to my system. I lasted 5 months before I left and still being 16 and out of work I had a ton of free time on my hands. My Grandfather had this huge bag full of old books his friend had given him. There was the Bachman Books, TheTommyknockers , Cuju and IT and some of the Clive barkers books of blood and many others. I always remember reading The Tommyknockers first and with being so young I could vividly imagine every character and scene in the book so clearly in my mind it was as if I was watching a movie in my mind . I was young and still lived at home so I had no problems or issues I Could just enjoy stories in such a pure and innocent form . I got another job working at sea and continued to work my way through a lot of books but unfortunately as I got older and had more responsibilities , stresses , worries and problems by about the age of 21 I couldn't visualise the story as beautifully in my mind as I could those first few years of reading
Thanks so much for sharing this. I like you discovered King at a young age and also I visualize what I read. So sorry you lost this ability as life went on. It is a big reason why I stay away from audiobooks. I can’t see what I read if I am listening to someone else’s interpretation of the text. Thanks again for sharing and checking out the list.
My top 10 of only his novels. Many of his novellas and short stories are amazing and deserve their own ranking.
1. The Stand
2. Books 2, 3 & 4 of Dark Tower (I can't bring myself to rank them separately)
3. It
4. Misery
5. The Green Mile
6. Salem's Lot
7. Carrie
(These last 3 are highly underrated, IMO)
8. Needful Things
9. Dorothy Claiborne
10. Duma Key
Amazing list! Thanks so much for sharing. Will be reading Duma Key this October.
The Stand FTW!!!! Definitely falls in my all time Top 10 list of and genre!
If you like the Stand have you read Swann Song by Robert MaCcammon?
@@Talking_Story No I have not
@@mrebeast Soon as you read it you thank me for a new favorite read!
Great list there. At the moment (although like you, it can change at any time), here is my current top 10.
1. The Stand
2. It
3. The Dark Tower VII - The Dark Tower
4. 11/22/63
5. Needful Things
6. Salem's Lot
7. Under the Dome
8. The Dark Tower II - The Drawing of the Three
9. The Dark Tower III - The Waste Lands
10. The Green Mile.
If I was to include collections, I think the only one that would get close to the top 10 would be 'Full Dark No Stars', which I loved every minute of. Generally, I'm a fan of his full novels rather than the shorter works, although he's had some killer short stories/Novellas over the years.
Thanks so much for your list and for checking out my list. I as well am a huge Dark Tower fan and when I finally put out my all time fantasy series list it will for sure be on it. I tried to just put 1 Dark Tower book on to save slots. There was a time when I had under the Dome and Needful Things on there. I think every day commenting back and forth with others I should take another try😂. Again thanks so much for checking out the list always great to find another Tower fan!
@@Talking_Story It's weird, because I'm not really a fantasy fan at all. In fact, my only real dips into that world are the Dark Tower and the UK Fighting Fantasy gamebooks that were popular in the 80s. But there's something about the Dark Tower that goes beyond fantasy, as it delves into so many different genres. Also, as an aside, how much better is 'The Gunslinger' on a re-read after you've finished the whole series? It makes so much more sense!
@@StewartyMac Yes! It is genre bending in so many ways and at its heart is a love letter about storytelling and the importance of story to our species that it can move any kind of reader I think. Have never done a re read. I may have to schedule that. I bet it moves different if you are not waiting years between books.
Pleased to see 'Revival' up there. An underrated masterpiece. I would put Dolores Claiborne and Needful Things in my top ten too. And IT as #1.
All great choices!
Overall, great list. I would definitely want some The Green Mile or Carrie representation up there though.
Those are both very strong choices I cannot disagree.
Well, I've come in _right_ at the top! I've loved any number of T.V. shows/films based on Stephen King books, but never read any. I grew up loving (and _still_ have on DVD) Salem's Lot. But, when I tried to read it, I was turned off by what seemed to be the fact that every character introduced wasn't very pleasant (I'll give it another go) But, recently, another avid King fan recommended The Stand.
I'm half way through it and am absolutely _loving_ it, so much so, that I would say that it's rekindled my love of reading for readings sake. I find myself (it's on my Kindle) apart from the fact that I'm setting aside time to read, these days, "opening it," at every available opportunity (even first thing in the morning) and not being able to put it down.
So, thanks and you've given us plenty of food for thought. There are a few more, in your list that are on my TBR list! 😉😉📚
Can’t thank you enough for sharing this. Just so wonderful to hear you are having a great read! If you are enjoying The Stand after a break I highly recommend Swan Song by Robert McCammon.
@@Talking_Story Many thanks for the recommendation. Will do! 😉
@@Talking_Story Swan Song is the next "big read" on my to do list. Having finished (and loved) The Stand, I snuck in 11/22/63, which I've just finished, but am going to give myself some respite, while I continue to work my way through Armistead Maupin's Tales of The City. I need to read something a bit shorter, that I can finish in a day, or 2 😉😉
But, I loved both of the Stephen King books. I think I preferred 11/22/63, but they both had (and this is unusual for me) without any spoilers, moments that moved me to the point where I welled up! I've just started watching the T.V. adaptation of 11/22/63.
So, thanks again, for the recommendations.
Looking forward to Swan Song! 😉
@@neorich59 give a bit a space to yourself between Stand and Swann Song so you don’t get apocalyptic burnout. I will be shocked if McCammon doesn’t make you well up a time or two as well.
Overall, I love your list! our top 10 has some overlap which is fun. Here's my top 10 for reference
The Dead Zone (my favorite)
Misery
Different Seasons
If It Bleeds
Drawing of the Three
Duma Key
Dolores Claiborne
Revival
Needful Things
Night Shift
HM: Roadwork, Firestarter, Carrie, Cujo
Duma key is 1 I have not read. That and Rose Madder I need to go back and read I feel.
Needful Things so underrated but sooooo good😭
@@jacobclark7032 it was on the list hated to cut it.
"The Dead Zone" is one of my favorites as well, and the movie adaptation is one of my favorites!
Christopher Walken is so good in that. I would rate that as one of the best adaptaytions for sure. @@genekent2391
I just started reading Stephen King this year and I’ve read 3 so far.
Under the Dome- 2⭐️
The Eyes of the Dragon- 3.75⭐️
Blaze- 5⭐️
I don’t hear many people talking about Blaze but, I really loved it.
That is an early 1 published under the Bachman pseudonym I think. I have not read that 1 with what u say I will add to my list right away. Thanks for the heads up.
@@Talking_Story It is/was published under Richard Bachman. Most of the newer versions of the book now say Stephen King.
Just put it on my Amazon wish list. @@maeve_ever_manga
Yes the stand is my favourite
They filmed SALEMS LOT in Ferndale CA...Top Northern CA Area. My mother lived there and winded up in the movie they filmed. An actor named David Soul I think was in it. And an actress named Stephanie Powers back then....
So cool. I remember David Soul from Starsky and Hutch.
Your introduction to King was just like mine.
King has written a lot of great books, Misery was great. Night Shift awesome. But my number one favorite thing about King will always be his house in Bangor. Imagine going to the movies, then coming home to that mansion. And why aren't there pictures of the inside? So my imagination might make it nicer than what it is?
I bet it would live up to your imagination!
@@Talking_Story you are probably right
"IT" was OK for me. Other books like The Shining and 11.22.63 impacted me more....LOVE HIM.
He is so good! I am reading his newest collection now between larger reads.
My list would be
10-Night Shift
9-The Green Mile
8-The Drawing of the Three
7-Insomnia
6-Pet Semetary
5-Needful Things
4-The Dead Zone
3-It
2-The Long Walk
1-The Stand
Some differences but we end up at the same place! Thanks so much for sharing!
I haven't read a single Stephen King novel to it's full length at all but I knew the #1 spot was either going to be The Stand or Pet Cemetery. Surprised to see one didn't even make the list. I often forget how many stories that man has written.
I bet if I re read Pet Semetary it would make the list. Pretty sure I was too young to realize all the things he was doing when I read it. His catalog is staggering!
Mr Meredes is good, but Finders Keepers is by far my fav of that trilogy
Love to see Night Shift so high! his best short story collection
Revival is fantastic! likewise, love the ending!
IT is great, but i think its overrated a little bit, a bit too long, and the ending isn't too great imo
Misery is my 2nd fav King novel, awesome!!!
The Shining is great, but I actually prefer the movie lol and I've actually enjoyed my rereads of Doctor Sleep more
Wizard and Glass is fantastic, Drawing of the Three is my personal fav DT book though
11/22/63 is very overrated imo, love the premise but didn't love a lot of the middle section
Different Seasons is also my favorite novella collection, totally agree with you that his shorter works are fantastic
The Stand is King's most overrated book IMO, i love the first third of the book, after that its long winded and boring for me
Checked out your channel. Awesome stuff. I was excited to subscribe. I hope Holly is 1 of those we differ on as I have that set up for an October read. Thanks again for checking me out and all the feedback. I do like the way so many people have a different list for King. Speaks highly of his work that it impacts readers differently and hits us differently if we read in different times of our lives.
Thanks for sharing. I only read 3 of Stephen King books - salem's lot, outsider and needful things. SL i read twice, Outsider was very creepy and needful things i cant really remember. I think the best was SL. The stand seems to be everyone No. 1.
Didnt expect SL wasnt in your top 10.
I want to read IT and is about to buy the book. But i heard many negative reviews that say it is too long and so many scenes are unnecessary.
I think the best horror i have read is still Peter Staub's Ghost Story
If you Like Ghost Story I think you will truly enjoy the slow burn pace and coming of age story at the heart of IT. If you go for it let me know what you think.
I am a sucker for nice cover design. The best cover to me of IT is the movie tie-in with the boy and the balloons, black background. Totally creepy. The one that was presented to me in my bookstores is the white one with the clown face and the comic version. I think I will grab the one with the white background. Thanks. I didn't know ghost story has similarities to it.
Both dual timelines, both very character driven and both move at a slower pace that is why some say IT is a bit bloated. @@chenkeith7272
The Talisman, written by King & another master of storytelling, Peter Straub. First time I ever cried at the death of a fictional being. (Wolf)
Talisman and Black House hold a special place for me because they are so tied to the Dark Tower which would most assuredly be on my all time fantasy list. Did not consider them because I took off all books that are co written with someone. Just to narrow the field down for myself. Thanks so much watching and sharing!
The Stand. What a book. Incredible.
What a book indeed. If you have not tried Robert McCammon’s Swan Song and you like The Stand I would say give it a try.
My favorite is Salem's Lot. I love the Shining too. I didn't like The Stand. It just wasn't my kind of story. I have often thought about trying to read it again but it's such a huge book that every time I think about picking it up again I remember how long it took me the first time and I talk myself out of it 😂
It is a huge 1. Salem’s Lot and Shining are both great!
At 42 I just read King for the first time a few months back, Needful Things. Good read, great character development, great villain as well. Then I read IT, finished it a few hrs ago actually. Blown away. The ritual of Chud, the interdemsional demonic realm, a turtle puking up galaxies, that stuff took the book to another level for me, fucking incredible. And yea, the pre teen gangbang definitely caught me off guard. It’s a crazy fucked up book that I really enjoyed from start to finish.
Crazy f’ed up book is a perfect description. 😂Such a fun read. Welcome to the world of King. Never too late.
@@Talking_Story haha happy to be here
I used to watch horror movies but since I got sucked in by the Misery book I've been reading a lot of his stuff. I can't really get into movies anymore since once you get your mind working in a book after work it is far more scarier where I would get nightmares for a while every night after I read his stuff which was cool. The thing I like about your list even though I haven't read some of it is it's mostly all postmarked after the 70's and his earlier stuff like Cujo and Carrie which I don't care for. I couldn't get into Carrie and am currently reading Salem's Lot now and it's over fleshed out and trivial with gross shallow characters that I'm actually rooting for the vampires. Everybody wets them self, faints, turns pale, or dies of a heart attack when a silly vampire shows up. But it's like once you reach a certain page you just have to push threw and finish it like I did with Pet Semetary, which the last 100+ pages was also overly explained to death in a slow motion long winded process. Like something simple like grabbing your wallet and your keys before you head out turns into a 10 minute flash back about that time you left your wallet by your keys in your car and the brand of wallet was from Joe Blow that made it with his wallet machine that held two singles and a five that were saved up for this example. Just get in the car and go bro. I like details but it's very regressive. Did skim a lot towards the end. But Misery and Apt Pupil wow. I like the downhill pace. I'm looking forward to Duma Key and Desperation next.
I totally get it! He gets way better than his early books. But he got so popular I think no editor would ever tell him to cut anything. I bet you would love Robert Maccammon. He is alot like Stephen King but his action and pace never let up. Try out a book by him called Mine. It never lets up from page 1. It is more thriller than horror but I would put money on you will love it. Thanks so much for watching!
Thanks!@@Talking_Story
@@genosciacca1816 Let me know if you check it out.
Needful Things. 11.22.63. My two favorites.
Great ones!
I don’t even have a book tube channel and I want to make one just to talk Stephen king. His work is just incredible. Nice top 10! I have 6 books left to complete all of his. Off the top of my head my top 10:
It
Dark Tower 7, 3, and 1
11/22/63
Green Mile
Pet Sematary
Christine
The Stand
Misery
Almost all your picks were in my list at one time or another. Like you hard to pick 1 from Dark Tower that would series would have to make my all time fantasy series list.
We have several in common and I have to agree that The Stand is phenomenal.
Have you given Swan Song by McCammon a try?
@@Talking_Story I haven't read that so will add it to my list. Thank you.
Oh I think you will love it if The Stand makes your list of favs. @@NerdyKathi
1/ The Stand
2/ The Dead Zone
3/ Salem’s Lot
4/ Misery
5/ Different Seasons
6/ Revival
7/ The Shining
8/ Rose Madder
9/ Carrie
10/ The Dark Half
The first 5 were easy choices for me, but 6 - 10 were really tough choices which could easily change tomorrow. 😅
I so feel you if I made my list it would be different 😂. Thanks for sharing and checking out the list.
I love ‘The Dead Zone.’ It was the first Stephen King book I read.
@@garythompson3223 it was close to the first me too. Firestarter or Dead Zone have a hard time remembering exactly which came first but I was hooked!
My favorites though to be fair I have not read all of his books, but they would be Misery. Dolores Claiborne, and The Long Walk.
All great and all were on my list at a time. Thanks so much for checking out the list and sharing your favs.
Totally agree on Wizard and Glass. One of my favorites…there’s a chapter in that book that I have dog-eared and read from time to time. Its in Part 3. Chapter 6-Closing the Year. Its only a few pages, but there’s just something about it that keeps drawing me back to it time and time again….so amazingly written. Its a pivotal chapter in the whole series. One of the best!
I do love that book. May be time to re read that series. I read them when they first came out. I bet without the wait time in between books it would read very differently.
Only read Carrie, Salem Lot, the Shining and I think I'd rank them in that order, though each was a very good read, but the Shining was just amazingly powerful.
I've got one more story left to read in Night Shift, but I think that'll go into number 3 spot - each story is really worth while, some are a fun/scary Crypt Keeper time like Gray Matter, gut wrenching horror like the Mangler, or the Last Rung on the Ladder that's a whole other kind of gut-wrench. It's hard to rate a short story collection against a full novel though...maybe before Salem's Lot (which two of the better shorts build on).
I'm breaking the chronology and reading Dr. Sleep next, cause I really want to stay with these characters, and I really want to watch Flannigan's movie soon, but book must be first (even though I just cracked and watched Gerald's Game tonight lol).
Then, at last, the Stand - I tried it once before and I folded around 100 pages - maybe I was in the wrong head space, and it's a big book for my first S.K. Now I'm sold on him enough to read every book he's written in order! Looking forward to what is many peoples favorite King story, and every other you mentioned.
You have so much great stuff ahead. His shorter work packs such a punch for me. Let me know when you start up The Stand again and how it goes. Dr Sleep is a very worthy sequel.
@@Talking_Story I'm looking forward to _everything,_ even his stories with a silly reputation. BTW, do you make a distinction between 1978 the Stand and 1990? Do they both "stand" as your favorite?
I read the edited copy and have not gone back to read the longer 1. read it in the 80's and that is how it lives in my mind. @@MagusMarquillin
@@Talking_Story As your favorite I'd think you might want to try the extended cut, but then the risk is it might change your ranking (and who knows how much your read will have changed with time anyway). Then you'd have to clarify which one you mean, since the longer cut is the only one easily found these days. Or maybe you'd love it even more...🙃
I have picked up the extended cut a time or 2 but I decide every time I just want to leave 1 of my favorite reads of all time in my memory as is. @@MagusMarquillin
I like Wizard and Glass, EXCEPT for the fact that it kind of "derails" the ENTIRE story. They are chugging along (Blaine is a pain) and then Roland just throws it into park and decides to tell them about his childhood. No!
I feel you. It worked for me though in that let's tell a story while we are traveling trope. I was just hungry for Roland's back story I guess.
I can see your point captain trips but also I’m universe it’s probably thrown in park for an hour or two or not at all if Roland’s telling this story as they’re traveling. It’s been a while since I read it so I can’t remember exactly how Roland’s telling is framed.
I’m about 5 hours into “IT” on audible. Tremendous.
So glad u r enjoying it. Great coming of age story.
CUJO and CHRISTINE are very similar.....but wildly interesting....
I agree, his short stories are awesome. They are very tight, focused, and compelling. Whereas a lot of Stephen King's longer novels are hit or miss for me because they take so long for anything to happen, and I lose interest.
He can meander and sometimes I feel it is in search of an ending. But his shorter stuff pack a concise punch most of the time for me.
M-O-O-N that spells subscribed
Thanks so much!!
@@Talking_Story Thank you, great list
I like seeing lists a little different from what I would choose, but having the Stand at number 1 is a must for me. I don't like to always go for the most popular pick, but I have read it 3 times and each time I still found it amazing
Thanks for the video, I look forward to more 👍
Thanks so much for checking out the list and subscribing. If you love the Stand have you ever read Swann Song? @@Bigramt
@@Talking_Story no, but I have heard great things about it. Isn't it to do with nuclear war or something? I may add it to my list now
Thanks for the tip!
It is nuclear instead of a plague but it is every bit as amazing as The Stand I think. Let me know if you get into it. @@Bigramt
My Top Ten:
1- The Stand
2- Pet Sematary
3- Different Seasons
4- Firestarter
5- Revival
6- The Dead Zone
7- Duma Key
8- Night Shift
9- Cujo
10- 22/11/63
Thanks so much for sharing. I have grabbed Duma Key since I see it on so many others list and it is 1 I have missed. Where we don’t cross over I bet if I re read we would be even closer. Awesome list!
@@Talking_Story Duma Key has a sentimental place in my heart. You either love it or you hate it :)
@@specialeducation8789 we line up so closely I am betting I end up on the side of loving it.
@@Talking_Story I believe :)
Reading Christine now. Never seen the movie. Always wanted to read the novel. Incredible book. I read IT, never seen the movie. Stephen King books are not easy to translate into movies. I stick to the books.
Good rule. Can’t go wrong sticking to the books. Shawshank, Misery, Green Mile are some of the best adaptations of you wanna give them a try. Let me know what you think when you wrap up Christine.
can't help but watch a new King ranking video lol let's see what you got!
Thanks for checking it out
The Bachman Books: The Long Walk
One of King’s greatest stories.
It is really good and was on the list. So hard to make those cuts. Think he wrote that at a young age too. I need to re read that 1. I have been second guessing my list since it went up. 😂
Yes the long walk is so underrated