The one book of his that scared the Dickenson out of me is Pet Cemetery. I would not read it at night. After I read it I saw a stray white cat in my driveway and it totally freaked me out. I have cats but not a white one
It’s hard to pick a favorite out of so many great stories but I think I read and reread The Dark Half the most. George Stark was terrifyingly unstoppable.
The Talisman with the protagonist Jack Sawyer on his epic journey to save his mom. I couldn’t put the book down. A movie with the right young actor would be a mesmerizing movie. Also, I have to mention The Institute and The Long Walk. The latter being an earlier work was an adventure I never expected. Thank you, Mr. King.
Good list but I would leave the Dark Tower off. It never grabbed me. Probably just me. Some of the books mentioned above here in the comments would also be strong contenders, especially Pet Sematary, The Dark Half and 11.22.1963. I also have a soft spot for Salem’s Lot, though it’s probably not quite top 5. As for movies, I would say The Shining and 11/22/1963 would be my favorites, just ahead of It, Pet Sematary, and Misery tied for second. But really SO many really good books and films beyond that. I had the good fortune to spend a half-year as a graduate school research assistant for a professor who was actually writing a book of serious literary criticism on King’s works. At a time when horror was simply NOT considered a literary genre at all. I was responsible for identifying and explaining all of the references to drugs, rock and roll, and other pop culture items King uses to give really strong sense of time and place (verisimilitude), as well as adding depth of character. This was in the mid-80s, so it was only the first fifteen books or so (though I have read most of the rest since), but it was kind of a guilty pleasure compared to my coursework and teaching obligations. Even having read tons of classics I have to say King is one of my favorite authors all time. He really has been a huge source of enjoyment to me for decades.
Misery? Be serious. Not in the same league as It, The Stand, or a dozen others. And the Dark Tower books are boring and literally unreadable. They’re the only thing he’s written that I couldn’t Wade through. What about The Green Mile?
My favorite book by Steven King
Is The eyes of the dragon that was my very first hard copy book I ever received and had it with me for many years and when I went back home to visit I had left it there and somehow it was sold at her yard sale and I’ve been looking for another ever since
The one book of his that scared the Dickenson out of me is Pet Cemetery. I would not read it at night. After I read it I saw a stray white cat in my driveway and it totally freaked me out. I have cats but not a white one
My personal favorite is The Long Walk. (think Squid Games but King did it first and better.
Agreed, woke up screaming the night I finished it and I’ve read and seen countless horror books/movies.
It’s hard to pick a favorite out of so many great stories but I think I read and reread The Dark Half the most. George Stark was terrifyingly unstoppable.
The Talisman with the protagonist Jack Sawyer on his epic journey to save his mom. I couldn’t put the book down. A movie with the right young actor would be a mesmerizing movie. Also, I have to mention The Institute and The Long Walk. The latter being an earlier work was an adventure I never expected. Thank you, Mr. King.
What about Desperation?? I freaking love that book.
I completely agree. Tak.
11/22/1963 surpasses all prior mentioned
Good list but I would leave the Dark Tower off. It never grabbed me. Probably just me. Some of the books mentioned above here in the comments would also be strong contenders, especially Pet Sematary, The Dark Half and 11.22.1963. I also have a soft spot for Salem’s Lot, though it’s probably not quite top 5. As for movies, I would say The Shining and 11/22/1963 would be my favorites, just ahead of It, Pet Sematary, and Misery tied for second. But really SO many really good books and films beyond that. I had the good fortune to spend a half-year as a graduate school research assistant for a professor who was actually writing a book of serious literary criticism on King’s works. At a time when horror was simply NOT considered a literary genre at all. I was responsible for identifying and explaining all of the references to drugs, rock and roll, and other pop culture items King uses to give really strong sense of time and place (verisimilitude), as well as adding depth of character. This was in the mid-80s, so it was only the first fifteen books or so (though I have read most of the rest since), but it was kind of a guilty pleasure compared to my coursework and teaching obligations. Even having read tons of classics I have to say King is one of my favorite authors all time. He really has been a huge source of enjoyment to me for decades.
Misery? Be serious. Not in the same league as It, The Stand, or a dozen others. And the Dark Tower books are boring and literally unreadable. They’re the only thing he’s written that I couldn’t Wade through. What about The Green Mile?
My favorite book by Steven King
Is The eyes of the dragon that was my very first hard copy book I ever received and had it with me for many years and when I went back home to visit I had left it there and somehow it was sold at her yard sale and I’ve been looking for another ever since
Pet Semetery is my #1. Scared the piss out of me.
Pet Semetary should have been #1, it’s his scariest book that leaves a big impact on readers. The movie doesn’t do it justice.
I agree with all these but imho The Stand should be No. 1. That’s is my favorite