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Top Five: Stephen King Books
1. The Stand
Choosing my favourite King novel was always going to be easy. I first read this in my teens and I’ve reread it twice since then – I have to admit that compiling this list makes me want to pick it up again. The book opens with King killing off 99% of the population. For most writers that would be a book in itself, but for King, he’s just setting the scene. I loved every page; when I get around to reading it again for the fourth time I’m sure that I’ll still love every page. In a word: awesome.
Choosing my favourite King novel was always going to be easy. I first read this in my teens and I’ve reread it twice since then – I have to admit that compiling this list makes me want to pick it up again. The book opens with King killing off 99% of the population. For most writers that would be a book in itself, but for King, he’s just setting the scene. I loved every page; when I get around to reading it again for the fourth time I’m sure that I’ll still love every page. In a word: awesome.
2. The Dead Zone
For me, story is everything. Sure, I can appreciate something that’s well-written, but if it doesn’t have a great story then it doesn’t get my vote. This book ticks both boxes. And the ending is a real shocker. I couldn’t believe it when the good guy died. Things like that just didn’t happen with Enid Blyton. This was the book that changed everything.
For me, story is everything. Sure, I can appreciate something that’s well-written, but if it doesn’t have a great story then it doesn’t get my vote. This book ticks both boxes. And the ending is a real shocker. I couldn’t believe it when the good guy died. Things like that just didn’t happen with Enid Blyton. This was the book that changed everything.
3. On Writing
This one is something of an oddity since it is a non-fiction book. It came out when I was first getting serious about novel writing and it is, without a doubt, one of the most influential books I have read. The insights into the writing process are pure gold. When aspiring writers ask me for advice, this is where I point them. One of my most treasured possessions is a signed first edition copy. Meeting King in person has to be one of the highlights of my life.
This one is something of an oddity since it is a non-fiction book. It came out when I was first getting serious about novel writing and it is, without a doubt, one of the most influential books I have read. The insights into the writing process are pure gold. When aspiring writers ask me for advice, this is where I point them. One of my most treasured possessions is a signed first edition copy. Meeting King in person has to be one of the highlights of my life.
4. The "Dark Tower" series
A bit of cheat since it’s actually eight books, but when you’re dealing with a backlist that runs to over 50 novels you need a little wiggle room. This sprawling fantasy epic is by far King’s most ambitious work. He started writing the first book way back in 1970, and 40+ years later he’s still bringing out new instalments. The series had a love/hate Marmite ending. For the record, I loved it.
A bit of cheat since it’s actually eight books, but when you’re dealing with a backlist that runs to over 50 novels you need a little wiggle room. This sprawling fantasy epic is by far King’s most ambitious work. He started writing the first book way back in 1970, and 40+ years later he’s still bringing out new instalments. The series had a love/hate Marmite ending. For the record, I loved it.
5. The Long Walk
The mark of a good story is that it lingers with you long after the last page. Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery falls into this category, as does this gem from King. The rules of the race are simple: if your walking speed drops below four miles per hour you get a warning; three warnings and you get a bullet. A hundred boys start the competition, but only one will finish it. This is one of his earliest works; it’s also one of his most chilling.
The mark of a good story is that it lingers with you long after the last page. Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery falls into this category, as does this gem from King. The rules of the race are simple: if your walking speed drops below four miles per hour you get a warning; three warnings and you get a bullet. A hundred boys start the competition, but only one will finish it. This is one of his earliest works; it’s also one of his most chilling.
Watch Me by James Carol is out now from Faber & Faber.
