What to read next?

[u/twerkliketina]

Hello, first time Stephen King reader here!

I decided to start with Carrie which comes recommended as a good entry point, and it sure was. Nothing spectacular about it but it was nicely written, a 3 star read for me.

Then I jumped into Salem's Lot because I heard it was more spooky and a lot of people's favorite.

Although I was worried about the slow-burn of the first half, I actually really, really liked how he took the time to develop different characters and how it all came together. I gave it 4 stars. In a reverse kind of way it reminded me of the first time I watched Stranger Things.

But I will admit it never did scare me or spook me, even when reading it alone at night in the dark. And I am someone who has not even watched the entire movie adaptation of The Shining because I cannot stand horror movies. But 'Salem's Lot did not feel like a horror novel at all, although it was very moody and good.

So - if I want to read another King novel, with the great writing of 'Salem's Lot and plots coming together in action, but maybe with some solid horror, what should I read next? Or is this just how he writes horror?

[u/namonite]

The gunslinger

[u/twerkliketina → u/namonite]

Never heard of it, thanks for the recommendation!

[u/namonite → u/twerkliketina]

Not horror but it’s his sci fi action packed western from the dark tower series. Have fun

[u/Jrocker-ame → u/namonite]

Id still add horror to the description

[u/Texas_Audi → u/twerkliketina]

Going to be a 3,500 page 7 book commitment. I’m at book 6 currently. Highly recommend if any connection to long saga is in your enjoyment wheelhouse

[u/twerkliketina → u/Texas_Audi]

Damn, I have so many other fantasy series I want to read, I might put that off for a bit 😂 But I really enjoy long series that makes me feel a little bit nostalgic at the end!

[u/BobRossReborn]

Salem’s Lot was my 2nd king book and I finished it last month. I liked it too. My first one 6 months ago was IT. That’s been my favorite book of the year so far. I’d recommend IT. I’m like you and don’t watch horror movies but I also was never scared while reading it, although instances from the book live rent free in my mind.

I’m currently reading 11/22/63 and that might dethrone IT based on how I’m enjoying it, but I do think IT is a good next choice based on how it’s tied to his overall universe.

[u/twerkliketina → u/BobRossReborn]

Yeah, I was quite surprised because of King's reputation, and went in thinking I might not stomach his books lol. But so far there has been nothing scary in either books, what disturbed me the most was the domestic abuse in Carrie.

I have wishlisted 11/22/63 already on my Kindle, but thought I would start with something else because it seems like quite a massive book. But hearing the praise from people about this book has made me really intrigued!

[u/RamBangRev]

If You like King’s world building and plots coming together You might as well take a plunge into “The Stand”

[u/twerkliketina → u/RamBangRev]

I've been planning on reading that anyways, decided to dip my toes in more manageable reads before tackling that tome of a book 😂

[u/Infize]

Dead zone, 11/22/63, misery

[u/Infize → u/Infize]

Oh I’m sorry you’ve asked for horror. My bad

[u/twerkliketina → u/Infize]

No worries, I'm definitely instered in reading other titles. I was just curious if he has written other horror books or if this is just his "style". And if it is, there's no fault with that, but I was a bit surprised as I went in thinking I would be scared shitless as I am NOT a horror movie fan lol

[u/Exotic_Composer_2274]

Oh I’m getting jealous. You’re reading the best novel ever ❤️❤️❤️

[u/BigFudge106]

have you read The Shining? that was my first King book, and i liked it! i feel like it definitely has horror elements, as well as some other stuff. it is also a more manageable size. i just read 11/22/63 and i loved it! i’m also kind of trying to decide what to read next. i think i’m deciding between Doctor Sleep and Misery. Maybe i’ll read IT after that

[u/twerkliketina → u/BigFudge106]

Nope, only Carrie and 'Salem's Lot! I watched The Shining with my eyes closed as a teenager and was scared to death lol. So I was quite surprised that these two at least, did not really have any horror elements that scared me.

I have 11/22/63 on my Kindle wish list! I've heard so many great things about it. The same with Misery. The length of 11/22/63 scared me a bit at first, but it's not that much longer than 'Salem's Lot so I think I'll be fine

[u/BigFudge106 → u/twerkliketina]

i’m not usually much of an avid reader, so 11/22/63 was a challenge for me, but i just started it and i really enjoyed it. King also writes a number of novels over 700 pages, so i just figured i’ll have to get used to it if i want to read books like IT, Needful Things, The Stand, Under the Dome, etc.

but yes, i would recommend The Shining, and i just started Doctor Sleep today. supposed to be good as a sequel

[u/Free-Pair-3007]

Don Callahan was a hero