Misery, Pet Sematary.

Lisey's story and 11.22.63 are modern masterpieces.

I’ll second Salem’s Lot as the best starting point. It’s one of his funnest, fastest page turners.

And Reid, you in particular should check out The Long Walk, I think it’s right up your alley.

I heard Pet Semetary was too sad. I might try Misery or Salem's Lot. I can read the intros to those on Google Books. :thumbs up:

Yeah Pet Semetary is the only one to disturb me to an uncomfortable degree. Misery is DARK but very fun.

This is a curious post. Why do you say that?

It’s probably the most existential and punk rock thing he ever wrote. Incredibly effective story based on a very simple premise. Could easily imagine a film version (reportedly in the works) scored by Fugazi.

Totally agree on 11.23.63, that’s a top five for me. Did not love Lisey’s Story but I think most of his fans side with VG that it’s one of his best.

I like The Long Walk way too much for Reid to be a fan.

I have it on good authority he is also a big softie behind the RM facade

What an odd thing to say/think, Joe.

Sorry. I didn't mean that in a weird way. Just meant that our tastes in this stuff tend to be different. I happen to love The Long Walk. It's top tier King for me. Based on previous discussions I'd be surprised if you loved it. But I'm happy to be wrong. You should still check it out. I certainly don't think you'd hate it.

'Salem's Lot is pretty universally considered his best (or top 3at the very least). That's where I'd start.

i was super into both and consider them masterpieces really. It was a time were i kinda forgot about SK, and that got me into him again in super full mode.

Agree with Misery, Pet Semetary and 11/22/63.

Also Needful Things, and I quite enjoyed Duma Key.

If you read nothing else by him, read Different Seasons

I was going to suggest Different Seasons as well but I know some people have an aversion because three of the novellas are movies; two extremely popular and beloved movies.

I thought about dive into Revival, but then decided to rest a little bit more from SK.

Revival is AWESOME. I also loved Duma Key, but I think most fans did not?

Different Seasons is solid, but I do think Stand By Movie (movie) is better than the source material, and the other two adaptations are pretty dang faithful.

Needful Things is goofy fun, but it’d be a weird place to start.

The Stand was my first SK.

Who cares if stories from Different Seasons were made into movies? The stories are still fucking incredible. And the Winter story, which has NOT been adapted, is every bit as good as the three that have.

The Body is not a great read though. All the in-story writings by the narrator/author character drag the whole thing way down. But the stuff with Ace and Eyeball is better in the book

Different strokes and all that.