My Top Ten Stephen King Books

A quick look at some of Stephen King’s best work. Or at least what I consider to be his best work; this is by no means a definitive list, just a handful of his books I had the most fun with.

10. On Writing.

This is probably an unusual choice for number ten (or to even appear on a top ten list at all) but, as the title explains, this is my top ten list. Being a struggling writer myself, this semi-biographical encyclopedia on all things writing was invaluable to me. Sure, I’m no Stephen King, nor will I ever be, but I do truly believe that my writing and my knowledge of this strange world has broadened significantly after reading this book. And it’s still pretty entertaining, so you should check it out if you haven’t done so already.

9. The Bazaar Of Bad Dreams.

Again, this is perhaps a strange choice for a top ten because I don’t believe this recent gem has ever entered into the conversation before, but this one I loved. It’s a collection of short stories – admittedly of varying quality – but they’re the kind of things you can dip in and out of whenever you please. The kind where you’d flick to your favourite if you had a spare five minutes or so. Truth be told, a handful of these are somewhat forgettable. I can admit to that. But then some are fairly good, and then a handful really are some of King’s unsung treasures. Worth a look if you’re into your bitesize fiction.

8. 11.22.63.

The first of King’s truly massive epics on this list, 11.22.63 is a intricately crafted tale about a man trying to prevent the assassination of John F Kennedy. And it really is as intriguing as that sounds. King captures the era masterfully and explores the complexities of time travel effortlessly. It is almost, dare I say it, believable! There are no hissing or whirring machines, no DeLoreans, just one man who has happened upon a rift in time. Brilliant writing from beginning to end, although a tiny bit bloated in my honest opinion, but that doesn’t detract from the overall enjoyment of this massive read.

7. The Green Mile.

Home to one of cinema’s most heartbreaking moments (c’mon, it’s hardly a spoiler now is it?) The Green Mile was the first book I ever read of King’s, and it still holds a special place in my heart today. Somebody, somewhere, must have said to the master of horror one day: “why do you only write scary stories?” and King had laughed, leant back in his seat and cracked his knuckles. And, not long after, our popped The Green Mile in six wonderful instalments. Give it a read if you like a good cry when you’re alone.

6. Different Seasons.

The book that spawned everybody’s favourite movie, The Shawshank Redemption. Oh and that’s not even mentioning Stand By Me, another classic to come from this small collection of novellas. I can guarantee that you will devour this book with an unquenchable hunger, turning over a new page at 2am to start the next story. Unlike No.9’s Bazaar, every one of these stories is fantastic. ‘Nough said.

5. It.

What?! It, only at number five? How can this be? I know, I know, but the truth of the matter is, King has done better than It. Admit it. But, seeing as this is a top ten list, it’s quality cannot be understated; this is a brilliant, epic book that should not be ignored. If you enjoy horror, this is essential reading. In fact, if you love to read this is essential reading. It’s that good! Maybe give it a miss if you’re not into clowns, though. Just saying.

4. The Stand.

Considered by many to be King’s magnum opus, The Stand lands the number four spot because of its sheer scale. I really have to just sit back and applaud the man for tackling something of such magnitude, and he pulls it off flawlessly. I’ve only read it once but that is likely because it’s such a monster title that, whenever I get round to reading it again, I have a large pile of smaller books that I want to get to first. That isn’t to say I don’t want to tackle it again though, because I do. It is, I think, the characters that have stuck with me long after finishing this tale. Watching them develop, living alongside them for that month or so it took me to read. Because that is what King does with this post-apocalyptic world. He places you right in the middle of the mess of it all and refuses to let you leave. I loved it.

3. Salem’s Lot.

Vampires. Back before Twilight turned vampires into glittering emos, Stephen King paid homage to the Dracula and Nosferatu with this unsettling novel, removing them from their castles in Transylvania and placing them in the house next door. This was the book that made me fall in love with King’s style, and to me, this is definitive horror. It doesn’t get much better.

2. The Shining.

But it does get a little better. The Shining has gone down in history as a landmark for horror fiction, and it doesn’t take long to realise why. I’m not even sure what to say about this one, because of course you must already know it. The isolation, the suspense, the characters; this will be one of the most memorable books you will ever read. I guarantee it. Enjoy.

1. The Dark Tower Series.

Now, is this technically cheating, putting this entire series up as number one? We could argue about it, but I’ll just ignore you because it is so hard to split these books up; consider them to be one continuous tale. Seven volumes of gunslingers and magic and crazy trains and robot bears; this is King at his most insane and, strangely, at his most serene. You are part of this Ka Tet (the name of the little group you follow) as they travel through mid-world in search of the dark tower. These novels tie up all of King’s other stories in one big web ranging from The Shining, It, The Stand, 11.22.63 and countless others in between. A must read for any Stephen King fan.

Avoid the film though; the film is awful.

I am constantly looking for ways to improve my own writing, so if I have missed something off this post (or indeed if there is something wrong with any of my posts) please let me know. Thanks for reading!