All SK's books in order

eta6

I was thinking tonite, not something i often do, but as i had a few pints...

If you were to bring someone new to reading Stephen King books, what order would you read them all in.

Granted you would read the DT series first, but what about the books that are relevant to the DT series, Insomnia, The Stand, Black House to name a few.

Thing is this. I am currently moving through, ( slowly might i add, but not for the writing, just work commitments) Insomnia and i feel it has good relevance to the DT series, complimented by a few folks on this board, but i am not too sure as to where abouts it would fit into the DT series. Jazzbutt is near through Drawing of the Three and i am thinking of saying for her to attempt Insomnia first, but am not sure. Also, i'm near finished Insomnia, but i'm about halfway through The Wastelands too. (no, its not as hard as you think to read 2 books at once)

So in relevant order, what books would you place in which order and why. I think Bev would be REALLY good for this question as he has finished the DT series (you LUCKY b******) and would be able to put some good opinions forward.



I know this is a free board and i know that things DO take a little tangent off the road a little, but i have put this question forward for the new comers to the DT and SK books, so pretty please can we TRY and keep in relevant to the topic?

Thanks in advance.

remember if it dont make sense i am tipsy

eta6

I think the best order to the read his novels would be in published order.



Its the order in which he came up with stuff. If you go about it that way, you won't be introduced to concepts too early or late, and everything will follow logically.

DTUK

I would agree with the order of publication, because it's his early works which help define the stages he has developed through as a writer; take for instance someone being introduced to Insomnia which they love, then going and reading Carrie and wondering if this was by the same writer because of the totally different writing styles used.



I think it's best to start with the early works and work your way up.

sunny99

When I introduce newbies to SK, I always start with The Dead Zone simply because it is the most mainstream of his novel but with still a balanced amount of 'horrifics' in it. This will ensure those that are adversed (sp?) to horror won't be put off on their first read, but that's me.



Starting in chronological order of publication is good too ;D

BluGilliand

Hey -



I like the chronological order idea (as a matter of fact, I'm planning to start reading all of King's books in that somewhat that order next year, after the Dark Tower has ended), but I think I'd do it differently for a new King fan.



First, I wouldn't start off with the Dark Tower series. I'd hit 'em with that about halfway in. I'd go something like this:'



1. 'Salem's Lot - 'cause it's just a good, creepy, scary book, and really captures King's strengths: building a group of characters that you care about, and putting them in horrible situations.



2. The Dead Zone - a little quieter but no less effective. Again, strong characterization is the key.



3. Pet Sematary - King's scariest book, hands down (IMHO). Just tragic, frightening and no-holds-barred.



4. Different Seasons - my first clue that, hey, there's more than ghouls and ghosts to this King guy. Newbies need to see that, too.



5. Bag Of Bones - A love story and a haunted house story, the way only King can do it.



That would be my start. After that...who knows? I'd hold off on the "doorstops" (It, Insomnia) until the new reader was properly hooked, because let's face it - even us diehards have to have patience to plow through those.



And I'd let 'em read The Tommyknockers last, because....well, don't want to scare them in the wrong way. :P



Blu

Lou_Sytsma

I'd go publication order as well. His writing skills increased in tandem.

sunny99

No matter what you do don't start off with IT first. It is one of his best work no doubt but not a good choice to start off on. The new readers may end up with too much King than they could handle in one sitting. Talk about four boxes of "King"-sized pizza ;D