I started my King journey with a little book called "Misery". That novel is why I became an avid reader for the first time in my life at 32 years old. I recommend that book to anyone as it's easy to follow with only a few characters to follow, but man--the few characters he creates in that novel are fantastic. Not to mention it's cock-a-doodie terrifying. Great video, Mike!
I just finished it last week and I loved it soo much. I was honestly sad to finish it. But I've moved on to Salem's Lot now and I have about 100 pages left to it. I guess I'll be reading The Long Walk next.
the first SK novel I read was Pet Sem. I was HOOKED instantly. What followed was a crazed book purchasing spree. I purchased The Stand, It, Cell, The Shining, Rose Madder, Salems Lot, Sleeping Beauties, The Institute, The Outsider, Misery, Doctor Sleep, Cujo, Firestarter and The Talisman. Am I poor now? yes. Do I regret it? NOPE!!
@@mikesbookreviews I started with Pet Sematary not long ago and I didn't like it that much. It was just a sad story and not much else for me. I don't have kids and I love my cat so idk.. Now I'm scared I will read another SK book and I won't like it either and ending up giving up with the whole of them. Maybe horror it's not for me I guess.
The Stand was my second book I’ve read from Stephen King and my favorite. Love it so much I’ve read it five times so far. Really wished he wrote a sequel so I know what happened to all the surviving characters.
I read misery and Salems lot as a teenager, that was a long time ago so I decided to read IT I’m in the middle of that now, I think I’ll try to stand next thanks for your recommendations
Salem's Lot creeped me out. I read it at night and always looked at my bedroom window expecting Barlow or really any of the characters looking in at me.
The Stand along with It were the first 1000 page novels I read when I was 15. They both completely blew me away. I read The Stand this year for the first time since then and it was a great, fresh experience. I plan to read It next which was my favorite of the two back then. As far as The Stand goes, the first part of the book where a pandemic wipes out most of mankind was quite intense to read after what we went through with Covid. Anyway, I really enjoyed the video. Thank you.
I read 11 22 63 recently in a few days while in the hospital and it blew me away. I've become obsessed with the multiverse since then...reading IT for the first time even though I've owned it for 20 years. Awesome channel you have here, sir
And for people who think King can't write an ending... The Long Walk, Cujo, Firestarter, The Gunslinger, Pet Semetary, The Shining, The Deadzone, and Thinner all have satisfying conclusions,
For sure. He's gotten that reputation now so folks think he has NEVER written a good ending. I challenge anyone to read 11/22/63 and tell me that ending does nothing for you.
Oh, I did not like the Cujo ending but that's mostly because it would have been very easy for him to end on one emotional note instead of immediately pivoting to kind of the complete opposite emotion the way he did.
I thought that Misery had a fitting ending, and the ending of The Gunslinger helped motivate me to read the rest of the series, despite it being a bit mediocre.
Currently reading 11.22.63, read the outsider a few months ago Honestly a bit annoyed it took me until I was 25 to get into his stuff, it's fantastic! Keep up the good work and big love from the UK!
Funny enough, I started with IT haha XD Although i wouldn't recommend for a first timer, its just a miracle that the IT vibed with me. Your videos are a great help in these uncertain times! :)
I am so happy that you started with the long walk! Not a lot of people talk about it and I personally think it's one of the best dystopian storytelling I've ever read. I have actually suggested it for my kids when they needed to read for school.
Misery is my favorite. Only book where I was in such suspense I stood up as I read it. The movie was good too. The Eye of the Dragon was also very good. On Writing is great for anyone interested in writing.
I read the uncut version of The Stand and I didn’t want it to end. I don’t particularly like dystopian books but I picked it up. You know it’s a good book when it’s huge and you wished it went on and on. Definitely agree to read some other books first because it’s hard to recover from the emotional attachment to the characters. Everything else seems to pale in comparison. I had to take a reading break after that one.
I just finished reading "The Long Walk" today and also it's my first Stephen King novel for me.. such greatness in the story, and now i know how great he is at playing with our emotion. Now i'm really looking forward for reading his other works now..maybe the stand, or the body..
My first ever King read was actually Billy Summers.. been binging him and watching your king content ever since Mike! IT, and 11/22/63 are my clear cut favorites and I’m 12 in now. Can’t wait for more king content bro!
I started my Stephen King journey last year with The Shining (audiobook form for me bc big books are scary), swiftly followed by devouring Shawshank and IT in the last couple months of the year. Now I’m currently reading Elevation and Misery, and have The Green Mile, The Stand, The Institute, Skeleton Crew and The Gunslinger lined up for the next few months. Safe to say I’m hooked.
my very first chapter book was Carrie, so one can say that King has greatly impacted my life. my dad loves him so his books were always skewed around our house and since I was an advanced reader, I obviously decided to go big or go home! I'm now 21 and writing a Master's Thesis about horror so yeah, King is a huge inspiration to me. (that being said, it is so important to discuss the questionable and problematic themes within his novels, especially his older ones!)
I’ve been reading King since the 90s , his Bachman books are fantastic, simple and effective. The Long Walk is one of my favorites. His early work is timeless. The characters he created and the descriptive narrative he wrote is made him a legend.
I was 9 when I first found SK. It was the Night Shift collection of short stories. Jerusalem's Lot really wigged me out. So when I read 'Salem's lot not too much later, I was sooo terrified. And that was the beginning of an obsession.
Ive been thinking about starting King soon, so thanks for this! I will probably start with 11/26/62, though i understand that older king and newer king are a little different so its nice to have recommendations for both!
I'm wrapping up the first 25% of 11/22/63 and it's picking up steam like snowpiercer. Duma key was my first king. The character work was so addicting that i knew I'd be reading more king by the end of Duma. A couple years later I've read 19 of his books/collections!!
Hi I’m new here and totally new to reading I’m 28 and just finished my first book in like 15 years. It’s really a super nice and new experience! Thanks for your recommendations! I’ll see what I can get my hand on the start out my SK journey.
You are such an enthusiastic and knowledgeable reviewer...In fact I don't want to call you a reviewer at all. You sir are an influencer. Brilliant work
Ha! IT was my first King read as a 13-14 yo because I had just watched the miniseries when it aired in Australia in 1991. After many (many) years I then picked up The Stand. Third book was Joyland - loved it! - after which I decided to go back and read King chronologically. Next up is The Talisman. Would recommend Joyland if you want something spooky but not horror, The Shawshank Redemption if you don’t want any horror or supernatural shenanigans, and IT if you want an amazing coming of age/epic friendship story.
I only started reading about 2 years ago and I'm 38 lol. SK was my first choice of books to read. I read pet semetary, shinning, dead zone and institute and tbh I barely remember anything from them but that was when I read physical books. Since reading kindle books my reading is much better and I remember way more. Been reading the stand and it's amazing so far. I'm 50% through it and I'll definitely go back to my first read SK books on kindle. If it wasn't for the kindle I probably would have given up reading
I just started reading SK in the past year. So far i've read all his Novella collections, all but a couple of the short story collections, plus Salem's Lot and Pet Semetary. So many stand out Novellas particularly The Mist, 1922, The Body, Library Policeman, Good Marriage. Pet Semetary was horrifying as a parent with young children, no doubt about it. Also loved the short story The Jaunt
I’ve just finished The Body as my first ever taste of King, so I had to watch Stand By Me on Netflix tonight. Now I’m choked up and feeling nostalgic. I’ll be reading the rest of different seasons and then more King very soon.
My first experience with King was listening to the audiobook of IT. I thought it would be long and hard to get through at a daunting run time of 45 hours. Then when I was halfway through I remember being so crushed that I only had 20 hours left 😂😂😂. The book is incredible and don’t be afraid of it’s length!
I feel like Hunger games was more like a rip off from a Japanese novel called : Battale Royale. which ofc all as well as SK's long walk were inspired by the lord of the flies. Thanks a lot for your amazing content.
“Salem’s Lot” man…listened to the audiobook. Broad day light at work, no a/c in my car in August…”There’s someone upstairs.” CHILLS. Instant. Fcking. Chills.
The only books I had previously read by SK was The Dark Tower 1&2. Although I liked DT 2 better than DT 1, I was shocked by the critical and fan acclaim of SK...based on those two books. SOOOOO glad I picked up "The Long Walk", thank you! It was very good and will definitely keep me reading SK. I will plan to read one or two per year!
My first King book was Dark Halve. From there I went to Salem's Lot, Shinning, Stand, and finally the Gunsliger. From there on I started to read every King Novel or story I could get mi hand on
Been reading King since I was 9, I'm 46 now. I've read every book multiple times the first being Cujo. I tell everyone just start at the beginning with Carrie and read in publication order.
The first two King books I read were The Stand and Insomnia. I read them more or less at the same time. Looking back I think I jumped into the deep end and had to fight to keep my head above water. He has done some great stuff.
Vampire diaries is mikes favorite confirmed! Planning a Stephen king once a month next year and came here for some ideas! Great picks thanks again Mike!
Awesome video! I have all of his books and started reading them from the start this year. Read and recommend: Carrie, The Shinning, Salem’s Lot. Also The Institute, Christine, Needful Things, Cujo, and the collected stories Night Shift, Just After Sunset, etc.
I try to make everyone I know read Lisey's Story. It's such a poignant picture of grief, of loss, of love, and also wow the horror. But the point of the story isn't the horror. The point is the very real grief of losing a spouse too soon. Every time I let someone borrow that book, I just go out and buy a new copy for myself. I have yet to have someone return the book, because they all fall in love with it (and they see the new one on my shelf). Any other book, I hunt people down to return because I'm rather protective of my library. But Lisey's Story is one of those books I think everyone should experience. IMO it's one of the best stories he has ever pulled from the Pool. It's traumatic but cathartic. It feels so very real, and yet completely bonkers SK horror at the same time. I love it.
@@mikesbookreviews the story of where he got the inspiration for it is striking. When he came home from the hospital after nearly dying, his wife was reorganizing and redecorating his study. He came home to all of his writing, all of his books, everything he was working on, packed up in boxes. It hit him that this is what it would look like had he not survived the accident, and started wondering what his wife would go through with fans if he had died right then. The story is viscerally real, with or without the horror elements. But the horror element...it's probably my favorite one in all of his books. I can't wait to see your review of this one!
i just got the audible version of Pet Sematary and I can't wait to start it! Michael C Hall narrates it (the guy who played Dexter) and he has the perfect voice for horror. I'll admit, I haven't read a ton of SK. Lisey's story I read every couple of years because I love it so much. Salem's Lot scared the bejesus out of me and I loved every minute of it. there are a few others. But I'm super excited to hit play on this one!
thanks for the warning that it hits harder now that you're a parent. I have a 10 and 15 year old at home, and a cat, hahaha. Also, vampires became sexy when Anne Rice made Lestat that dark, brooding, mysterious, dangerous, and also sexy vampire. Not in the "ooohhhhh he's so hot" kind of sexy. But that incubus/succubus way. idk, that's how her books hit me when I was a teenager in the late 90's goth kid scene, lol.
@@mikesbookreviews different perspectives too, I imagine. Teenage/young adult guys probably didn't come to the story from the same angle as teenage/young adult girls. And that's ok! It's fascinating to me, honestly. the scary horror aspect is there, alongside seductive and homoerotic undertones. That is part of what makes those first four books in the series so captivating, to me. It's a great blend of subtlety and thrills. I wish she'd return to that.
The gunslinger was my first king novel. I wasn't even aware it was part of a larger series. I loved it as a stand alone novel( in my head). It is a bit risky as a first read. But I think it does a good job of laying out what an "average" king novel does. It is a bit slow but for me is a favorite
My first SK was Salems Lot and I loved it so much. I’m currently reading my second SK The Shining and I’m going to jump into Doctor Sleep. I’m loving the Shining so much more than movie.
Mike, I recently discovered your channel while on a big King kick. I decided to read The Long Walk on your recommendation. I must say, it completely blew me away. I was riveted, especially in those final few chapters. I don’t know when I would have read it otherwise. I appreciate your channel 🚶🏻🚶♂️🚶🏽🚷
Hey, my parents owned a Dunkin Donuts in Preque Isle around the time the long walk was out there. There was no Dunkin in Caribou, but there was one in Presque Isle. =) He bought donuts from me once btw. =)
I wasn't as in love with A Long Walk as you. That being said, I'm shocked that he had written that while so young. That is impressive and gives me a new appreciation of the book. I'm also a King fan. I was introduced to him as a kid staying up at night while my parents were asleep, watching scary movies based on his works. Then I jumped to his short stories. I think the short stories are truly underappreciated. I remember reading Graveyard Shift. I was so scared that I actually couldn't sleep until the next morning. 🙈🙈🙈🙈
From a Buick 8 was the first King book that I picked. I just selected it randomly from all King's books in the store. End up loving it so decided to go through all his books. I am on the Dark Tower series (Book 2) and currently loving it.
Lol, I was at a book store yesterday and I was thinking “man.. I really want to start getting in to Stephen King.. but I don’t really know where to start!? I should ask Mike to do a video!!!” I did a quick search, and taadaa!!! Watching now......
I just hopped on Thrift Books and grabbed Different Seasons, Pet Sematary, The Stand, and The Eyes of the Dragon. You didn’t mention The Eyes of the Dragon, but I figured since I am transitioning out of fantasy it might be a good place to start? I already own The Dark Tower (set), The Green Mike, and It. They’ve just been chillin on my shelf for a minute. Not sure which one I’ll read first though!! Do this video, I am thinking Different Seasons.. Side note, I am obsessed with Thrift Books, because I am a “paperback only” kind of gal, and you can get hella cheap PBs from that site!!!
oh man the first King book i ever red was Needfull Things when i was like 10-11...I ve now also read The institute and The outsider and own the stand, salems lot and eyes of the dragon. Planing to start salems lot right now.
I'm a Wheel of Time fã. Always wanted to read SK books, but was never a fã o terror. I heard about The Stand and after watching a few reviews I bought it. Following your advice, I'm going to finish a few series that I am current reading before starting.
The Stand is one incredible journey. But it really is that; a journey. One just has to accept it's the only book you're going to be reading for awhile. But it's so worth it. There is very little horror in it outside of what the end of the known world would be like. Hope you enjoy the ride!
I usually re-read king books often because I love them so much. When I read "It" i was so scared that it was 10 years before I got the courage to read it again!
Just started 11/23/63. It's my second stephen king book. The first one I read was the gunslinger. I tried it when the dark tower movie came out a few years ago. I found it very strange
My two all-time favourite King books are It and Needful Things. Every time I decide to read a Stephen King book, I find myself rereading those (been doing this for the last 30 years now)
Believe it or not, my first Stephen King book was The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon. Was very sad and was the first time a book made me tear up. It made me love SK.
Hey Mike.. My favourite Stephen King book has to be Salems Lot.. So spooky when i read it. rattled my cage at the time. Time for a reread. Then it has to be IT.. what a great immersful read. Never read The Stand, maybe its time. Also enjoyed Cujo quite a bit.
I recently just read The Stand. I agree that it is a great book. I would recommend the later re-release. I believe that included another 200 or so pages into the tome. The Bachman books definitely have a slightly different tone that I'm just not as thrilled about. But they're good reads too. I doubt that you'll be able to find Rage though. Carrie, The Shining and Salem's Lot are good starter King books.
King entered The Long Walk into a competition when he was unknown. Never heard back. How did the judges miss such wonderful, raw talent. My fave Bachman book, it's so real and gritty. When is the movie coming!
It's very interesting that you bring up pet cemetery for the first book for someone who wants to be scared. I read a lot of Stephen King but I fell out of him for a while. When I got back into him the first book that I read was pet cemetery and I never forget when that cat popped out of nowhere and almost made me piss myself. I was never that scared from a book ever before.
My recommendation for a first King book would certainly be Pet Semetary or Misery. Neither are particularly long , but both are punchy and gripping, scary and engaging... And a lot of fun! The dark tower series were my first King books. Read them on the recommendation of a friend, and I absolutely loved them. I've read quite a few others since, and I'd love to go back and read them and catch more of the references to other characters.
I consumed so many King works when I was a tween, I'm currently revisiting him in my late thirties and it hits different and deeper. Edit to add: Salem's Lot is still so good and scary af.
I'm reading Salems Lot right now for the first time and I've got about 100 pages left and it's sooo damn good/amazing even after coming directly from 11-22-63 beforehand.
Misery is probably my favorite. Then again I'm an author, and its a well crafted psychological horror about an author being held captive by a fan... *shivers*
My first one was when I was 12 I read Needful Things. It totally blew me away. After that I picked up It and I was so riveted to my seat. I sometimes read it in the middle of the night with a night lamp, I had those moments I would look under the bed and catch quick looks over my shoulders.Then I read "the stand" between those three I do not know which I loved best. But after that I became a constant reader. King has meant to me so much more then just a bit entertainment. I learned so much about people in general from him. If you ask me what I think was the best I read. I have no idea. Everyone of the established novels had their own particular charming points. I loved Pet Semetary (because of it's rough emotions), I loved Needful Things (I was always obsessed with the evil that dwells among us), I loved It (the structure of this novel is just sublime), I loved "the long walk" (dystopian stories are kind of my thing). Like Mike 11/22/63 got me to tears and I kept on crying and crying for a week. More recently I read Dr Sleep (which I think is better then "the Shining. which might make me a bit odd). I loved, (absolutely loved) "the Institute" (it bares some very uncomfortable questions, that next to being just a terrific read). I love Joyland (though I expected not much from it). Rose Madder might have been the most pleasant surprise for me in past two years. Gerald's game I put off for a long time. My aunt said she hated it and didn't get past the dog. So I never read it, then I picked it up and funnily it being so connected to Dolores Claiborne I absolutely loved it. But it is one of the the best psychological novels I have read (though maybe not for starters). Like you don't introduce people to the fantasy genre with Dune (even though it is mindboggling). Insomnia was the 4th book I read and it was just so amazing. Not to forget to mention Lisey's story (which I believe only married adults should read, because if you are not married for quite a while a lot will be lost to you). Same is for Bag of bones (which also got me to tears). One project I have put off till now and that is "the dark tower" Any thoughts on this? I don't like western should I nevertheless read it? There are some stories I would never recommend: Many of the early short stories are too dark (darker then Christine or It) I don't know but stories like Children of the corn for example was a huge disappointment to me. The mangler was also like that. Some short stories where GREAT. Almost all Bachmann stories I loved. Four Seasons, four past midnight (all 8 stories I think are absolutely among the best I have read). One very special favorite of mine is maybe very dark but I loved all the stories: Full dark no stars. My recommendation of starters would be "needful Things" or "Salem's lot" Not too long but very much a sample of typically Stephen King.
I did a 21 books/novella in 21 days late 2019, before the world turned into a Stephen King Novel. They were all S King, I started with The long Walk. I can't remember all of them but I know some were: Needful things, Deloris Clairborn ( I love this one), Cujo, Pet Semetary, Running Man, one about a little girl that gets lost in the woods and is a Red Sox fan, the cell, Carrie, fire starter, full Dark no stars, the eyes of the dragon, rage. Cujo was sad in more than one way.
Not the first King I read, but definitely one of my favorites that I always recommend is The Shining. I think it gives you everything he does well with very few of his more annoying traits.
I'm on the 3rd in the series now and am completely hooked. It's extremely abstract and weird, but always intriguing and exciting to see what happens next. I hope you end up digging it too.
@@Th3Downz Absolutely loved the Stand, one of his best, in my top 3. I enjoyed The Eyes of the Dragon, fairy tale by Stephen King, one of the best storytellers in the business, what's not to like. Finally started the series proper with Gunslinger, felt like a short novel / lengthy prologue, and I have a feeling it'll all make a lot more sense once I'm done with the series.
I’ve always loved King. I’ve read him since the 70’s. My problem with him has always been his inability to end a story. I used to always feel like he spent a bunch of time on the first 80% of a book and then seems to just get tired of writing it and just wrapped it up too abruptly. I experienced that as a reader over and over and over. To me The Stand is a brilliant story until the ending. I stopped reading King for a bit after reading the ending of The Stand. The TV shows Lost and Game of Thrones were just like that. Brilliant until the end.
I started my King journey with a little book called "Misery". That novel is why I became an avid reader for the first time in my life at 32 years old. I recommend that book to anyone as it's easy to follow with only a few characters to follow, but man--the few characters he creates in that novel are fantastic. Not to mention it's cock-a-doodie terrifying.
Great video, Mike!
I never read King up until just now. Started with Pet Semetary. My son is 10 months old. And I have a cat.
I have made an egregious error.
Right? It scared me more as an adult with kids than it did as a 15 year old.
@Bruno Omg I feel bad for you
Don’t read Pet Sematary! It’s too scary!!!
Unlucky, just know if you become good friends with an old man not to follow him into the woods.
@@danielmkandrews that’s some of the greatest advise I’ve ever heard...
11 22 63 is still my favorite king book but he is definitely grown on me.
It's a really great book.
@@mikesbookreviews What's you favourite King book?
I just finished it last week and I loved it soo much. I was honestly sad to finish it. But I've moved on to Salem's Lot now and I have about 100 pages left to it. I guess I'll be reading The Long Walk next.
@@dylanbivins847 Salem's Lot is great too. I am reading The Dark Tower and some of the characters cross over.
the first SK novel I read was Pet Sem. I was HOOKED instantly. What followed was a crazed book purchasing spree. I purchased The Stand, It, Cell, The Shining, Rose Madder, Salems Lot, Sleeping Beauties, The Institute, The Outsider, Misery, Doctor Sleep, Cujo, Firestarter and The Talisman. Am I poor now? yes. Do I regret it? NOPE!!
Yeah, similar story for me after I read IT.
@@mikesbookreviews I started with Pet Sematary not long ago and I didn't like it that much. It was just a sad story and not much else for me. I don't have kids and I love my cat so idk..
Now I'm scared I will read another SK book and I won't like it either and ending up giving up with the whole of them. Maybe horror it's not for me I guess.
Lol glad I’m not the only person that went on a King spending spree after reading only one book (for me it was It)
Same here!!! I just bought 20 books, XD
"It" is quite a book.. the "Moby Dick" of horror novels..
The Stand was my second book I’ve read from Stephen King and my favorite. Love it so much I’ve read it five times so far. Really wished he wrote a sequel so I know what happened to all the surviving characters.
It's the first book of his I'm reading. It's HUGE, so this is encouraging to hear
Salem's Lot was my introduction into King, been a Constant reader ever since
I consumed so many King works when I was a tween, I'm currently revisiting him in my late thirties and it hits different and deeper.
I read misery and Salems lot as a teenager, that was a long time ago so I decided to read IT I’m in the middle of that now, I think I’ll try to stand next thanks for your recommendations
For sure! Glad you're reading IT.
Salem's Lot creeped me out. I read it at night and always looked at my bedroom window expecting Barlow or really any of the characters looking in at me.
Great book..
I'm reading it now.
That is the only book I've ever read that actually gave me nightmares.
I'm too corrupted by non-scary vampire lore. It freaked me out up until it was revealed to be vampires. Still plenty of dread, though
The Stand along with It were the first 1000 page novels I read when I was 15. They both completely blew me away. I read The Stand this year for the first time since then and it was a great, fresh experience. I plan to read It next which was my favorite of the two back then. As far as The Stand goes, the first part of the book where a pandemic wipes out most of mankind was quite intense to read after what we went through with Covid. Anyway, I really enjoyed the video. Thank you.
I read 11 22 63 recently in a few days while in the hospital and it blew me away. I've become obsessed with the multiverse since then...reading IT for the first time even though I've owned it for 20 years. Awesome channel you have here, sir
And for people who think King can't write an ending...
The Long Walk, Cujo, Firestarter, The Gunslinger, Pet Semetary, The Shining, The Deadzone, and Thinner all have satisfying conclusions,
For sure. He's gotten that reputation now so folks think he has NEVER written a good ending. I challenge anyone to read 11/22/63 and tell me that ending does nothing for you.
Oh, I did not like the Cujo ending but that's mostly because it would have been very easy for him to end on one emotional note instead of immediately pivoting to kind of the complete opposite emotion the way he did.
I thought that Misery had a fitting ending, and the ending of The Gunslinger helped motivate me to read the rest of the series, despite it being a bit mediocre.
Who cares when half of those books are not good
@@Alix777. Well, at least you have the other half.
Started with Salems Lot, loved it. Now I'm reading The Stand. Idk how I havent read King up until now
i'm late to the party but my first read was "The Institute" and I absolutely loved it. I'm hooked on all his works now!!! Love his work!
For me exactly the same, went on a shopping spree for his books and read like 6-7 of his works now
Currently reading 11.22.63, read the outsider a few months ago
Honestly a bit annoyed it took me until I was 25 to get into his stuff, it's fantastic!
Keep up the good work and big love from the UK!
It’s like finding a treasure trove and you didn’t even need the money. Enjoy!
Funny enough, I started with IT haha XD Although i wouldn't recommend for a first timer, its just a miracle that the IT vibed with me. Your videos are a great help in these uncertain times! :)
Thank you for saying so
The Stand was my first King book. My favorite book he’s ever written is The Talisman.
I'm starting The Stand now and it's my first King book. I don't know what I was thinking. Glad I'm not the only one!
I am so happy that you started with the long walk! Not a lot of people talk about it and I personally think it's one of the best dystopian storytelling I've ever read. I have actually suggested it for my kids when they needed to read for school.
Misery is my favorite. Only book where I was in such suspense I stood up as I read it. The movie was good too. The Eye of the Dragon was also very good. On Writing is great for anyone interested in writing.
I felt like I was learning stuff while reading On Writing.
@@mikesbookreviews Do you dabble in creative writing at all? I've been watching Brandon Sanderson's videos lately. They are great!
I read the uncut version of The Stand and I didn’t want it to end. I don’t particularly like dystopian books but I picked it up. You know it’s a good book when it’s huge and you wished it went on and on. Definitely agree to read some other books first because it’s hard to recover from the emotional attachment to the characters. Everything else seems to pale in comparison. I had to take a reading break after that one.
I just finished reading "The Long Walk" today and also it's my first Stephen King novel for me.. such greatness in the story, and now i know how great he is at playing with our emotion. Now i'm really looking forward for reading his other works now..maybe the stand, or the body..
The Long Walk was emotional assassination!
My first ever King read was actually Billy Summers.. been binging him and watching your king content ever since Mike! IT, and 11/22/63 are my clear cut favorites and I’m 12 in now. Can’t wait for more king content bro!
I started my Stephen King journey last year with The Shining (audiobook form for me bc big books are scary), swiftly followed by devouring Shawshank and IT in the last couple months of the year. Now I’m currently reading Elevation and Misery, and have The Green Mile, The Stand, The Institute, Skeleton Crew and The Gunslinger lined up for the next few months. Safe to say I’m hooked.
The Stand is phenomenal, read it over the entire summer of 2009. Exactly, it’s a journey and part of what makes it so incredible
my very first chapter book was Carrie, so one can say that King has greatly impacted my life. my dad loves him so his books were always skewed around our house and since I was an advanced reader, I obviously decided to go big or go home! I'm now 21 and writing a Master's Thesis about horror so yeah, King is a huge inspiration to me. (that being said, it is so important to discuss the questionable and problematic themes within his novels, especially his older ones!)
What did you think of the Institute? Very uncomfy. I think it raises a very scary question.
I’ve been reading King since the 90s , his Bachman books are fantastic, simple and effective. The Long Walk is one of my favorites. His early work is timeless. The characters he created and the descriptive narrative he wrote is made him a legend.
*** high five ***
I really love The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon, my second King read. I actually DNF'd The Body, need to take another crack at it.
I was 9 when I first found SK. It was the Night Shift collection of short stories. Jerusalem's Lot really wigged me out. So when I read 'Salem's lot not too much later, I was sooo terrified. And that was the beginning of an obsession.
Ive been thinking about starting King soon, so thanks for this! I will probably start with 11/26/62, though i understand that older king and newer king are a little different so its nice to have recommendations for both!
11/22/63 is a hefty read, but so damn worth it.
I'd suggest starting with something less intimidating. . .The Long Walk or 'Salems Lot. . .or Firestarter!
I’m here to figure out where to start. Thank you for the video. I will take what you and others have said as a start to figuring things out.
Excellent video! New subscriber! I started with The Gunslinger a few years back and so far my top 3 are The Stand, IT, and Salem’s Lot.
I'm wrapping up the first 25% of 11/22/63 and it's picking up steam like snowpiercer. Duma key was my first king. The character work was so addicting that i knew I'd be reading more king by the end of Duma. A couple years later I've read 19 of his books/collections!!
Hi I’m new here and totally new to reading I’m 28 and just finished my first book in like 15 years. It’s really a super nice and new experience! Thanks for your recommendations! I’ll see what I can get my hand on the start out my SK journey.
The first book that I had read by Stephen king was IT, after that I fell in love with his writing.
You are such an enthusiastic and knowledgeable reviewer...In fact I don't want to call you a reviewer at all. You sir are an influencer. Brilliant work
Ha! IT was my first King read as a 13-14 yo because I had just watched the miniseries when it aired in Australia in 1991. After many (many) years I then picked up The Stand. Third book was Joyland - loved it! - after which I decided to go back and read King chronologically. Next up is The Talisman.
Would recommend Joyland if you want something spooky but not horror, The Shawshank Redemption if you don’t want any horror or supernatural shenanigans, and IT if you want an amazing coming of age/epic friendship story.
Just read it...and I am floored by it! Needs to be a film one day...
I only started reading about 2 years ago and I'm 38 lol. SK was my first choice of books to read. I read pet semetary, shinning, dead zone and institute and tbh I barely remember anything from them but that was when I read physical books. Since reading kindle books my reading is much better and I remember way more. Been reading the stand and it's amazing so far. I'm 50% through it and I'll definitely go back to my first read SK books on kindle.
If it wasn't for the kindle I probably would have given up reading
I enjoy your review and comments, insightful, intelligent and thought provoking. Thanks and keep up the great work!
I just started reading SK in the past year. So far i've read all his Novella collections, all but a couple of the short story collections, plus Salem's Lot and Pet Semetary. So many stand out Novellas particularly The Mist, 1922, The Body, Library Policeman, Good Marriage. Pet Semetary was horrifying as a parent with young children, no doubt about it. Also loved the short story The Jaunt
I’ve just finished The Body as my first ever taste of King, so I had to watch Stand By Me on Netflix tonight. Now I’m choked up and feeling nostalgic.
I’ll be reading the rest of different seasons and then more King very soon.
My first experience with King was listening to the audiobook of IT. I thought it would be long and hard to get through at a daunting run time of 45 hours. Then when I was halfway through I remember being so crushed that I only had 20 hours left 😂😂😂. The book is incredible and don’t be afraid of it’s length!
I feel like Hunger games was more like a rip off from a Japanese novel called : Battale Royale. which ofc all as well as SK's long walk were inspired by the lord of the flies. Thanks a lot for your amazing content.
“Salem’s Lot” man…listened to the audiobook. Broad day light at work, no a/c in my car in August…”There’s someone upstairs.” CHILLS. Instant. Fcking. Chills.
I was scared silly with The Shining, those moving topiary bushes!
Joyland was my first introduction to the king, and I liked it enough. Next up was the shining, and it sealed the deal in forever being a fan.
The only books I had previously read by SK was The Dark Tower 1&2. Although I liked DT 2 better than DT 1, I was shocked by the critical and fan acclaim of SK...based on those two books. SOOOOO glad I picked up "The Long Walk", thank you! It was very good and will definitely keep me reading SK. I will plan to read one or two per year!
Awesome to hear. Long Walk is soooooooo good.
My first King book was Dark Halve. From there I went to Salem's Lot, Shinning, Stand, and finally the Gunsliger. From there on I started to read every King Novel or story I could get mi hand on
Been reading King since I was 9, I'm 46 now. I've read every book multiple times the first being Cujo. I tell everyone just start at the beginning with Carrie and read in publication order.
Not a bad plan at all. Especially now that I'm going through them in publication order for my Into the Multiverse series.
The first two King books I read were The Stand and Insomnia. I read them more or less at the same time. Looking back I think I jumped into the deep end and had to fight to keep my head above water. He has done some great stuff.
Only about five minutes in, but man I do love the Long Walk. "It's just people walking".
Vampire diaries is mikes favorite confirmed! Planning a Stephen king once a month next year and came here for some ideas! Great picks thanks again Mike!
I don't even remember what I said ha ha but you're welcome
I’m new to being a constant reader. Thanks for the recommendations
Happy to help!
My mom hid her stephan king collection because i was a scaredy cat kid . . . I stole them when I was 12 and fell in love been a huge fan since
Awesome video! I have all of his books and started reading them from the start this year. Read and recommend: Carrie, The Shinning, Salem’s Lot. Also The Institute, Christine, Needful Things, Cujo, and the collected stories Night Shift, Just After Sunset, etc.
I try to make everyone I know read Lisey's Story. It's such a poignant picture of grief, of loss, of love, and also wow the horror. But the point of the story isn't the horror. The point is the very real grief of losing a spouse too soon. Every time I let someone borrow that book, I just go out and buy a new copy for myself. I have yet to have someone return the book, because they all fall in love with it (and they see the new one on my shelf). Any other book, I hunt people down to return because I'm rather protective of my library. But Lisey's Story is one of those books I think everyone should experience. IMO it's one of the best stories he has ever pulled from the Pool. It's traumatic but cathartic. It feels so very real, and yet completely bonkers SK horror at the same time. I love it.
I plan to read LS for the first time before the Apple TV series comes out this year. Looking forward to it, especially after this sales pitch.
@@mikesbookreviews the story of where he got the inspiration for it is striking. When he came home from the hospital after nearly dying, his wife was reorganizing and redecorating his study. He came home to all of his writing, all of his books, everything he was working on, packed up in boxes. It hit him that this is what it would look like had he not survived the accident, and started wondering what his wife would go through with fans if he had died right then. The story is viscerally real, with or without the horror elements. But the horror element...it's probably my favorite one in all of his books.
I can't wait to see your review of this one!
My first three books from Stephen King that I read are The Shining, The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon and Pet Sematary.
I started with The Dark Half. Then Needful Things. Alan Pangborn was my first fav King Character.
i just got the audible version of Pet Sematary and I can't wait to start it! Michael C Hall narrates it (the guy who played Dexter) and he has the perfect voice for horror. I'll admit, I haven't read a ton of SK. Lisey's story I read every couple of years because I love it so much. Salem's Lot scared the bejesus out of me and I loved every minute of it. there are a few others. But I'm super excited to hit play on this one!
thanks for the warning that it hits harder now that you're a parent. I have a 10 and 15 year old at home, and a cat, hahaha.
Also, vampires became sexy when Anne Rice made Lestat that dark, brooding, mysterious, dangerous, and also sexy vampire. Not in the "ooohhhhh he's so hot" kind of sexy. But that incubus/succubus way. idk, that's how her books hit me when I was a teenager in the late 90's goth kid scene, lol.
Pet Sematary is so great. Both times I read it.
@@TheDevler23 Huh. I never got that feeling from Lestat. But I also probably wasn't looking for it, tbh. Different times.
@@mikesbookreviews different perspectives too, I imagine. Teenage/young adult guys probably didn't come to the story from the same angle as teenage/young adult girls. And that's ok! It's fascinating to me, honestly. the scary horror aspect is there, alongside seductive and homoerotic undertones. That is part of what makes those first four books in the series so captivating, to me. It's a great blend of subtlety and thrills. I wish she'd return to that.
The gunslinger was my first king novel. I wasn't even aware it was part of a larger series. I loved it as a stand alone novel( in my head). It is a bit risky as a first read. But I think it does a good job of laying out what an "average" king novel does. It is a bit slow but for me is a favorite
Mike your so cool! Iam getting The Stand tomorrow.Hope I will like it.loads of love
Enjoy it!
My first SK was Salems Lot and I loved it so much. I’m currently reading my second SK The Shining and I’m going to jump into Doctor Sleep. I’m loving the Shining so much more than movie.
Salem’s Lot is my favorite King book but Revival is up there as one of my favorites it’s probably in my top 5 as far as favorite. Love Revival
Reading it early next year!
Mike, I recently discovered your channel while on a big King kick. I decided to read The Long Walk on your recommendation. I must say, it completely blew me away. I was riveted, especially in those final few chapters. I don’t know when I would have read it otherwise. I appreciate your channel 🚶🏻🚶♂️🚶🏽🚷
I’m now 100 pages away from finishing IT ITS SUCH A FANTASTIC BOOK
Suffer the Little Children was my first introduction to his writing. Reading the complete uncut now
Hey, my parents owned a Dunkin Donuts in Preque Isle around the time the long walk was out there. There was no Dunkin in Caribou, but there was one in Presque Isle. =) He bought donuts from me once btw. =)
The secret to King, to me at least, is writing great characters that you love and putting them in incredibly dangerous situations.
SK is the master!! Hellossssss.. I had no idea about the horror community! So excited!!
I wasn't as in love with A Long Walk as you. That being said, I'm shocked that he had written that while so young. That is impressive and gives me a new appreciation of the book.
I'm also a King fan. I was introduced to him as a kid staying up at night while my parents were asleep, watching scary movies based on his works. Then I jumped to his short stories. I think the short stories are truly underappreciated. I remember reading Graveyard Shift. I was so scared that I actually couldn't sleep until the next morning. 🙈🙈🙈🙈
From a Buick 8 was the first King book that I picked. I just selected it randomly from all King's books in the store. End up loving it so decided to go through all his books. I am on the Dark Tower series (Book 2) and currently loving it.
Lol, I was at a book store yesterday and I was thinking “man.. I really want to start getting in to Stephen King.. but I don’t really know where to start!? I should ask Mike to do a video!!!”
I did a quick search, and taadaa!!! Watching now......
Thanks!!! I took lots of notes. Excited to dive in.
King is my dude, so any questions you have, please don't be afraid to ask. There are no bad or dilly questions about the Kingdom.
Which one are you starting with?
I just hopped on Thrift Books and grabbed Different Seasons, Pet Sematary, The Stand, and The Eyes of the Dragon. You didn’t mention The Eyes of the Dragon, but I figured since I am transitioning out of fantasy it might be a good place to start? I already own The Dark Tower (set), The Green Mike, and It. They’ve just been chillin on my shelf for a minute. Not sure which one I’ll read first though!! Do this video, I am thinking Different Seasons..
Side note, I am obsessed with Thrift Books, because I am a “paperback only” kind of gal, and you can get hella cheap PBs from that site!!!
@@madisongoodyear5040 PB is certainly a less dangerous collecting habit.
oh man the first King book i ever red was Needfull Things when i was like 10-11...I ve now also read The institute and The outsider and own the stand, salems lot and eyes of the dragon. Planing to start salems lot right now.
I started with The Shining. I think I did a good decision. Now I am reading The Dark Tower. Starting Book IV. Really like it so far
I'm a Wheel of Time fã. Always wanted to read SK books, but was never a fã o terror. I heard about The Stand and after watching a few reviews I bought it. Following your advice, I'm going to finish a few series that I am current reading before starting.
The Stand is one incredible journey. But it really is that; a journey. One just has to accept it's the only book you're going to be reading for awhile. But it's so worth it. There is very little horror in it outside of what the end of the known world would be like. Hope you enjoy the ride!
Good video as always.
I usually re-read king books often because I love them so much. When I read "It" i was so scared that it was 10 years before I got the courage to read it again!
Thank you so much for this my 1st Stephen king book was the dead zone and boy was I confused through the whole book
Just started 11/23/63. It's my second stephen king book. The first one I read was the gunslinger. I tried it when the dark tower movie came out a few years ago. I found it very strange
Dark Tower is certainly peculiar.
My two all-time favourite King books are It and Needful Things. Every time I decide to read a Stephen King book, I find myself rereading those (been doing this for the last 30 years now)
Love your stuff Mike I have been binge watching your videos :)
Believe it or not, my first Stephen King book was The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon. Was very sad and was the first time a book made me tear up. It made me love SK.
Underrated King book.
@@mikesbookreviews I agree!
Hey Mike.. My favourite Stephen King book has to be Salems Lot.. So spooky when i read it. rattled my cage at the time. Time for a reread. Then it has to be IT.. what a great immersful read. Never read The Stand, maybe its time. Also enjoyed Cujo quite a bit.
All of his 70s and 80s stuff in near untouchable.
The Stand is awesome, def read it.. I actually prefer the original shorter version though, but maybe that's because I read it first..
I recently just read The Stand. I agree that it is a great book. I would recommend the later re-release. I believe that included another 200 or so pages into the tome.
The Bachman books definitely have a slightly different tone that I'm just not as thrilled about. But they're good reads too. I doubt that you'll be able to find Rage though.
Carrie, The Shining and Salem's Lot are good starter King books.
King entered The Long Walk into a competition when he was unknown. Never heard back. How did the judges miss such wonderful, raw talent. My fave Bachman book, it's so real and gritty. When is the movie coming!
Perfect recommendations. When i saw the title of the vid my mind went to The Long Walk immediately.
It's very interesting that you bring up pet cemetery for the first book for someone who wants to be scared. I read a lot of Stephen King but I fell out of him for a while. When I got back into him the first book that I read was pet cemetery and I never forget when that cat popped out of nowhere and almost made me piss myself. I was never that scared from a book ever before.
😁😁😁vampire diaries!! You said it 😄😄😄
Ohhhh..🥰🥰Anne rice!!😍😍
Wonderful video!
🔔🔔🔔
I felt like I should have turned all my Lestat books in after I slipped with that.
My recommendation for a first King book would certainly be Pet Semetary or Misery. Neither are particularly long , but both are punchy and gripping, scary and engaging... And a lot of fun!
The dark tower series were my first King books. Read them on the recommendation of a friend, and I absolutely loved them. I've read quite a few others since, and I'd love to go back and read them and catch more of the references to other characters.
Great suggestions - I always recommend Pet Semetary for a new King reader.
I consumed so many King works when I was a tween, I'm currently revisiting him in my late thirties and it hits different and deeper.
Edit to add: Salem's Lot is still so good and scary af.
I'm reading Salems Lot right now for the first time and I've got about 100 pages left and it's sooo damn good/amazing even after coming directly from 11-22-63 beforehand.
Your video is the second to watch about SK and which books to start with... but neither you or the other video mentioned Misery.
I was trying to keep it simple. Honestly, I could recommend about 20 of his books to start with.
Misery is probably my favorite. Then again I'm an author, and its a well crafted psychological horror about an author being held captive by a fan... *shivers*
Just got into reading again and stumbled upon your channel. Love your content! 🤘🏼
My first one was when I was 12 I read Needful Things. It totally blew me away. After that I picked up It and I was so riveted to my seat. I sometimes read it in the middle of the night with a night lamp, I had those moments I would look under the bed and catch quick looks over my shoulders.Then I read "the stand" between those three I do not know which I loved best. But after that I became a constant reader. King has meant to me so much more then just a bit entertainment. I learned so much about people in general from him. If you ask me what I think was the best I read. I have no idea. Everyone of the established novels had their own particular charming points.
I loved Pet Semetary (because of it's rough emotions), I loved Needful Things (I was always obsessed with the evil that dwells among us), I loved It (the structure of this novel is just sublime), I loved "the long walk" (dystopian stories are kind of my thing). Like Mike 11/22/63 got me to tears and I kept on crying and crying for a week. More recently I read Dr Sleep (which I think is better then "the Shining. which might make me a bit odd). I loved, (absolutely loved) "the Institute" (it bares some very uncomfortable questions, that next to being just a terrific read). I love Joyland (though I expected not much from it). Rose Madder might have been the most pleasant surprise for me in past two years. Gerald's game I put off for a long time. My aunt said she hated it and didn't get past the dog. So I never read it, then I picked it up and funnily it being so connected to Dolores Claiborne I absolutely loved it. But it is one of the the best psychological novels I have read (though maybe not for starters). Like you don't introduce people to the fantasy genre with Dune (even though it is mindboggling).
Insomnia was the 4th book I read and it was just so amazing. Not to forget to mention Lisey's story (which I believe only married adults should read, because if you are not married for quite a while a lot will be lost to you). Same is for Bag of bones (which also got me to tears).
One project I have put off till now and that is "the dark tower" Any thoughts on this? I don't like western should I nevertheless read it?
There are some stories I would never recommend: Many of the early short stories are too dark (darker then Christine or It) I don't know but stories like Children of the corn for example was a huge disappointment to me. The mangler was also like that. Some short stories where GREAT. Almost all Bachmann stories I loved. Four Seasons, four past midnight (all 8 stories I think are absolutely among the best I have read). One very special favorite of mine is maybe very dark but I loved all the stories: Full dark no stars.
My recommendation of starters would be "needful Things" or "Salem's lot" Not too long but very much a sample of typically Stephen King.
I did a 21 books/novella in 21 days late 2019, before the world turned into a Stephen King Novel. They were all S King, I started with The long Walk. I can't remember all of them but I know some were: Needful things, Deloris Clairborn ( I love this one), Cujo, Pet Semetary, Running Man, one about a little girl that gets lost in the woods and is a Red Sox fan, the cell, Carrie, fire starter, full Dark no stars, the eyes of the dragon, rage. Cujo was sad in more than one way.
The very first Stephen King book I read was "Desperation" way back in 1997 or 98. Since then I've been his constant reader
Not the first King I read, but definitely one of my favorites that I always recommend is The Shining. I think it gives you everything he does well with very few of his more annoying traits.
Added the Dark Tower Series to my TBR list, and about halfway through The Stand now
I'm on the 3rd in the series now and am completely hooked. It's extremely abstract and weird, but always intriguing and exciting to see what happens next. I hope you end up digging it too.
@@Th3Downz Absolutely loved the Stand, one of his best, in my top 3. I enjoyed The Eyes of the Dragon, fairy tale by Stephen King, one of the best storytellers in the business, what's not to like. Finally started the series proper with Gunslinger, felt like a short novel / lengthy prologue, and I have a feeling it'll all make a lot more sense once I'm done with the series.
Carrie, on writing, diffrent seasons, running man, the long walk and dark tower. To start with. It will probably keep someone busy.
I’ve always loved King. I’ve read him since the 70’s. My problem with him has always been his inability to end a story. I used to always feel like he spent a bunch of time on the first 80% of a book and then seems to just get tired of writing it and just wrapped it up too abruptly. I experienced that as a reader over and over and over. To me The Stand is a brilliant story until the ending. I stopped reading King for a bit after reading the ending of The Stand. The TV shows Lost and Game of Thrones were just like that. Brilliant until the end.