Hello I am Matt from the UK: lawyer, teacher and amateur writer. I am very new to SK having bought his "Bazaar of Bad Dreams" as research for the short story competition in the UK Guardian. I have since followed this up with "Joyland" and "On Writing." I think I may have missed out for too long as I don't really like horror as a rule. Where would be a good place to start with the back catalogue. I must admit I probably prefer the more gentle, whimsical tone of say "Joyland" and I suspect (not read it yet) "Different Seasons" to the hardcore stuff. I did try reading "Dreamcatcher" from the library but sadly could not finish that one.
Welcome!
It's funny that you say that about
Dreamcatcher, as I am a lifelong SK reader and have read all of his novels and short story collections, except for
Dreamcatcher. I have attempted it 3 times but just cannot get through it.
As for recommendations, try
11/22/63, The Green Mile, Delores Claiborne and
Gerald's Game if you are trying to stay away from "the hardcore stuff." As for
Joyland, that is a book unto itself. The story and tone are really unlike anything else SK has written. I hope some day he either continues the story of Mike Ross from this book or gives us another book written in the simple storytelling style he so masterfully achieved with
Joyland.
