Needful Things first?

[AnnaRose]

I've read about twenty SK books and recently bought Needful Things. The inside cover description seems to put a lot of emphasis on the fact that it is his last Castle Rock novel. Is it necessary to (or should I) read others set in Castle Rock before Needful Things? (I have read The Dead Zone, but none of the other Castle Rock books.)

XO

 

[FlakeNoir]

I've read about twenty SK books and recently bought Needful Things. The inside cover description seems to put a lot of emphasis on the fact that it is his last Castle Rock novel. Is it necessary to (or should I) read others set in Castle Rock before Needful Things? (I have read The Dead Zone, but none of the other Castle Rock books.)

XO

Personally I don't think it matters which order you read them in.

 

[Walter Oobleck]

'Bout the only reason I can think why one should not read Needful Things first, or before the other Castle Rock stories have been read, is the dreaded spoiler. Might could be some spoiler material in Needful Things, maybe nothing more than a line or two and maybe some/most/a few readers would not take note of that line...and remember it when they venture into other Castle Rock territory.

 

[EMARX]

When I read Insomnia when it was first published, it dawned on me how the King universe was interconnected through so many of of his novels. And really I don't think it matters where you begin your journey. Even the Dark Tower. The Wind Through the Keyhole proves that.

 

[HollyGolightly]

I read Needful Things way a long time ago, it is a great book - loved it so much. Not necessary to read other Castle Rock things first.

 

[Spideyman]

Read in whatever order you desire. It's all about the journey in each book.

 

[AnnaRose]

Alright, thanks everyone! Two more days of finals, then I'll get started!

 

[Kurben]

I've read about twenty SK books and recently bought Needful Things. The inside cover description seems to put a lot of emphasis on the fact that it is his last Castle Rock novel. Is it necessary to (or should I) read others set in Castle Rock before Needful Things? (I have read The Dead Zone, but none of the other Castle Rock books.)

XO

That one of the great things about King. Though the scene might be the same in some books it doesn't mean you have to read them in any specifik order. Might be different with the Dark Tower books but otherwise you're OK. Just go get them.

 

[blunthead]

Personally I don't think it matters which order you read them in.

Read in whatever order you desire. It's all about the journey in each book.

That one of the great things about King. Though the scene might be the same in some books it doesn't mean you have to read them in any specifik order. Might be different with the Dark Tower books but otherwise you're OK. Just go get them.

Echo.

 

[GNTLGNT]

...all I would add is, by reading other "Rock" stories first, the visceral impact of Needful Things will be that much more powerful...

 

[Gerald]

Basically with any writer wouldn't the best way always to read him/her be the order in which the books were written/published? That way you can see their progression as a writer as well as avoid spoilers from earlier books which writers will unavoidably put in.

I think Needful Things might mean more to you if you know the earlier books, but at the same time I felt it's not nearly as good as them, probably my least favorite Castle Rock story/book.

 

[Kurben]

Basically with any writer wouldn't the best way always to read him/her be the order in which the books were written/published? That way you can see their progression as a writer as well as avoid spoilers from earlier books which writers will unavoidably put in.

I think Needful Things might mean more to you if you know the earlier books, but at the same time I felt it's not nearly as good as them, probably my least favorite Castle Rock story/book.

If you would want to make a study of the author it would. But if youre out to be entertained by a good story i doubt if it is the best way to go. It would be different if the same characters come again everytime, like a fictional police detective, But with King I dont think it is necessary. You could argue for reading Shining before Dr. Sleep and the Dark tower series in order but orderwise. There are some references but i wouldn't call them spoilers. But I agree with you that Needful things is one of the lesser Castle Rock stories.

 

[KINGSMAN129]

The thing that I liked about Needful Things is the thing that made it SPOOKY to me, the CONCEPT! The DEVIL opens up a shop, and anything you WANT most can be yours for a PRICE! The QUESTION is, Is something you've always coveted worth ETERNAL DAMNATION?

 

[Neesy]

Basically with any writer wouldn't the best way always to read him/her be the order in which the books were written/published? That way you can see their progression as a writer as well as avoid spoilers from earlier books which writers will unavoidably put in.

I think Needful Things might mean more to you if you know the earlier books, but at the same time I felt it's not nearly as good as them, probably my least favorite Castle Rock story/book.

I read Needful Things without having read the other Castle Rock books (I think).
I just read whatever strikes my fancy. The only one I am reading in the order it was written is the Dark Tower Series - I just started Book III - The Wastelands.
Now I have to Google the "Castle Rock books" (unless it is in the front part under written works as a group).

 

[Kurben]

I read Needful Things without having read the other Castle Rock books (I think).
I just read whatever strikes my fancy. The only one I am reading in the order it was written is the Dark Tower Series - I just started Book III - The Wastelands.
Now I have to Google the "Castle Rock books" (unless it is in the front part under written works as a group).

Keep on doing just that, Nees. Never put restrictions on your reading except when they really are part of a series. Not a good idea to read the last Lord of the rings book first for exampple. The same with Dark Tower.

 

[Gerald]

The thing that I liked about Needful Things is the thing that made it SPOOKY to me, the CONCEPT! The DEVIL opens up a shop, and anything you WANT most can be yours for a PRICE! The QUESTION is, Is something you've always coveted worth ETERNAL DAMNATION?

(SPOILERS)

I like the CONCEPT a lot too. A store where you can buy anything you ever wanted or even personal items you thought long lost. Absolutely great concept, anyone can identify with such a theme. It's just that the way it was handled wasn't all that interesting to me: it comes down to everyone in town being pitted against each other - not much else beyond that. It is a fun read though, just felt a bit superficial to me. And Gaunt doesn't stand out for me as one of his best villains. Even the movie which has a pretty strong cast isn't all that special or memorable.

 

[Jonesy85]

I read Needful Things without having read the other Castle Rock books (I think).
I just read whatever strikes my fancy. The only one I am reading in the order it was written is the Dark Tower Series - I just started Book III - The Wastelands.
Now I have to Google the "Castle Rock books" (unless it is in the front part under written works as a group).

Neesy what did you think of Drawing of the Three?

 

[Neesy]

Neesy what did you think of Drawing of the Three?

I just finished it - very good! I have moved on to The Wastelands but to me the Drawing of the Three was just SO much better than the Gunslinger.

 

[Jonesy85]

I look at the Gunslinger as it's own story. It was a bit bizarre, but I liked it. I have the expanded edition I will read someday when I'm done with Book 7 and The Wind Through The Key Hole.

 

[Neesy]

I look at the Gunslinger as it's own story. It was a bit bizarre, but I liked it. I have the expanded edition I will read someday when I'm done with Book 7 and The Wind Through The Key Hole.

I actually have already read TWTTK as it was described as the Dark Tower 4.5 and could be enjoyed on its own!