Newbie Needs Help

[thomkat]

My best friend's 15 year old son has decided he wants to start reading Stephen King. He is not normally a big reader, so this is kind of a big deal for him to actually want to read - anything.

What do you think would be a great introduction to King's universe? Being 15, I figured he'd want something scary as hell (and I believe he mentioned that to his mom). My gut reaction was Salem's Lot - I can tell you is scared the hell out of me when I was 15.

 

[Dana Jean]

Hi! I would recommend The Long Walk to a 15 year old boy.

 

[blunthead]

Welcome to the SKMB! I like to recommend The Dead Zone first novel. I think 'Salem's Lot would be a great choice. Also, don't forget the short stories. One can find great deals on books at Half.com.

 

[Neesy]

My best friend's 15 year old son has decided he wants to start reading Stephen King. He is not normally a big reader, so this is kind of a big deal for him to actually want to read - anything.

What do you think would be a great introduction to King's universe? Being 15, I figured he'd want something scary as hell (and I believe he mentioned that to his mom). My gut reaction was Salem's Lot - I can tell you is scared the hell out of me when I was 15.

Scary? How about Carrie? (I am a poet and did not know it)

Welcome to the SKMB thomkat

 

[king family fan]

Welcome. I would say The Green Mile

 

[Mr Nobody]

Since he's not usually a big reader, a doorstop might not be the best way to go. Something shorter, more accessible and with a good degree of variation would probably be better, so...
My recommendation would be Skeleton Crew.

 

[SutterKane]

Either a short story collection, or a novel under the 500 page mark. I started with "Firestarter", but that one isn't really that scary which you say is his interest in reading Stephen King to begin with. Maybe "Pet Semetary" would be the way to go?? I always thought that was the scariest, the only one that actually did scare me. I dunno, never met the kid, but either way, don't intimidate him with something huge like "It" on his first experience.

 

[prufrock21]

Danse Macabre. Get to know the King up close and personal.

 

[Shoesalesman]

Cujo.

 

[VultureLvr45]

Welcome

 

[Neesy]

WelcomeView attachment 4458

nice pug!

 

[VultureLvr45]

Thought you'd like him Neesy...goofy looking little thing... makes me happy just seeing him.

 

[Kurben]

Thought you'd like him Neesy...goofy looking little thing... makes me happy just seeing him.

Now i'm corious. Is it the goofylooking that you feel Neesy would fall for... Or is that it is a dog, any dog at all?

 

[Neesy]

Now i'm corious. Is it the goofylooking that you feel Neesy would fall for... Or is that it is a dog, any dog at all?

I have a special fondness for pugs, that's all! (I have never owned one yet but hope to get one when I retire). I had a Boston Terrier which is not quite the same thing.

 

[Kurben]

I have a special fondness for pugs, that's all! (I have never owned one yet but hope to get one when I retire). I had a Boston Terrier which is not quite the same thing.

OK. Than i wish you a pug.

 

[GNTLGNT]

...15 year old kid huh?....not one that's been much of a reader eh?......Different Seasons.......

 

[Kurben]

15 year old, like scary, not to long since hes not really a reader... hmm.. Cujo, Carrie, Misery if were talking novels, Full dark, no Stars if we talking stories, or perhaps Four past midninght. Perhaps The Mist. Sorry but it is difficult to choose one!!!!!

 

[do1you9love?]

Welcome to the board!

For a 15 year old boy I recommend...

Best friends, high school, bullies, and oh yeah, a killer car!

 

[kingzeppelin]

I'd go with "The Long Walk", with the story being about a group of young men of very much his own age, he should readily identify with the worries and fears they face.

 

[doowopgirl]

Welcome. All good suggestions. Short stories are always a good place to start.