What would Stephen King recommend?

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hossenpepper

Don't worry. I have a permit!!!
Feb 5, 2010
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I searched and couldn't find this thread or question posted anywhere. If it has before, I apologize. Also, I don't think this will make for much a long term thread, but it's an interesting question nonetheless.

Miss Mod will probably have to get us the answer, but here goes:

Which of his books would SK recommend as the "first one" with which a new CR should start their SK journey? And more interestingly, why the particular one?

Also, is there a single book or story that he feels most broadly embodies his style/work and represents him "in a nutshell"?

I suppose we could offer our opinions regarding and discuss that last question here in more length.
 

hossenpepper

Don't worry. I have a permit!!!
Feb 5, 2010
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Wonderland Avenue
It came to me as I was discussing which book to read with my son. He eventually picked up The Shining because he likes the movie. I have to admit I was stumped by the question. My wife started with Pet Sematary. So i don't know if I would have a specific work to recommend. I guess maybe the man himself would have a good suggestion.
 

skimom2

Just moseyin' through...
Oct 9, 2013
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From what's available now, I'd rec (and have recced--lol) Salem's Lot or Cell for a 'beginner' (infrequent reader) or younger person (who is not under 13--for those I rec 'Eyes of the Dragon'). For an older person, I might rec Duma Key or Dolores Claiborne.

From my experience as a younger reader, the politics and adult sensibility of Dead Zone went over my head--I understood the words, of course, and generally liked the story, but I was not emotionally literate enough to really feel the impact of that fine book until I was older. Now it's one of my favorites.
 

Kurben

The Fool on the Hill
Apr 12, 2014
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I think i go with IT. It centers around childhood, friendship and the courage to fight your demons in the same time as it is a fantastic description of a small town, Derry. All these things are central to King. If i should chose one a little closer to reality it would be The Green Mile, But really it is just a matter of taste. Probably think differently in the morning.
 

AchtungBaby

Well-Known Member
Dec 5, 2011
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From all the interviews I've seen of King, his favorites for a while switched back and forth between 'Salem's Lot and Dead Zone before Lisey's Story came out, which I've read is now his favorite.

out of those three, I'd bet he would recommend Dead Zone to a new reader. Just a guess though. :)
 

blunthead

Well-Known Member
Aug 2, 2006
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Atlanta GA
From all the interviews I've seen of King, his favorites for a while switched back and forth between 'Salem's Lot and Dead Zone before Lisey's Story came out, which I've read is now his favorite.

out of those three, I'd bet he would recommend Dead Zone to a new reader. Just a guess though. :)
I've heard that Lisey's Story is his personal favorite. I wasn't aware what his previous personal favorites have been. I have read that he said he recommends The Dead Zone as as a starter novel.
 

GNTLGNT

The idiot is IN
Jun 15, 2007
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....this one...
51%2BpEsSKwDL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg
 

hossenpepper

Don't worry. I have a permit!!!
Feb 5, 2010
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Wonderland Avenue
My first one was 'Salem's Lot. I read The Shining after that and then The Stand. I don't know if there is a perfect "first one" to suggest, honestly. It seems like it might be a bit subjective to the reader. I agree though that for kids the The Eyes of the Dragon would be a great one. I also think The Body is a good first story for a younger reader.
 

Mr Nobody

Well-Known Member
Jul 9, 2008
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....this one...
51%2BpEsSKwDL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

"Kitchens for the rest of us"?
That one looks like it'd take up the bottom floor of our house!

On topic, obviously I can't speak for SK (and wouldn't even if I could), but despite recommended Skeleton Crew as a jumping-off point elsewhere, if I had the chance to approach SK's books for the first time again, I'd start with Carrie and work through them in order of publication. It's as close to walking the path that he was on as you're going to get, and you get to share most of the journey - even the rough parts.