Works without references or connections to Stephen's past works

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The Great Duck

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Jan 5, 2015
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So I've been thinking of going on a King spree soon, but I know that, while mostly stand alone, a lot of Stephen's works still have some references to his past works which makes it rewarding to read some of them in certain order. I know going through his works chronologically is the obvious thing to do, however, the libraries here where I live are missing a lot of his books and I don't quite have the money to buy them for myself, so I'd just appreciate if someone listed his works that don't have a connection to any previous ones. Thanks. :)
 

Pucker

We all have it coming, kid
May 9, 2010
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Well . . . I'm tempted to say that not all haystacks have needles, but some folks hereabouts might consider that a challenge.

The truth is that most of the stories -- even the Dark Tower stories themselves -- stand alone just fine. The connections are all well and good, as far as they go, but I think people can sometimes miss the intrinsic beauty of the forest because they're too busy making sure they count all the trees.

Stumbling on things that lead you in directions in which you didn't realize you wanted to go can be fun. Just as discovering something you already knew might have more than one meaning can bring you deeper satisfaction with something you thought was familiar.

In short, don't get too bogged down trying to make sure you're getting everything "in sequence."

Someone else will be able to quote this more accurately, but I think it was Robert Louis Stevenson who said it is better to journey hopefully than to arrive.
 

sam peebles

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Sep 17, 2008
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What Pucker said. Most books that have connections are very minor. You don't have to read the Shining to appreciate Misery or It, et cetera. All of them pretty much stand alone just fine.

That being said, you probably don't want to read a direct sequel like Black House without reading the Talisman first. But there aren't many of those.

So dive right in. It's like the Dead Sea. You can't sink even if you try.
 

doowopgirl

very avid fan
Aug 7, 2009
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What Pucker said. Most books that have connections are very minor. You don't have to read the Shining to appreciate Misery or It, et cetera. All of them pretty much stand alone just fine.

That being said, you probably don't want to read a direct sequel like Black House without reading the Talisman first. But there aren't many of those.

So dive right in. It's like the Dead Sea. You can't sink even if you try.
I read Black House years after Talisman and it didn't make much difference.
 
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Takoren

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Nov 25, 2015
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In all seriousness, I'm having a hard time thinking of a book that doesn't contain at least some minor connection to another. It might even be something you don't notice unless you're a Constant Reader, and it definitely doesn't mean the book won't make sense unless you've read the others that come before it.

Aside from the Dark Tower series, the only books meant to be read as part of a series are The Shining and Doctor Sleep, The Talisman and Black House and Mr. Mercedes, Finders Keepers and End of Watch. Even those could be read separately.

Personally I'm loving this in-order read-through I'm doing. It brings King's universe alive. I personally didn't find all the little references distracting; they add to my reading experience.
 
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