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DianaRose

Member
Feb 25, 2016
20
132
31
northwest coastal Washington
Hey there,
I am new to the message board (which is why I'm posting in the newbie forum! Hello :wink2:) and I am kind of new to the works of Stephen King. And I'd love some advice, especially if you'd love to give me some.

The reason I say that I'm kind of new to the works of Stephen King is because I've read only four of his books. In this order: On Writing, 'Salem's Lot, Lisey's Story, and The Stand (the uncut edition). I read all of these within the past several months.

When I was much younger, I started getting into the Stephen King movie adaptations/TV mini series. I was (and still am) especially in love with The Stand (with Gary Sinise) and 'Salem's Lot (with Rob Lowe). But I never read any of his books (I know, criminal!). I always felt much respect for Stephen King as a story-teller, and I was always very interested in him as a person.

Finally, my real journey began. At 23, as someone who has been an aspiring writer her whole life, I picked up On Writing. I absolutely loved it. It inspired my greatly. And I soon realized, what on earth has been taking me so long? I need to read this guy's novels.

Basically, with my limited SK reading, I want to know where to go next. And I thought, where better to get some good advice than at the Stephen King message boards!

So bring on the tips you Constant Readers, you!
Here's what I'd like any advice-givers to take into consideration: My heart is with The Stand. I just adored reading it and never wanted it to end. I find myself thinking about those characters and the story so often. I've read several (non-Stephen King) books since I finished The Stand, but all I want is to be back in that world.

What can I read next that will actually get me to stop thinking about The Stand long enough to enjoy another book? I want to be swept away again. Should I start the Dark Tower series? I've been toying with that idea, but I've been hesitant because A) I feel like it may be too soon for me to start this series. Perhaps I need to read more of his standalone novels first, and B) I've never been much for Fantasy as a genre.

I also really loved reading 'Salem's Lot. And I actually didn't really like Lisey's Story (I thought the characters were terribly unlikeable.) My adoration for The Stand and 'Salem's Lot supports a couple things I know about my tastes: I love a descriptive atmosphere and setting, and I LOVE good and noble characters.

So there it is. To all of you who have a deep understanding of his works and have read many of his novels, please advise me: where shall I go next? I fully understand that it seems pretty darn ridiculous to be thinking and researching so much about what to read next instead of just reading whatever I can get my hands on. But that's where I am right now!

Thank you so very much for taking the time to help me out. I hope I didn't break any unspoken message board rules with my very long post about nothing of importance! :wink:
 

Doc Creed

Well-Known Member
Nov 18, 2015
17,221
82,822
47
United States
If you like strong character development and long elaborate stories, I'd suggest IT. It is more complex because it has many flashbacks and switches from 1st person POV to various 3rd person POV. It is fun to read and may be quite the contender for your favorite. Tery suggested Needful Things and I think that's another good book that would sit in that ballpark. You still have a way to go. How did you like Lisey's Story?
 

Doc Creed

Well-Known Member
Nov 18, 2015
17,221
82,822
47
United States
If you like strong character development and long elaborate stories, I'd suggest IT. It is more complex because it has many flashbacks and switches from 1st person POV to various 3rd person POV. It is fun to read and may be quite the contender for your favorite. Tery suggested Needful Things and I think that's another good book that would sit in that ballpark. You still have a way to go. How did you like Lisey's Story?
I just noticed you didn't like Lisey's Story, my bad.
 

GNTLGNT

The idiot is IN
Jun 15, 2007
87,651
358,754
62
Cambridge, Ohio
Hey there,
I am new to the message board (which is why I'm posting in the newbie forum! Hello :wink2:) and I am kind of new to the works of Stephen King. And I'd love some advice, especially if you'd love to give me some.

The reason I say that I'm kind of new to the works of Stephen King is because I've read only four of his books. In this order: On Writing, 'Salem's Lot, Lisey's Story, and The Stand (the uncut edition). I read all of these within the past several months.

When I was much younger, I started getting into the Stephen King movie adaptations/TV mini series. I was (and still am) especially in love with The Stand (with Gary Sinise) and 'Salem's Lot (with Rob Lowe). But I never read any of his books (I know, criminal!). I always felt much respect for Stephen King as a story-teller, and I was always very interested in him as a person.

Finally, my real journey began. At 23, as someone who has been an aspiring writer her whole life, I picked up On Writing. I absolutely loved it. It inspired my greatly. And I soon realized, what on earth has been taking me so long? I need to read this guy's novels.

Basically, with my limited SK reading, I want to know where to go next. And I thought, where better to get some good advice than at the Stephen King message boards!

So bring on the tips you Constant Readers, you!
Here's what I'd like any advice-givers to take into consideration: My heart is with The Stand. I just adored reading it and never wanted it to end. I find myself thinking about those characters and the story so often. I've read several (non-Stephen King) books since I finished The Stand, but all I want is to be back in that world.

What can I read next that will actually get me to stop thinking about The Stand long enough to enjoy another book? I want to be swept away again. Should I start the Dark Tower series? I've been toying with that idea, but I've been hesitant because A) I feel like it may be too soon for me to start this series. Perhaps I need to read more of his standalone novels first, and B) I've never been much for Fantasy as a genre.

I also really loved reading 'Salem's Lot. And I actually didn't really like Lisey's Story (I thought the characters were terribly unlikeable.) My adoration for The Stand and 'Salem's Lot supports a couple things I know about my tastes: I love a descriptive atmosphere and setting, and I LOVE good and noble characters.

So there it is. To all of you who have a deep understanding of his works and have read many of his novels, please advise me: where shall I go next? I fully understand that it seems pretty darn ridiculous to be thinking and researching so much about what to read next instead of just reading whatever I can get my hands on. But that's where I am right now!

Thank you so very much for taking the time to help me out. I hope I didn't break any unspoken message board rules with my very long post about nothing of importance! :wink:
....you make your points and queries well, much simpler to guide someone in a direction if we know likes/dislikes instead of the usual "what should I read next" generic as hell question....good suggestions have been made thus far and I would suggest perusing the portion of this site that gives a thumbnail synopsis of all of King's works as a starting point, then for an appetizer-check out his short story collections and novellas-this will really give you the depth and breadth of King's mastery of his craft....after that, just dive in-no rhyme nor reason, just read as you wish....one other point, the journey to the Tower is NOT pigeon-holed into the "Fantasy" genre, it blends elements of MANY from horror to comedy, western to sci-fi and others in between.....
 

fljoe0

Cantre Member
Apr 5, 2008
15,859
71,642
62
120 miles S of the Pancake/Waffle line
tipping-table-money.jpg


I have another tip: Don't bet on the horses

A third tip: Read The Dark Tower!
 

Neesy

#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
May 24, 2012
61,289
239,271
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
150_combine_r.jpg
...and with these last three posts, you have now been immersed in the sophomoronic spirit of the wise-azzes of the Board...:D

My first thought was Dustin Hoffman as Tootsie, saying:

"What kind of a Mom would I be if I didn't give you girls tits tips?" (while checking out Geena Davis in her bra).
davis-tootsie1.jpg
 

Neesy

#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
May 24, 2012
61,289
239,271
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Hey there,
I am new to the message board (which is why I'm posting in the newbie forum! Hello :wink2:) and I am kind of new to the works of Stephen King. And I'd love some advice, especially if you'd love to give me some.

The reason I say that I'm kind of new to the works of Stephen King is because I've read only four of his books. In this order: On Writing, 'Salem's Lot, Lisey's Story, and The Stand (the uncut edition). I read all of these within the past several months.

When I was much younger, I started getting into the Stephen King movie adaptations/TV mini series. I was (and still am) especially in love with The Stand (with Gary Sinise) and 'Salem's Lot (with Rob Lowe). But I never read any of his books (I know, criminal!). I always felt much respect for Stephen King as a story-teller, and I was always very interested in him as a person.

Finally, my real journey began. At 23, as someone who has been an aspiring writer her whole life, I picked up On Writing. I absolutely loved it. It inspired my greatly. And I soon realized, what on earth has been taking me so long? I need to read this guy's novels.

Basically, with my limited SK reading, I want to know where to go next. And I thought, where better to get some good advice than at the Stephen King message boards!

So bring on the tips you Constant Readers, you!
Here's what I'd like any advice-givers to take into consideration: My heart is with The Stand. I just adored reading it and never wanted it to end. I find myself thinking about those characters and the story so often. I've read several (non-Stephen King) books since I finished The Stand, but all I want is to be back in that world.

What can I read next that will actually get me to stop thinking about The Stand long enough to enjoy another book? I want to be swept away again. Should I start the Dark Tower series? I've been toying with that idea, but I've been hesitant because A) I feel like it may be too soon for me to start this series. Perhaps I need to read more of his standalone novels first, and B) I've never been much for Fantasy as a genre.

I also really loved reading 'Salem's Lot. And I actually didn't really like Lisey's Story (I thought the characters were terribly unlikeable.) My adoration for The Stand and 'Salem's Lot supports a couple things I know about my tastes: I love a descriptive atmosphere and setting, and I LOVE good and noble characters.

So there it is. To all of you who have a deep understanding of his works and have read many of his novels, please advise me: where shall I go next? I fully understand that it seems pretty darn ridiculous to be thinking and researching so much about what to read next instead of just reading whatever I can get my hands on. But that's where I am right now!

Thank you so very much for taking the time to help me out. I hope I didn't break any unspoken message board rules with my very long post about nothing of importance! :wink:
Hi and Welcome - it's funny - I wasn't that happy with Lisey's Story at first (my mind kept wandering) but once I got into the meat of the book it was very good.

I would suggest 11/22/63, but read the book first before you watch the mini-series!

11-22-63 Welcome.JPG
 

DianaRose

Member
Feb 25, 2016
20
132
31
northwest coastal Washington
You guys are great--thanks so much! Kind welcome, good advice, amusing "wise-azzness". Can't argue with that! :)


I just noticed you didn't like Lisey's Story, my bad.

Hi and Welcome - it's funny - I wasn't that happy with Lisey's Story at first (my mind kept wandering) but once I got into the meat of the book it was very good.

I would suggest 11/22/63, but read the book first before you watch the mini-series!

View attachment 14683

Thank you both for the tips! Yeah, about Lisey's Story...I really wanted to like it. I loved the premise and the story-telling was good. For me I just really didn't like Lisey and her sisters. I found them hard to handle and constantly found myself disagreeing with Lisey's every move. Hmm, oh well, can't love them all!


....you make your points and queries well, much simpler to guide someone in a direction if we know likes/dislikes instead of the usual "what should I read next" generic as hell question....good suggestions have been made thus far and I would suggest perusing the portion of this site that gives a thumbnail synopsis of all of King's works as a starting point, then for an appetizer-check out his short story collections and novellas-this will really give you the depth and breadth of King's mastery of his craft....after that, just dive in-no rhyme nor reason, just read as you wish....one other point, the journey to the Tower is NOT pigeon-holed into the "Fantasy" genre, it blends elements of MANY from horror to comedy, western to sci-fi and others in between.....

Thanks, GNTLGNT, that's a great idea about how I should start. And I appreciate what you said about the Dark Tower! I've been trying to understand it. It definitely seems more "fantasy" than the bulk of his work, but I can also see that it seems to defy genre. I will not get pent up about the fantasy thing! ;)
 

DianaRose

Member
Feb 25, 2016
20
132
31
northwest coastal Washington
Welcome! I love The Stand a lot, too. I would suggest Needful Things; it has the atmosphere and characters.

If you like strong character development and long elaborate stories, I'd suggest IT. It is more complex because it has many flashbacks and switches from 1st person POV to various 3rd person POV. It is fun to read and may be quite the contender for your favorite. Tery suggested Needful Things and I think that's another good book that would sit in that ballpark. You still have a way to go. How did you like Lisey's Story?

Needful Things and IT....Those both sound like what I may be looking for! Atmosphere and characters. Thanks!!