Why is IT so much more popular than many other King books?

[danie]

That'd be awesome, someone get on that.

I found this, which, although not what you guys were looking for, was interesting.

The Most Popular Book Set in Each State — in One Surprising Map
The Stand is featured in four states, and Maine's is 11/22/63.
Before I read the article, I thought the title meant which 'set of books' was most popular in each state, then I realized it meant the most popular book which takes its setting from that particular state.

 

[Doc Creed]

I found this, which, although not what you guys were looking for, was interesting.

The Most Popular Book Set in Each State — in One Surprising Map
The Stand is featured in four states, and Maine's is 11/22/63.
Before I read the article, I thought the title meant which 'set of books' was most popular in each state, then I realized it meant the most popular book which takes its setting from that particular state.

Yeah, I've seen this before. Fun to look at. A Stephen King US map with notable cities and characters would be pretty gnarly. Little book icons dotting certain states.

 

[Doc Creed]

I found this, which, although not what you guys were looking for, was interesting.

The Most Popular Book Set in Each State — in One Surprising Map
The Stand is featured in four states, and Maine's is 11/22/63.
Before I read the article, I thought the title meant which 'set of books' was most popular in each state, then I realized it meant the most popular book which takes its setting from that particular state.

I would have thought Iowa's book would have been Shoeless Joe.

 

[danie]

Yeah, I've seen this before.

Know-it-all - Wikipedia

 

[Doc Creed]

Know-it-all - Wikipedia

 

[danie]

Yeah, I've seen this before. Fun to look at. A Stephen King US map with notable cities and characters would be pretty gnarly. Little book icons dotting certain states.

That was a joke above; calm down.

 

[danie]

16 New Books Recommended by Stephen King
Stumbled across this while trying to find something Doc Creed doesn't know everything about.
Warning: Do not read unless you want to start spending some money.

 

[Doc Creed]

16 New Books Recommended by Stephen King
Stumbled across this while trying to find something Doc Creed doesn't know everything about.
Warning: Do not read unless you want to start spending some money.

Nope, I hadn't seen this.

Spoiler

Dear Mr. M and Slade House looked really good. I haven't read any thrillers in a while.

 

[danie]

Nope, I hadn't seen this.

Spoiler

Dear Mr. M and Slade House looked really good. I haven't read any thrillers in a while.

I keep buying and buying books. I've got to stop.

 

[mjs9153]

I always wanted to know how well Stephen sold per states. Or countries even. What state in the US buys the most Stephen King books. I'd like to see where my state ranks.

Do Dirty Pirate Hookers have a state of residence,or is it where they are presently moored?

Spoiler

 

[Dana Jean]

Do Dirty Pirate Hookers have a state of residence,or is it where they are presently moored?

Spoiler

View attachment 21411

A state of confusion.

 

[Gerald]

True. But I would just like to see the break down of sales per state. I think that would be interesting.

I would like to see it worldwide as well. Which book is most popular in which country - although probably a lot of the same ones would end on top - it's not so much about the countries as about the quality of certain books and the ideas those books have that appeal to a lot of people (superflu, sewer clown, haunted hotel, rabid dog, etc.). I think it's the basic simplicity of a lot of these ideas that immedeately connect with people - it's ordinary, everyday things gone dark. You get right away what the book is about.

But being a moderator is there no way to get a list of the novels in order of number of sales? Or is it difficult since he's been with different publishers over the years?

Concerning the popularity of It, few people know there was an Indian series made of it as well in 1998, called 'Woh', which ran for 52 episodes.

Woh - Wikipedia

Hiya, Rohit: That Time India Adapted Stephen King's IT - Horror Movie News and Reviews

 

[Moderator]

I would like to see it worldwide as well. Which book is most popular in which country - although probably a lot of the same ones would end on top - it's not so much about the countries as about the quality of certain books and the ideas those books have that appeal to a lot of people (superflu, sewer clown, haunted hotel, rabid dog, etc.). I think it's the basic simplicity of a lot of these ideas that immedeately connect with people - it's ordinary, everyday things gone dark. You get right away what the book is about.

But being a moderator is there no way to get a list of the novels in order of number of sales? Or is it difficult since he's been with different publishers over the years?

We don't keep track of sales and I don't know if the publisher even tracks them by title but I guess that would make sense so that they'd know which back titles are worth reprinting. Having the different publishers over the years certainly adds to the difficulty of getting that information. I'm not going to have them spend a lot of time on it but if it's something they can just pull up on their computer, I'll ask the next time I'm speaking with my contact at Scribner if that information is readily available.

 

[Dana Jean]

We don't keep track of sales and I don't know if the publisher even tracks them by title but I guess that would make sense so that they'd know which back titles are worth reprinting. Having the different publishers over the years certainly adds to the difficulty of getting that information. I'm not going to have them spend a lot of time on it but if it's something they can just pull up on their computer, I'll ask the next time I'm speaking with my contact at Scribner if that information is readily available.

I'm guessing my state will be one on the bottom of the barrel as far as people buying Stephen King books. Now, that isn't saying that people aren't reading him, they could be checking things out from libraries.

I even mention I like Stephen King and people are sure I'm in league with the devil. I'm really surprised they don't start making the sign of the cross in my face and chanting, "may the power of Christ compel you."

 

[Gerald]

I was reading an introduction by Richard Matheson to his short story collection and he actually has a lot of psychological insight as to why he wrote those stories. He could lead the general theme to all stories back to : the individual trying to survive in a threatening world. It stems from his parents being immigrants and seeking refuge in a small family unit, being confronted by living in a strange new country which they knew little about.

I think you could apply that general theme to a lot of King too, although I would say it is paired with another major theme, which is friendship, friendship as a way to overcome those threats. Very clear in It of course, but you also see it in other books like Christine (Dennis and Arnie), Pet Sematary (Louis and Jud), Dark Tower (Roland, Alain, Cuthbert and Roland, Jake, Susannah, Eddie), Cycle of the Werewolf (Marty and his uncle Al, who is also a great friend), The Shining (Dick Hallorann, Danny's best friend under the circumstances).

 

[GNTLGNT]

I'm guessing my state will be one on the bottom of the barrel as far as people buying Stephen King books. Now, that isn't saying that people aren't reading him, they could be checking things out from libraries.

I even mention I like Stephen King and people are sure I'm in league with the devil. I'm really surprised they don't start making the sign of the cross in my face and chanting, "may the power of Christ compel you."

....that's just cuz yer a dirty pirate hooker.....

 

[kingricefan]

I was reading an introduction by Richard Matheson to his short story collection and he actually has a lot of psychological insight as to why he wrote those stories. He could lead the general theme to all stories back to : the individual trying to survive in a threatening world. It stems from his parents being immigrants and seeking refuge in a small family unit, being confronted by living in a strange new country which they knew little about.

I think you could apply that general theme to a lot of King too, although I would say it is paired with another major theme, which is friendship, friendship as a way to overcome those threats. Very clear in It of course, but you also see it in other books like Christine (Dennis and Arnie), Pet Sematary (Louis and Jud), Dark Tower (Roland, Alain, Cuthbert and Roland, Jake, Susannah, Eddie), Cycle of the Werewolf (Marty and his uncle Al, who is also a great friend), The Shining (Dick Hallorann, Danny's best friend under the circumstances).

For me, at the bottom of the well in any King book is, simply, love. That's what all of his books are about. It might be twisted, it might be unhealthy, but it's there.

 

[mjs9153]

....that's just cuz yer a dirty pirate hooker.....

You left out hot!and sizzling..

 

[Dana Jean]

You left out hot!and sizzling..

more apt would be snot and spazzing.

 

[kingricefan]

more apt would be snot and spazzing.

And Deej just threw decorum out the window......