Recomend an SK novel for a first timer

[plgordon]

My wife, She's a Stephen King Virgin, and she recently told me she would be interested in reading one of his novels. I'm not sure if I should go with an older one, a newer one, or something in the middle!
I'm thinking The Stand or It. What would you recomend for a introduction into the world Of Stephen King!

[atlantis]

The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon. It's not very long, but it packs a huge emotional wallop. Seems like a good way to get your feet wet!

[Natjen24]

Maybe in chronological order.. so start with Carrie and let her work her way up.

My personal favourite for a beginner would be Misery, The Long Walk and Duma Key.
I hope she enjoys them as much as I do! :grinning:

[Ubasti]

I think short story collections are good introductions, but really you can't go wrong with any of them.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

As you know, the possibilities are huge, but I'd suggest Bag of Bones, Misery, Dolores Claiborne or Rose Madder, ororor...

Long days and pleasant nights

[bopropadop]

...or Salem's Lot. The Stand, It, and The Shining are classics also.

[Tombrun]

depends on what she likes, really. If she's into horror, MY first SK novel was Desperation. I fell for it instantly. If she's more into thrillers and suspense, I'd probably go for something like The long walk or The dead zone.

Lastly, if she likes novels that are non-horror and non-supernatural in any way, maybe you should start with Different seasons or possibly even The green mile.

I'd guess The stand and It could be a bit much to chew over on her first try.

[Lencho_of_the_Apes]

The Stand or It. Or The Talisman.

We all float down here.

[Doc Wilson]

I like your ideas. I would lean toward the Stand if you think she'd be intrigued by the religious elements, and if not, I've give her It.

[Bryan James]

Most people have read something similar to "The Eyes of the Dragon," so it will feel comfortable...I think of it as King-Lite.

"Misery" isn't a bad choice for a first.

BJS

[Neil W]

So, as you can see, absolutely anything!

I tend to recommend Firestarter - it's verymuch mainstream King material, it starts off full of action in mid-story, and it's an easy read.

[Sitarhero]

I'm a highschool kid and my friend asked me about my obssesion with SK books. In the end he asked if he could try one out. To be honest, i think I was a bit cruel giving my friend (who isn't the greatist reader in the world, sort of a Darren Shan reader) IT to read. He quickly got obssesed with it and we always talked about it (which wound my other friends up!). He read at everymoment spare (he's a border (lives) at school at school). You'd see him walking around simply reading it!
2.5 Months past and I finnaly got it back, in the worst condition i've ever seen a book!

[bluespider]

Hi, i would choose The Shining. It was my first book by SK back in the seventies. I am re-reading it now and it still capture me. It would be a good start, it s wonderfully written, i think one of his best.

[Sammy-Baby]

No. Don't give her one of the long ones to start out with. She may not realize getting into it that Stephen King will take the story somewhere. My first was the Green Mile, but even that's iffy. I think you should try giving her a smaller one. (NOT THE GIRL WHO LOVED TOM GORDAN. THAT SEEMS MOST COMMONLY SITED AS THE WORST LOL) [B]How about Misery or Gerald's GameB] Rose Madder is also a greeeeaaat choice. It's much scarier for women than for men, but it's a trifle weird. Maybe Misery is more realistic.

[Jack Roman]

Definitely The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon!

[glyde69]

Misery!