Read The Dark Tower first?

[shemp]

So, I've probably read about 6 of Stephen King's books over the years. I found out the other day that a lot of his books are connected somehow to The Dark Tower series. I am planning on reading his books more and was wondering about something.

Is there any "reading order" for his books? Should I read all The Dark Tower books first then his others. Or should I read one of them and then the ones connected to it? Or should I just read his books in random order?

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Welcome to the MB, and keep posting!

Any time is a good time to start the amazing journey that is the Dark Tower but you might like to read Salem's Lot, the story Low Men in Yellow Coats from Hearts in Atlantis and Everything's Eventual before 5,6 & 7.

But just jumping in will do you fine IMO, 'The man in black fled.....'

And other than DT, you might want to read them chronologically (see main site for list) or you may just read at random, either way you have a magnificent reading experience in front of you.

Good lick (you don't need it).

Long days and pleasant nights (that's a line from DT that you'll become familiar with)

[DogMom]

I would read his other books first then the DT series. It gives insight to the others. No real order but most of his books tie into each other.

[Ubasti]

There are books that you can read between each of the Dark Tower books that will help you understand what's going on. It's been talked about a lot here, you should be able to search for a thread.

[Srbo]

I`ve asked almost the exact same question and here are excellent answers in this thread:


http://www.stephenking.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=12235

[DillonNelson]

The connected books are not vital to the main story. Same as the short story "Little sisters of Eluria" (a story concerning Roland before we meet him in the Gunslinger) in the Everything's Eventual story collection. So you can read any of his books before or after the Dark Tower, As long as you read the actual series in correct order. I'm fairly certain that all of Stephen's stories are somehow connected but I'd say the two most obviously connected to the Dark Tower are Black House and The Stand. Read whichever of King's books that you like, But deffinitley read The Dark Tower, it is far different from any other reading experience you will ever have, I can say that confidently, and I have'nt even gotten to the Final book yet. I think that if I were dying in a hospital bed I would be frantically reading to the end, it seriously becomes that important to you to find that tower. LOL

[EMARX]

I 've read most of the books in order of publication. But for me the interconectedness is the genius. There will be revelations everywhere, but don't feel constrained from moving around. Though try and read the D T in one go. It is one long book.
Mine is just one opinion, sniff around for some more.

[Cowboy]

Definately read them in order.