new Stephen King Reader

[friday13bday]

I've just read On Writing. I don't watch many scary movies and I have never read a Stephen King novel because I figured they would be scary. But after reading On Writing , I want to start reading some of Stephen King's books to see what I am missing. I enjoyed reading his thoughts about writing and getting to know him a little bit as a person and a writer through this book, and am now looking forward to appreciating his other works. As someone who is currently going through PT (pain and torture from broken arm rehab), I cringe thinking of his accident and the struggle to recover. I am glad you are still here - to enjoy your life and your family, Mr. King. Thank you for writing such an interesting book, On Writing. I hope all continues well in your life and in your family. Best wishes.

[Rhett]

Perhaps you would like Duma Key. It's lead character is going through a physical rehab and it's a fun, page turning read.

[dtorrec]

I just read On Writing, the book is really good. You really should start reading his books!!! For me, the best one (until now) is 'Bag of bones', but the fist one I read was Christine. Just choose one and start reading, you won't be able to stop!

[burdock]

Stephen, you are the King. Your memoir of craft, On Writing, inspired me like no other book on the genre. Up to that point, I'd been ambling about, insecure as all hell about my piss-poor knowledge of English grammar, its structure and the rest of the bag o' works. The language, you see, came second on the home front, or third, if you include Mom'smanicdepressionspeak. (The reason I never read your fiction; I lived it.) Add to that poor eyesight that was never corrected until the age of 13, and a disinterest in school, well, the rest is history. Now nearing 60 with a few published articles to my name, my first for pay (a short essay) to appear in mid-December, I'm once again testing the waters in fiction. Your book has given me more confidence than all five creative writing instructors that have paved the way for me, up to this point. I am grateful to the current one who teaches Fiction in continuing education at the University of Western Ontario. She praised 'On Writing'. And I agree. I may never need another instructor again.

P.S. good B&W portrait of you on your site. The lighting and pose are perfect.

[ginapenn]

I would recommend some of his shorter novellas before tackling a huge novel like Duma Key. Check out Different Seasons-that's a fantastic collection. Then work your way up if you still like what you're reading. If you enjoyed On Writing, I have a feeling you'll really enjoy his fiction stuff too. He is, after all, the master storyteller.

[ADT]

I would suggest any of his books, but if your worried about them being scary maybe try The Green Mile series or even the Cell. These do have some scary aspects but for the most part they are enjoyable reading.

[Bryan James]

"The Eyes of the Dragon" is one of the most comfortable ways to start. "Cujo" gets into Some Scary, but is a good transition. After that, try the short story compilation "Everything's Eventual." Then go hog wild.

[Medeann]

I would start with Dolores Claiborne and go from there. It's not all that scary. I wouldn't suggest reading Geald's Game or IT right off the bat. The parts in Gerald's Game where the dog has his own personal buffet are a little disturbing and I just don't like clowns, lol.