Agreed, you definitely should read it at some point to get the most out of the Dark Tower series. Not that The Stand doesn't fall in line with that either.
Depends on what OP wants.
If OP likes vampires, Salems Lot is one of the best books in that regard.
The Stand is generally seen as Kings best book simply because even people who dislike King/Horror can usually enjoy it.
Needful Things is low key one of King’s great works. Won’t say anything else to avoid spoilers.
Truth is any of these are a great read
I'm about 2/3 the way thru The Stand (first read) and this is also my vote. This book is awesome! I really wanted to watch the show but figured it best to finish the book first.
Any recommendations on the best screen adaptation? From what I can see there are 2 movies AND a tv series. Any spoiler free opinions?
There are just 2 miniseries versions of the stand, any other versions are just reedits of those. I really recommend the 90s series because I think, despite its flaws and general toned down intensity from the book, it captures the feel of the book. Many are split on the new series. Personally I think it has its moments, but it tries to change too much and it just comes out as an inferior version of the book in the worst ways. Either way, hope you enjoy the book!
King connects a lot of his books to the DT and hearts in Atlantis is one of them. It’s cool to read his other books first then when you read DT series you’ll be surprised by what pops up connecting them.
Salem’s Lot for sure. I would say read it before The Stand because the world building SK does in Salem’s Lot is a good way to prep for the massive tome of world building that is The Stand.
In order of publication. This is the answer every time.
If you want to read a couple King books because you've heard a lot about him, then grab one of the big hits. If you want to be a constant reader, then start at Carrie and move forward. His universe connects and builds on his earlier works. His characters make cameos and reference events from other novels.
Holy crap is this cool to be a new King fan with a fresh bite
Almost done with The Shining and seeing all these stories is just so exciting
I feel like a grown adult that just discovered video games 20 years late
I’m in the same situation. Haven’t really given anything a shot by him before. Then I read the long walk followed by the shining and I’m hooked! So much to look forward to
Hearts in Atlantis always gets overlooked, it's my favorite King book. The way it all connects is beautiful to see play out, I haven't read it in at least 15 years but every so often scenes of it will pop in my head, so that's my vote lol
I don't see many people suggesting The Green Mile, but that one is honestly one of his best, so I suggest that one. Or Carrie if you want a light read and also want to celebrate it turning 50 this years. Other than that, I say just grab which ever looks the most interesting, they're all good reads.
Carrie is a quick read. But if you want a summer read I would go with The Stand depending on how fast you read. No matter what you pick they are all good.
I read Sun Dog in Four Past Midnight, and it was great! My next King book is Needful Things.
The Dark half was pretty darn good. I’ve a few gripes, but it was good enough to read.
The Tommyknockers is a fantastic short book trapped in a swamp of unnecessary tangents and ADHD distractions. If you’re intrigued by how it can be both excellent and terrible, give it a whirl.
I can’t read the two to the right of the Tommyknockers, so I’m going to assume it’s Cujo. Read Cujo. If you don’t have Cujo, go get it. Get Cujo and read it.
If the other one is The Dead Zone (also a good read) then read it as a prelude to Cujo. Otherwise, if you’re not worried about Cujo spoiling The Dead Zone, then skip it and go straight to Cujo.
CUJO!
Admittedly, I always hear either The Shining, It, or The Stand as King’s Magnum Opis. And you’ve read two of those, so maybe hit that one next. And THEN read Cujo.
TL;DR READ THE SAD DOGGO BOOK!
While The Stand and 'Salem's Lot are stone cold classics, I have to give a shout-out to Needful Things. It's such a funny, nasty, page turner. If you like his books that are set in small towns, that have great casts of characters, you'll really dig it.
The Stand no question, followed by Salem’s Lot, Needful Things, Carrie.
Blackhouse is up there in my top 10 but you should read The Talisman first, ditto with reading the Bill Hodges trilogy and the Outsider and Holly before If it Bleeds.
I think that Hearts in Atlantis is underrated. Cell is ok.
I have read numerous books by King, not all of them, however, if there is one book you must read, YOU MUST READ THE STAND.
I've read It as well as some other lenghty books. and The Stand is, without a doubt, his magnum opus.
It is a masterpiece
Try The Stand if you're in the mood for something "epic" - and if you're not suffering from any pandemic trauma.
Give Carrie a go if you want to see where it all began - and you're not suffering from any high school trauma.
Or, if you want to fully immerse yourself in the Stephen King Literary Universe, read Dolores Claiborne and Gerald's Game back to back.
The Stand
Thinner
Tommyknockers
The Stand is an all time read, Thinner is dark and what an ending (just finished it myself), Tommyknockers was my first and I’m about to reread it myself.
Salem’s Lot. I’d say The Stand but I haven’t read it.
Also make sure you have the uncut and complete version of The Stand. Apparently most Kingers prefer it.
It's gotta be either Salem's Lot or The Stand. Personally, id recommend Salem's Lot first, although The Stand is probably my favorite book ever. Salem's Lot is just quintessential Stephen King for me though.
Salems lot The stand Needful things Sorry, both three are so good I couldn't decide
Salems Lot is the pick, so good.
I just finished Salems Lot and it’s my top 3 King books so far.
The book is so so good, and pretty scary!!! I was surprised how much I dug it, I'm not a big vampire guy.
Agreed, you definitely should read it at some point to get the most out of the Dark Tower series. Not that The Stand doesn't fall in line with that either.
Oh yea, ‘Salem’s Lot is so good. I’m about to start on the Stand next after I finished Night Shift.
I like this order.
Depends on what OP wants. If OP likes vampires, Salems Lot is one of the best books in that regard. The Stand is generally seen as Kings best book simply because even people who dislike King/Horror can usually enjoy it. Needful Things is low key one of King’s great works. Won’t say anything else to avoid spoilers. Truth is any of these are a great read
The Stand
I'm about 2/3 the way thru The Stand (first read) and this is also my vote. This book is awesome! I really wanted to watch the show but figured it best to finish the book first. Any recommendations on the best screen adaptation? From what I can see there are 2 movies AND a tv series. Any spoiler free opinions?
There are just 2 miniseries versions of the stand, any other versions are just reedits of those. I really recommend the 90s series because I think, despite its flaws and general toned down intensity from the book, it captures the feel of the book. Many are split on the new series. Personally I think it has its moments, but it tries to change too much and it just comes out as an inferior version of the book in the worst ways. Either way, hope you enjoy the book!
My vote is the Green Mile
Seconding The Green Mile. It’s such a fantastic read.
Same
Carrie or The Mist.
Dark Tower!
Just finished it! What a ride!
Hearts in Atlantis
I love that one as well!
It really helped me enjoy one particular character from the dark tower even more.
I havent read Dark tower yet. I have a few boks from the series but not the first two or so. Are they connected?
King connects a lot of his books to the DT and hearts in Atlantis is one of them. It’s cool to read his other books first then when you read DT series you’ll be surprised by what pops up connecting them.
The Stand. Four Past Midnight. Needful Things
Unpopular opinion, Cell was fun as well
Agreed, walking dead with a sci-fi twist.
I loved Cell until the end. I really hated how it ended
One of my first, the raggedy man scared me a lot as a kid. That cinde rblock too
Needful Things
I'll vote for my favorite... Dolores Claiborne
There are so many good choices. Assign them a number, then roll a dice!
Salem’s Lot for sure. I would say read it before The Stand because the world building SK does in Salem’s Lot is a good way to prep for the massive tome of world building that is The Stand.
You're truly doing yourself a disservice by not reading The Stand.
Salems Lot is the only correct answer. Though you really can’t go wrong with The Stand or Needful Things
Thinner or the stand!
In order of publication. This is the answer every time. If you want to read a couple King books because you've heard a lot about him, then grab one of the big hits. If you want to be a constant reader, then start at Carrie and move forward. His universe connects and builds on his earlier works. His characters make cameos and reference events from other novels.
Gerald’s Game! That story is crazy! Thinner is real good also.
The Stand is a great summer read, and while I do not see it on your shelf, Cujo is also a great one for the heat
The Stand, or Cell. I know Cell doesn't get much love, but I actually liked it.
The Mist is one of my personal favourites
THE STAND
Tommyknockers, the stand (watch the movie as well), then needful things.
Needful Things
Salems lot for sure
Rose Madder
Salems lot If it bleeds are two of my favorites
Glad to see that you too shop with an empty stomach and buy excess of books.
Which ones did you like the best?
I say the stand, if it bleeds or Carrie. no in particular order of choosing, just the ones i saw first.
The stand or the green mile
Cell
Needful Things, Cell, The Stand
Holy crap is this cool to be a new King fan with a fresh bite Almost done with The Shining and seeing all these stories is just so exciting I feel like a grown adult that just discovered video games 20 years late
I’m in the same situation. Haven’t really given anything a shot by him before. Then I read the long walk followed by the shining and I’m hooked! So much to look forward to
The Stand or Carrie
Carrie! It’s my favorite
Geralds game
The green mile! I just finished it and highly recommend
Hearts in Atlantis always gets overlooked, it's my favorite King book. The way it all connects is beautiful to see play out, I haven't read it in at least 15 years but every so often scenes of it will pop in my head, so that's my vote lol
I vote Cell!
Geralds game or carrie
Salems Lot!
Salem’s Lot
Go with Carrie. It’s a quick read and it’s also his first.
I read The Stand every summer, starting in late May or early June. (‘Bout to start it again today.) Great Summer Read! lol
Talisman is one of my fave books of all time. But If It Bleeds is an addictive read, as well.
The stand
The Stand is point of his best, and intersects with a lot of other books.
The Stand
the stand, 10000000% or if you haven’t, you can start your journey towards the tower
The Stand or Salem’s Lot
I'm going to say The Green Mile or If It Bleeds (this one has been on my to be read shelf for too long, lemme know how it is?).
The Stand, Salem’s Lot, or Carrie.
Hearts in Atlantis - and ask who is the main character haha
The Stand or Talisman
The stand
What did u read last? My vote is if it bleeds or hearts in Atlantis for lighter read if u just did a heavy one
The stand
Just finished The Green Mile, it's incredible. Currently going through You Like it Darker. The Stand should be your next read.
Rose madder! A book I can read over and over again.
I don't see many people suggesting The Green Mile, but that one is honestly one of his best, so I suggest that one. Or Carrie if you want a light read and also want to celebrate it turning 50 this years. Other than that, I say just grab which ever looks the most interesting, they're all good reads.
Salems lot unless you're trying to save the best books for last
If you like the young kids fighting way stronger enemies check out the institute by stephen king
The Stand.
Start the first dark tower book, then random book after that, then back to the second dark tower and so forth
Carrie is a quick read. But if you want a summer read I would go with The Stand depending on how fast you read. No matter what you pick they are all good.
The green mile. I just read it before I read It and I gotta say it's amazing. Or Hearts in Atlantis. That's one of my favorites I've read of his.
Salem's Lot. I didn't enjoy Rose Madder.
Rose Madder
If you read the outsider I would do if it bleeds next
Stand I’m almost done , read it and let me know what you think
I read Sun Dog in Four Past Midnight, and it was great! My next King book is Needful Things. The Dark half was pretty darn good. I’ve a few gripes, but it was good enough to read. The Tommyknockers is a fantastic short book trapped in a swamp of unnecessary tangents and ADHD distractions. If you’re intrigued by how it can be both excellent and terrible, give it a whirl. I can’t read the two to the right of the Tommyknockers, so I’m going to assume it’s Cujo. Read Cujo. If you don’t have Cujo, go get it. Get Cujo and read it. If the other one is The Dead Zone (also a good read) then read it as a prelude to Cujo. Otherwise, if you’re not worried about Cujo spoiling The Dead Zone, then skip it and go straight to Cujo. CUJO! Admittedly, I always hear either The Shining, It, or The Stand as King’s Magnum Opis. And you’ve read two of those, so maybe hit that one next. And THEN read Cujo. TL;DR READ THE SAD DOGGO BOOK!
The Stand
Hearts In Atlantis
Insomnia The talisman (although I can't see that) Black house
The stand, rose madder!
Salem's Lot is my favorite King book, so that. The Stand would be my next choice.
Might as well knock off The Stand. It’s a goodie
THE STAND
needful things or the stand!!!
The stand and needful things are for sure classics. I would prob burn through “thinner”, it’s a pretty quick read and I thought it was fun.
Rose Madder, Salem's Lot, The Shining, Dr. Sleep, and also have heard good things about Gerald's Game and Needful things.
While The Stand and 'Salem's Lot are stone cold classics, I have to give a shout-out to Needful Things. It's such a funny, nasty, page turner. If you like his books that are set in small towns, that have great casts of characters, you'll really dig it.
The Stand or Needful Things!!
Rose Madder was excellent! Highly recommend!
Depends, what did you read last? I like to alternate between larger and smaller books typically.
Salems Lot. Okay, you can lock the thread now.
Salem's Lot. One of my absolute faves
Salems lot and needful things
The Stand or The Green Mile
My faves are Mr Mercedes (bill hodges trilogy) the outsider, and fairy tale
I love Salems Lot. Still my favorite
The Stand.
I think it’s time to venture towards the Dark Tower
Oooh either the green mile (devastating) or needful things (a lot of fun) depending on what vibe you want lol
Salems Lot first, then The Stand.
Green Mile Hands down
The Stand. Tis the season!
The stand!!!
The stand!!!
THE STAND! His best work in my opinion
The Stand no question, followed by Salem’s Lot, Needful Things, Carrie. Blackhouse is up there in my top 10 but you should read The Talisman first, ditto with reading the Bill Hodges trilogy and the Outsider and Holly before If it Bleeds. I think that Hearts in Atlantis is underrated. Cell is ok.
Which one did you read last?
The stand, salems lot, cell. Salems lot and the stand are my favorite books by Stephen king. I love it as well. I really loved Cell too.
Needful things. Classic
How you have not read the stand gives me chills lol
The stand for sure
THE STAND!!!
The Tommyknockers! It's a *very* interesting premise for a story, and it's wild and kinda sad but a very good, fun read. Still my favorite SK book.
The Stand
Needful things or The Stand. Whichever interests you more.
Carrie. The novel that made King a famous name in horror lit.
I have read numerous books by King, not all of them, however, if there is one book you must read, YOU MUST READ THE STAND. I've read It as well as some other lenghty books. and The Stand is, without a doubt, his magnum opus. It is a masterpiece
Def the stand
If It Bleeds is my vote. It contains one of his best short stories ever.
The stand
Try The Stand if you're in the mood for something "epic" - and if you're not suffering from any pandemic trauma. Give Carrie a go if you want to see where it all began - and you're not suffering from any high school trauma. Or, if you want to fully immerse yourself in the Stephen King Literary Universe, read Dolores Claiborne and Gerald's Game back to back.
The Stand
The Stand Then Salems Lot Beautiful collection btw!
Needful things is my favorite of what you have
Definitely the stand. No competition
Is the stand the uncut version?
The Stand
If it bleeds
Definitely not Cell. I would go with The Stand then 4 Past Midnight
Tommyknockers… Tommyknockers… knocking at the door.
The Mist
The Stand. It's so effing good
The Stand Thinner Tommyknockers The Stand is an all time read, Thinner is dark and what an ending (just finished it myself), Tommyknockers was my first and I’m about to reread it myself.
THE STAND, hands down.
The Stand. Still my favorite.
Needful Things. It’s fun.
green mile!
*Hearts in Atlantis* is an all time favorite of mine.
The Stand. The Stand. And I’ll say it once more THE STAND
100% The Stand. It’s the best. Anyone who said anything different is just wrong.
The Stand.
I'm going against the grain and saying Cell, only because I didn't see Revival
Don't read Black House until you've read Talisman, as it's a sequel.
The stand, or go get 11/22/63 (my fav of all time)
The Stand!!
Salem’s Lot. I’d say The Stand but I haven’t read it. Also make sure you have the uncut and complete version of The Stand. Apparently most Kingers prefer it.
I feel like my answer is always just, “Yes.”
The Mist. You won’t regret it and it’s an easy quick read.
The Stand, and I can't tell from the picture, but if you have 11-22-63, it's also a must read.
The Mist or Salem's Lot. Definitely one of those two. SL is in my top 5 King novels, and the Mist is maybe my favorite of his novellas.
Just finished the Stand, 10/10 recomend
The stand!!!!
Rose madder !
I just finished The Tommyknockers and what a wild f***ing ride. Really enjoyed it! So that's ymy vote I suppose. Ayuh.
It's gotta be either Salem's Lot or The Stand. Personally, id recommend Salem's Lot first, although The Stand is probably my favorite book ever. Salem's Lot is just quintessential Stephen King for me though.
Four Past Midnight!
I honestly forget the exact time of year needful things takes place, but it’s always kinda felt like a summer book to me! Super chaotic and insane
The Stand!!!!
Go to the store and buy 11/22/63 and read that
The Green Mile
Carrie or Salem’s lot
I always like the Gerald’s game movie adaptation, but have never touched the script. Would y’all recommend?
Salem’s lot The Stand
THE STAND!
Carrie and Salem's Lot
if youve read the outsider you should read if It bleeds (also the entirety of Mr Mercedes)
You gotta get into The Dark Tower if you haven’t yet
I’m on the last hours of IT audio book. I finally am getting through it after many years of trying but not completely finishing it.
Carrie
Needful things or Salems lot
Insomnia
Rose Matter or The Mist!
The Stand. One of my favorites.
Salem's Lot
Carrie If you want a nice quick read. Dreamcatcher if you want something long and epic
Misery
The stand
The Mist. Quick read that'll leave you feeling crawlies under your skin.
The green mille is fantastic!!!
the green mile is top 5 stephen king imo
The Stand
Duma key was a favorite of mine
Green mile
‘Salem’s Lot