Those who have never read a King's book is irresistible, but some may not know where to start.
A general rule of thumb for King beginners is to start with books that stand on their own. Over the years, King has woven webs between many of his books, creating complex universes like Castle Rock or Derry, Maine. It is better for readers to avoid these stories at first so they can get a feel for King's style. On top of that, King has written a number of books that are short, but incredibly powerful. In fact, some of his most popular novels have this quality. These are another great place to begin because of their length and reputations.
10 Firestarter
A Young Girl With Pyrokinetic Powers
To get a feel for King's ability to mix horror and sci-fi, a strong starting point is Firestarter. First published in 1980, this novel follows Charlie McGee, a young girl who develops intense pyrokinetic powers. Along with her father, who also harbors telekinetic abilities, Charlie must go on the run from a government agency called The Shop, who are desperate to harness Charlie's powers for themselves. The book sits at about 426 pages, and has several on-screen adaptations, including a 1984 movie starring Drew Barrymore.
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Firestarter is a solid place to start when reading King because the book encapsulates a lot of what the author does best. Although he dabbles in countless different genres, King's most popular work generally merges straight horror with interesting sci-fi concepts. Notably, Firestarter is far from the first time King wrote about telekinetic abilities in young people. In this way, Firestarter can offer readers a snapshot of King's style, and may not be so popular that audiences are already familiar with how the story ends.
9 11/22/63
A Time Traveler Attempts To Stop JFK's Assassination
Those who aren't intimidated by a longer novel may enjoy starting with King's 2011 book, 11/22/63. In this novel, a high school English teacher named Jake Epping is pulled into a shocking plot when his friend, Al, reveals that he has found a time slip that allows him to travel into the past. Al has concocted a plan to stop the assassination of JFK, hoping that it brings more peace to the world, but because of an illness, he cannot carry out his scheme. He asks Jake to step in, and ultimately, the protagonist says yes.
Unlike Firestarter, the allure of 11/22/63 is that it is unlike many of King's other stories. It is his only novel that takes on time travel, and it is deeply rooted in history and real-life events. Regardless of its differences, though, 11/22/63 is a lauded project that could interest King fans or newbies in equal measure. It may be on the longer side (over 800 pages), but it has a deeply interesting concept that will captivate readers until the very end. Readers who want to be hooked should definitely check out 11/22/63.
8 Revival
A Man Uses Electricity To "Heal" People
Another great standalone novel from King is Revival. This book follows Charles Jacobs, a Methodist minister who arrives in a small town to the delight of a young man named Jamie. It is soon revealed that Jacobs has an affinity for using electricity to heal people, including Jamie's brother who struggles to speak after a skiing accident. Many years later, Jamie reunites with Jacobs and learns that his healing practices may have more troubling side effects than actual healing properties.
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What makes Revival such a great choice is that it lacks a lot of the pizzazz of other King works. Because King is so popular, many of his stories are well-known, even to those who have never read them. Revival, on the other hand, is one that lacks the reputation of other King novels, so readers are able to go in completely blind and just experience the story in their own time. In many ways, Revival is the perfect book for this, as King plays with sci-fi, religion, pop culture, and an earth-shattering ending.
7 Thinner
A Man Is Cursed To Wither Away
Speaking of hidden gems within King's catalog, another awesome book to get a taste for King is Thinner. Originally published under his alias, Richard Bachman, Thinner follows an overweight and self-absorbed lawyer named Billy who gets into trouble when he runs over a Romani woman, killing her. Soon after, Billy is cursed by the woman's father, and though he does not take the threat seriously, he quickly discovers that he is rapidly losing weight. Eventually, he begins to waste away.
Thinner is a fast-paced and engaging story that is perfect for those who are seeking something a little more straightforward for their first King novel.
Thinner is a fast-paced and engaging story that is perfect for those who are seeking something a little more straightforward for their first King novel. Unlike other King books which include twisty mysteries and complex sci-fi concepts, Thinner pretty much tells it as it is. The novel is an allegory about greed and privilege, and it rings true today, decades after its original publication. Overall, it is a quick and chilling read.
6 Pet Sematary
A Grieving Man Discovers A Strange Cemetery
Some may want to start their King experience with stories they've never heard of before, but others may want to jump right into the classics, and one perfect choice would be Pet Sematary. The 1983 novel centers on a young family who move to a new town and discover a cemetery behind their house which is used to bury pets. They soon come to realize that the burying ground is able to raise the dead, which leads to disastrous consequences.
King is well-known for countless horror titles, and Pet Sematary is one of the most popular. Many believe this to be one of King's darkest and most disturbing novels due to its subject matter and its haunting execution. In this way, Pet Sematary is certainly not for the faint of heart, but those who really enjoy horror will definitely be entertained by this book. Plus, at about 374 pages, the book should be a fairly easy read.
5 The Long Walk
Teenage Boys Participate In A Horrifying Contest
If unique concepts pique your interest, a strong contender among King's novels is The Long Walk. Known to be the first book King ever wrote (though he published it much later), this story takes place in a dystopian future where society finds entertainment in an annual contest where teenage boys are made to walk without rest along U.S. Route 1. Those who falter get killed, but the last surviving walker earns cash and a prize of their choosing.
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The Long Walk may focus on young protagonists, but it is hard to categorize it as a young adult novel. The book is undoubtedly gruesome and takes on themes of government that will speak to adults as much as adolescents. Really, what sets The Long Walk apart as a great starting point for King beginners is its harrowing premise and its focus on young people. Throughout his career, King has often written about young people in terrifying situations, and this is a good example of one of those stories.
4 The Green Mile
A Death Row Prisoner Has Supernatural Powers
Another King classic that readers will want on their shelves is The Green Mile. The story follows a man named Paul who works at the Cold Mountain Penitentiary on death row during the 1930s, and while there, meets an inmate called John Coffey. Coffey is a tall, muscular Black man accused of heinous crimes, which makes his quiet demeanor all the more confusing. Paul begins to take even more of an interest in Coffey when he begins displaying empathetic powers.
The Green Mile may just be one of King's most epic stories. The book has the realism of more literary King novels, but also has dashes of magical realism that are believable and intriguing. Above all, The Green Mile is the type of King book that is more emotional than it is chilling. Despite being known for horror, King proves through The Green Mile that he is well-equipped to telling a moving story of prejudice and friendship.
3 Salem's Lot
A Man Returns To His Hometown & Discovers A Troubling Secret
One of King's oldest books that deserves way more attention, especially from beginners, is Salem's Lot. Published in 1975, the novel follows Ben Mears, a young man who returns to the town of Jerusalem's Lot, where he lived for a few years of his childhood. Mears hopes to get some writing down in his hometown, but soon realizes that something is wrong with the citizens of the town. Eventually, he discovers that a blood-sucking monster may be behind the change.
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Salem's Lot is a classic vampire story. Despite being King's second published book ever, the quality is just as strong as some of his most beloved works. There is an eerie atmosphere, a strong protagonist, and a monster that is both familiar and completely refreshing. All in all, Salem's Lot is a solid choice for new readers because it is an engaging story that perfectly balances horror and mystery.
2 Misery
An Author Is Kidnapped By An Adoring Fan
Of King's most famous books, there are two stories that are ideal choices for new readers. The first is Misery. Well-known for its 1990 movie adaptation, the novel revolves around Paul Sheldon, an author who has made his fortune writing dark Victorian romance books. When he gets into a car accident, he finds himself saved by a fan of his work. Yet, it is quickly revealed that her intentions may not be so kind, especially once she demands that Paul write another book.
While other King books rely on the paranormal or other strange occurrences, Misery shows that humans themselves can be just as horrifying.
Misery is one of King's greatest one-off books to date. There is a reason why its movie adaptation is so popular. The story is frightening and completely absurd. While other King books rely on the paranormal or other strange occurrences, Misery shows that humans themselves can be just as horrifying. The book is also fun because of its more meta elements, like Paul being a writer struggling to actually get words on a page. Ultimately, Misery is a quick and entertaining read.
1 Carrie
A Teenage Girl Harbors Hidden Powers
Finally, one of the best places to start with King is right at the beginning of his career. His very first novel, Carrie, follows the titular character as she leads a sad life. Bullied at school and abused by her mother, Carrie yearns for social acceptance and love. She also harbors hidden telekinetic powers, the extent of which is unknown. However, once Carrie is pushed to the edge by her peers, she unleashes her true power, leading to deadly consequences.
Carrie is a short but punchy novel that easily proves how captivating King can be. In just 200 pages, the author manages to introduce the complex life of an oppressed teenage girl, while also balancing her powers, her complicated home life, and her tragic finale. Really, this finale is what makes Carrie so special. Readers who want to quickly discover the magic of Stephen King most definitely should start with Carrie.
