Top Ten Stephen King Books

IT is wonderful! IT is terrific! IT is terrifying. IT is everything. Before I read It, I used to think horror books were over rated. Could read a whole roll of them over bars of chocolate and even chuckle at the supposed gory scenes. But in IT, there is absolutely nothing to laugh about! Like, it gets you and holds you and your whole world is spell bound. It takes courage to read that book. At a point, if you don't have balls, you'd drop it. The town Derry itself evokes a scary image in your mind, Penny wise, formidable or is it the timelines or the omnipresent nature of the demon behind it all. It is horror at its best!

Where to even begin.. The third person omniscient writing, seamless transition between the years 1958 & 1985 alternating chapters in last third of book- those who have read know. Main characters who almost everyone can relate too, the "apocalyptic rock fight" chapter, the awesome back stories/histories of the town of Derry. It.. Pennywise.. The Deadlights.. Bob Gray- ultimate villan! The movie although not bad simply didn't do it justice. I'm just sad I never read this when younger. My favorite book of all.. You could read this book every other summer easily. Lastly Dark Tower fans should enjoy the subtle references.

I thought the SK books where overrated, but then I watched the miniseries. It interested me to read his other books. It is my first SK book, and it is a wonderful book. Even when you are 13 ( myself ) this book will entrigue anyone and everyone to read it. It satisfies anything and everything you want in a horror book. It has gotten me to watch the movie, the mist, and to get the Dead Crew. Stephen King is a wonderful author and I wish to continue reading his books. Its shame my library can not keep up, as people steal his books! I see no surprise from this why they want to steal them! They are wonderful!

Truly one of the best horror novels ever written. The way It terrorizes people is so well done and is one of the best monsters ever written. The story of the friends and growing up were very well detailed and written, along with their reunion, making the plot truly gripping. In my opinion, the T.V. and movie adaptations can't surpass the novel despite good attempts at trying, as this novel has so much more detail and events that just can't be expressed fully in a film.

My first King book and my favorite. This and misery both creeped the heck out of me, and I think this is a slight bit better than Misery. The Stand was good, but not my kind of book. This just creeped me out, especially when I read it at eleven in the night! Great job, King!

One of the best books that I've ever read, and I've read many books. It's not as scary as people made it sound, but it definitely is a bit creepy. Overall a great book, and I definitely recommend it.

Nerve racking! The creepiest part for me was red rum, murder... the aspect of Jack being a sorta abusive and ex-alcholic who just wants to do good for his family but never succeeding is sad.

This book is outstanding there's a reason on all the top 10 lists you find it the stand and this one which is my favorite but if you have seen the movie and hope it's like that then don't read completely different the mini series on the other hand was pretty good so if you see. That this book is more like it. But it's a must read for any king fan or a great starting for his books

One of the best, if not THE best apocalyptic novels of all time. Well-written from start to finish; with a sobering and unsettling description of the collapse of humanity by a man made virus, memorable characters and a deliciously evil villain. For anyone who wants to start reading books by Stephen King, this is must read; along with "The Shining" and "It"

This is by far my favorite Stephen King novel and one of the best novels ever written! The character development is superb and even though it is quite long I was disappointed to finish it because reading it is such a treat!

Such a well-written novel with an intense storyline and in-depth characters that keeps the pages turning. This is a book that will keep you thinking long after you've finished it.

My first Stephen King read and I couldn't put it down! I can't wait to read more of his books but not sure if any will be as good as this but can't wait to find out!

Should be one my top five
5. The girl who loved Tom Gordon(very well written but surprisingly underrated)
4. Fire starter (suspenseful and intense great book
3 It (incredibly long but worth it. It is scary and filled with detail)
2 Christine (really well written and and feels real which makes it scarier)
1.Misery (the creepiest and one of the best books ever written in my opinion 10 of 10 stars

Annie Wilkes, sawing away at poor author Paul Sheldon's foot, cutting off his thumb, and running over a park ranger with her lawnmower, is not a lady you want to mess with.

I think it's one of his most unique books to be honest. It's also one of the most realistic, which I personally find a bit more terrifiyng than a clown hiding in a sewer.

This book is great and, along with the Shining, had the best film adaption. Stephen King is definitely the best horror writer of all time.

The best place and time to read this book is when you are alone at home in a stormy winter night and you just know what true horror is. The terror oozes from the pages and collects at your lap, spiralling down to your legs to cover you and hold you breathless. The best vampire book ever.

This and pet cemetery are my favorites from King, a great horror story that gradually builds in creepiness and intensity, until you are engrossed in the darkness of Salem's lot, get the illustrated edition if you can as it has some great bonus story's.

This was the first Stephen King book I read years ago, and it scared me to death. It also made me a life long fan of King's writing. I've read most of what he's written, and this is still my favorite.

My favorite novel from anyone - read it so many times over the years (starting when I was 17 and read again last year at 58)...

I started reading this book when I was 13 and never ended up finishing it. I picked it up once again but now 18 and I couldn't put it down. This book's central plot is Jake going back in time to stop Kennedy's assassination, however I found that the side plots (killing Frank Dunning, George/Jake and Sadie) just as intriguing and felt compelled to continue on reading. This book got me through 2 weeks of work and I never wanted it to end. By far King's best work!

I started reading King not to long ago. I read The Stand first and followed with the Dark Tower Series, It and a couple other. The Stand was my favorite book by King, up until now. Like many of the other comments I couldn't put this book down. Excellent characters and story. This is a must read.

Perfect from start to finish. I hesitated buying it originally having heard it wasn't his typical format. Didn't I feel stupid! I made the mistake of "typecasting" one of the greatest story tellers of my generation. 11/22/63 = edge of your seat, heart wrenching, and thought provoking ride you will not want to get off of.

This is, not only Stephen King's, but one of the best novels ever written. Should be number one on the list, of course :) 11/22/63 is a masterpiece of a craftsman, and once you get into the story (which takes about five pages) it's hard to put it down. And there's a good chance that you, after finishing, will regard the 800 pages or so, far too few.

This book has great character development and a fantastic story line. It makes the reader realise that capital punishment has no place in modern society.

It was just awesome and just because it is Stephen King doesn't mean it has to be all horror and that's why I think this book should be in the top ten!

This is such a sad story, which is half the reason it's so great. I'm glad Percy gets what he deserves later on.

"It" and "The Shining" are both great, but I have to land on "The Green Mile". It's just so sad.

This is literally the best Stephen King book I've ever read! I couldn't put it down, and the ending was so unexpected and incredible! A lot of people think that The Stand is his best, but I think it's boring, probably because I'm 12, but this was my favourite. I haven't watched the movie, but I heard it's bad, so don't judge the book by the movie. This book almost made me cry, and I was literally chanting Louis not to do what he did. It wasn't really scary until the last 30 pages, and in those 30 pages, I was trembling. This book was close to Misery, but I think this is better, please read it. My favourite book by Stephen King. I've only read 6 and 1/2 f his books, but so far, this is my favourite!

I totally agree with the positive comments you made about this book guys. Actually, it's much more than a horror book. To me, it's the most moving novel of Stephen King. It's full of emotions and I detected a lot of tenderness and love in it.

I read this one when I was 14 (I'm 52 now) and I still have nightmares about it. And it's not because I was just a child or something, I wasn't new to horror, having starting with Poe at 9.
This novel is a masterpiece of horror.

This novel is just plain creepy. It deals with religious, belief issues, with which about anyone can relate. It is definitely worth reading, just not right before bedtime. Wink.

Carrieta White, the creepy girl who is relentlessly bullied, is also psychologically abused by Margaret White, her mentally ill mother. If only Chris and Billy didn't pour that bucket of pig blood on her, hundreds of lives would be saved.

A novel about a friendless girl with telekinesis who takes her final revenge upon the world. Stephen King's first book!

I have been bullied and this book really helped me with it (I didn't kill anyone) it just showed me I wasn't alone.

Poor Carrie, always being bullied. The bullies got exactly what they deserved!

I remember going to my local supermarket with a small book stand and purchasing this. Read it in my room everyday and finished it a week later. It was a great page turner that you didn't want to put down no matter what you had to get up for. The second king nook I read was this one and it doesn't disappoint

Genius, sad and unique. It takes some time to get rolling but when it does you are in the story completely. One of the best books I ever read. Highly recommended.

This book should be under the top 2! It's the best book I have ever read!

Cujo got rabies because he got bitten by a rabid bat.

The gunslinger is a little different from other stephen king books but its still probably his best book. Even King admitted that. Also this book "ties in" with other stephen king books like the avengers movies which is pretty cool.

The Gunslinger has to be higher. I'm only sixteen, and I've read all seven dark tower books. I have to say that the first is the best. Nothing can beat that end palaver between Roland and Walter. The entire book is just so enlightening.

I can't believe TDT I is 12. It's the beginning of a legend, it should be, at least, at 5, or even 1. The Gunsliger introduce us to the most amazing adventures of our lifes, and more important than that, introduce us to our beloved Roland Deschain, the guy that we all want to have as a friend. It's awesome, it's perfect.

Stephen King's magnum opus! He himself even says that the Dark Tower Universe that he has created is his best work, by far! Any Constant Reader can tell you that this is what he's work for his whole career

The first Stephen King book I ever read, and possibly my pick for the best for sentimental reasons. I love "It" and "The Stand" and so many others, but there is a true tragic arc to this novel that makes the reader truly care about what happens, even though it's practically foreordained.

One of the most valuable and memorable boks I have ever read. Not only an emotional rollercoaster, but the science fiction takes you on a crazy ride that captivates your attention. Definitely my favorite by King

The main character (John Smith) is just your average American who can see the future. Great story, keeps you intrigued from beginning to end.

Loved this book as well as "Firestarter." Both books along with Pet Semetary were what hooked my on King.

The best book ever written. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. Perfect characters, and perfect pacing. This needs to be number one.

A real page turner from start to finish..

The best book of him in my opinion.

This book is horror

Quite possibly King's most imaginative plot. Creepy and effective.

And another thing I love about it is there is no undead or rabid dogs or other MONSTERS, it could really happen, and last of all it shows us that the real monsters in this world are people...

This is a really good read. The movie is also fantastic.

Dolores is one of Stephen King's best characters.

It's great because it could happen and it ties in with another great story of his

It's a bloody shame that more people don't know about this masterpiece. This book will leave you thinking long after you've finished the last page. Though she may not admit it, the author of the Hunger Games took inspiration from this book (as well as King's "The Running Man" and the notorious, but incredible, "Battle Royale"). It makes me wonder why the Hunger Games is so poorly written. But I digress. This book is an incredible psychological thriller. The characters were flawless. My favorites were Stebbins and McVries. Best of all is the inherent knowledge that no matter how much the boys try to socialize and hide from the truth, they are essentially competing for their lives, and 99 of them will inevitably die. This factor adds so much tension. Please, even if you are not a fan of Mr. King's works, give the Long Walk a chance. It has made me a more insightful person and I hope that it will have the same effect on you.

Seriously underrated. One of my top three favorite king novels. It really made me think and feel for all the characters and even though death was inevitable it shocked and saddened me when another would die. This book keeps you thinking. Don't knock it till you try it, I really is amazing. And like the previous comment I also felt the hunger games was a cheaper warped version of the long walk and battle Royale

This book is ridiculously underrated. The character development is top-notch and this plays a key role in the story. The plot is also kept a secret until about 15% into the book, which builds suspense. LOVE this book!

This is a fantastic read. Only King (under the name Bachman) could provide such a stirring tale about walking. It serves as a horrific foray into future competitions with deadly intentions. A must.

The ending contains the most glorious moment I've ever read in a book (Although it goes on to a completely frustrating ending). I highly recommend it.

The final battle was really anticlimactic, but the ending itself? That was mind blowing, and fit the series perfectly.

Best series, most captivating characters I have ever met and grew to love. The movie is sacrilegious and an insult to this masterpiece.
Jeanine

I couldn't let there be a stephen king list without have at least one dark tower book on it

"From start to finish I didn't know where this book was going, it was a hell of a ride and I enjoyed every part. A completely different and refreshing book, not only by King, but of the genre also."

A very enjoyable read, and not the typical horror story of King's earlier novels. Along with 11/22/63, it just proves that King has not lost his touch after all these years.

I love this book! Stephen king made this book amazingly start to finish an amazing mystery detective book written by him

It should not be as low as this; its both hilarious and horrifying in turn. King's skills are so good that after a while you see Christine as a breathing evil thing that has every right to live on this damn earth, not a simple car. There is a scene where Leigh wakes up in the middle of the night just to see Christing granting outside the windows on the snowy night and if this does not horrify you, you are a zombie...

This was the first King book I ever read. My favorite King trait is that he makes you fall in love with one of his characters and then they die.

It's sad that Arnie dies at the end. This would have never happened if it wasn't for Christine.

Come on who doesn't love cars? The movie is so much different from the book it's ironic.

I CHALLENGE Hunger Games fans to read this. Then again, they're so easily satisfied by poor writing, they probably won't be able to appreciate it, let alone comprehend its quality. This book is THE ORIGINAL dangerous reality T.V. show story. Even though The Long Walk is my favorite book by Mr. King, I love it to the end.

I just finished reading this a few days ago and really putting it 28 is drastically under ratting The Running Man! It might become one of my all time favorite books.

Amazing book that I can't put it down if I start it again! Hunger games holds nothing against this book, I cry, scream and laugh while reading this I love it

Honestly, this should be higher.

I finished Finders Keepers today and I thought it had some spooky yet extremely humorous moments which I loved.

This was the first King book that truly captivated me from start to finish.

This has multiple stories in one book, which is totally awesome. Stephen King is so creative, one reason I like him so much!