Peacefield Posted September 29, 2009 Share Posted September 29, 2009 Stephen King's early books are all very good IMHO, with The Stand being a (no pun intended) the stand out book. Also IT. He went a little off for me after The Tommyknockers (after which I believe he finally went into therapy for his alcohol problem). It's actually some of his short stories that I really like (Shawshank Redemption & The Body esp!) I agree about King's older books, Ian. I especially loved Christine, Carrie and The Shining. His short stories are excellent! Night Shift is one I have re-read often, and of course Different Seasons . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian Posted October 2, 2009 Share Posted October 2, 2009 He released a new collection of short stories last year, called " Just after sunset". These are very good too. After I read it, I gave it away (as I tend to do, otherwise I just wouldn't have any room in the house - it would just be full of books!) and I regret it now. Wish I'd hung onto it now, so I could've read it again. Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BookJumper Posted October 2, 2009 Share Posted October 2, 2009 Ian, I see that Waterstone's have Just After Sunset as part of their 3 for 2 offer so if you found another two books there you wanted it would be like having never let go of it, in a way I was pondering getting it, actually. Is it as good as Nightmares and Dreamscapes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sophie Posted October 2, 2009 Share Posted October 2, 2009 He released a new collection of short stories last year, called " Just after sunset". These are very good too. After I read it, I gave it away (as I tend to do, otherwise I just wouldn't have any room in the house - it would just be full of books!) and I regret it now. Wish I'd hung onto it now, so I could've read it again. Ian I'm glad you liked that, I brought these the other day (without realising they're short stories). Usually i'm not a fan of short stories as I like to get stuck into books, but hopefully these are good - i'll take your word for it!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 I finished IT earlier this morning and it reminded me quite powerfully of why it is my favourite novel. The story-telling and sense of passion within the written words is absolutely astounding. I'm going to start Salem's Lot again later today After some Lovecraft! I have been wanting to read this book for a long time. I think that persuaded me to pick it up now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rawr Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 It is brilliant (imo!), it takes a while to get into, but once your into the story, it's really deep and you do get emotionally attached to the characters and everything which goes on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 Ian, I see that Waterstone's have Just After Sunset as part of their 3 for 2 offer so if you found another two books there you wanted it would be like having never let go of it, in a way I was pondering getting it, actually. Is it as good as Nightmares and Dreamscapes? Oh man - I've read so much King, I can't remember if I've read it or not! Suffice it to say that all the short stories of his I've read, have all been very, very good. Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruth Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 I have been wanting to read this book for a long time. I think that persuaded me to pick it up now I have it on my tbr. The size of it is a bit intimidating, but my friend who has read it has assured me that I will whiz through it, because it's compelling reading. Hopefully, will read it in the next month or so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LL13 Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 SK is imho the best horror/thriller writer around. He's definately stood the test of time! IT and The Stand are absolute amazing stories and his early stuff like Christine, Cujo, Salems Lot and The Shining were also cracking reads and films. Growing up at that time reading his books and watching the films was brilliant (and more often than not damned scary) . Haven't read all of the discussion pages here but one particular book which doesn't get mentioned very often is Thinner which is a shame as to me it's also a good read. Did think he started to lose his way a few years ago with novels such as Insomnia, Rose Madder and Liseys Story but though Cell brought him back to his better days! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berrytastic Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 I tend to agree that SK has lost his way.I tend to prefer James Herbert although his writing has slowed down terribly and i wasnt that impressed with his last book .Maybe its just me but the horror genre seems to be in desperate need of a new author unless i have missed someone that anyone can recommend Peter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rawr Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 I also think The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon is very under-rated. I read this when i saw it lying around on a holiday when i was perhaps 13, my first King novel, which was a great introduction i feel, because it's quite different for King. Then around five years later i picked up The Shining and carried on from there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LL13 Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 I also think The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon is very under-rated. I read this when i saw it lying around on a holiday when i was perhaps 13, my first King novel, which was a great introduction i feel, because it's quite different for King. Then around five years later i picked up The Shining and carried on from there. Rawr - I must admit i've never heard of this book before - must of passed me by this one. Just had a quick look on Amazon and read few of the reviews there. Sounds very different to 'normal' King and as i am a baseball fan then I'm definately going to give this one a go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rawr Posted October 11, 2009 Share Posted October 11, 2009 It's a good read! I wouldn't mind digging it out again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BookWorm1976 Posted October 26, 2009 Share Posted October 26, 2009 Love Stephen King books,in particular Thinner,and Geralds Game,have seen a few of you mention The Stand which I haven't read yet,might have to go and look for that tomorrow:mrgreen: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LL13 Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 Has anyone bought his new offering 'Under the dome' yet? Had a look at it @ Waterstones in my lunch hour and it looked like an old style King epic which so may of us grew up with. According to reviews it's up there with The Stand and IT, which really set's a benchmark. Just wondered if anyone has started it yet as I think 'm going to purchase this very very shortly and put everything else on the backburner . Let myself drift back into the old Stephen King world that I and countless others enjoy! If anyone has started it whats the verdict so far (realise it's only been out couple of days but if anyone wants to share their thoughts up to now please feel free!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kylie Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 I haven't read it but I did read that this is a book he started way back when, so that might explain why it's of a higher standard if he was writing parts of it around the same time as IT and his other biggies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fi. Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 I got Under The Dome this morning and I'm just about to start it - a couple of friends have said this is definitely King edging back towards his best writing so I'm looking forward to it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LL13 Posted November 13, 2009 Share Posted November 13, 2009 I haven't read it but I did read that this is a book he started way back when, so that might explain why it's of a higher standard if he was writing parts of it around the same time as IT and his other biggies. Yeah heard that it was 25 years in the making. Really looking forward to it and just hope it's as good as some say - must admit thought King had gone off the boil a bit lately so it would be a welcome return to form if it is!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LL13 Posted November 13, 2009 Share Posted November 13, 2009 I got Under The Dome this morning and I'm just about to start it - a couple of friends have said this is definitely King edging back towards his best writing so I'm looking forward to it Think i'll take the plunge and start it this weekend. Hopefully as good as people say - let me know how you get on with it and I'll do likewise - enjoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beccles Posted November 13, 2009 Share Posted November 13, 2009 I agree The Dome will be the new Stand IT quality book 70% off the new King Hardback in WH Smiths Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sedge Posted November 13, 2009 Share Posted November 13, 2009 I grabbed it yesterday and what I've heard from hardcore fans is very promising! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peacefield Posted November 14, 2009 Share Posted November 14, 2009 If this new one is 'old school' King then I will seriously consider investing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muggle not Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 I am on the list at the library for Under the Dome. I am number 30 and they have bought 6 books so I guess that means I am #5. my worry is that they only allow you to keep a book 14 days and I am sure I can't finish it in that short period. maybe I better buy the book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle Posted November 15, 2009 Author Share Posted November 15, 2009 I started it last night, and it certainly has the feel of 'old King' so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LosBarbados Posted November 16, 2009 Share Posted November 16, 2009 I like Stephen King, but after some book I have admit, he is foreseeable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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