Stephen King's Best Novel?

I quite liked the regulators, although i didn't think the whole novel lived up to the start but it is certainly an eg of an excellent action scene. I preferred desperation, though.
 
I started reading his stuff when I was about 8, my older sister having passed them down to me (I know, I'm going to hope my folks were simply unaware of the content of his books and that's why they weren't ripped from my little hands). Over the years I've read the majority of his stuff and quite liked everything with one exception. I've started reading Pet Cemetary three times and could never get into it. I think it's the only book in my life I could not struggle through. Not sure why I had such a hard time with it as many rank it among his best. I agree his earlier work was by far his best, though I really liked Under the Dome. In part I do think his decline was related to his popularity allowing him to bypass extensive editing, but IMO, I believe it had more to do with what happened to him after the accident he had several years back. That seems to be where the line is as far as "earlier work" and "later work." Either way though, he's still a great writer, especially considering how prolific he is.
 
My favorite King book is the Shining. I have reread it more times than any other of his books. I agree with the original post that his original novels and short stories are his best. There has been a steady decline in his work in the nineties, Needful Things was rubbish. So when a friend told me that I would love 11/22/63 I was skeptical but I blew right through that book. It was really good. An interesting take on alternate history from one of the greatest horror writers.
 
Black House? That was one of biggest disappointments. I absolutely love The Talisman and it's one of my top 5 reads, maybe even top 3. I was soooo looking forward to Black House, yet found it slow, dreary and dull. I'd even go as far to say it's one of the worst King books I've ever read.
 
My fave stephen king novel is Pet Sematary , I've read it tons of times and never get bored of it :) Really creepy
 
How about 11/22/63?

I thought it was brilliant. The time travel aspect was beautifully handled, with wonderful attention to detail (the way food tasted way back when, for example). i also loved the fact that the protagonist didn't just pop into the past to carry out his mission - he had to stay there for five years, building a whole new life from scratch.

Plus, the two main characters are hugely appealing and I really cared about them. It's not too often you see that in genre fiction. And of course it helps if you like time travel, which I do - and the Kennedy assassination, which I've read a lot about. Some readers may find parts of the book a bit long, but for me it was almost perfect.
 
My favorite, without question, is "IT" because of its many layers and subplots and detailed memories of America in the 50s and 60s. "Dead Zone" comes second. I loved Johnny as a character.

I liked the "Langoliers" too, partly because I enjoy reading about airplanes.

I need to read the Dark Tower series sometime.
 
The Shining. Check out King's interview on BBC breakfast regarding Dr Sleep, illuminating comments about The Shining which prove what we all knew anyway......the book was always superior to the film
 
Who knows? He has so many and I have not read them all. Here is a list of the ones I know I have read

Eye of the Dragon (too many years ago to really remember)
Gunslinger
Dark Tower II
Duma Key
The Dead Zone
The Mist
Cell
Under the Dome
11/22/63
The Long Walk
Desperation
Needful Things
Dreamcatcher

I have also read a couple of his short story compilations which are great.

I am not even sure which would be my favorite out of these...

I do have IT, The Stand, and Bag of Bones to read

I want to read his new one Doctor Sleep..do I need to read the Shining first ( I know the story and have seen a couple adaptations of it)

11/22/63 was a great read and one of my favorites...I will also agree that The Dead Zone was a great book.
 
ratsy said:
Who knows? He has so many and I have not read them all. Here is a list of the ones I know I have read

Eye of the Dragon (too many years ago to really remember)
Gunslinger
Dark Tower II
Duma Key
The Dead Zone
The Mist
Cell
Under the Dome
11/22/63
The Long Walk
Desperation
Needful Things
Dreamcatcher

I have also read a couple of his short story compilations which are great.

I am not even sure which would be my favorite out of these...

I do have IT, The Stand, and Bag of Bones to read

I want to read his new one Doctor Sleep..do I need to read the Shining first ( I know the story and have seen a couple adaptations of it)

11/22/63 was a great read and one of my favorites...I will also agree that The Dead Zone was a great book.
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I hated 11/22/63 and nearly gave up King after it! I love that we're all so different. :) i love The Dead Zone, though. :)

Ratsy, from those missing, I think Salem's Lot is a biggy - it is one of his best and I'd thoroughly recommend it, the characterisation is wonderful. Also, Firestarter - if you like Dead Zone, I think you'd like it. And The Stand is immensely fab, especially the first half.
 
Cool thanks Springs. Yeah I can see peeps not loving 11/22/63 but I loved it and ate up all the boring details. The Stand used to be one of my favorite shows...I have the DVD of the miniseries and I fully know the book has to be way better than the adaptation.

I have been picking up odd King books in used stores if I see them. That way I have them to read when I get to them and don't feel bad for spending full price and letting them gather dust. I will add Salems Lot to the list :)
 
My favourites in no particular order: Carrie, The Dead Zone, IT, Misery, The Shining, 11.22.63, 'Salem's Lot, Insomnia and his Bachman books especially The Long Walk.

I've got to say I didn't really enjoy The Stand. Only made it about 200 pages before abandoning it but I was quite young (13) at the time and keep meaning to give it another go :)
 
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