What's your favorite book by Stephen King?

These are actually the two I liked least of all his I read. I liked The Stand, but *hated* the ending. It wasn't until later, when I'd learned more about literature and writing, that I realized the ending had to be a deus ex machina because that is how Victorian novels work. Had I known that little tidbit before I'd read it, it might have been one of my favorites. I have the new version (the "author's edit" he released) and have for years, but I don't know where it is. If I ever find it, I may reread it one day and see what I think. The Tommyknockers sucked out loud.

Well, I don't think the Tommyknockers sucked - I just hated what happened in the book. Poor Pete - that really killed me. But I though the book that the usual, excellently written Stephen King fare. He just sucks me in with his story telling - even in the books that scare me so bad I want to not just put them down, but get them out of the house. Like Gerald's Game. That was one awful story - but the story-telling was fantastic.

I absolutely love The Stand. Sometimes I just get hungry for that book, like you get hungry for a certain food, ya know? And Tommyknockers is another one - great book.

I just remmebered my fav book of his..I forgot..weird..his non-fiction book about the craft of writing is my favorite of his...some good insight and motivation was in there

You know, I've never read that one. I keep meaning to get it and then never do. This is a good reminder for me. I have got to get that book! Thanks for the recommendation.

Oh, how could we forget Talisman and Black House! Those were fantastic!!! You know, I really, really LOVE his short stories. And some of the best Stephen King movies have come from his short stories - The Shawshank Redemption, Stand By Me, The Secret Garden - all came from a short story. But I have to say, I've never found any of his works dull - maybe long-winded at times, but never dull.

Most of the movies are fairly lame and he has nothing particular to do with them...to indeed get a true feel of Mr. King one has to read I think there should be more movie made involvign Dean Kootnz books...Koontz is very soured over his dealings with Hollywood though and dislikes how they tend to make his books into film

Oh, you've gotta try some of his books, mcmomss. They are sooooo much better than the movies. There's just no way to put everything in his books into the movies. He's a great story-teller. BTW, that is such a cute picture you have there!

I'm not a big fan of Dean Koontz. I think he wrote 2 good books - Watchers & Strangers - and then went to formula writing. Every book after those is so predictable. But I have to agree with you about how Hollywood treats the books of both of them. I mean, really, Watchers was one of the greatest books I've ever read and Hollywood turned it into a bad C movie.

Wow! 30 pages in high school! But there really was so much material in that book. It was fantastic! I can understand why you picked it as a favorite.

I read the books before I watched the moves for both of them. I was in my room under the cover squeezing my pillow when I watched "IT" I watched it when I was 15 or 16. It was pretty scary movie to me when my family didnt watch it with me.

Two really good ones, maya. And I think "It" is the most popular around here, so far. I also liked the movie.

I didn't start reading Stephen King until I was in my 30's. Don't know why - just was never exposed to him. I'm really glad I didn't read him as a teenager. I never would have gotten a decent night's sleep! I think his books are much scarier than the movies. His descriptions are so full and rich - they put you right there with the monsters.

I love "Watchers!" And "Strangers." I think those are the 2 best that Dean Koontz has ever written. Wow, shoes, Bob Seger and now books. Polly1, you're my kinda lady. Plus, I love your profile pic!!! Maxine is one of my favorties! If you're a blogger, or ever have an interest in blogging, please come check out BlogFeast. Several of us came over here to make a few cents but we spend alot of time over there and have a great time.

I like Dean Koontz,and Graham Masterton is good too!

Yeah, I have not read the Bachman books since I was a teenager. But they are depressing, although I do think that his stuff is already so dark to begin with.

Yes, you are right. Even writing as King he has alot of dark stuff. But most of it has a happy - or successful ending. Those Bachman books all have depressing endings, even. But then, I guess I started reading him because I liked the dark nature of his books. And I've alway wondered why I gravitated to this dark material. I'm usually such a sunny person. Interesting, what we choose to read.

I love The Eye of the Dragon, too. I say I don't like the Richard Bachman books because they are so depressing. But it's true that they are just so well written. I remember an author's note Stephen King left one time where he said Richard Bachman wasn't a very nice guy. That certainly comes through in the Bachman stories, but Stephen King's story-telling talent also comes through.

Oooo, yeah. "It" is a great one! See, I love just about everything he's ever written - except the Richard Bachman books. So, I have a really hard time picking one. And I have to agree with you, I do not like Jack Torance. He's a self-indulgent butt (apparently you can't use certain words around here)!

Rage (Bachman) is another favorite, but it's out of print now. It's the only one of his books/stories that he consciously took out of print due to all the school shootings and etc. I actually liked the movie, Running Man, better than the book.

It's been so many years since I read the Bachman books that I don't even remember what Rage was about. I remember The Running Man and Thinner because of the movies.

Oh yeah, that was one of my favorites. So different from the general perception of Stephen King writing but so typical, as well. I hit the movie the first night it came out, too.

It is amazing. It gives you a fantastic read and it's full of hope and yet bittersweet at the same time.

I really liked It, too. I even liked the movie, even though it was a low grade production. Good stories sometimes just can't be ruined by a bad movie.