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Darkthoughts
05-30-2007, 02:03 AM
I don't think I could narrow it down to just one, but my top 5 are:

IT
Eyes of the Dragon
Black House
Lisey's Story
Insomnia

Even a top 5's quite hard...and subject to change, I mean, I'd like to put Firestarter in there aswell - I think thats highly underrated. Green Mile, Shawshank and The Body are also vying for a place. And theres a few like The Shining and Salem's Lot that I haven't read for such a long time, that I'd probably want to stick them in after a reread.

Anyway - right here and now...what are yours?

Letti
05-30-2007, 03:46 AM
I don't have a Top List but I think one of my forever favourites is Dolores.
The Eyes of the Dragon rocked my heart too.

ManOfWesternesse
05-30-2007, 03:56 AM
Hmmmm! Top 5 non-DT...

[1] The Stand
[2] It
[3] The Long Walk
[4] The Talisman
[5] Black House

(that started out easy (# 1,2,& 3), after that there were a hell of a lot of options)

Jean
05-30-2007, 04:08 AM
The Stand and It, without any doubt

got to think of the rest (too many indeed... 'Salem's Lot and Shawshank and Desperation and Needful Things and Misery, and The Shining ... and The Dead Zone... and Pet Sematary... and Black House, of course!)

Odetta
05-30-2007, 06:24 AM
1) The Stand, definitely!
2) Misery
3) Night Shift
4) Pet Sematary
5) THe Shining

Hannah
05-30-2007, 06:37 AM
Good idea for a thread!


The Talisman
Hearts in Atlantis
Bag of Bones
The Shining
Different Seasons

Jean
05-30-2007, 06:47 AM
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear_unsure.gif big surprise http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear_unsure.gif
I was almost 100% sure The Stand and It will be everywhere...

Hannah
05-30-2007, 06:56 AM
I haven't read The Stand since I was 18. I remember liking it, but I don't remember liking it as much as the other books in my top five. Also, IT was a great book, but just not as good as those others to me. I think I'm in the minority with my favorites, especially The Talisman from what I've heard.

Jean
05-30-2007, 06:59 AM
Well, personally, I am not crazy about The Talisman, but a lot of people like it... though probably not that much as to name it their favorite.

I think I'll post some statistical calculations on, say, every third page, which will show the rating of the books basing on previous posts. The results might be interesting.

Hannah
05-30-2007, 07:36 AM
Oh, some statistics! Standard deviations!

I love Talisman enough that I'm planning on naming the baby (if its a boy) after Jack Sawyer.

ManOfWesternesse
05-30-2007, 07:40 AM
I haven't read The Stand since I was 18. I remember liking it, but I don't remember liking it as much as the other books in my top five. Also, IT was a great book, but just not as good as those others to me. I think I'm in the minority with my favorites, especially The Talisman from what I've heard.

I've got The Talisman in the top 5 Hannah! :dance:
But then I've also got both The Stand and It! :rock:

Hannah
05-30-2007, 08:10 AM
You're the only one.

Now we're Talisman buddies. :couple:

Jean
05-30-2007, 08:12 AM
Hannah: did you read Black House?

Chassit
05-30-2007, 08:12 AM
IT
The Stand
Salem's Lot
Pet Semetary
Eyes of the Dragon


XIX

Ruki
05-30-2007, 08:21 AM
hearts in atlantis
black house
it
different seasons
the stand

Hannah
05-30-2007, 08:25 AM
Hannah: did you read Black House?

It's in my purse right now, waiting for me to read it. I just have to finish the book I'm reading now. I've heard that it's really good.

Jean
05-30-2007, 08:26 AM
great! It's one of my favorites

funky dredd
05-30-2007, 08:28 AM
IT
Eyes of the Dragon
The Stand
The Long Walk
Salem's Lot

Rjeso
05-30-2007, 09:46 AM
IT
The Stand
Dreamcatcher
The Talisman
Skeleton Crew (my first SK book, so it has always been near and dear to me)

Jean
05-30-2007, 09:50 AM
after much banging of head against wall:

1. It.
2. The Stand.
3. Desperation.
4. Misery.
5. Black House.

(And Shawshank?! And - )

::does more banging of head against wall::

Matt
05-30-2007, 09:58 AM
The Stand first for me no matter what--after that, its gets hazy.

Eyes
Bag of Bones
The Long Walk
The Talisman

Erin
05-30-2007, 10:29 AM
1. The Stand
2. Needful Things......I was crazy about this book. I thought it was fantastic.
3. Firestarter
4. Dreamcatcher
5. Carrie

Cutter
05-30-2007, 10:43 AM
In no particular order:
The Stand
It
Pet Sematary
The Talisman
The Green Mile

btw, Erin I'm a fan of Needful Things, too!

Darkthoughts
05-30-2007, 11:36 AM
Twelve years ago I would've put Talisman as my favourite, but I re-read it a couple of years back and it didn't have the same impact...I was still in love with Jack and Wolf, but Black House stole its thunder.

Whats The Long Walk about? Thats one I haven't read at all.

Jean
05-30-2007, 11:39 AM
The Long Walk is the best Bachman book I've read so far (haven't read Roadwork or Rage yet). I wouldn't like to spoil it for you; it is really good. For me, it's about humanity overcoming inhuman circumstances... if written by King as King, it might even have triumphed in the end...

Darkthoughts
05-30-2007, 11:54 AM
I'll definately check it out then :)

Odetta
05-30-2007, 12:33 PM
agreed... The Long Walk is really, really good!

MonteGss
05-30-2007, 12:38 PM
Well these are not in order cuz that is too difficult but there they are:

The Stand
It
EOTD
Black House
Firestarter

Darkthoughts
05-30-2007, 12:44 PM
I'm really glad Firestarter has been in more than one list - alot of people I know didn't dig it, but I think its one of his best.

Chassit
05-30-2007, 02:59 PM
The Long Walk is the best Bachman book I've read so far (haven't read Roadwork or Rage yet). I wouldn't like to spoil it for you; it is really good. For me, it's about humanity overcoming inhuman circumstances... if written by King as King, it might even have triumphed in the end...

I agree.

XIX

Randall Flagg
05-30-2007, 03:43 PM
The Stand
The Shining
Pet Semetary
It
Christine

ZoNeSeeK
05-30-2007, 04:31 PM
Ah :)

The Stand
The Eyes of the Dragon
Insomnia
The Talisman
IT

Daghain
05-30-2007, 04:42 PM
I totally did not like It. I wasn't too big on Black House either.

My five would be

The Stand
Misery
The Green Mile
The Long Walk
Pet Sematary

I plan to spend my summer re-reading all my King novels, though, so this list may change. :D

sarah
05-30-2007, 04:52 PM
blast this thread! You're stressing me out.

grrr. i can't pick

Frunobulax
05-30-2007, 06:46 PM
They change weekly, but right now:
1. The Stand
2. Black House/The Talisman
3. The Bachman Books
4. 'Salem's Lot
5. IT

VolsToTheWall
05-30-2007, 06:58 PM
The Stand
It
The Long Walk
'Salem's Lot
The Talisman

Frunobulax
05-30-2007, 08:01 PM
Holy shit--I misread the title completely.....I need to start smoking again so I can focus....

Steve
05-30-2007, 08:12 PM
1.) The Stand
2.) It
3.) Lisey's Story
4.) 'Salem's Lot
5.) The Shining

Darkthoughts
05-31-2007, 02:58 AM
I plan to spend my summer re-reading all my King novels, though, so this list may change. :D
Thats something I totally have to do! Theres a few I haven't read at all that I need to get too.

RF - I loved your top 5, you're old skool!! :D

I put IT in my list because, Dark Tower aside, I think theres this unofficial group of books that hes written that are like monuments in his career - books like IT, The Stand, The Shining etc - and I wanted to include one of them for posterity...IT was my obvious choice. If I took it out I'd probably replace it with Firestarter or The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon.

ZoNeSeeK
05-31-2007, 03:44 AM
blast this thread! You're stressing me out.

grrr. i can't pick

Have a beer. And some chips. And just think of the ones that you would want to re-read with no hesitation.

Odetta
05-31-2007, 06:22 AM
I wasn't too big on Black House either.


I agree with you completely... a real let-down.

Darkthoughts
05-31-2007, 06:36 AM
^In what way?

Odetta
05-31-2007, 06:49 AM
well... I really enjoyed the Talisman... Black House didn't "hook" me right away like most SK books do. I started it about 5 times and I had to force myself to read until I go about a third of the way through.
without giving away any spoilers, I found that Black House lacked the feel that The Talisman had.

tamez
05-31-2007, 07:39 AM
It
Hearts In Atlantis
Lisey's Story
The Stand
The Shining

Rjeso
05-31-2007, 08:50 AM
well... I really enjoyed the Talisman... Black House didn't "hook" me right away like most SK books do. I started it about 5 times and I had to force myself to read until I go about a third of the way through.
without giving away any spoilers, I found that Black House lacked the feel that The Talisman had.

Ditto that. Talisman is in my top five, but Black House made it nowhere near my tops list. The story's fine, but the book felt so much more forced than Talisman did, especially in the way it was connected to the DT series. I was content with letting it be it's own thing, instead of conniving to make it fit with all the DT stuff.

Brice
05-31-2007, 09:04 AM
I simply can't do it. :cry:



only five?:pullhair:

Cuthbert Allbad
05-31-2007, 11:16 AM
The Complete and Unedited version of The Stand
The Shining
The Dead Zone
Desperation
Misery

Have never red Rose Madder or The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon. But...they are on my list.

Jean
05-31-2007, 11:27 AM
Have never red Rose Madder or The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon. But...they are on my list.
They are both good - not great, to my personal taste, but good, especially The Girl.

Daghain
05-31-2007, 12:55 PM
well... I really enjoyed the Talisman... Black House didn't "hook" me right away like most SK books do. I started it about 5 times and I had to force myself to read until I go about a third of the way through.
without giving away any spoilers, I found that Black House lacked the feel that The Talisman had.

My sentiments exactly.

Randall Flagg
05-31-2007, 02:28 PM
RF - I loved your top 5, you're old skool!! :D

It's easy to be old school when you are old.

Randall Flagg
05-31-2007, 02:30 PM
They change weekly, but right now:
1. The Stand
2. Black House/The Talisman
3. The Bachman Books
4. 'Salem's Lot
5. IT

Fruno,
The Bachman Books = 4 books.
Black House/ Talisman = 2 books.

Nice way to get 9 books in your top 5.:orely:

Frunobulax
05-31-2007, 04:53 PM
I consider them to be volumes--halves that make up one entity. And Bachman was issued as a 4 book omnibus--so it's one to me. Same as the Talisman/Black House gift set. So there. :P

Randall Flagg
05-31-2007, 05:09 PM
In that case,
I'll go with
1. The Stand
2. Pet Semetary
3. It
4. The Bachman Books
5. Stephen King Omnibus
Now I have 11 books in my top 5.:P

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/853/omnibusjr7.jpg

Ruthful
05-31-2007, 06:54 PM
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear_unsure.gif big surprise http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear_unsure.gif
I was almost 100% sure The Stand and It will be everywhere...

Probably, so I'll skip to the chase and list the remaining three.

Okay, four.

I'll combine The Talisman and Black House into what would be the ultimate Stephen King novel I like more than any others he's written/published, save those two.

I'd like to say Misery-since it's such a great book-but I actually enjoy Pet Sematary more in terms of being his all-time best "horror" novel.

I'd round it out with some Bachman books-always my favorite-The Long Walk, Roadwork-YAR-and The Running Man.

Honorable mention:

-The Eyes of the Dragon

-Bag of Bones

-The Shining

-Carrie

-Gerald's Game

-The Dead Zone

-Rose Madder

Spencer
05-31-2007, 08:24 PM
1. Desperation
2. The Stand
3. The Talisman
4. Insomnia
5. It

ZoNeSeeK
05-31-2007, 10:50 PM
Ours are almost the same spence :)

CRinVA
06-01-2007, 01:10 PM
1 - The Stand
2 - IT
3 - The Green Mile
4 - Bag of Bones
5 - The SHining

In no particular order other than the Stand as #1! :-)

The honorable mentions list would be way too long!

Frunobulax
06-01-2007, 11:27 PM
In that case,
I'll go with
1. The Stand
2. Pet Semetary
3. It
4. The Bachman Books
5. Stephen King Omnibus
Now I have 11 books in my top 5.:P

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/853/omnibusjr7.jpg

Smart ass....:P

Cuthbert Allbad
06-06-2007, 09:53 AM
I consider them to be volumes--halves that make up one entity. And Bachman was issued as a 4 book omnibus--so it's one to me. Same as the Talisman/Black House gift set. So there. :P


Read Talisman when it first came out. Is a re-read needed in order for me to enjoy Black House??

Matt
06-06-2007, 10:01 AM
I wouldn't think so. I read Black House first and then realized it was a second. The stories themselves pretty much stand alone imo.

Frunobulax
06-06-2007, 10:07 AM
They only have minor connections.

Ruki
06-06-2007, 10:10 AM
my opinion on that is that it depends on how much time you have. it isn't really necessary, black house isn't a continuation of the original story. but there are some elements you'll enjoy more if you get reacquainted with jack and the territories, if you have time for a quick reread it would be a good idea.

chrismart83
06-20-2007, 02:29 PM
1. IT
2. Hearts in atlantis
3. The dead zone
4. Salems' Lot
5. The Stand

Patrick
06-29-2007, 12:00 AM
In no particular order:

The Talisman
Hearts In Atlantis
Dead Zone
Different Seasons
Pet Sematary


I'm not considering Bachman because the question was about King books. ;)
And I have yet to read the ever-popular IT.

Cutter
06-29-2007, 09:50 AM
In no particular order:
And I have yet to read the ever-popular IT.

What the heck are you waiting for Patrick? Go out and buy it today, are start reading it tonight. And no excuses. Chop-Chop

:lol:

Anyway, it's obviously a real good one by King, and a must to read.

Frunobulax
07-07-2007, 02:16 PM
Patrick, don't make me hunt you down and force you to read IT.

Wuducynn
07-07-2007, 07:00 PM
Patrick, don't make me hunt you down and force you to read IT.

Do it! Do it! Do it!

Wuducynn
07-07-2007, 07:04 PM
1. It

2. Insomnia

3. The Stand

4. Black House

5. Bag of Bones

Tvmorbid
07-08-2007, 01:55 PM
1. IT

2. Desperation

3. Black House

4. The Shining

5. Nightmares and Dreamscapes

Jake Chambers
07-09-2007, 12:32 PM
Yo I got my faves right here peeps...

1. The Stand

2. The Dead Zone

3. The Long Walk

4. IT

5. Skeleton Crew (basically because of The Mist...which there will also be a film of..)

Among my other favs are Rage, The Dark Half, and Insomnia

MaraJShakespeare
09-27-2007, 06:53 PM
As much as I hate being typical, I'll have to go with almost everyone else on the top two, and say The Stand and IT, no question. I love epics, and I love books it takes me longer than two days to read (I tend to read about 200-300 pages, divided between one novel and three or four non-fiction books at any given time, a day). Beyond that, I'll have to go with Fruno in calling The Talisman/Black House/possible future third volume one book, and call it #3. After that? Hmm. . . if these have to be non-DT books, I don't know. I usually list The Drawing of the Three in my top five King novels, but I'll play fair here. . .

Needful Things can be #4, I guess, for the lovely street-gang rumble between the Catholics and the Baptists alone. Now that was funny stuff (and very similar to the way the Council of Nicaea was actually conducted, and the way most domesticated primate theological differences have been settled throughout the common era:onfire: )! Okay, one more. Hmm. . . dammit. All right, I'll go over them all, chronologically, in my head- got it! The Dead Zone. It's not really long, but it is somewhat epic, spanning the decade of the 1970s, and it's a beautiful story, tragic but not totally grim (unlike, say, Pet Semetary or Thinner). The Dead Zone deals with issues most of us will never have to face, fortunately; perhaps it can be summed up as being about what happens when a perfectly regular, decent person is removed forcibly from his life, crosses the abyss (the coma) and is thrust into gnosis for unknown reasons by unknown forces and can do nothing but deal with it. As usual, King provides no easy answers or artificial explanations (as any answers or explanations would inevitably be).

So, to summarise: my top-five non-DT SK novels are:

1. The Stand
2. IT
3. The Talisman/Black House/possible third volume
4. Needful Things
5. The Dead Zone

Thank you, and goodnight.

Storyslinger
09-28-2007, 07:04 AM
1. Eyes of the Dragon
2. It
3. Desperation
4. Black House
5. Blaze

But, it so hard to choose, thats just how the cards fell today

Telynn
09-28-2007, 06:08 PM
The Talisman
The Stand
The Dead Zone
Black House
Eyes of the Dragon

MonteGss
09-29-2007, 07:21 AM
Wow, reading some of these posts makes me want to go back and read some of King's books again to see how I feel. It is so surprising how some people feel. :)
I also am quite surprised how Fruno started up a trend that sees some people putting more than 5 books in there Top 5. :lol:

flair
10-02-2007, 09:23 PM
The Running Man - first real book I ever read
The Stand - I've read this at least a dozen times. first time I was 12 and it took me the whole summer.
Misery - I don't know what it is about the book, but I've spent many weekends going through it.
The Green Mile - another great summer spent with this. I loved the time released between too. I'm surprised it wasn't listed more on here.
Dreamcatcher - you can laugh. I'm ok with that. Something about it though...

Jean
10-02-2007, 10:26 PM
The Running Man - first real book I ever read

Oops - I never finished that one. Started it last spring, and somehow lost interest when there was no more than a dozen pages left to go... it's still lying about, and thank you for reminding me, I think I'll finish it right now.


The Stand - I've read this at least a dozen times. first time I was 12 and it took me the whole summer.
here at least everybody seems to concur...


Misery - I don't know what it is about the book, but I've spent many weekends going through it.
yes, YES!!! I'm re-reading it now, it's absolutely great, it's perfection incarnate.


The Green Mile - another great summer spent with this. I loved the time released between too. I'm surprised it wasn't listed more on here.
... and I am not surprized, because it's another one I've never finished. It's sooooo slooooooowwwwwwwww...


Dreamcatcher - you can laugh. I'm ok with that. Something about it though...
If someone laughs, they will laugh at us both. The book never made my top five, and I doubt it would even make top ten, but I love it nevertheless (all except the last part, about 100 final pages where it's just chewing and re-chewing the same stuff all over again).

RolandDerRevolvermann
10-08-2007, 01:31 PM
I hope the english titles are correct... :-)
If someone ist intrested - der german translation with wordbyword-translation...

[1] Dark Tower IV - Der Dunkle Turm - Glas(The Dark Tower - glas)
[2] The Stand - Das letzte Gefecht(the last fight) //long version
[3] Salem´s Lot - Brennen muss Salem (Salem has to burn)
[4] Blaze - Qual(pain)
[5] It - Es(it) :-) quite simple...

Wuducynn
10-08-2007, 02:51 PM
Very cool, (and welcome by the way) but this is your top five favorite "non" Dark Tower books.

RolandDerRevolvermann
10-08-2007, 03:03 PM
thanks! :-)

and sorry... i didn´t understood DT.... but know i got it :-)

Heather19
10-08-2007, 04:10 PM
My top 2 would easily be It and The Long Walk.
3 would probably be Bag of Bones, and then after that I'm not sure what I would pick, there's too many to choose from.

Matt
10-09-2007, 06:36 AM
We're on the same sheet of music Heather19. I'm not sure I would put IT in the top five but the other two are right on the money.

Wuducynn
10-09-2007, 06:48 AM
I LOVE Bag of Bones..what a great book.

Storyslinger
10-09-2007, 06:49 AM
Bag of Bones was a great book, but it seemed short for how long it was

Wuducynn
10-09-2007, 06:57 AM
but it seemed short for how long it was

This is a common complaint from all my bitches when I'm putting it to 'em.

Storyslinger
10-09-2007, 06:58 AM
:scared:.......................................... ........:lol:



:rofl:

Matt
10-09-2007, 07:00 AM
but it seemed short for how long it was

This is a common complaint from all my bitches when I'm putting it to 'em.

I'm not sure I would brag about it seeming short no matter how long it is. :lol:

Perception is reality after all. :scared:

Storyslinger
10-09-2007, 07:01 AM
HA :lol:

Wuducynn
10-09-2007, 07:08 AM
I'm not sure I would brag about it seeming short no matter how long it is. :lol:

Perception is reality after all. :scared:


Ah, it was so long that the time it took went by too fast. Matt, Matt, Matt good try..A for effort.

Matt
10-09-2007, 07:10 AM
I may have to ask Stephen Hawking about that comment Matthew, doesn't seem plausible. :lol:

Wuducynn
10-09-2007, 07:10 AM
Of course I meant making all my friends read Bag of Bones...I don't know what you guys thought I was talking about. Dirty, dirty, DIRTY minds the lot of you. You should be ashamed.

Storyslinger
10-09-2007, 07:11 AM
Matt, you have a sick mind :P

Ikilledthecrimsonking
10-09-2007, 12:24 PM
1. of course the Stand
2. the long walk
3. the dark half
4. the green mile
5. the deadzone

Matt
10-09-2007, 12:34 PM
hmmm....

ladysai
10-09-2007, 12:40 PM
My top five non-DT SK books:

1. The Stand (of course!)
2. IT
3. The Shining
4. Different Seasons
5. Firestarter

BedOfRoses
10-17-2007, 08:20 PM
In no particular order...

1. The Stand
2. 'Salem's Lot
3. It
4. The Shining
5. Bag of Bones

I still need to read Black House, especially after the conversation in this thread!!!

Storyslinger
10-18-2007, 07:10 AM
Everytime I read one of these posts I nod my head in agree ment, I wish I could just post all his books

Asterisco
10-19-2007, 11:27 AM
1) It.
2) The Green Mile.
3) Hearts In Atlantis.
4) Pet Sematary.
5) 'Salem's Lot

CRinVA
10-29-2007, 05:42 AM
Top 5 is extremely difficult to come up with!

Currently I'd say

1. The Stand
2. The Talisman
3. Bag of Bones
4. The Green Mile
5. IT

Misery and The Dead Zone should be in this list too! Just not enough room! :-)

Ikilledthecrimsonking
11-03-2007, 11:16 AM
i am very suprised that the darkhalf didnt come up that often in this
i thought it was an extremly googd book and ive reread it many times

Rolands_Father
11-03-2007, 12:59 PM
Thaught I'd have seen more of salems' Lot...

But anyway...
:orely:

This is not that easy, but here it goes!

1- The Stand
2-It
3-Salems' Lot
4-Carrie
5-The Green Mile
Whew...

alinda
11-03-2007, 01:45 PM
hmmmm


The Talisman

Insomnia

It

Delores Clairborn

Rage

gunslinger19
11-09-2007, 04:57 AM
1. The Talisman
2. The Stand
3. Black House
4. The Green Mile
5. IT

phenol
12-09-2007, 11:20 PM
1) Salem's Lot
2) Pet Sematary
3) The Shining
4) Carrie
5) The Stand

jayson
12-10-2007, 06:21 AM
1. The Stand
2. It
3. The Talisman/Black House
4. The Shining
5. The Long Walk

CyberGhostface
12-10-2007, 09:16 AM
Hard to choose...

1. It
2. The Shining
3. Hearts in Atlantis
4. Insomnia
5. Eyes of the Dragon

The first two are the ones I feel 100% positive about. The last three are subject to change, although they stick out as some of the books I've enjoyed the most and reread considerably.

TerribleT
12-10-2007, 09:35 AM
The Stand
Pet Semetary
Hearts in Atlantis
Talisman
Salem's Lot

But seriously, given that King is one of my favorite authors, there are a lot of books I could drop into the top five.

NeedfulKings
12-21-2007, 02:03 PM
This is hard. Today's specials are (in no order):

1. It
2. Misery
3. From A Buick 8
4. The Long Walk
5. TheStandNeedfulThingsDesperationTalismanCarrie

Whew! It was hard to pick just 5. I'm glad I managed. :P

To The Dark Tower Came
12-21-2007, 02:43 PM
Let me see,

1. It
2. The Stand
3. Insomnia
4. The Shining
5. Tommyknockers

Tommyknockers was the first King novel I'd ever read, but not my favorite. Besides the DT books, I'd have to say that It is, in my opinion, the most well crafted story. The Stand is a close second, though it does suffer a little drag in the middle.

sarah
12-21-2007, 07:24 PM
It
Carrie
'Salems Lot
Hearts in Atlantis
On Writing

Wuducynn
12-24-2007, 07:09 PM
hmmmm
Insomnia



Hard to choose...
4. Insomnia



Let me see,
3. Insomnia



SCHWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET this is one my all-time favorites too. :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:

Ruthful
12-25-2007, 02:28 AM
I was about halfway through Insomnia before I had to put it down. Thus far it's been captivating, but I'm waiting for the real action to start, i.e. the Crimson King plotline.

ATG
12-25-2007, 08:32 AM
The Stand
The Talisman
The Long Walk
Pet Sematary
It

Jon
12-27-2007, 03:40 AM
1. The Stand unabridged
2. The Stand abridged
3. The Black House
4. Tommyknockers
5. Cell

Ka-tet
03-17-2008, 06:13 AM
1)Pet Semetery(scared the living shit out of me, also puts the movie to shame)
2)The girl who loved tom gordon(i didnt drop the book after picking it up untill i finished it)
3)Cell(not done with it yet but im about halfway through and loving it)
4)Misery(my first SK book)

*Realsiation*

I dont think ive finshed any SK apart from DT and the ones metiond above!! And i own quite a few...

Jean
03-17-2008, 07:37 AM
5. Cell
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear_shocked.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear_shocked.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear_shocked.gif

Brice
03-17-2008, 07:50 AM
I wouldn't put it in my top 5, but I liked cell.

CRinVA
03-17-2008, 08:23 AM
1. The Stand
2. Bag of Bones
3. The Talisman
4. IT
5. The Green Mile

obscurejude
03-17-2008, 09:10 AM
1. Insomnia
2. Talisman
3. Green Mile
4. It
5. Different Seasons

Jean
03-17-2008, 10:48 AM
Since it was impossible to make it a poll (too many options), I will post statistics time to time. The novels are in descending order of popularity, the people in order of appearance in this thread. (CrinVA appeared three times. The third appearance was identical to the second. http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear_wink-1.gif). I included only those votes for Talisman or Black House where they were considered separate novels. I included the conventional collections, though, because, in my arbitrary opinion, a collection is closer to being one "book" than two separate novels.

40 - The Stand: ManOfWesternesse; Odetta; Chassit; Ruki; funky dredd; Rjeso; Jean; Matt; Erin; gguthrie; MonteGss; Randall Flagg; ZoNeSeeK; Daghain; Frunobulax; VolsToTheWall; Steve; tamez; Cuthbert Allbad; Ruthful; Spencer; CrinVA; chrismart83; All_Hail_The_Crimson_King; Jake Chambers; MaraJShakespeare; Telynn; flair; RolandDerRevolvermann; Ikilledthecrimsonking; ladysai; BedOfRoses; Rolands_Father; gunslinger19; phenol; R_of_G; TerribleT; To The Dark Tower Came; ATG; Jon

38 - It: Darkthoughts; ManOfWesternesse; Chassit; Ruki; funky dredd; Rjeso; Jean; gguthrie; MonteGss; Randall Flagg; ZoNeSeeK; Frunobulax; VolsToTheWall; Steve; tamez; Ruthful; Spencer; CrinVA; chrismart83; All_Hail_The_Crimson_King; Tvmorbid; Jake Chambers; MaraJShakespeare; Storyslinger; RolandDerRevolvermann; ladysai; BedOfRoses; Asterisco; Rolands_Father; alinda; gunslinger19; R_of_G; CyberGhostface; NeedfulKings; To The Dark Tower Came; maerlyn; ATG; obscurejude

16 - The Talisman: ManOfWesternesse; Hannah; Rjeso; Matt; gguthrie; ZoNeSeeK; VolsToTheWall; Spencer; Patrick; Telynn; CrinVA; alinda; gunslinger19; TerribleT; ATG; obscurejude

13 - ‘Salem’s Lot: Chassit; funky dredd; Frunobulax; VolsToTheWall; Steve; chrismart83; RolandDerRevolvermann; BedOfRoses; Asterisco; Rolands_Father; phenol; TerribleT; maerlyn

11 - The Shining: Odetta; Randall Flagg; Steve; tamez; Cuthbert Allbad; ladysai; BedOfRoses; phenol; R_of_G; CyberGhostface; To The Dark Tower Came

11 - Black House: Darkthoughts; ManOfWesternesse; Ruki; Jean; MonteGss; All_Hail_The_Crimson_King; Tvmorbid; Storyslinger; Telynn; gunslinger19; Jon

11 - Pet Sematary: Odetta; Chassit; gguthrie; Randall Flagg; Daghain; Patrick; Asterisco; phenol; TerribleT; Ka-tet; ATG

10 - Eyes of the Dragon: Darkthoughts; Letti; Chassit; funky dredd; Matt; MonteGss; ZoNeSeeK; Storyslinger; Telynn; CyberGhostface

10 - The Long Walk: funky dredd; Matt; ManOfWesternesse; Daghain; VolsToTheWall; Jake Chambers; Ikilledthecrimsonking; R_of_G; NeedfulKings; ATG

9 - Hearts in Atlantis: Hannah; Ruki; tamez; chrismart83; Patrick; Asterisco; CyberGhostface; TerribleT; maerlyn

9 - The Green Mile: gguthrie; Daghain; CrinVA; flair; Ikilledthecrimsonking; Asterisco; Rolands_Father; gunslinger19; obscurejude

8 - Misery: Odetta; Jean; Daghain; Cuthbert Allbad; Ruthful; flair; NeedfulKings; Ka-tet

8 - Insomnia: Darkthoughts; ZoNeSeeK; Spencer; All_Hail_The_Crimson_King; alinda; CyberGhostface; To The Dark Tower Came; obscurejude

7 - The Dead Zone: Cuthbert Allbad; chrismart83; Patrick; Jake Chambers; MaraJShakespeare; Telynn; Ikilledthecrimsonking

5 - Bag of Bones: Hannah; Matt; CrinVA; All_Hail_The_Crimson_King; BedOfRoses

5 - Different Seasons: Hannah; Ruki; Patrick; ladysai; obscurejude

5 - Desperation: Jean; Cuthbert Allbad; Spencer; Tvmorbid; Storyslinger

4 - Carrie: Erin; Rolands_Father; phenol; maerlyn

3 - Dreamcatcher: Rjeso; Erin; flair

3 - Firestarter: Erin; MonteGss; ladysai

3 - Lisey’s Story: Darkthoughts; Steve; tamez

2 - Dolores Clayborne: Letti; alinda

2 - Skeleton Crew: Rjeso; Jake Chambers

2 - Needful Things: Erin; MaraJShakespeare

2 - Blaze: Storyslinger; RolandDerRevolvermann

2 - The Tommyknockers: To The Dark Tower Came; Jon

1 - Christine: Randall Flagg

1 - Night Shift: Odetta

1- Nightmares and Dreamscapes: Tvmorbid

1 - The Running Man: flair

1 - The Dark Half: Ikilledthecrimsonking

1 - Rage: alinda

1 - From a Buick 8: NeedfulKings

1 - The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon: Ka-tet

ladysai
03-17-2008, 01:05 PM
That's an awesome compilation, Jean.
Nicely done. :D

jhanic
03-17-2008, 03:25 PM
I'm a bit surprised Duma Key isn't up there somewhere. It definitely rates in my top 5:

1. The Stand (Uncut)
2. Bag of Bones
3. Dolores Claiborne
4. Green Mile
5. Duma Key

This list changes often for me, though, especially places 3 through 5. Other "nominees" include It, Insomnia, Salem's Lot. I go through stages where I want to reread certain ones.

John

obscurejude
03-17-2008, 04:07 PM
Thank you for the ever attentive eye Jean. :thumbsup:

Heather19
03-17-2008, 04:13 PM
1. It
2. Bag of Bones
3. The Long Walk
4. Duma Key
5. The Shining

Ikilledthecrimsonking
03-17-2008, 04:30 PM
wow jean that must of took some time thank you

im sad nobody else picked the Darkhalf :(

mia/susannah
03-17-2008, 04:43 PM
This is going to be very hard. So here goes:

1. The Shining
2. The Stand
3. The Dark Half
4. Duma key
5. Talisman

There are so many more I could list. But I won't. :orely:

MonteGss
03-17-2008, 06:13 PM
3 - Firestarter: Erin; MonteGss; ladysai


Erin!!! Did you see this!?! :)
We agree on something else! :)

Jean
03-17-2008, 11:29 PM
wow jean that must of took some time thank you

im sad nobody else picked the Darkhalf :(
No, it didn't take that long, I have a set procedure for such things. I'll do the same with that other thread about the least liked novel, probably tomorrow.

As far as the Darkhalf is concerned, it's certainly one of my favorite. In my personal top five, the top four are indisputable (It, The Stand, Black House, Desperation), while the fifth is subject to change. Now it's Misery, but might become The Dark Half, Needful Things, or The Dead Zone next time.




3 - Firestarter: Erin; MonteGss; ladysai


Erin!!! Did you see this!?! :)
We agree on something else! :)
That was the main reason why I compiled the list, to see what alliances would be created.

alinda
03-18-2008, 05:07 AM
Thanks Jean, as always you are the consumate "librarian".
I do agree that the # 5 book is subject to change. Where
for instance did I come up with Rage? I did enjoy the book,
but was surprized to see it on my on compulation list.
PS. It maybe that my drive to work that day was more
frustrating than usual, and I had a bit of rage myself.:unsure:

ManOfWesternesse
03-18-2008, 05:23 AM
Nice work, sai-Librarian.

Lord_Vertigo
03-18-2008, 07:20 AM
The Stand
Desperation
Bag of Bones
On Writing
Insomnia

Ikilledthecrimsonking
03-18-2008, 04:56 PM
This is going to be very hard. So here goes:

1. The Shining
2. The Stand
3. The Dark Half
4. Duma key
5. Talisman

There are so many more I could list. But I won't. :orely:

Hell yeah thats 2 for the DARKHALF

Girlystevedave
03-20-2008, 09:02 AM
I can't believe I never posted in here...so:

1. The Talisman
2. Desperation
3. The Eyes of the Dragon
4. Night Shift
5. The Dead Zone

blackrose22
03-20-2008, 09:55 AM
1. IT
2. The Stand
3. The Dead Zone
4. Needful Things
5. Hearts In Atlantis

The first four were easy to decide but the fifth one was so hard as the amount to choose from.

LadyHitchhiker
03-20-2008, 01:46 PM
The Stand
The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Prince Bride
The Neverending Story
Many Waters

jhanic
03-20-2008, 06:37 PM
Lady, these are supposed to be Stephen King (non-DT) books! I agree that your non-King selections are excellent, by the way!

John

aurora
03-20-2008, 07:19 PM
1 - The Stand (one of my top ten fav period!)
2 - The Shinning
3 - It
4 - The Talisman
5 - Tommyknockers (don't ask I don't know, I just like it)

Have not read BlackHouse yet.

obscurejude
03-20-2008, 11:08 PM
1 - The Stand (one of my top ten fav period!)
2 - The Shinning
3 - It
4 - The Talisman
5 - Tommyknockers (don't ask I don't know, I just like it)

Have not read BlackHouse yet.

Read Black House. Right now. Drop out of school and just read it. No, turn the TV off. Put the hot pocket back in the freezer. The dog can fend for itself. Overcome your bodily functions. Just read it.

Jean
03-21-2008, 12:11 AM
hear, hear!!!

aurora
03-21-2008, 05:51 AM
That good huh?!
Since I have not read 'The Talisman' since its week of release would it be beneficial to read it again first?

jayson
03-21-2008, 06:16 AM
Aurora - i don't think a re-read of Talisman before Black House is needed, so long as you remember the main elements of Talisman. what you might enjoy is a re-read AFTER you finish Black House. i agree with ryan, drop everything and go read it.

Wuducynn
03-21-2008, 07:10 AM
hear, hear!!!

Strongly seconded. :harrier:

LadyHitchhiker
03-21-2008, 01:32 PM
Lady, these are supposed to be Stephen King (non-DT) books! I agree that your non-King selections are excellent, by the way!

John

:lol: Sorry.

Alright so here we go:

#1 The Stand
#2 Talisman
#3 Dreamcatcher
#4 Firestarter
#5 Carrie

ladysai
03-21-2008, 08:04 PM
#4 Firestarter


Yay! Another vote for Firestarter!
:rock:

dante
03-25-2008, 09:29 AM
I love threads like this! I'm such a sucker for list-making :)

Hmmm.... Ok.

1. Black House
2. The Stand
3. Bag of Bones
4. The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon
5. The Dead Zone

There's so many more I want to put in there though!! The Green Mile, Misery, The Shining, Carrie, Everything's Eventual...... argh!!! :panic: :lol:

dante
03-25-2008, 09:32 AM
hear, hear!!!

Strongly seconded. :harrier:

If that's for a read of Black House, then definitely huuuuuuuuuuuugely thirded as well! :clap:

jemaher
03-25-2008, 02:31 PM
1) The Stand complete and uncut
2) The Stand original
3) Dead Zone
4) Pet Cemetery (Scared the shit out of me!)
5) Different Seasons

jemaher
03-26-2008, 09:13 AM
I would love to see frank darbonet try his hand at adapting breathing methods. I would hope it was more like the green mile and shawshank, as i must admit a large dissatisfaction with the MIST.

Darkthoughts
04-03-2008, 08:09 AM
3 - Firestarter: Erin; MonteGss; ladysai


Erin!!! Did you see this!?! :)
We agree on something else! :)

I'm nearly there, I put this in my original post:

Even a top 5's quite hard...and subject to change, I mean, I'd like to put Firestarter in there aswell - I think thats highly underrated.
;)

tl1233
04-10-2008, 11:53 AM
1.IT = has to be my favourite book period only read the book about 3 years ago and its so much better than the tv film since then iv read it more than ten times
2.Pet sematary= great characters, really puts a shiver up ur spine and finally a character in a book that would do what id have done (come on ever heard of 3rd times the charm :p)
3.the eyes of the dragon=when i first read this found it subpar fantasy since then i read the whole thing in a few hours and couldnt put it down great to see another side of RF
4.the shining=for obvious reasons :p
5.desperation= this was a hard one to pick i was gonna pick the stand but the "you have the right to remain silent im going to kill you you have a right to an attorney" line had me rollin about for days its so monty python

John_and_Yoko
04-23-2008, 07:32 PM
I haven't really read enough to have five top non-Dark Tower books, but I particularly wanted to give one of them honorable mention.

Insomnia--LOVED it! I couldn't put it down, which I can only also say about the Dark Tower books themselves! :D

Anyway, I suppose I could do three non-Dark Tower books, but five will have to wait until I've actually read more. I'm not going to count the movies I've seen based on his works until I've actually read the written originals.

1. Insomnia
2. The Shining
3. The Eyes of the Dragon

Seymour_Glass
04-26-2008, 01:51 PM
In no particular order:

The Stand
The Long Walk
It
Rage
'Salem's Lot

This is probably going to change later today...

MonteGss
04-26-2008, 02:30 PM
The ever popular Stand and IT!
Great picks Seymour, welcome to the site! :)

ladysai
04-26-2008, 06:40 PM
In no particular order:

The Stand
The Long Walk
It
Rage
'Salem's Lot

This is probably going to change later today...

Even your number one pick would change?

I find that my list changes at the bottom end, but the top two are always The Stand and IT.

Brice
04-26-2008, 06:49 PM
My top 5 would and does constantly fluctuate.

John_and_Yoko
04-26-2008, 09:50 PM
Just finished Hearts in Atlantis, and TEMPORARILY I'm putting it on my list--I say temporarily not because I didn't like it, or think it was a worthwhile read, but in case I find something I like better and it gets bumped off.

Anyway, here are my top four non-Dark Tower Stephen King books in order, to possibly be changed at some point in the near future:

1. Insomnia
2. The Shining
3. The Eyes of the Dragon
4. Hearts in Atlantis

Actually Hearts in Atlantis kind of ties with The Eyes of the Dragon because, while the latter is more like what I'd choose to read myself (and I was able to read it the whole way through, that's how much I enjoyed it), the former is closer to what I might consider a "great" book, with more intrinsic value. But since I'm going by likeability I put Hearts in Atlantis on the bottom. That may change, though.

aurora
04-27-2008, 06:39 AM
I find that my list changes at the bottom end, but the top two are always The Stand and IT.
Aye! I'd agree with this, no matter what 'The Stand' and 'It' are always on my list too. Still have not found time to read 'Black House' but finals are way to close so after them------ fingers crossed.

Wuducynn
04-27-2008, 07:44 AM
1. Insomnia
2. The Shining
3. The Eyes of the Dragon
4. Hearts in Atlantis


Awesome, Insomnia is one of mine too, along with Black House.

William50
04-27-2008, 09:43 AM
The Stand
IT
THe Green Mile
Pet Sematary
Insomnia

But of course, The DT series is before all of them by far.

Wuducynn
04-27-2008, 10:20 AM
But of course, The DT series is before all of them by far.

Of course :harrier:

John_and_Yoko
04-27-2008, 11:30 AM
Awesome, Insomnia is one of mine too, along with Black House.

Hope I like Black House too, as it's next on my reading list! :D

And I didn't enjoy The Talisman, I have to say....

Seymour_Glass
04-27-2008, 02:25 PM
Even your number one pick would change?

I find that my list changes at the bottom end, but the top two are always The Stand and IT.

No, the top three would stay, but Rage and 'Salem's Lot, much as I love 'em, might be replaced.

Ricky
04-29-2008, 05:07 PM
Seriously? Only 5?!

#1 The Stand
#2 Pet Sematary
#3 Needful Things
#4 Duma Key
#5 The Shining

Wuducynn
04-29-2008, 07:29 PM
Seriously? Only 5?!

#1 The Stand
#2 Pet Sematary
#3 Needful Things
#4 Duma Key
#5 The Shining

I say you get a sixth, because you're special. Whats your sixth favorite Non-DT book?

Girlystevedave
04-30-2008, 07:21 AM
I'm really surprised more people didn't vote for Desperation.:orely:

Jean
04-30-2008, 10:58 PM
I'm really surprised more people didn't vote for Desperation.:orely:
but the bear did

Woofer
05-01-2008, 08:29 PM
In no particular order:

The Stand
The Long Walk
It
Rage
'Salem's Lot

This is probably going to change later today...

Even your number one pick would change?

I find that my list changes at the bottom end, but the top two are always The Stand and IT.

That sounds about right at the moment. The Stand. Man, what a ride. I even love Harold Lauder. I just reread it and loaned it to a coworker. I expect she'll be a while.

ferren
05-02-2008, 02:09 AM
1 the stand (without a doubt my most fave)
2 the talisman
3 IT, the only book to ever give me nightmares
4 desperation
5 christine

i have read and re-read these books at least 15 times over the years they are the one true constant in my life.

pathoftheturtle
05-02-2008, 03:05 AM
The Stand
The Shining
Pet Semetary
It
Christine Call me bull-headed, but I really feel like I understand a lot about you, just from this one post. Interesting.


I'm really surprised more people didn't vote for Desperation.:orely:
but the bear didNaturally; it’s clear that you have the spirit of a historian. Your five will be the classics; mark my words.

…the top four are indisputable...Indubitably, from a literary perspective. Add The Wastelands at the top, and you’ve got what I’d call SK’s five greatest works. And what do these have in common, I ask you? Answer: The main subject of each is "ka-tet." That’s what King does best, and it’s the best thing that he has done.

after much banging of head against wall:

1. It.
2. The Stand.
3. Desperation.
4. Misery.
5. Black House.

(And Shawshank?! And - )

::does more banging of head against wall:: :P That can’t be good for you, sai! I understand, though; you worked the Gordian Knot. Impressive that you got it done properly, but you could have just taken to the assignment in one of multiple ways.

I also am quite surprised how Fruno started up a trend that sees some people putting more than 5 books in there Top 5. :lol:Really? Don’t you know that Fruno’s a born trendsetter? Only surprise here is because most times, he uses his power for good. lol

Good show not crediting 4-for-1 to Bachman, Jean. Still, there’s nothing wrong with thinking outside of the box. Ruthful showed his great intellect yet again, here. Odd that his approach didn’t catch on.

I’m going to try showing various perspectives.

If I am at liberty, just being Zen, I could pick 5, no worries. The list that feels just right is precisely like this:
hearts in atlantis
black house
it
different seasons
the standI guess we’re pretty simpatico, Ruki. Hunh. No particular order, of course; here is no convention.

Thinking about the thead compilation, though, I have to modify it, for political reasons. Sorry, but that’s how modern democracies work.
V These V are my offical votes.
It
Desperation
Bag of Bones
Hearts in Atlantis
Black House

Now a version for the discussion. All work and no play would make this a dull party.

1 It
2 Desperation
(viewed as a whole, BTW, DT series would go in right here)
3 Black House
4 Bag of Bones
5 The Stand (both)
6 Hearts in Atlantis
7 Pet Semetary
8 Misery
9 Thinner
10 Different Seasons
11 The Shining
12 'Salem's Lot (complete)
13 Needful Things

Honorable Mentions: most short stories, Cujo, Dolores Claiborne, Colorado Kid, The Dead Zone
Special Dispensations: Eyes of the Dragon, The Talisman, The Green Mile, some screenplays, Carrie

Everything else is disqualified.
There are a few I haven’t read. Blaze, Duma Key
On Writing, --and Danse Macabre !!— are off-topic, IMO, though both are really great.
Rage and Roadwork have points, but just aren’t up to par.
The Long Walk and The Running Man are creative and enjoyable, but I put them on the long list of other SK that just don’t have enough class. Am I being narrow minded? Maybe, but how else can one draw a line? (For the record, on this basis, Needful Things and ’Salem’s Lot just barely made the cut.)
The same split I gave the Bachman Books goes for Four Past Midnight. Entertaining, yes. (Aren’t they all?) Still, half were rough, and half were mostly shallow.


Tommyknockers was the first King novel I'd ever read, but not my favorite. Besides the DT books, I'd have to say that It is, in my opinion, the most well crafted story.My first, as well, and I loved it. But, though I’m still fond, it is far, far from my favorite now. First of all, while it's clearly made with fine craft, many of King’s are actually moreso. Very many. “Most well-crafted story” definitely belongs to It. Secondly, in Tommyknockers, there’s very little else. King is often guilty of style before substance.

Dreamcatcher - you can laugh. I'm ok with that. Something about it though...Oh, good, I’m glad you’re ok with it. :lol: :lol: :lol: There is something, though, yes. Little kernels. King usually does include some insight, even when he's off.


hmmmm
Insomnia



Hard to choose...
4. Insomnia



Let me see,
3. Insomnia



SCHWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET this is one my all-time favorites too. :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:Uh... so... what is it that your smilies are smoking there, guys?


#4 Firestarter


Yay! Another vote for Firestarter!
:rock: :rolleyes:

I'm nearly there, I put this in my original post:

Even a top 5's quite hard...and subject to change, I mean, I'd like to put Firestarter in there aswell - I think thats highly underrated. I really don’t. Not underrated or overrated. Its gotten just about the respect that it deserves.


Have never red Rose Madder or The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon. But...they are on my list.
They are both good - not great, to my personal taste, but good, especially The Girl.Right again, Jean.
2)The girl who loved tom gordon(i didnt drop the book after picking it up untill i finished it) ...Well, I’ll give you that. It never left my hand, either. But so what? A few days later, it was past.

The Running Man - first real book I ever read

...somehow lost interest when there was no more than a dozen pages left to go... :O Wha? Not much of a “real book” in my eyes, but it is hard to believe that anyone could get bored at that point. Wow.
...(The Eyes of the Dragon) is more like what I'd choose to read myself ...(Hearts in Atlantis) is closer to what I might consider a "great" book, with more intrinsic value.Absolutely true, although EotD is one with a good deal of merit. It’s not in the same league, though, because of the genre. Eyes edges toward juvenile fiction.

... I found that Black House lacked the feel that The Talisman had.

Ditto that. Talisman is in my top five, but Black House made it nowhere near my tops list. The story's fine, but the book felt so much more forced than Talisman did, especially in the way it was connected to the DT series. I was content with letting it be it's own thing, instead of conniving to make it fit with all the DT stuff.Rjeso: Right. Different. The feel of The Talisman is reminiscent of Tom and Huck, with magic. Adventure tale. Black House is more “True Crime.” Maybe it’s just a matter of being more accustomed to the latter.
Odetta: Blame Straub. I’d say they were more “contriving” than “conniving” but, anyway, you’re right, to a marked degree. Still, I’m content enough with BH’s own thing to let it make it right in.
Hard to choose...

1. It
2. The Shining
3. Hearts in Atlantis
4. Insomnia
5. Eyes of the Dragon

The first two are the ones I feel 100% positive about. The last three are subject to change, although they stick out as some of the books I've enjoyed the most and reread considerably.Well and good. Honestly, I enjoyed and reread Insomnia a great deal, myself. Still doesn’t keep me from selectively discriminating. Must say, though, that this analysis really made me more positive about The Shining.


i am very suprised that the darkhalf didnt come up that often in this
i thought it was an extremly googd book and ive reread it many times :P Ppbbbttt!!
In my personal top five… the fifth is subject to change. Now it's Misery, but might become The Dark Half… next time.What?! No comparison. Glad you recognize that Misery is not really the very best of the lot, but, goodness, it’s leagues above The Dark Half!


If someone laughs, they will laugh at us both. (Dreamcatcher) never made my top five, and I doubt it would even make top ten, but I love it nevertheless…Bonus! :D I feel like the Little Tailor did, when he got 7 w/ 1 blow! :lol:


I wouldn't put it in my top 5, but I liked cell.I liked it, but it’s not gonna show up in 5, or 10... or 20…

…(all except the last part, about 100 final pages where it's just chewing and re-chewing the same stuff all over again).Bingo. Another vice of King’s that shows up far too often. (And now I’m getting more Four Past Midnight flashbacks.)


I'd like to say Misery-since it's such a great book-but I actually enjoy Pet Sematary more in terms of being his all-time best "horror" novel.I think I get your drift. That does out-rate Misery, slightly. Technically, however, I’d say that It is his “best” “horror” novel, and Bag of Bones is his “best” horror novel. Pet Semetary would be his “most horrifying” novel.



The Green Mile - another great summer spent with this. I loved the time released between too. I'm surprised it wasn't listed more on here.… and I am not surprized, because it's another one I've never finished. It's sooooo slooooooowwwwwwwww...I didn’t mind the pace. It’s a great work. Good story, although it is not like standard novels.


Read Talisman when it first came out. Is a re-read needed in order for me to enjoy Black House?? Absolutely not. I’d say that that’s the ideal state for one to appreciate the experience. You’re lucky.


2.Pet sematary= ...finally a character in a book that would do what id have done :scared: Dude, whoever you are, stay away from me. :-{


RF - I loved your top 5, you're old skool!! :D

It's easy to be old school when you are old.
Laugh out loud!!! :clap: OMG, brother, that is truly quotable. :harrier:

Wuducynn
05-02-2008, 05:31 AM
I am impressed. Path catching up with an entire thread in one post. :harrier:

Jean
05-02-2008, 05:56 AM
because it's path!!! and, as it so often happens, he took these words right out of my mouth:


And what do these have in common, I ask you? Answer: The main subject of each is "ka-tet." That’s what King does best, and it’s the best thing that he has done.

and, path - I agree that Misery is leagues above The Dark Half... but books we read are subject to change as we grow.
Am analysing your lists now, both short and long.

John_and_Yoko
05-02-2008, 11:39 AM
Technically, however, I’d say that It is his “best” “horror” novel, and Bag of Bones is his “best” horror novel. Pet Semetary would be his “most horrifying” novel.

Care to elaborate on that? (You didn't think I'd pay such close attention, did you? ;))

Seriously, not criticizing (I haven't read ANY of those yet), but I'm curious as to what exactly you mean when you say those things.

pathoftheturtle
05-02-2008, 12:37 PM
Wait... no... crossed wire... :arg:

1 It
2 Desperation
(viewed as a whole, BTW, DT series would go in right here)
3 The Stand (complete)
4 Black House
5 Bag of Bones
6 Hearts in Atlantis
7 Pet Semetary
8 Misery
9 Thinner
10 Different Seasons
11 The Shining
12 'Salem's Lot (complete)
13 Needful Things

Okay, that's better. :) Sorry.

@JaY: Really hard to explain without spoilers. Basically, I'm alluding to a concept, like you pointed out about "great" books. Not that I don't believe that Ruthful gets it already, really, I was just picking on his turn of phrase to justify disagreeing with his pick for 5.

alinda
05-02-2008, 12:49 PM
phew, I am at work right now, hey path
I will read this after I get home then...
Its GOOD to have you back path!!

PS I quit smoking by the way:lol:, and have read
Black House again (maybe even more than once)
you can switch the titles if you want...as J says
its subject to change.

HanzouNorak
05-02-2008, 06:35 PM
i haven't read very many, however,

IT
Rosemadder
From A Buick 8
Insomnia
Eyes Of The Dragon

Brice
05-03-2008, 06:43 AM
I wouldn't put it in my top 5, but I liked cell.I liked it, but it’s not gonna show up in 5, or 10... or 20…


Nor would it be likely to do so for me, but I have enjoyed every King book.

pathoftheturtle
05-03-2008, 09:52 AM
Well and good, Brice. There's several ways to judge. I agree: SK never fails to entertain.


i haven't read very many, however,

IT
Rosemadder
From A Buick 8
Insomnia
Eyes Of The DragonHm, have you read The Regulators+Desperation?


...you can switch the titles if you want...I think it'll be fun to see the titles on this "poll" change. Maybe reach general consensus, vaguely. Of course, I wouldn't want to pressure you.
I'm interested, though. What did you mean, exactly? If you want things switched, could you post your 5 of the new moment?

phew, I am at work right now, hey path
I will read this after I get home then...That'd be cool, if you like. Welcome and gratitude to all who want to give more analysis regarding my position. Take your time, though; I did. Or just skim that long post :shrug: Sorry if it seems a lot.

Always nice to have you around, too, Alinda! :wub: Thanks.

alinda
05-03-2008, 09:59 AM
I only meant that titles can be switched out for instance
Book # 5 is currently Insomnia, and I have reread BH many
times, and think it is flavor of the week, switch titles!!

pathoftheturtle
05-03-2008, 11:46 AM
I see. Nothing to get hung about. :cool:

alinda
05-03-2008, 11:51 AM
Nor, I ...lets eat some strawberry's in a field!

Lord_Vertigo
05-03-2008, 12:53 PM
Non-DT? As in outside of the series, or non-DT-RELATED?

Off the top of my head, I'd say:

The Stand
The Shining
Bag of Bones
Insomnia
Desperation

pathoftheturtle
05-03-2008, 05:50 PM
Pfft. No such thing, anyway. Finding a book that is truly non-DT-related is like tracking Bigfoot.

(mmm ...stawberries...)

glm
05-05-2008, 04:44 PM
My favorites in order:

1. It
2. Hearts in Atlantis
3. The Stand
4. The Talisman
5. Apt Pupil

Jean
05-05-2008, 10:17 PM
Apt Pupil counts. Different Seasons would count, too.

glm
05-06-2008, 03:00 PM
Apt Pupil counts. Different Seasons would count, too.

Cool.

John_and_Yoko
05-06-2008, 08:13 PM
Just finished Black House, which (oh my God!) rose to the #2 spot on my list (a CLOSE second--the first half of the book is part of the only reason it's not #1)! So my revised list is as follows:

1. Insomnia
2. Black House
3. The Shining
4. The Eyes of the Dragon
5. Hearts in Atlantis



If at some point I put something else on my list, I may well put The Eyes of the Dragon and Hearts in Atlantis at the same point on the list, with a slash. If a second book also makes my list, well.... That's a bridge to cross when I come to it.

obscurejude
05-07-2008, 07:19 AM
I picked up Rose Madder yesterday bc everyone was talking about how good it was. I haven't started it yet, but will fairly soon me thinks.

jayson
05-07-2008, 08:02 AM
Hope you enjoy it Ryan! It took me two reads to appreciate it, but I'm damn glad I gave it a second chance.

B0BAFETISH
05-07-2008, 08:09 AM
SALEM'S LOT
THE STAND
DESPERATION
EVERYTHING'S EVENTIAL
THE LONG WALK (BACHMAN)

Matt
05-07-2008, 08:15 AM
Hey Bobafetish--welcome to the site. :rock:

Nice list.

Crimson King
05-12-2008, 08:05 AM
IT
The Stand (new version)
The Bachman Books
Misery
Insomnia

MonteGss
05-12-2008, 08:07 AM
Although it is not in my Top 5 List....I really enjoyed The Long Walk...it was a great book! I loved the idea of that sort of game. :cool:

Crimson King
05-12-2008, 08:30 AM
Love the Long Walk. Running Man too. I also liked Rage, but not Roadword so much. But I figured since I liked 3 of the 4 in the Bachman Books, it had to be in my top 5.

Agathia
05-12-2008, 10:22 AM
I see alot of you have mentioned The Stand, I guess I'm no exception. Love that book! Read the extended version three times!

My other four would be:

2. The shinning
3. Pet Semetary
4. Different Seasons
5. Hearts In Atlantis

John_and_Yoko
05-12-2008, 11:43 AM
I see alot of you have mentioned The Stand, I guess I'm no exception. Love that book! Read the extended version three times!

My other four would be:

2. The shinning
3. Pet Semetary
4. Different Seasons
5. Hearts In Atlantis

Um....

I don't think Stephen King wrote for The Simpsons....

jayson
05-12-2008, 11:46 AM
I see alot of you have mentioned The Stand, I guess I'm no exception. Love that book! Read the extended version three times!

My other four would be:

2. The shinning
3. Pet Semetary
4. Different Seasons
5. Hearts In Atlantis

Um....

I don't think Stephen King wrote for The Simpsons....

good catch J&Y! that's hilarious [one of my fav all-time Simpsons' Halloween episodes]

John_and_Yoko
05-12-2008, 11:49 AM
good catch J&Y! that's hilarious [one of my fav all-time Simpsons' Halloween episodes]

Thanks! :)

Actually, I saw that BEFORE I saw The Shining....

Sam
05-15-2008, 09:39 PM
1) The Stand
2) Eyes of the Dragon
3) The Green Mile
4) Cycle of the Werewolf (this was the first SK story I ever read)
5) Needful Things

Heather19
05-16-2008, 03:00 PM
My current top 5 of the moment would be:
1. It
2. The Long Walk
3. Duma Key
4. The Body (I know it's only a novella, but it's still one of my favs)
5. Cycle of the Warewolf (I forgot all about that one till Sam just mentioned it)

Aaron
06-03-2008, 10:44 AM
I'm going to have to go with IT

Ves'Ka Gan
06-03-2008, 07:48 PM
I didn't make it through all 8 pages, but I bet I'm going to be the only one with The Dark Half in my top 5...**edit: just went to catch up & I see I'm not alone! Yay! A lot of KIng Fans look at me like I have two heads when I say that & the Stand tie as my number one.**

In no particular order:
*The Dark Half
*The Stand
*The Long Walk (I read it in one sitting and sobbed at the end out of pure emotional exhaustion)
*It
*Hearts in Atlantis

if pushed I think I may take Hearts out and put Rage or Cycle of the Werewolf in...but I remember almost failing out of college because I spent days straight reading Hearts and being inspired to do nothing but write my own shit afterwards...

Tiffany
06-04-2008, 11:30 AM
Ooooh.

In no order:

The Talisman
It
Insomnia
Desperation
Misery

TheFisherman
06-09-2008, 08:42 AM
My top 5 would have to be:
1 The Talisman
2 Black House
3 It
4 The Stand
5 gets a little tough here but I'd have to say Eyes of the Dragon

TheFisherman
06-09-2008, 08:42 AM
No replace 5 with Insomnia

ZGDK
06-09-2008, 10:26 AM
1-The Stand
2-Insomnia
3-Desperation
4-Bag of Bones
5-Misery

Arthur Heath
06-09-2008, 12:19 PM
I've only read 7 books from SK, coincidently there are 7 books in The Dark Tower.

Heather19
06-09-2008, 01:41 PM
You should check out some of his other stuff skolpadda, he's got some great books out there.

jayson
06-09-2008, 03:09 PM
Definitely read more King Skolpadda. Might I suggest starting with The Stand or It? Certainly two of my favs...

Darkthoughts
06-10-2008, 02:21 AM
Definately IT!! Its a real summer book for me.

lophophoras
06-10-2008, 03:29 AM
1) The Stand
2) Insomnia
3) 'Salem's Lot
4) Duma Key
5) Skeleton Crew - loved The Mist & Survivor Type

ayoung323
06-10-2008, 12:56 PM
The Stand
The Long Walk
It
Insomnia
Christine

Ka-mai
06-12-2008, 09:48 AM
The Stand
Eyes of the Dragon
Desperation
The Long Walk
Bag of Bones

Wow, ayoung and I have really similar lists! :lol:

The Lady of Shadows
06-12-2008, 08:05 PM
rose madder
bag of bones
the stand (revised and uncut)
it
the talisman

obscurejude
06-12-2008, 10:01 PM
rose madder
bag of bones
the stand (revised and uncut)
it
the talisman

Definitely down with IT and the Talisman. Haven't read Rose Madder, but I recently bought the paperback and am planning on reading it after I get done with Duma Key muchacha. Haven't read Bag of Bones either, but probably won't anytime soon. I've said plenty on the Stand, pros and cons.

Unfound One
06-12-2008, 10:04 PM
Hmmm...
I've only read 5 non-DT SK books so far, and here's the order I'd put them in:

Black House
The Stand
Insomnia
The Talisman
'Salem's Lot

I'm sure the order will change though as I continue to read more SK this summer.

obscurejude
06-12-2008, 10:07 PM
Hmmm...
I've only read 5 non-DT SK books so far, and here's the order I'd put them in:

Black House
The Stand
Insomnia
The Talisman
'Salem's Lot

I'm sure the order will change though as I continue to read more SK this summer.

What order is that? From best to worst? I figured Insomnia would be at the top with Talisman a close second for you.

Unfound One
06-12-2008, 10:11 PM
Nope, Black House beat Insomnia for sheer reading pleasure. And DT tie-ins probably. Don't get me wrong, I loved Insomnia.
As for the Talisman, I enjoyed the whole book until the ending... I felt like it wasn't as climactic as I was expecting it to be. I know it's one of your faves, so no offense. :couple:
I feel like I can't judge correctly though because I've read all but the Stand in the past month. Except 'Salem's Lot - that's default last.
I really liked The Stand, but I feel like I can't compare it to the other books very well right now. Eh, the order will change. I'm sure of it.

obscurejude
06-12-2008, 10:14 PM
I never heard that about the Talisman, don't call me ever again. You know I'm just kidding. :huglove:

Darkthoughts
06-13-2008, 04:49 AM
Bag of Bones is an excellent ghost story, Ryan. You should push it up your "to read" list.
Some interesting tie-ins to DT the way I read it too ;)

The Lady of Shadows
06-13-2008, 10:42 AM
bag of bones is excellent ryan. definitely push it up towards, oh say, number one on your reading list. i might even put it up over rose madder (:gasp: did i just say that?) and his audio reading of it is phefuckingnominal!!!

Darkthoughts
06-13-2008, 01:44 PM
Ohhh! Who does the audio? King?

Heather19
06-13-2008, 01:57 PM
Yep, he does a great job with it.

Darkthoughts
06-13-2008, 01:59 PM
Excellent! I've only just got into audios and I've not heard SK narrate one - but I loved the intro he did to Carrie.

educatedlady
06-13-2008, 02:09 PM
1.The Stand
2.Black House
3.Desperation
4.The Green Mile
5.The Long Walk

Heather19
06-13-2008, 02:37 PM
Excellent! I've only just got into audios and I've not heard SK narrate one - but I loved the intro he did to Carrie.

Pick it up, you won't be disappointed!

The Lady of Shadows
06-13-2008, 04:32 PM
Ohhh! Who does the audio? King?


king does the reading for bag of bones. and instead of the standard "chapter 7", "chapter 19" crap like in normal books the separation is musical. and the music is perfect. completely with the themes of the book.

you know, i've said this before but it bears repeating. the man can't just write, the man can read.

razz
06-13-2008, 05:15 PM
The Stand
Cell
On Writing
From a Buick 8
It
not in that order.

obscurejude
06-13-2008, 10:39 PM
Bag of Bones is an excellent ghost story, Ryan. You should push it up your "to read" list.
Some interesting tie-ins to DT the way I read it too ;)

Thanks Lisa.

I can't figure out how to multi quote. Thank you Turtlesong.

With both of your recommendations I'll definitely give it a go, maybe after Duma Key. Ryan is taking his time with Duma Key muchachas.

John_and_Yoko
06-13-2008, 10:58 PM
Thanks Lisa.

I can't figure out how to multi quote. Thank you Turtlesong.

With both of your recommendations I'll definitely give it a go, maybe after Duma Key. Ryan is taking his time with Duma Key muchachas.

To multi-quote, you just click the "multi-OFF" button on the bottom right of whichever posts you want to quote (they'll change to "multi-ON") and then just click "New Reply" and it'll have them all. I've used it before.

obscurejude
06-13-2008, 10:59 PM
Thanks Lisa.

I can't figure out how to multi quote. Thank you Turtlesong.

With both of your recommendations I'll definitely give it a go, maybe after Duma Key. Ryan is taking his time with Duma Key muchachas.

To multi-quote, you just click the "multi-OFF" button on the bottom right of whichever posts you want to quote (they'll change to "multi-ON") and then just click "New Reply" and it'll have them all. I've used it before.

Thanks J and Y, I appreciate that. :)

John_and_Yoko
06-13-2008, 11:02 PM
Thanks J and Y, I appreciate that. :)

You're welcome. :) Glad I could help!

Duck
06-16-2008, 03:10 PM
Had to think about this one, may change tomorrow!:D

Lisey's Story
Black House
The Stand
Deadzone
The Shining

goncho
07-04-2008, 09:07 AM
let´s see...in no particular order:

Salem´s Lot
The Stand
Lisey´s Story
The Shining
The Green Mile

William50
07-04-2008, 10:28 AM
My top 5 choices are...
1 The Stand
2 IT
3 The Shining
4 The Green Mile
5 Black House

KaLikeAWheel
07-08-2008, 02:00 AM
Hmmm...just 5? This is going to be hard....

Novels:
1) The Talisman
2) Eyes of the Dragon
3) Insomnia
4) It
5) The Stand
That WAS hard!

For short stories:
1) Mrs. Todd's Shortcut
2) The Mist
3) Word Processor of the Gods
4) The Little sisters of Eluria
5) The Ballad of the Flexible Bullet
I think that was even harder!! Of course this is all subject to change depending on my mood and the direction the wind is blowing from.

Donna

Bumbler
07-08-2008, 03:28 AM
I think it is great how there is some huge variety, but a few solid favorites.

1. The Long Walk
2. The Stand
3. Insomnia
4. The Talisman
5.
Sorry, I just cannot do it. I hate to mess this up, so instead of leaving any out, I must leave a spot open.

Jean
07-08-2008, 03:39 AM
you can always reconsider later, it's not, you know, like what The Red Queen said to Alice

"when you've once said a thing, that fixes it, and you must take the consequences."

(or is it?..... http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear_unsure.gif)

Bumbler
07-08-2008, 11:39 AM
ok. if it will please you...
5. On Writing

Even though I do not write, I have read it a few times. I find it entertaining and informative. It is like looking thru a key hole into Mr. Kings mind.

Bumbler
07-09-2008, 02:44 AM
I enjoyed both Roadwork and Rage. They are no Long Walk, but still worth the read

Matticus-Finch
07-11-2008, 09:18 AM
IT - always will be number 1 in my book!
Salem's Lot
The Shining
Desperation (scared the hell out of me)
The Stand

John_and_Yoko
07-15-2008, 03:03 PM
I recently finished IT, which I really enjoyed--I'd have said it's about #3 on my list, but I think the first half of Black House pushes it down a bit. So now I think my list would be as follows:

1. Insomnia
2. IT
3. Black House
4. The Shining
5. The Eyes of the Dragon

I'm basically going by the question, "How much would I want to read these again?" I doubt I'll change this unless I come to one or more books that just really stand out as belonging on the list.

Darkthoughts
07-16-2008, 02:19 AM
Wow J&Y, your list is almost the same as mine!

IT
Eyes of the Dragon
Black House
Lisey's Story
Insomnia

I think Lisey's Story is subject to change, The Body could take its place.

Jean
07-16-2008, 10:08 AM
Wow J&Y, your list is almost the same as mine!

also, it is very much like my top five combined with my bottom five... only Insomnia doesn't belong to either

Poisonbat
07-21-2008, 07:46 AM
Insomnia
It
The Talisman
On Writing
Needful Things

Wow it is hard to pick just 5. My list could go on and on.:rock:

gsvec
07-21-2008, 12:41 PM
In no special order . . .

The Stand
Insomnia
'Salems Lot
Lisey's Story
The Green Mile

That was tough!

obscurejude
07-21-2008, 08:44 PM
Surprised to see Lisey's Story. I really liked it, but that seems to be a minority opinion.

Seymour_Glass
07-23-2008, 03:17 PM
1. The Long Walk


I just finished rereading The Long Walk. It might just be my favorite book he's ever written. So coming here and seeing it at the top of your list gave me a little boost.

Heather19
07-23-2008, 05:49 PM
I agree about The Long Walk. Definately a favorite of mine.

stone, rose, unfound door
07-24-2008, 05:56 PM
1)The Long Walk
2)Rage
3)Salem's Lot
4)Desperation
5)Dolores Claiborne

stone, rose, unfound door
07-24-2008, 06:03 PM
I don't get what you mean by Bag of Bones being a good ghost story. I actually got more bored reading it than the Tommyknockers, that I'd never recommend, so if anyone would like my advice, sell Bag of Bones back if you've bought it or give it back to the library, it's just boring as hell. :)

The Lady of Shadows
07-24-2008, 11:11 PM
I don't get what you mean by Bag of Bones being a good ghost story. I actually got more bored reading it than the Tommyknockers, that I'd never recommend, so if anyone would like my advice, sell Bag of Bones back if you've bought it or give it back to the library, it's just boring as hell. :)

:panic: :panic: :panic: :panic: :panic: :panic: :panic: