What is Stephen King's best novel?

Question

Can anyone help me here? I'm trying to find out which is Stephen King's best novel. I personally loved The Tommyknockers but I would like to know which one is his best? Or maybe even worst, so i could stay away from it

Answer 1

Shining

Answer 2

First of all, my order of his top five [listed in order of favorites]

1. IT
2. 'Salem's Lot
3. The Stand
4. The Shining
5. Desperation

I have read about 10 or so of his books. Stay away from Firestarter, it's completely horrible. Also, my opinion is Stephen King is a brilliant writer, but his books aren't scary at all, just extremely entertaining. In fact, the only book that even remotely scared me was " 'Salem's Lot"

I read half of the Tommyknockers, and it was awesome, but I didn't have enough time to finish it.

Generally, his older books are the best. His new ones, like "Cell,"
"Lisey's Story," just suck.

IT is his absolute best. The Stand is close, and it's epic, but IT was much more entertaining, and had a more original plot.

'Salem's Lot is scary because it copies off of Dracula, but is nonetheless, a wonderful book.

Pet Sematary was okay, kind of comical, actually, not scary.

Answer 3

If I had to choose, I would have to say The Stand. The Talisman is a close one also, It was co-authored with Peter Straub, so I don't know if that counts or not. I love them all!!! You should really just go down the line and see for yourself. Put Insomnia at the head of the list. It's the kind of book that you can't put down, yet you never want it to end. Enjoy, Stephen King has lots of books to keep you entertained for awhile!!

Answer 4

Some have some serious editing issues, but I think the absolute best is SALEM'S LOT.
Superb also, is the short story related to SALEM'S LOT, "One for the road", in the NIGHT SHIFT compilation. Just about every story in NIGHT SHIFT is terrific, but this one is the best.
His novella "Apt Pupil" in DIFFERENT SEASONS is one of the best written stories of all times, I think. Perfect highs and lows all the way through, and a great ending.
For a mature reader (in years), the daring and wonderful work is INSOMNIA. A thrill from start to finish, fantasy anchored in real life.
Another "mature life experience" story I come back to again and again is ROADWORK, his Richard Bachman book. This story relates to ordinary life, and is wonderful.
Also in the Richard Bachman group is THE LONG WALK, an analogy of the Viet Nam War, which is astonishing.
A story not to be missed is "The Reach", which is sort of a pre-quel to the characters and setting of the great tv-movie "Storm of the Century."

Answer 5

No doubt about it, The Stand.

On a personal note. In The Stand, there is a character call "The Walking Dude" Way back in BBS days, when i needed an alias, I chose that character, but thought the word "dude" was over used so chose Walking Man instead. I have been using this alias (or a variation of it) for over 20 years now. Thanks Mr. King.

Answer 6

"The Stand" without a doubt. Not only the best Stephen King, but probably one of the best American Novels of the Twentieth Century.


B

Answer 7

The Stand followed very closely by The Dark Tower series

Answer 8

The Shining or It. The shining is maybe half the length of It, but It keeps you turning the pages because you have so many different characters who focalize the events. Carrie is alo good, standing alone, but I don't really think it stands up to his other work. Rose Madder is pretty crazy if you're interested in trauma and domestic violence.

Answer 9

Personally, Pet Semetary, but Tommyknockers was pretty good too

Answer 10

The Green mile