Is Stephen King overrated?

Question

I just read "Geralds Way" and it was an absolutely appalling book. I think he was trying something new there but seriously botched it up.

Then I read "Dreamcatcher" and that was a bit better but still quite poor.

Then I tried "Insomnia" and after 100 pages of sheer boredom I gave up.

Is he so popular because they have made some brilliant films out of his books?

I think he has some pretty good ideas but they are not exactly genius or unique - a virus wipes out the world but a few people are left, a clown that scares people, a man goes mad in a desolate hotel, green aliens attack a group of men on a camping trip, and so on and so on.

Sure he is ok, but I definitely think he is completely overrated and this is probably because people have made such brilliant films out of his books.

I think Dean Koontz is a much better author. The ideas are completely unique and original and the characterisation is so much better, you almost fall in love with some of the characters.

and the language that Dean uses is in a completely different league to King.

I mean there is no way King could come up with something like "From the Corner of his Eye" or "Lightning"

Maybe I just chose some bad books?

Yeah, I meant Geralds Game.

Answer 1

He's over rated depending how you look at it. He's a writer with interesting, some what original ideas in a world that lacks them so much. It's because of this he's managed to stand above the rest. Only people who understand that writing is more than snappy ideas and sharp titles will regard King as over rated, and seeing as most people can't tell one writing style from the next, then it's only logical that most people will consider him to be a good writer because of his ideas .i.e. the Dan Brown generation.

And then there is of course, all the movies too: don't forget, he wrote: Shaw shank redemption, the Running Man, Lawnmower Man, and they're all worthy films. Also take into account the success of all his films, his loyal fans, and the large number of books he's written in a number of different genres - it's all enough to make him a very recognaiable name.

So picture this, you're not into reading and know very few writers. Suddenly you get an urge to read but you don't know whose work you should read. Then you remember this Steven King fella being mentioned one so many times and decide to go with him, assuming he must be good because he's so famous.

Personally, I find King way to repetitive. Most of the time he writes the events in his stories as they're happening, then in the next chapter repeats most of what just happened! I'm not an idiot, I can remember that far back, Mr. King.

Then there's his tight, to the point style, which I'll admit, isn't really a bad thing. My only problem is that this kind of style is today being copied by so many different writers, and used in so many different advice books, stating it to be the correct way of doing things as if King were the ultimate literary guru. Some of the best lines in literary history were completely unnecessary and often times confusing. I couldn't imagine Orwell's work if he had to appeal to the lowest common denominator.

edit: lovely, bad marked by a King fan who can't take criticism. The Yahoo voting system sure is flawless.

Answer 2

Gosh, thank you so much, there have been a couple of questions about books over the past day or so. I must admit after reading a couple of Stephen Kings I undertook not to read anymore. Not that I can judge an author on just two books, but there is only so much time for reading and would rather spend that time with authors I know and love, or taking a chance on something from from an unknown, just by browsing in my local book shop (Store.)

In the genre, Koontz is better, I agree. I think Sephen King has publishing agreements to produce so much work, more then he is capable of coming up with new and absorbing ideas. Not really his fault, it must be so difficult.

I also agree that James Herbert, is much more edge of the seat reading then King. Not saying I'm right, it really is a matter of personal taste and likes.

Sometimes it's good to look at some slightly lesser knows. Try Mo Hayder, The Birdman, for a good old fashioned scary read, or The Treatment.

Happy reading

Answer 3

Well, I haven't read any of those books, but the Stephen King books I have read (The Shining, Carrie, The Stand, It, Salem's Lot) I liked for the most part. I really loved Carrie a lot, because of the writing style, so maybe you should try that out. The ones you talked about reading seem to be some of his later books, which I don't think are supposed to be as good. Your comment about the movies is interesting, because I actually haven't liked the films I've seen based on his books because they're so different from the books, but I think I might enjoy them if I were able to separate the book and the film. I wouldn't say he's the greatest author ever or anything, but he's definitely good. Try some of his older books.

Answer 4

To be honest, I always thought Stephen King played the name game really well. So yes in many ways, he is overrated. Pretty much anything he writes will get published and why not? A book with his name on it is more likely to be bought and read than the same book by say, anyone else. You have to remember that books like Misery, Pet Cemetery, The Shining, even IT, were exemplary, edgy, and even brilliant in their time. Like any writer he has his moments of pure inspiration, but because of the name game, even his pulp-fiction (p.s. I liked Insomnia) gets out there.

This is how I’ve always felt about him; that is until I read the Dark Tower Series. I encourage anyone who thinks Stephen King is overrated to read this series. If I had a story like this to tell, I would write anything and everything I could to get my name known just to get this published. It’s truly amazing.

Answer 5

No way, Stephen King rocks. You've totally read two of his worst books there. I'm a mad fan of his and I thought Gerrards Way and Dreamcatcher were pretty rubbish. It, Pet Semetary, The Shinning and the Dark Tower books are great. Pet Semetary (it is spelt like that on the cover, honest) scared me so badly I had to wait for my mum to come in before I could move after I finished it and before you can accuse me of being some dumb child, I'm 27 and am just finishing my MA in English literature.

PS, don't you find Dean Koontz's endings a bit lame?

Answer 6

The books that you mentioned are not King's better novels. Every author has some books he would love to forget. Try The Stand or The Talisman and Black House or Rose Madder or the Shining or Cell or It or Liseys Story or Carrie or Salem's Lot or Cujo or Christine or etc etc etc. I love Koontz as well but he writes in a totally different way. They both are equally good authors. You've just read some of his poorer works.

Answer 7

I'm a big Stephen King fan but must say that I was disappointed in his last book, Lisey's Story.
I must say that I find Dean Koontz a very poor writer with very uncrafted storylines.
I guess it just boils down to personal preference.

Answer 8

Stephen King is not famous because his books were made into movies. His books are famous, so they became movies. Like J.K. Rowling. Everyone has their good and bad books. And not everyone likes the same authors that you might, so you can't chastise Stephen King for his work because someone thinks he is awesome, my husband for one. Stephen King is one of the best authors of the 20th era and still is a good writer. But that is just for me. Like I said, to each his own.

Answer 9

The books you have mentioned are amongst the not so good. Have you tried The Green Mile, Misery or The Stand? I think he's amazing and such a vivid and detailed writer, the way he writes just drags you in and makes you believe, his books are so real and deep, i love it! Koontz writes stories and yes they're usually pretty good, but King creates worlds... I think he's a genius, but yes it's all a matter of personal taste isn't it?

Answer 10

I love Dean Koontz. I've got nearly 40 books of his. I haven't read any that I didn't like. I've read a few of Stephen kings books. They are ok but nowhere as good as Dean Koontz.