# Help my 75 year old dad get hooked on Stephen King **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [September 5, 2014, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-75-year-old-dad-get-hooked-on-stephen-king/697540 "2014-09-05T02:53:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Hedda\_Rosa](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hedda_rosa/32/1204_2.png) [@Hedda\_Rosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hedda_Rosa)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2014, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-75-year-old-dad-get-hooked-on-stephen-king/697540/1 "2014-09-05T02:53:27Z")
My dad is a binge-reader, and he called me and told me he’s started reading Stephen King. I asked him which exact book he was reading and the answer was “_Christine_.” I told him to put it down immediately before it ruined him for any other Stephen King books and that I’d send him a list to get started with. He wants 4 suggestions, no more. I think my list is: Classic early King: _Firestarter_ Kings strong middle years: _It The Shining_ King’s renaissance: _11/22/63_ Any arguments for other novels? I know The Shining isn’t on here but I think that’s the one to suggest when he comes back and asks “What book next?” ---
**Author:** ![Infovore](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/infovore/32/420_2.png) [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2014, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-75-year-old-dad-get-hooked-on-stephen-king/697540/2 "2014-09-05T02:58:57Z")
My suggestions would be: Early: _Carrie_ (some might say _Salem’s Lot_, though that’s never been a favorite of mine) Strong middle years: _IT_ _The Stand_ (preferably not the extra-bloated version, if you can find it) Renaissance: _Duma Key_ or _From a Buick 8_ (although I agree that _11/22/63_ is a great choice too) ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2014, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-75-year-old-dad-get-hooked-on-stephen-king/697540/3 "2014-09-05T03:02:01Z")
_The Dead Zone_. ---
**Author:** ![Hedda\_Rosa](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hedda_rosa/32/1204_2.png) [@Hedda\_Rosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hedda_Rosa)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2014, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-75-year-old-dad-get-hooked-on-stephen-king/697540/4 "2014-09-05T03:04:38Z")
Oh dang, my last line in the OP should read: ‘Any arguments for other novels? I know The Stand isn’t on here but I think that’s the one to suggest when he comes back and asks “What book next?”’ ---
**Author:** ![Penfeather](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/penfeather/32/384_2.png) [@Penfeather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Penfeather)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2014, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-75-year-old-dad-get-hooked-on-stephen-king/697540/5 "2014-09-05T03:06:10Z")
Why can’t he read _Christine_? I’m not a big King fan, but it’s a perfectly serviceable supernatural thriller, surely? ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2014, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-75-year-old-dad-get-hooked-on-stephen-king/697540/6 "2014-09-05T03:11:02Z")
I would have counted _The Shining_ as early; and would have at least considered that as my example of early King. _Firestarter_ isn’t one that immediately springs to mind as either his very best or most representative. I do like _11/22/63_ as a representative of recent King. I’d be tempted to throw a collection of short stories or novellas on the list. But really, I’d want to know your dad and his tastes before giving my recommendation. ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Ed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e19b73/32.png) [@Just\_Ed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Ed)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2014, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-75-year-old-dad-get-hooked-on-stephen-king/697540/7 "2014-09-05T03:20:01Z")
Hmm. Tough choice for a new King reader. _The Stand_ is actually my favorite of his earlier novels, but it might be a bit much for a new reader to try just to see if he likes the author. I would actually also suggest _The Shining_ for his early stuff, or maybe _The Dead Zone_. Bonus for going with _The Shining_ is being able to segue immediately to _Doctor Sleep_ to pick up Danny’s story (I found this to be much more in King’s usual wheelhouse than the more recent _Mr. Mercedes_). Concur with _It_ for the “middle years,” though I’ve always particularly liked _Misery_ for its musings on authorial obligation to readers. _The Dark Half_ also has an author protagonist, though the story is much, um, darker. As for recent years, there’s the aforementioned _Doctor Sleep_ if you’re pairing it with _The Shining_, although I also agree _11/22/63_ is a good choice. _Mr. Mercedes_ is King’s attempt at crime drama and reads like an extended episode of _Criminal Minds_ (not that there’s anything wrong with that, it’s just atypical). Oddly enough, I’ve never actually read two of his earliest, _Carrie_ and _Firestarter_ (I _do_ mean to at some point), so I have no opinion on them. So, my four suggestions would be:[ul][_]The Shining[_]_The Dead Zone_[_]Misery[_]_Doctor Sleep_[/ul]The added benefit being none of these are amongst his longest works, which I’d save for the second round. ---
**Author:** ![E-DUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/e-dub/32/403_2.png) [@E-DUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-DUB)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2014, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-75-year-old-dad-get-hooked-on-stephen-king/697540/8 "2014-09-05T03:27:50Z")
I’d recommend Dead Zone and 11/22/63. They’re kind of thematically related. The main characters both are teachers and both concern assassination. One being an early work, the other being much more recent will give him an idea on how King’s writing has changed over the years. Based on which he likes more, give other recommendations based on that. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2014, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-75-year-old-dad-get-hooked-on-stephen-king/697540/9 "2014-09-05T03:36:01Z")
If he’s going to binge, I’d recommend _Danse Macabre_. It’s a collection of essays in which King examines horror, fantasy and the like in film, books and TV. Excellent read! ---
**Author:** ![sleestak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/919ad9/32.png) [@sleestak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sleestak)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2014, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-75-year-old-dad-get-hooked-on-stephen-king/697540/10 "2014-09-05T04:10:33Z")
He might like IT. The sections with the kids in the 50’s are awesome. Yeah, the ending bites but the rest of the story rocks. Slee ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2014, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-75-year-old-dad-get-hooked-on-stephen-king/697540/11 "2014-09-05T04:24:16Z")
Start him on Night Shift. Short stories scared the hell out of me. ---
**Author:** ![Biotop](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biotop/32/321_2.png) [@Biotop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biotop)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2014, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-75-year-old-dad-get-hooked-on-stephen-king/697540/12 "2014-09-05T04:49:18Z")
Why not _Salem’sLot_? I liked both _Joyland_ and the recent _Mr. Mercedes_ as well. ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2014, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-75-year-old-dad-get-hooked-on-stephen-king/697540/13 "2014-09-05T13:21:38Z")
The Green Mile and Rita Hayward and the Shawshank Redemption. And get the DVD’s too. ---
**Author:** ![Sterling\_Archer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f1d935/32.png) [@Sterling\_Archer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sterling_Archer)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2014, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-75-year-old-dad-get-hooked-on-stephen-king/697540/14 "2014-09-05T13:27:16Z")
Loved Salem’s Lot. The Shining is a must. The Dead Zone for sure. IT is some fantastic storytelling. Pet Sematary for general creepiness. The Dark Tower series, although books 5 and 6 are lame. Cujo is good too. ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2014, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-75-year-old-dad-get-hooked-on-stephen-king/697540/15 "2014-09-05T13:50:05Z")
My personal list: Dolores Claiborne Pet Semetery Misery Carrie I didn’t care much for It or a lot of his other longer books. I think he gets too long-winded and goes off on too many tangents in his longer books and I get bored with the tangents. His shorter books are more focused and I enjoy them a lot more. Just my opinion. ETA: I had a hard time not putting The Green Mile and The Shining on my list. ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2014, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-75-year-old-dad-get-hooked-on-stephen-king/697540/16 "2014-09-05T14:00:08Z")
I feel like there has to be a short story collection. King’s mastery in the format makes him pretty unique among modern novelists. It’s a tough choice but I’d go with “Skeleton Crew.” ---
**Author:** ![Elemenopy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b5e925/32.png) [@Elemenopy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elemenopy)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2014, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-75-year-old-dad-get-hooked-on-stephen-king/697540/17 "2014-09-05T14:51:36Z")
**The Long Walk.** ---
**Author:** ![Jman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jman/32/4416_2.png) [@Jman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jman)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2014, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-75-year-old-dad-get-hooked-on-stephen-king/697540/18 "2014-09-05T14:52:08Z")
I’ve read a fair bit of King, but certainly nowhere near all of his stuff. (looking through his work, I’ve read 17 of his books and have recently started Doctor Sleep). Of those, I’d pick the following 4: The Shining (I read this after I saw the movie and was startled how much scarier the book was) Misery 11/22/63 The fourth is tough. I loved the majority of the stories from \*Everything’s Eventual \*(with 1408 among the most terrifying stories I’ve read from him)…so I’m leaning that way. I remember really, really liking _The Dead Zone_ but I haven’t read it in 20 years, so I’m not sure how it compares nowadays. ---
**Author:** ![Jman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jman/32/4416_2.png) [@Jman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jman)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2014, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-75-year-old-dad-get-hooked-on-stephen-king/697540/19 "2014-09-05T15:04:32Z")
Just looking back, I started looking over the Skeleton Crew stores too, and those were pretty flippin’ good too, though I read that when I was a teenager. I remember The Raft getting to me a bit. I should re-read that. ---
**Author:** ![phungi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/phungi/32/395_2.png) [@phungi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phungi)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2014, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-75-year-old-dad-get-hooked-on-stephen-king/697540/20 "2014-09-05T15:22:04Z")
I agree that _From a Buick 8_ should be on the list. My 79-year-old dad loved it, having read only _12/22/63_ [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-75-year-old-dad-get-hooked-on-stephen-king/697540.md?page=2)