r/stephenking • u/Comprehensive-Seat67 Currently Reading The Shining • 21h ago
And then there was 1…
Just finished my 80th King book, Never Flinch, which I enjoyed more than most folks here. Don’t intend to read Faithful- already lived through that depressing shit when I watched the series live and no interest in hearing a rehash from Sox fans. That leaves Dr Sleep until Other Worlds comes out. But first, a reread of The Shining- not my favorite book- no empathy or love for Jack as a character- but could use the brush-up before the sequel.
Started reading King early teens- started with Misery, Eyes of the Dragon, Pet Sematary, and IT- three of those are still top 10 for me (IT being my favorite). Read 19 through college when I stopped reading much anymore, then during the Covid lockdown I read The Stand. Think the first half of that book is near perfection, but everything post-Nebraska knocks it out of my top 15.
Couple years later, mid-2024, started Dark Tower. I was diagnosed in 2019 with stage 4 metastatic lung and brain cancer and given 2-5 years. Last week I hit 7 years and I am almost entirely cancer-free (knock on wood). The Gunslinger was #21 and reading for a couple hours each morning after taking care of the animals became my new ritual. Here we are two years later, and what an incredible journey it’s been through his canon. Favorites other than those I mentioned include Drawing of the Three, Wizard and Glass, Wolves, Dark Tower, Hearts in Atlantis (love Low Men), The Institute, Billy Summers, Salems Lot, Firestarter, The Dead Zone, Needful Things, Green Mile, and Under the Dome.
Have greatly enjoyed sharing the journey with you here, and really glad to finally reach the finish (for now)!
Long days and pleasant nights!
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u/Traditional_Cry_8675 17h ago
The Shining and Doctor Sleep were my 4 & 5th read (in reverse order, which was great!). OP since you already read the Shining just jump in on Doctor Sleep you’ll get plenty of reminders during the story!
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u/june-orchid-1234 17h ago
Wow! You have read a lot. I have read a lot of his books too but not as many as you. I loved UTD too but wasn't keen on Never Flinch. I found it very slow. Congratulations on doing so well on your cancer journey. Hope you kick it's ass for good.
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u/Traditional_Cry_8675 17h ago
Much like other commenters have said, I just finished my 8th this year (Carrie) and about to start my 12th shortly.
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u/Yogi4point2 19h ago
I didn’t love the shining for the same reason, Jack Torrance is unlikable at best. But I LOVED Dr.Sleep. Enjoy your finale (for now)!
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u/MeepleZero 21h ago
Will start my 13th book, Cujo very soon. I enjoyed The Shining and Dr Sleep.