Stephen King: Better Now Than Ever?

Stephen King fans often debate, is he better now then ever before? 11/22/63 VS It? Salems Lot VS The Outsider? Lets discuss New Stephen King VS Old Stephen King.
Merch: teespring.com/stores/fantasy-...
Patreon: / danielbgreene
Amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/danielgreene
Discord Server: / discord
Twitter: DanielBGreene?lan...
Instagram: / dgreene101
GoodReads: / daniel-greene
Subreddit: / danielgreene
P.O. Box 1016 Dublin, Ohio 43017
with the backup of:
715 Shawan falls Dr. Dublin, Ohio 43017

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

Do you prefer old or new King?

[@Nasser851000]

both :)

[@tracib.7725]

No preference.

[@danielvanrooyen9602]

Still have to read more King, give me 5 years and I will come back to this comment.

[@jetabone46]

I've read more "new" King (Mr Mercedes, Finders keepers, End of watch and 11/22/63) than "old" (The gunslinger and It) and I've enjoyed both.

[@paulonetoneto3989]

It's really hard to choose because my list of King favorites include both his new and old books. However, there are more "new" than "old" ones in there, so I guess I have a tendency for New King. However, this may change soon because I am thinking of giving some older King books a go

[@isaiahwilliams2642]

IT is a tricky book for me to judge. Whenever I say to myself "it is way too bloated and long," I ask myself "What would I have cut out?" And I can't think of anything.

[@MrRezRising]

When I was a kid @nd facing one of King's multi page descriptions of whatever (the moon, a crossing guard, a bead of sweat, etc) I'd just skip ahead to the next line of dialogue. Bad reader. 😣

[@scratch5120]

I think if anything he cut his stories down more than he should have. He always had trouble closing out a story. Perhaps that because he felt the need to push toward the end rather than letting the story run its natural course.

[@MrRezRising]

@@scratch5120 His latest editor had to keep writing "Faster, Steve, faster!! in the margins while she worked on it with him. Guy likes words. A lot. 🙂

[@scratch5120]

@@MrRezRising books like the stand and it are known for being overling. For me they arent long enough. Once somebody builds a world i enjoy and characters i like i can stay in the story forever. As an aexample. I think the wheel of time could use a few more books focused on the original dragon. And eragon needs a story or two focused on broms life before meeting eragon. I like long books. Lol

[@scratch5120]

I have nothing but time to listen while im driving down the road though. Im probably not the typical fan.

[@sloesty]

Old daniel: "I can't stand steven king's writing style" New daniel: "King is a master at his craft and his writing shows his experience"

[@saulgoodman7858]

I think old Daniel is the one telling the truth. Stephen Kings writing style can feel like bee stings sometime.

[@ttownboy1]

You spelled stephen king wrong

[@stroud9208]

@@saulgoodman7858 for impatient readers, maybe

[@sathira_anuk5179]

​@@saulgoodman7858nope

[@Law-of-EnTropy]

Pip's thoughts are always 100% relevant.

[@lewis9950]

I still to this day think that his greatest written masterpiece is Pet Sematary. A horror masterpiece.

[@turtleanton6539]

Its real creepy!

[@ShadowProject01]

That was a great read. My personal favorite is Needful Things.

[@richardsalgado3696]

I really like his short stories like "n"

[@Archonsx]

THERE IS NOTHING HORROR ABOUT IT. Cause of people like you I bought the book and was left disappointed as fuck to the point of wanting to sell the book, but the end saved it for me, but there's nothing scary about it other than the zombie /demon guy and the lights and weird sounds they were hearing and seeing while taking the cat to the pet cemetery, other than that the book is pretty much a fucking thriller/drama, it feels like a movie, the only strong thing about it was the relationship between the main character and the old man, them drinking beer together and watching the sunset, having a dad/son moment was beautiful. But is rly not scary AT ALL, maybe sad, but not scary.

[@lewis9950]

Archons there are a lot of things horror in this book. It’s just not your type of horror, that’s all.

[@101Waylander]

I have all of King's books, including special limited editions of IT, The Shining, From a Buick 8, 'salem's Lot, Insomnia, etc. I have read every book multiple times and continue to do so. For me, when I reread a King book it's like revisiting old friends. I love his newer works just as much as the older ones. His style has evolved over the years, a natural thing to happen as new techniques are learned and the way language has changed over the decades. Stephen King is able to adjust his style to suit the story and the time it is written. With IT, we are treated to the creation of characters that are "real". We see these adults as children and get to witness everything that made them the adults they become. Even the town of Derry lives and breathes, chapters given over to its history and involvement with IT. Whilst his newer works can be said to be tighter in the telling, no other story comes close to the epic scale of IT. But King is still able to create full characters that live and breathe in our imaginations. 11.22.63 is a fantastic book, a classic of his modern era. It's not wholly original as even the British British sci-fi comedy, Red Dwarf, did an episode where they saw the consequences of changing the assassination of JFK. But King writes it in such a way that you become invested in the characters, sitting on the edge of your reading chair as our protagonists are in danger. Anyway, great video, thank you.

[@turtleanton6539]

Agreed 11.22.63 is great😁👍👍

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

Awesome comment! Thank you.

[@mrnukes797]

@@DanielGreeneReviews have you read Roadside Picnic?

[@esmewvimes2901]

What you said. I've journeyed to The Dark Tower a dozen times, and I'm not done. I read The Stand, non stop during a 3 day stay at home with the worst flu of my life, and scared out of my mind, but I could not put it down. I own everything in audio, too.

[@101Waylander]

@@esmewvimes2901 ,there must be something about The Stand. Everytime I start reading it I seem to get the flu. It freaks me out every single time, lol.

[@VoiceNerd]

I've been noticing lately you're editing is getting tighter and tighter. Well done mate. Keep it up!

[@richardviguurs5488]

Ah, so you prefer the new Daniel Greene? ;-)

[@tracib.7725]

I love his skill, stories and how they make me feel different/uncommon emotions. (Can’t speak for others) Having a discussion on the changes in his focus/style through the history of his works is great! Heck, a class or two could be taught on it! I sincerely wish that change and difference wasn’t so divisive - in general. That is a separate societal commentary on a whole but it really bothers me that variations in such high level fiction, within a single author’s body of work would be in argument.

[@JohnPatrickAlexander]

For me, the tonal shift whacks me hardest with the Dark Tower series. The last three books (not "The Wind Through the Keyhole") really show the changes with his Voice, and it took me a bit to get used to it. Otherwise, it's more a natural transition with his more "stand-alone" novels and short stories. I don't mind it so much. There was so much that he went through with the accident, it's no doubt it affected his writing style. You have to be flexible enough to accept that.

[@tracib.7725]

John-Patrick Alexander absolutely agree!

[@katblack394]

I agree completely! King has evolved with the times. He has streamlined his writing style to reflect and correlate with today's modern world and our overall need for instant information. Gone (or nearly gone) are the epic descriptions and characterizations. I love all of his work, old and new! He's incredible to me.

[@kissmeniley1]

I’m reading my first Stephen King novel (11/22/1963) because of you! I’m almost to the halfway point but I’m really engaged with it, more than I thought I would be. There’s so much character work and character insight in this book, so it’s a wonder that the “old Stephen King” books had even more of that in them.

[@turtleanton6539]

Its great

[@tubanexsenpai4174]

One of my favorites and creeped the hell out of me is his newest one, Revival.

[@turtleanton6539]

Its not the newest

[@paulonetoneto3989]

I absolutely loved Revival and I cannot recommend it enough

[@tubanexsenpai4174]

@@turtleanton6539 okay, but it is a New Stephen King 😊 2014 not that old for me

[@brianclark6340]

The ending left me depressed for a few days

[@richardsalgado3696]

That was a great book

[@hollow_crown_]

New drinking game for Daniel's Videos: Take a drink every time WoT is mentioned in a video about something else! (not that I don't love it!)

[@turtleanton6539]

😂😂👍

[@Wildcarde1]

Cant.... I watch at work and working drunk is a no no :)

[@lazyrmc]

You'll have to call an ambulance

[@KyDucky]

I've been reading King since Carrie was first released, and before it was famous. I picked it up because of the cover art ( and the fact that I was facing two weeks of bed rest due to an illness). I finished The Institute the week it was released. I love his characters. They seem real to me.They have foibles and quirks. They have nobility and they have base motivations. They have histories and hopes and dreams, and they are (generally) not all saint or all demon. I love that he will kill a character I love and reward one I hate, then kill that one too. I love the real sacrifices they make... I love when they chicken out. I don't know if you have read The Talisman, but that's one of my favorite stories ever, and Wolf is so the friend I wanted when I was a kid. The Dark Tower is my favorite on one day, and The Stand on another. I believe in letting an author tell his story. I don't want to tell him where to go with it or how it should have been different. In the end, I like it or I don't, but I live for the story.

[@unrulysimian3897]

Lori Hart - very well stated, Ma’am. I remember seeing Carrie in paperback racks, but it was when the movie came out and the cover was a photo of Spacek, so I dismissed it as a “novelization.” I was at a checkout line at the grocery store when the shiny paperback cover of the shining caught my eye. Bought it, loved it, went back and read Carrie and ‘Salem’s Lot, and have read all his stuff new ever since. I, too, greatly enjoyed The Talisman, but I love Black House more. Insomnia is the one I’ve reread most.

[@KyDucky]

@@unrulysimian3897 , I loved Insomnia. It's probably my favorite Dark tower "related" book. I don't think I really liked Black House the first time I read it... but gave it another chance a few months later and now it's one I reread every couple o years.

[@sirandrelefaedelinoge]

Do you have Carrie as a First Edition...?

[@KyDucky]

@@sirandrelefaedelinoge . nope. I lost everything in a flood years ago.

[@Orgull]

I prefer the older, more rambling, more past-obsessed King (My God, THE STAND). But his new stuff is still great. Especially Under the Dome and 11/22/63!

[@FranktheBunny]

I can't think of another King story where he was able to flesh out an entire town the way he did in Under the Dome. I mean, he devoted a chapter to a WOODCHUCK and was able to make you care about it!

[@MusicalRocky]

Under the Dome is so underrated and one of his stories that sticks with you the most!

[@bookmarkbeth8416]

Love old King horrors, new King thrillers

[@turtleanton6539]

Yuup

[@97epicman]

This is exactly how I feel.

[@arcane_ironic]

Pretty accurate

[@CCTH-86]

Totally accurate indeed!

[@TheNeoMosala]

I had the fortune of reading old Stephen King and New Stephen King when I encountered his work. 'Under The Dome' is one of the best stories he has written, we respect New Stephen King in this house.

[@nicnackscorner1031]

I've just started with King so far IT and The Green Mile were amazing. I'm excited to explore it all new and old.

[@gorgonzolastan]

I think his old stuff might be a little more "literary". Maybe it just seems that way because they are established as classics now. But I enjoy both of them a lot and I always read his new books.

[@rvantong]

It's funny you say his old stuff might be more literary because he used to be seen as nothing but a pulp author. Still is, in some circles, I'm sure.

[@justinscherzer6047]

That's just how history tends to go. People thought HP Lovecraft was a pulp author, same is true with Poe to an extent. The thing with king is he's been writing so long where people see his old and new work as completely different things.

[@kornbreadjones6670]

Doctor Sleep is my third fav book behind It and The Stand

[@turtleanton6539]

Its a goodbook

[@justtere]

@@turtleanton6539 you did read The Shining, the first book, right? Necessary to really enjoy Dr. Sleep.

[@eveningcomics5280]

Personally, I find Stephen King my favorite author... the last couple of years I have been reading mostly King's books. The first book I read was Under The Dome, which was a fairly new book back when I read it. I fell in love with that book and also with King's writing style, later on I read his more classic stuff and his newer stuff, and I found a King who was more focused on developing twisted characters rather than a more complex story, like he's been doing lately, just read The Outsider or Revival. I cannot choose which King is better, I enjoy them both equally. Just read and enjoy this writer 🤟🏻

[@seanwardell846]

I've been reading King's books since 1978, I read each new one as it came out and have loved the changes in style over the years. I have enjoyed being able to read his differing focus of character, plot, world-building etc. The volume of his work and differences in style allows me to have my cake and eat it. I can enjoy the whole spectrum. I don't prefer either, when he hits the mark, boy does he hit it regardless of his focus.

[@johanliebert5269]

My library has 11/22/63 and I’m gonna read it after I finish the Stand, which will take a while lol

[@turtleanton6539]

😂😂👍

[@darkblade1589]

Dont watch the show before you do,also when youre reading the ending make sure no chicks around! If so say ya got something in your eye.

[@Aday0119]

I’m sure Dr. Tenma loves it too

[@stuckonstories]

This was a really interesting video, I didn't even know this divide existed haha. I haven't read any modern King yet since I'm reading in publication order but I'm really enjoying his books so far :)

[@sandimiller5980]

StuckOnStories, I admire you for sticking with reading King in chronological order. I chose to go back and forth from some classics like the Shining and the Stand to 11-22-63 and Under the Dome and short stories Everything's Eventual and Full Dark no Stars. I am holding off on the Dark Towers series until I've read most of his work up to that publication so I can enjoy the "King universe" references as best I can! I've read a lot and love the ride so far!🙂

[@carnolasluggs5417]

I've read damn near just as much "old" King as I have "new" stuff and I've at not one point EVER found the slightest fault with his "meandering" as far as elaborate backstory detail regarding secondary characters goes. His exquisite mastery of character creation & development is easily the main reason I adore reading his stuff. My two favorite novels of his are Under the Dome & The Stand (the uncut version), two of his longest novels. It's the glaring reason so many of the movie adaptations are miserable failures. So many foolishly focus on the horror/gore setpieces, which in the books only ever succeed to affect you because they happen to characters that've first been beautifully established & expertly rendered. It's WHY adaptations like Misery or Gerald's Game were such magnificent achievements. They put character before everything else.

[@Allthesmallteas]

I'm reading The Shining now for the first time after reading The Institute a month or so ago. I agree the writing style is very different now but I really enjoy both. 11/22/63 is honestly one of my favorite books ever. I read it when I was over seas and fell in love with the book. My heart was broken when the book ended. it was a masterpiece

[@PsilocybeJedi]

Just finished the Shining. Masterpiece. Starting 11/22/63 tomorrow. Stoked.

[@saraspangler890]

I started reading King in the 70s. I haven’t read everything he’s written. I loved his early books because they let you see what people were thinking. You really were let inside of people.

[@stacypienaar4365]

Old King for me. I loved getting lost in his "over the top" descriptions of people and places and then picking up the little gold nuggets of information that he drops every now and then that gives me chills. Also, I started reading his books when I was in my early teens so for me the older books hold a level of nostalgia that I can't get from the new books. While saying that I still think his newer books are still on a level of their own.

[@safinan8008]

Always like watching ur videos!! Thank u for all ur updates too!!

[@PatrickLiu-cu3is]

tfw i discovered this channel today and now am early to a new vid

[@turtleanton6539]

Coolstory bro.

[@patrickcain1455]

I couldn't imagine reading the edited version of The Stand. I couldn't get enough. I thought Needful Things was pretty concise but I haven't really read his newer stuff much but thanks for giving me the itch.

[@NaveenKumarErroju]

I didnt read his works much. I read misery and fell in love with his writing, then read pet Semetary and now reading IT. Thanks for your suggestions, though. Can't wait read his later works.

[@jenniferwood144]

Where were you.... 11/22/63. Lived Massachusetts, came home from kindergarten to my mother crying with neighbors in my home. Will never forget that day.

[@irrehc7]

11/22/63 has been on my to be read pile for a while now. You’ve just convinced me to dive into it this afternoon! Happy reading!

[@WhitneyDahlin]

I definitely do NOT think King is a better writer now than in his early days. He has just written so many books he's out of good ideas. None of his newer stuff can compare to 'salems lot, or the shining, or carrie, or pet sematary. I once read a recent book by Stephen King (written in 2000's) about a house where the furniture comes alive. He's just out of ideas. I'm surprised he hasn't retired by now or tried a different genre. It all started when he got that traumatic head injury. He was totally different after that. I do love "the girl who loved Tom Gordon" tho I'm pretty sure that's classified as " new" Stephen King.

[@crimsonking3377]

Whitney Dahlin which newer books have you read?

[@WhitneyDahlin]

@@crimsonking3377 Dr. sleep, the outsider, Mr. Mercedes, black house, Liseys story. I also don't like his serial books like the dark tower series. Each one of the books I read at least 1/2 to 3/4's of the book. I'm just not really into his newer books. I also read the short story collection (I can't remember the name) with the library police story in it. I'm just not impressed. I'm sure he's a great author and I'm sure many people will like his newer stuff but it just isn't what I like. Although I will say King is the king at creating realistic and believable characters

[@crimsonking3377]

Whitney Dahlin I’ve only really read his newer stuff with The Outsider being my fav so far, but I have started reading his older stuff, finished the The Dead Zone and currently reading through The Stand which is shaping up to probably be my new fav of King’s

[@WhitneyDahlin]

@@crimsonking3377 yeah the stand is good but 'salems lot is my favorite Stephen King book! I highly recommend reading it especially since I think Netflix is coming out with a series adaptation but I'm not sure if it's based on the book or just unrelated but set in the town of 'salems lot

[@pedromoliveira658]

Old King. I miss the feeling while reading that King was telling me this story with all the tangents and unnecessary info, like a friend would. Lean King is technically more correct but more boring to me. I still like the imagination and the stories but less the storytelling. Also, I miss 1st person King. He has not done that since I think Revival and that was one of his best novels ever.

[@herrgdiduoo2692]

I have only read IT and currently read "Under the dome" , like both but I feel like i missed some of the complexity in IT which is not the Case with under the Dome so I might actually prefer it over IT (no pun intended)

[@annaleigh5321]

Herr Gdiduoo If you liked Under the Dome, you should try The Stand! Under the Dome is basically like an apocalypse of a town, and The Stand is the apocalypse of the world, focusing in on America. The uncut edition is the best, imo. It does have a lot of death and destruction in it though...I mean ALOT, from plagues to atom bombs. Long time King fans usually pick The Stand as their favorite, it’s truly EPIC!!

[@herrgdiduoo2692]

@@annaleigh5321i actually am torn between the stand and shining(Just saw Kubricks movie) but I will probably go for the Stand next with your rec in mind

[@sandimiller5980]

The Stand is a fantastic journey! The only book I've ever read twice!

[@AlexChristian]

11/22/63 and The Institute are my two favorites in King's lineup. One is a meandering blissful romp through Texas and history, the other is a concise exciting run through special abilities.

[@BMR3]

I love the beat on the credits, can you please tell me what it is? I can’t find it anywhere & I want to listen to more! Lol thank you

[@audrianianeiswonger9343]

I love both. We are blessed to have enjoyed his stories.

[@magicalsimmy]

My favourite books by King are The Stand (amazing) and The Talisman, a touching and brilliantly haunting fantasy he wrote with Peter Straub. 11/22/63 is also amazeballs.

[@floatingcoffin]

Just wanna say, I watch your videos daily and I'm very happy you went fulltime KZbinr. I'll hit the Patreon one of these days when I stop spending all my money on books and vinyl. Thanks, homie

[@JediBunny]

Wow you bring up so many great points here; as does your cat! I read a lot of King throughout Middle and High School, but I’d love to get back into some of his newer stuff. This really gives me the motivation to, do thank you for sharing!

[@jacobbroder1789]

Working my way through IT right now. Havn't read a book for pure enjoyment in years, but I was having trouble sleeping and read somewhere that reading a book before bed could possibly help. So I picked up IT at Walmart and I'm hooked, cant put the thing down. Already picked up The Stand for when I'm done with IT.

[@dariselectricincorporated3226]

Great video, that beat at the end was so DOPE! I need to hear more

[@honestlyjewels]

Just now stumbling onto this video a year late. I'm 57 years old and have read SK since high school. I've read almost all as they came out (my goal this year is to go back and read the ones that fell through the cracks over the years). I've lived his writing style change as it happened...slowly over the years but I, too, am aware there's a difference. I have more of my favorites that fall into the new King era than the old. 11/22/63 is freaking amazing but I also really love The Green Mile and Mr. Mercedes.

[@erinprather3793]

11-22-63 is my favorite with Institute, The Stand, The Shinning, and Dr Sleep. I relay love Under the Dome too.

[@joedenby2645]

I am a "constant reader" I'm currently working through The Dark Tower and some linked books. I must say though, I am in the last 100 pages of The Tailisman and I have struggled, I'll be relieved when I'm done.

[@dougpeairs8783]

You should read “Lisey’s Story” if you haven’t already perfect blend of that Old King character backstory exploration and it’s ramifications on the current character, but was released in what I’d call the New King era. One of my favs from his too and I’m a die hard fan

[@august3777]

If you want to know when King changed, you might want to read his book 'On Writing' in which he detailed that his family performed an intervention to get him to stop doing drugs. It was during this time period that this writing changed drastically. He wrote books such as Gerald's Game, Rose Matter, and on. These became the books people liked the least, and during this time frame he went from the most sold writer in the world--meaning that he sold more peoples than anyone else in the world--to having a lot less reading who were reading his books. During this time period he also started writing prefaces at the beginning of his books of he needed to communicate something to his reading before the purchased the book in question. This is were he starts using the words 'Dear Constant Reader.' So yeah he changed and it great to see him having a resurgence of people liking his books again and making them into movies. But the 90's is when he changed when he was approached by his family that they would leave him if he didn't end his massive drug habit.

[@turtleanton6539]

Cool

[@katieamarsh]

Have you read his Full Dark No Stats short story collection? I really enjoyed it and sometimes like to read a short story or two between books.

[@CCTH-86]

What a great video, Daniel Greene! Thank you for this. Started reading King recently (grew up with the films, but got into his books this year). I love the new and old and embrace both, even though I prefer the new King.

[@brodiewhitburn4562]

I have been reading stephen king ever sincs i was young, i was born in the 90s, i have watched all his film adaptions and own most of them. King inspired me to become a writer and his new and old works to me are king, they are different in style but still king. I can't say his new stuff is bad when it isn't. Fantastic writer. Also love your channel Daniel, your alwayd releasing great content, and i always love hearing people hail the king

[@emiliogereros7112]

Hey! Love your channel. I know this is an older video, but I wanted to shear that I have started reading new King's work. Joyland is the bok I choose to start with

[@TwistInMC]

I picked up Full Dark No Stars and it’s some of the best king I’ve read

[@turtleanton6539]

Sure is.

[@williamtracy1089]

I'm reading that now! Finished Big Driver yesterday, it's extremely good

[@turtleanton6539]

Checkout my Joe Hill book Full Throttle review

[@carnolasluggs5417]

A Good Marriage is phenomenal.

[@TwistInMC]

Carnola Sluggs ya it’s definitely the best of the 4

[@davepitts9039]

I think a lot of it has to do with what you grew up with. I'm 48, so I grew up reading and loving all of the early books. If however, you are in your teens or early 20's right now, you have several more books of his to choose from. So whether you end up liking new or old, who cares, because almost all of them are pretty dam good!

[@CarlosPenasGrl]

I love your King videos and they not only got me back into his work after a good decade of not reading him but got me to take a chance on his new stuff. I absolutely love his older stuff, but the new works hes putting out are just as good and sometimes better.

[@miecraftandmoregames]

i am not a reader but i enjoy so much your videos that i've been trying to read a little bit more, recently i finished the hobbit and loved it, made me look at the films differently than before and it gave so much needed depth to characters and scenarios. thanks for your videos.

[@sabrinasspellbookspens5136]

I plan on reading some of King' s books starting next year, and I'm terrified. I've never been a big horror story lover so I'm treading new ground here. But I'm kinda looking forward to it. I'm going to start with Under The Dome, cuz it seems to be a tame place to start.

[@stevesnead9985]

I've been reading Stephen King since about 1976 give or take when I was a senior in high school . So, I'm really an old Constant Reader. That being said I'm really impressed with your deep dive into all the books not only the King books. I do prefer the old King myself. It seems like he's taken a little off his fast ball lately. He rushed the Dark Tower series and you hit it on the head in the way you discuss how he used to deep dive into his characters. I remember way back ( do I sound like an old fart yet?) in the seventies coming across a paperback novel at the bookstore in my hometown mall in Gadsden, Alabama. I pick up this book with a blurb on the back talking about the horror of this small New England town. A clerk comes up and say's "Ya know, I hear this young writer named Stephen King is a good one." I bought "Salem's Lot" and devoured it. I remember thinking that he really knew small town America in general not just New England towns. It reminded me so much of the small rural southern town my grandparents lived in. After that I found that he had actually written a novel before Salem's Lot called Carrie. Talk about feeling stoked to go right out and read it. Anyway, of such was a Constant Reader born.

[@zeketesler3867]

I’ve waited so long to ask this; what editions of a song of ice and fire do you have

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

www.juniperbooks.com/products/game-of-thrones-armor-set

[@zeketesler3867]

@@DanielGreeneReviews Thank you so much!

[@RayBlake]

Both Kings are great. I wasn't as enamoured with the Mr Mercedes books but otherwise the guy can do no wrong. And I would expect a 70-year-old to write a different book from a 30-year-old. For my money, the best of the new Kings are 11/22/63 (which really should have been retitled 22/11/63 for Europe) and Joyland. Both have more than a little of old King about them, come to think of it.

[@OttawaOldFart]

I love all his stuff. It's his writing style that gets me hooked.

[@abo8158]

Excellent description of the two broad “King Styles” in your video Daniel. As someone who has spent the last year reading 50+ of King’s works spanning his entire career, I have struggled to understand the community debate on this. “Deep character/symbolism/meandering” versus “Clean/focused narrative” explains some of the difference between older and newer styles King shows, but there have only been one or two books that I genuinely didn’t really enjoy. The man is a legend, and I appreciate you elevating his work to a new generation of readers!

[@KierTheScrivener]

I have only ever read Shawshank so I can't comment on his old vs new. But you have definitely convinced me over your videos as a person who loves character focused novels to pick up his books

[@turtleanton6539]

Why did u not finish the book there are 3 more diffrent seasons?

[@KierTheScrivener]

@@turtleanton6539 the version I had only had Shawshank

[@claraconner9007]

I'm almost done the Mistborn Final Empire and I keep imagining it as anime (Castlevania style) would you be interested in doing a discussion on reading material and translating it to visual medium? I think Mistborns gore, magic, setting etc would look better as an anime type show then live action. And a lot of people have complained about movies like the new live action lion king and how it just doesn't look/feel as good. I know this isn't about stephen king (which i have gotten into way more recently thanks to you) I'm trying to decide which of his books to pick up after i'm finished with Mistborn :)

[@TheShadesofOrange]

If someone puts a gun to your head over choosing new vs old King, I strongly encourage you to just give a snap decision. Not worth your life. Haha 😝

[@miecolebeverly5330]

I loooove the Classic King books just because it was dark and twisty.. however i also loove the new king books its a little less dark and twisty.. they both bring you in and have you over thinking forreals..

[@skyvolt2566]

I use to think King was over-rated but after reading the stand I was hooked on that book. But I do wish he wrote longer books again bc some of his newer ones are like 200 pages I can read through that in 1 sitting

[@ottomyers1766]

I love everything the man writes, old, new, and in between. I think he could write anything and make it interesting. He has an uncanny way of putting you in a place and time and making you feel it, I mean really feel it. You feel like your in the book with the characters, experiencing everything with them. Now that being said, I don't always like the story as a whole, or I might not like the ending, etc., but that is all personal preference and will change from person to person. However, I cannot say that there is one book that he has written that I did not like the journey that he takes you on, the fun of being in those times and places. His writing is like life, you don't always like the situation, the people, the time, the place, the world, but in the end, your happy to be alive. Just happy that you got the opportunity to be you. Isn't that why you pick up a book in the first place. Thanks, Daniel for your wonderful channel, keep up the good work.

[@mrbester2116]

You got me back into King, thanks man! Finally started with the Dark Tower series. I'm pretty early in, but on your comment on King maybe having had more demons in the past... There's a line in the Gunslinger where Roland says that other worlds have other demons, in reference to drugs and alcohol. It was an interesting touch, because the line immediately felt so personal coming from King.

[@carnolasluggs5417]

Revival is absolutely an example of a modern King novel that goes into incredible detail regarding the past & present of it's two central characters.

[@christophernoia5197]

I’m pretty new to Stephen king, only reading some of his works in the last 3 years a little while after finishing the wheel of time. I just finished the outsider a couple weeks ago within a few days because of how hooked I was. I feel his foreshadowing was great in that book. His newer works that I’ve read I’ve very much enjoyed and you have convinced me to check out the institute and 11/22/63. I’m currently reading the dark half, as it is not as new, then I plan on reading the stand as it’s one of his classics I don’t really know anything about. Ive enjoyed the novels that I’ve read so far in the Dark Tower and have recently been getting into a Stephen King craze. I love that you’ve been making more king videos, as of late, Daniel! Keep up the great work!

[@CancelledPhilosopher]

I actually haven't read many old Stephen King novels. Mostly new ones. But that's just coincidence because I read whichever one I stumble upon in my library. I'm definitely going read a lot more of both King's older and newer books since he's such an amazing writer.

[@BigHeavyLove]

i'm in the middle of reading the institute and it is an incredible read. i'm going to be binging on King for the next few months.

[@sonialopez4039]

I agree with EVERYTHING you said about his change in style.... but I love all Stephen King. I have EVERY book he's written including his Richard Bachman books and his novella books like Four past Midnight.

[@BuzzardPlanet97]

So far I've read Misery, Dolores Claiborne, 11/22/63, The Institute, and If It Bleeds, reading The Shining right now, and I have Doctor Sleep and Revival lined up. So mostly newer works but a few old ones in there, and I'm enjoying all of it.

[@sign543]

The Mr. Mercedes trilogy is some of his best work. I have read those three books 3 times now. I love all the characters, especially Holly Gibney. I hope he brings her back again, like he did in The Outsider.

[@Fluffy6555]

Check out If It Bleeds, she's the focus in one of the stories.

[@magonygellert36]

I love both. I think it is very advantagous for us to have a change. For example I read his books roughly by turns. One newer (from the 2010's) and one older. However I think between Misery and Duma Key (late 90's - early 00's) he did not produce as well-written books as before and after

[@bananapuddingpop3867]

Give me sprawling 2 page descriptions of all the contents of a desk and how each thing has an effect on the character. Give me the three page backstory on a character that will die as soon as I turn the page. I'm an old school King fan all the way. I love the indulgence of his bigger efforts. That said, I don't dislike the new stuff by any stretch. I just really love the overly explained of the old days. I will also freely say that it isn't for everyone. I fell in love with reading because of King (specifically the Stand) and it, decades later, is still the yardstick for which I judge novels. Nostalgia? Maybe...probably, but I love it.

[@JohnSmith-kb2xp]

You have honestly started to get me back into reading

[@steffendass4169]

I discovered SK when I was eleven and have read everything until Sleeping Beauties. This was a very articulate and well-thought-out opinion piece, congratulations. And for the record: I like SK in all phases of his career. If people want the "greatest hits" balls-to-the-all horror output, check out his 70s & 80s work. But King has grown into his craftsmanship very well, and I enjoy his "new" stuff just as much.

[@DJMaul1031]

Hey, just discovered your channel via this video. Looking forward to seeing more. I've been a life long Constant Reader of King. I think I own almost every novel in hardback. As to which "version" of King I prefer: Yes, I have noticed the changes you speak of, but that has not affected my enjoyment of his newer novels. That being said, I think his better STORIES are still his classics. I mean look how they've cemented themselves into Pop Culture , pretty much for all time. Now that's not saying some of his more recent novels of say, the last decade or so, can't eventually reach that same iconic level, given some time to breathe. But the EVENT NOVEL isn't as much a THING as it used to be back in the day either; now everyone's just waiting around for the movie or TV adaption. While I had read every one of his newer books, and enjoyed them, when I'm looking for a comfort food type revisit of one of his novels, it's inevitably a "Classic King" era book. I just picked up The Institute, have not had a chance to dig into it yet. I do agree 11/23/63 is a great book that deserves to be read.

[@benjicarey5870]

I honestly couldn’t choose my favourites are split across both era’s his characters are so staying, particularly villains haven’t aged badly at all. He’s one of a kind and I will always be a Constant Reader happy to read his fiction

[@nickm2112]

The last two Stephen King books I've read were 11/22/63 and Doctor Sleep. I've read many books since those two and they still remain two of my all-time favorite books.

[@hedleyr666]

Loving the new background mate.

[@therealfirelord3359]

I like how he meanders in his older work. Recently, I read On Writing and he explains that he writes/wrote that way because it's more authentic -- our existence is plotless and meandering. Sometimes it makes a story phenomenally believeable and terrifying and sometimes it drags, but it feels more genuine to me. I'm open to reading his newer stuff (I'm one of those who skimmed a new King, I think it was the one with the Buick, and retreated immediately to the classics), but I think I'll always like the old stuff better.

[@biancarichling789]

Hi. My personal favorites are 'The Stand', 'Dr. Sleep' and, of course, 'The dark Tower', especially the 2nd and 3rd book. Oh, and the Salems Lot stuff

[@TT-qd9nz]

That is such an interesting take! Personally I love both the new and old Stephen King books in their own ways. I think the common factor is just how he manages to freak me out. Have any of you guys read elevation? That book was so different from his usual stuff, but it was still really good. I honestly enjoy reading anything by Stephen Kind despite the differences.

[@MrRezRising]

You might want to check out a band called Rush. Career as long as King's, with same artistic trajectories and parables. Also, it's great music. 🤟🙄🤟 You didn't mention King's silent partners - his editors - who had a major hand in what we read from King. Bill Whatshisname at Doubleday went away right about the time I saw that change in focus as you put it, in the mid to late 80s. For me, Needful Things in 1991 was the first in his "modern King" library to cement his new style. "It", was the beginning of a transition period for him. Simply put, NT read like a screenplay, like he was watching a movie in his head instead of just telling us a story, like in It. BTW, Old Stuff vs New Stuff is a timeless Rush argument, but most fans agree, in one way or another, it's all good.

[@BurgessTaylor]

I read IT two different times. When I was young (20's) and then again about a decade ago in my 40's, I am now reading it again (at 52)--each time I've read it I've gotten something different out of it. The first book I read by King was Salem's Lot in 1977 (I was 10 and my 5th grade teacher introduced us to it in October--scary books, vampires). I fell down the rabbit hole and then read Carrie, then Christine... Though I have not loved every book, it would be expected that his writing style would evolve, improve. He ROCKS! I'm a Constant Reader, and have a whole tall bookcase dedicated to his works Thanks for a great video. I loved the Institute.

[@suhailaalmheiri9431]

I started out with one of his short stories collection and I didn't really like it, funny enough that was 10 years ago. This year I read Misery and I GET why he's such a well loved writer. It isn't my favorite book of all time but it probably changed my reading taste forever! I welcome recommendations, I know Daniel made recs video but more are welcome 💓

[@QJDWG]

- 11/22/63 - The Outsider - The Institute All fucking *AWESOME* King books

[@therenegadebard3971]

Naturally, writers grow over time. But I think to completely understand his growth, knowing what authors he's read would be necessary. It's often as important, perhaps more, than one's personal life.

[@bryanbaker6040]

Gotta be honest, I haven't read much new King (I think the newest one I picked up was Dreamcatcher, which, yeah, not great). But I always thought that some of his best stuff was his short stories. I'm interested to check out some of his newer stuff. I've got 11/22/63 on my TBR pile. Maybe I'll bump it up the queue.

[@alexanders4911]

@0:25: hi Daniel. great vid. u Said King is a misunderstood author, in what way do you think he is misunderstood?

[@haljasonfoster2169]

After taking about 15 years off from King I picked up The Institute. It was so lite weight I felt like I was reading Cliff's Notes. It made me hesitant about trying some of your other recommendations like Brandon Sanderson. I am sure I well though. Often our taste coincide.I am pretty old school in Fantasy having been born in 66. I grew up reading the genre and stopped around 2,005. I do agree with you about loving Jordan, Martin and of course Tolkien. I love your videos and they are rekindling my passion for reading these type of works. You probably have had it with suggestions but if I may indulge you may like Moorcock, Jack Vance. Robert E. Howard. C.L. Moore , Fritz Leiber ,Stephen Donaldson, Guy Garvielle Kay, Charles De Lint, Tad Williams, Peter Straub, Clive Barker to name a few my generation worshiped. I am new to your videos so perhaps you have addressed these people. Thanks again for your passion. As an "old Timmer" it does me good to see you youngins enjoying the stuff of dreams. I see some kids crossing my lawn I need to yell out so take care.

[@AICpants]

How bout an It spoiler fill deep dive? Talked about doing that in your review

[@danielvanrooyen9602]

I watched a few of Kings movie/series adaptations, from IT, 11/22/63, Shining, Pet Sematary before I started reading. So i am reading all the books that do not have an adaption yet or haven seen it yet, only reason being the books feel kind of spoiled. Read a few of the Dark Tower books and Misery, loved it so far. Salem's Lot and The Stand is up next.

[@annaleigh5321]

You should probably read The Stand last, because anything you read after The Stand will be a let down. That book is Epic.

[@hdervish2497]

I love every tangent and ramble. I don't need the story to constantly roll forward to enjoy it.

[@CCTH-86]

I've just ordered 11/22/63 this evening. Looking forward to it in the mail so I can dive in. :-)

[@SatiaRenee]

Ahhhhh Stephen King. I was 13 when I read Carrie and Salem’s Lot. And I devoured The Stand when it came out. I even read it again when it was rereleased with the edited scenes. But in my 20s something changed. I went back and read Carrie and realized that I liked the meta-fiction of articles and such telling the story. I reread Salem’s Lot and realized I why I remembered the cover more than I did the story. Then I read Cujo. At this time (and to this day) I used chapters to remind me to stop reading. The book has no chapter breaks and I was halfway through before I realized! And I didn’t even like the damn story when I was done. But people kept urging me to give him another shot or, worse, gave me one of his books as a gift. So in my 30s I suffered through Misery (conceding that I liked the claustrophobia of it). Then I read It. I couldn’t give it away fast enough. I tried to read The Eyes of the Dragon but didn’t even finish it and this was when I still firmly believed if I started a book, I had to finish it. (At this point I want to remind you that you did ask us to tell you about our thoughts on King so here we are.) So the recommendations keep coming, as fo the gifts, and a miracle happens! I enjoy his book On Writing. I really and truly did. I started having second thoughts. Maybe King gets better. Maybe I am just a better reader. Who knows? Now we move into my 40s. I still love The Stand and I read The Body which has a sentence in it that gave me such joy at the time I gasped aloud at its perfection. Then someone recommended Insomnia. Whyyyyyy? It took me forever to finish that book. Why? Because, ironically enough, I kept falling asleep before I would even finish a chapter. Remember Cujo? I finished it in one day because it didn’t have chapters. Insomnia took over three months. At the same time EVERYONE is insisting I give The Dark Towers a try. After book 2 I realized I knew precisely how the series would end. I couldn’t imagine slogging through more of the story just to get to that ending. And at that time the last book hadn’t even been published. (Hint: I was right and all my King friends hated me for it.) But you see, I am a glutton for punishment and I read Hearts in Atlantis (because NYT gave it a good review) and suddenly I see why the appeal again. So how many books (and how many pages) and I still only really like TWO books??? All of this to say that I am going to put a hold request for 11/22/63 (when I get close to the end of my current read) and, on the basis of your effusive praise, give King another try. Maybe there will be a sentence in there somewhere that makes me gasp with its perfection. At this point, I don’t expect more than that. And there you go. My history with King. I didn’t even include all of the books I read because this is easily the longest KZbin comment I have ever written. So with apologies to anyone else who has nothing better to do...I’m sorry. Regards to Pip. Such wisdom!