Top 10 Stephen King Books

[@patcoston]

My favorite is The Long Walk. I've read it 26 times. He wrote from age 18 to 19, 1966 to 1967 while a freshman at the University of Maine in Orono, and the walk passes by the university twice. When they get to Oldtown (it's actually spelled Old Town), they make an awkward detour just so they can walk pass the university. The could have turned right and taken a short-cut the turnpike or gotten on the turnpike in Orono but no. They turn left, then right before the entrance to the turnpike, they turn right, and pass the university to get on the turnpike one exit down, back in Oldtown. So they go Oldtown -> Orono -> Oldtown -> Orono, because once they get on the Turnpike, they pass the university in Orono, again since the turnpike double backs and parallels the road they just came up. The route is real. You can walk it or drive it. I've road-tripped it twice. So if you want to be astonished at amazing writing from a guy who was only 18 or 19, it's The Long Walk. He must have revised it mid 70s before it got published in 1979 because John Travolta is mentioned. Travolta was not famous in 1967 but he definitely was mid 70s and he was in the movie Carrie before The Long Walk was published, so I'm guessing that's why King inserted him.

[@vishanthfishy]

How does one make a best Stephen king book video and not mention The Stand

[@abbashaidari8313]

Well because that's just a little too scary right now...

[@codywilliams3976]

Hmm... 1. IT 2. PET SEMATARY 3. REVIVAL 4. SALEM'S LOT 5. MISERY 6. THE DARK TOWER (the entire series) 7. DUMA KEY 8. 11/22/63 9. THE DEAD ZONE 10. THE STAND

[@habibiisdagoat]

The shining should be top 10

[@nanochan1168]

I haven't read any of his books yet .... so thanks for the recommendations

[@TobeyStarburst]

Are you 12?

[@franceshaha]

@@TobeyStarburst What an unnecessary question

[@kianhughes6309]

Tobey Starburst I’m 18 and I haven’t read any of his books, what’s your point?

[@ramblinrussell]

It’s ok that you haven’t and at such a young age it’s probably best because his books can be very long and most teens don’t have that kind of patience or attention span. Good luck. King has a few duds but generally his books are very good. You’re in for a treat.

[@MyBeautifulDarkTwistedFantasy6]

I read “it” when I was 11

[@SamLaw10]

I really liked Needful Things. But my number 1 pick is The Stand uncut

[@willc236]

Couldn’t agree more. Those would easily be my one and two.

[@obowurx6625]

I'll hop on this bandwagon. Epic. Simply epic.

[@kayceeg5464]

Sooo glad you mentioned "On Writing" that is one of my favorites ! Very insightful and entertaining at the same time.

[@Eda-Fox]

The Shining was my favorite for a long time until I read It. It was the book that turned me into a “gotta read everything he’s written” fan. I agree the ending didn’t hold up to how fantastic the rest of the book was but it’s still wonderful. I totally agree that how he writes characters especially when it’s about their childhood is so perfect. I recently finished Dreamcatcher and that was another book where the childhood experience of the characters was perfectly written. I wanted to read more of their childhood than what was there. Long ramble but I’m so excited I found your channel. My favorites are It, The Shining, The Green Mile, Dreamcatcher, and Insomnia.

[@daveedmunds1109]

Trav my man, that's a pheeenooooomenal top 10. Soooo good! Now as the most knowledgeable guy on tube when it comes to Koontz, how about a top 10 for the most consistent author in print?

[@eboniestevenson231]

I lovvveeeee Dean Koontz. I really love his Odd Books and I have alot of those.

[@jessicalee030]

Finally a ranking with som personality! Thanks for that

[@wendyscribbles]

IT really is one the best even with that ending. Two You need to check out Gwendy's Button Box by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar. It's a co-op obviously but still really good. Three. I've missed your face and I'm glad you're making regular videos again.

[@LilFoxyCosplay]

I loved gwendys button box!

[@mikeymorrison272]

Favorite author 1. 11/22/63 (I am a history buff) 2. The Shining 3. Misery 4. It 5. The Stand (disappointing ending) 6. Carrie 7. Cujo 8. Mr. Mercedes I need to read more

[@zachsutton9866]

Here from the future have you finished the Bill Hodges trilogy yet 😂?

[@habibiisdagoat]

My list: 10: mr Mercedes 9: desperation 8: needful things 7: the outsider 6: Carrie 5: the stand 4: the shining 3: pet sematary 2: it 1: misery

[@TheCrayTrey]

Thoughts on Finders Keepers and End of Watch if you have read them?

[@farmsalot1233]

11/22/63 has one of Stephen king's best endings imho. What book has your favorite ending?

[@isakdahl7054]

Anthony Tosh Maybe Pet Sematary. And I don’t just mean like the last page. Probably like the entire third act. Reading that makes you feel you’re a psycho.

[@sk70091]

The Dead Zone

[@andrewebbs3157]

Pet sematary, screw the cliched happy endings bro

[@versa_sh4dow_yt634]

Christine is pretty good

[@alexcraft7548]

11/22/63 is certainly his best ending

[@benjaminhenson2879]

Here's my list: 1. The Stand- Not only my favorite Stephen King book, but my favorite book ever made. 2. The Dark Tower IV: Wizard and Glass- This book does a great job on expanding the Dark Tower Universe. 3. Salem's Lot- Absolutely amazing book, one of the only Stephen King books that scared me. 4. 11/22/63- I love the history surrounding the JFK assassination so this is a no-brainer. 5. Joyland- I know this is an odd pick but I ended up being emotionally invested to the main character. Many of the themes of this book resonate with my life. 6. Different Seasons- An outstanding collection of stories such as Shawshank Redemption and Stand By Me. My favorite being Apt Pupil. 7. On Writing- As you explained, this is an amazing novel for anyone looking into writing. This book is also great for anyone interested in King's life. 8. Desperation- I loved the beginning of this book and the central themes found throughout 9. Pet Sematary- This was my first Stephen King novel and I still think this is one of his best books from beginning to end. 10. Under the Dome- Hated the ending and loved the rest. I think King came up with a brilliant concept for this story and executed it well (right up until the end).

[@farmsalot1233]

This entire list was perfect except wizard and glass.

[@ItalianStallionBDM]

Wizard and glass is incredible

[@dominicwyartt3598]

“Nah I didn’t like the ending” Stephen King 2019 IT movie

[@captainzeepotatogaming2243]

3: pet cemetery 2:The Shining 1: It because its the Stephen King of all Stephen Kings

[@danagricken4197]

I really liked The Outsider which came out a year or two ago. I couldn't put it down!

[@leap.5950]

Excellent list! Salem's Lot was my first Stephen King book, it is really good. I can't name my top 10, and I haven't read all of his books (not even close), but one of my favourites is definately the novella The Long Walk, it is sooo good.

[@cezary8616]

i've read a lot of Kings books and i agree with you The Long Walk is great i can't wait to see the movie. ps sorry for my english (I'm from PL)

[@leap.5950]

@@cezary8616 Oh I didn't know there was a movie coming out, that's awesome. And I'm from Finland, so non-perfect English here as well ;)

[@cezary8616]

Guys who made the new "IT" have now rights to the long walk :)

[@harunkucukcelebi1594]

5. Under The Dome 4. Pet Sematary 3. It 2. The Stand 1. The Dark Tower

[@vonniedemers5683]

Salems Lot is my favorite They've done 2 adaptations of it. The 2 part mini series with David Sole, is actually really good if you see the full 2 parts. The cut down movie version not so good. And recently they did it again with Rob Lowe. It's not bad either. I prefer the old one.

[@AllenFreemanMediaGuru]

On Writing was great! And you get behind the scenes of his starting out in writing.

[@peterconlon8234]

1 Salems Lot 2 Wizard & Glass 3 The Wastelands 4 The Drawing of the Three 5 The Mist 6 The Talisman 7 The Stand (uncut) 8 The Long Walk 9 The Dead Zone 10 Misery

[@daturatheband]

Where. Is. IT?

[@peterconlon8234]

11 It 12 Pet Sematary 13 Eyes Of The Dragon 14 The Running Man 15 The Shining

[@TH3F4LC0Nx]

My top 4: (4) Carrie. Short, sweet, and to the point. Was a very touching character study of a high school outcast. Also contained some unusual reflections on gender and religion. Best thing about it was that it lacked the unholy amount of sex that pretty much every book of his after this one had. (3) Pet Sematary. Forever confused me on how to spell the word cemetery. Genuinely frightening, especially if you are a parent. Pretty ballsy on how dark it got, too. Wasn't bloated or too long. All around, pretty great. (2) Hearts in Atlantis. The first part of this book broke my heart. Was a deep, yet subtle, reflection on the baby boomer generation as well as the counter culture revolution. Absolutely loved it. (1) Misery. Well paced, scary in a gruesome, David Cronenberg, body horror kind of way. But what really made it number one was its autobiographical content as well as the fact that it is a superb reflection on the craft of writing. Truly King's greatest achievement.

[@ciah3098]

You were so fun to watch, subscribed!

[@chrisbronico3667]

10. - Misery 9. - Cujo 8. - Carrie 7. - Pet Senetary 6. - Joyland 5. - The Institute 4. - Needful Things 3. - Mr. Mercedes 2. - Salem’s Lot 1. - The Stand

[@SteventheShoehanger]

Aspiring authors, read or listen to The Outsider. I learned a lot from it.

[@christianmanthei4569]

Nice vid! The Stand and Different Seasons would be in my Top 10 for sure!

[@lrs0620]

My top ten 10. The Institute 9. Christine 8. Mr. Mercedes series 7. Delores Claiborne 6. Stand 5. 11/22/63 4. Needful Things 3. IT 2. Salem’s Lot 1. Dark Tower Series

[@dcembervesalius]

I haven't read many Stephen King's books to do a top ten, but I love It (even if it took a while to read; once I got to a certain point did I love it); Carrie was very interesting (the first Stephen King book I read); Doctor Sleep being, in my controversial opinion, slightly better than The Shining; 11/22/63 is my favorite book from Stephen King by far; Finders Keepers my favorite of the Bill Hodge's trilogy; and Revival being the scariest book from King I've read up to know (although maybe It is slightly scarier)

[@lbentforleather9654]

King's childhood stuff is amazing... The Body great example

[@pearcegreatesteverleftback03]

I’ve got a Top 5:- 1: IT (The best book ever!) 2: The Stand 3: Salem’s Lot 4: The Shining 5: Night Shift I’ve read most of King’s work but those five stand out so far from the others yet I do have a bottom 3... 1: From a Buick 8 (Terrible) 2: The Long Walk (Boring) 3: Tommyknockers (Very Dissapointing) Those three have been banished to the loft in a sealed box to be left for the next occupant of the house to wonder “What’s in the box?!” There’s a story there somewhere!! Anyway, great video Travis you’ve now another subscriber 😷😎👍🏻

[@zeeshanmamc]

Have read most of them. My list is: 1. On Writing 2. The Green Mile 3. The Dead Zone 4. Misery 5. The Stand 6. Salem’s Lot 7. The Talisman 8. Mr Mercedes 9. The Outsider 10. It Would’ve ranked It higher but the ending is way too weird.

[@christymorneau3113]

I have lots of favs, but Desperation and The Long Walk are two of my favorite books period

[@covertocoverbookreviews6721]

I like your list, except That Dark Half would have been lower on the list, maybe replace it with The Long Walk. Great video BTW.👍

[@kal-elavitt7587]

I love how you just got to the point!

[@anarchistjesus7354]

How is The Stand not on here, or the Shining? I'd say The Dark Towrr, but it's a whole series. Still my favorite of Stephen King though. That being said, I do need to read more of his books.

[@85mlindam]

No one have mentioned two of my favourite SK books (although he wrote them with Peter Straub): The Talisman and (I re-reading this right now) Black house. These two are absolutely amazing books. Anyway, this is my List: 1)The talisman 2)Black house 3)Wizard and glass (dark tower IV) 4)It (didn't like how it ends btw) 5)The stand 6)The girl who loved Tom Gordon 7)Carrie 8)The mist

[@xxthegamecollectorxx4673]

Yes I just read both of these. Love them, but I felt like I was missing out on the moment where he linked it to dark tower series because I havent read those yet.

[@Aelkassed]

My favorites would have to be: 1. The Talisman 2. The Dark Tower series 3. Carrie 4. Misery 5. Rose Madder Honorable mentions: Needful Things, Pet Sematary, Black House

[@blacksmithorange8906]

For me I’d have to go with... 5. The Shining 4. Misery 3. IT 2. Revival 1. Pet Sematary

[@Cajunfriednoodles]

Pet Semetary is definitely the best King in my opinion!!

[@zoomerhub4468]

I struggled through The Shining. I found it very boring

[@blacksmithorange8906]

Zoomerhub For me, it was a little harder since I saw the Nineteen-ninety something remake with Stephen Weber. Which pretty much covered the story in its entirety. It’s almost like King just sent in the book itself as the screenplay.

[@blacksmithorange8906]

Reese agreed. Very sad, yet somehow very beautiful. In the most creepy was possible of course.

[@dialama9353]

Was Pet Sematary extremely scary? I’m a baby when it comes to scary stuff and I heard that was his scariest novel

[@michalanielsen756]

I am currently working my way slowly through IT. I am enjoying the book. One of my favourites is The Green Mile, it is highly atypical from the rest of Kings books I’ve read but I love the characters and the story is great.

[@brodiebh]

5. Rage 4. The Long Walk 3. Dark Tower IV: Wizard and Glass 2. The Green Mile 1. Salem's Lot

[@sadiemost4729]

Yes rage is so good I’m glad I got to read it

[@imperium7846]

5: Joyland 4: Salems Lot 3: Eyes of the Dragon 2: Dark Half 1: Pet Sematary

[@obowurx6625]

Eyes of the dragon doesn't get enough love. Fantastic book!

[@tranhoanghai3632]

I have finished only 7 King books so far but I can say for sure 11/22/63 and Under the Dome are in my top 3. I'm reading It right now and I feel it very likely to get the third slot

[@Amber_xo_133]

1. Christine 2. Thinner 3. Maximum Overdrive 4. Doctor Sleep 5. Gerald’s Game 6. It 7. Cujo 8. Pet Sematary 9. The Shining 10. Carrie

[@shayydeniece]

My #1 King is Needful Things right now but I'm currently reading The Stand and I'm wondering if it might take over my #1 spot.

[@TheYABooks]

Hey Travis, I loved the video, man! I’ve been looking to get into more King. I’ve enjoyed all of the books and short stories I’ve read by him. I’m not going to lie, the sizes of most of his books are my deterrent... but I have to get over that hill in order to enjoy all of his books. My favorite that I’ve read so far is The Long Walk.

[@nolansmolarz3468]

Dolores Claiborne is a definate top 5

[@retdrewclassic20]

I’m reading it rn. About 200ish pages through. Wish me luck!

[@sk70091]

I feel like a bad Stephen King fan because I didn't really care for IT too much, except for the characters. My list, off the top of my head: 1. Misery 2. The Dead Zone 3. The Stand 4. The Green Mile 5. Pet Sematary 6. 11/22/63 7. Salem's Lot 8. Carrie 9. Mr Mercedes 10. The Dark Half

[@JawzRoseCosplays]

I just read Pet Sematary (first time I’ve read one of his books) and wanted to read another one of his books, so this gave me some good recommendations!!

[@nobakwaas5161]

Audiobook was fantastic...narrated by michael hall

[@dietwater4620]

5. Misery 4. Carrie 3. Pet Semetary 2. Cujo 1. 'Salem's lot!!

[@gator7082]

Salem's Lot, Cujo, Christine, Pet Semetary, The Talisman, and The Long Walk are probably my favorites. His short story Grandma was extraordinarily tense and creepy.

[@RISHABHLakhmani]

Full Dark, No Stars is also great.

[@shardsofice]

His shorter works are better. The farmer guy kills his wife, that story is awesome.

[@CaatsGoMoooo]

I havent read enough to make a top 10, but my top 5 is probably: 1. Lisey's Story (surprisingly one that most people dislike for some reason) 2. IT 3. Delores Claiborne 4. Revival 5. The Long Walk

[@billkeon880]

Because of this review I am getting The Dark Half. I had been on the fence and befuddled. You can get injured being befuddled on the fence so thanks

[@netabolt6546]

11 - Revival 10 - 11- 22 - 63 9 - The Shining 8 - Desperation 7 - Salem's Lot 6 - Duma Key 5 - Misery 4 - Drawing of the Three 3 - The Stand 2 - Waste Lands 1 - Wizard and Glass all eleven books i can easily reread. The Dark Tower is easily the best Dark Fantasy series i ever read, and it always will be. the best series of all time to be honest. its dark and its crazy, i just like it. but as the series those three wizard and glass, waste lands and Drawing of the Three stands out the most.

[@Ang417]

Haven't read many Stephen King books I will just do my top 3 for right now is 1.IT 2.Misery 3.Needful Things

[@HeartOfThePack]

Bruh!!!! The dark tower series is his best work by far!! It has most of his books linked together. I guess its a series so it hard to put it in the top 10 books

[@obowurx6625]

I don't get this sentiment. I know you're not alone in this opinion but as an avid King reader, just don't understand why some people think these are his best books. So slow, nothing happens. The characters are okay but it just drags. Does it get better later in the series or what am I missing?

[@Kylearrowood91]

Haven’t really read enough to make a top 10 for instance I’m just reading The Shining for the first time and it would definitely be top 5 for me already. My current top five would be... 1. The Bill Hodges Trilogy (End of Watch being my favorite) 2. It 3. The Outsider 4. Firestarter 5. Salem’s Lot

[@SeagullsGather]

I'd forgotten about the dead zone. great book and not a bad film.

[@TobeyStarburst]

Just read Revival loved it.

[@davidglasspool4921]

10 Dolores Claiborne 9. Misery 9. The dead zone 7. Pet sematary 6. The entire dark Tower series. But if that’s considered cheating, wizard and glass. 5. It 4 the stand 3 The long walk 2 Salems lot 1 11 2263

[@douglashenderson8719]

Salems lot coming to movie form this September just read it it’s fire

[@LPSKYWKR]

The shining is my favourite book of kings (so far) combined with doctor sleep it’s the ultimate book for me

[@wellok8718]

My number one is 11/22/63 hands down. I've read everything and I think some of his newer ones are some of his best in my opinion.

[@obowurx6625]

Great list. Mostly agree but I'd have to go ahead and squeeze The Stand in the top 2 and get rid of Revival! But... that's my list and this is yours!

[@dominicwyartt3598]

Top 5: #5 the shining #4 saloms lot #3 pet cemetery #2 Christine #1 IT

[@princesstamera5243]

I have a ton of Stephen King books but have no idea which one to start with

[@divad44]

Super unpopular opinion. The shining, misery, and salems lot are all outside my top 10 king favorites. Don’t @ me

[@amazingsupergirl7125]

A lot of you guys are saying Pet Semetary so maybe next. 1. The Shining 2. IT 3. The Monkey - short story 4. 11/22/63 I wouldn’t put the others I’ve read on this list.

[@annabanabanana]

Have you read the lesser dead by Christopher Buehlman? If you haven’t it’s a must, especially if you liked Salem’s Lot. I don’t know how it’s not a more well known book.

[@Cajunfriednoodles]

Funny enough, my first King book is my favorite too! The Shining!

[@brendsbirdseyeview6982]

It is great! I love the Stand as well

[@dannyplaza5474]

Disagree… the original Salem’s Lot tv series was fantastic!… I watched it in real time when I was 11… scared the living hell out of me… although it strayed from the original storyline with Barlow being more Nesferartu and Straker being more the central focus… what it did right was the atmosphere… the sense and atmosphere of a doomed place that was Jerusalem’s Lot… it was so atmospheric that you could believe that a vampire infestation could actually take place in this small town… not perfect, but per enough if you know what I’m saying

[@nicol8423]

I actually haven't read Stephen King yet. I have a collection of 15 books, but I'm reading something else at the moment. I'm really curious tho, I'll keep your words in mind.

[@stevenswisher4339]

What did you think about 'from a Buick 8'? That was my first stephen king read, I loved it but I'm a huge fan, most people say it sucked

[@KingBowserVlog]

No Pet Semetary??

[@thomasduffy7197]

Just finished PS (wanted to read it before watching the film) and it's definitely top 5 King for me. So well paced and genuinely very very scary

[@kispie]

I haven't read 10 Stephen King books yet but I'll go in order of what I have. 1. It (Loved this book and I actually enjoyed the ending of it. Only part I disliked was the orgy, which I'll skip on re-reads) 2. The Shining 3. Misery 4. The Stand (I haven't finished this one yet, and what I've read so far I doubt this will make it in the top 10 once I get 10 books read)

[@slimey_37]

Jeremy Howard don’t re read it IT it will take too long

[@ThatIckyGuy]

My list (changes a lot, but...): 1. Under the Dome 2. 11/22/63 3. It 4. The Outsider 5. Pet Sematary 6. The Drawing of the Three 7. Misery 8. Christine 9. The Shining 10. Finders Keepers or Mr. Mercedes (I really liked the Bill Hodges Trilogy) Some others I liked: Dreamcatcher, The Mist, End of Watch, Doctor Sleep, the other Dark Tower books, etc.

[@yadidimeanmaine]

The Green Mile books are still my favorite.

[@shardsofice]

You read it in the serial form ?

[@Nic214E]

Damn, you're so right with the Number One spot. Yes!!!!!!

[@abewilson6830]

Am i the only person who thought salems lot was just okay? I liked it but until it really gets vampiry i just thought it was a bit meh ish

[@daydream1066]

I can tell you why he made all that good stuff in his 20s-30s..... he was snorting a lot of coke then xD Great list and I agree with some of your picks! :D My top Ten at the moment (I've read 25-30 of his works) would be.... 1. The Shining 2. The Long Walk 3. Firestarter 4. Carrie 5. Pet Sematary 6. Cujo 7. Thinner 8. Christine 9. Dolores Claiborne 10. The Institute

[@Infametheus]

You're right about the book within the book in Misery. So bad.

[@ramblinrussell]

The Dark Half made your top 10? Hmm yeah that’s a 3 star read for me.

[@jessicalarsen4546]

My favorite King books are Pet Sematary, The Shining and Firestarter

[@Angel-sh7mn]

Can someone please explain King to me? Because I've tried reading him countless times, and countless times I just couldn't stay focused or be asked to care. I read plenty of other things, mostly old stuff from the 1800's, but King I just can not be bothered. And it bothers me because whenever they make a movie based on his stuff I absolutely love the concepts and characters and all that, but his writing... I just can't hang.

[@AllenFreemanMediaGuru]

Dead Zone -his 8th book.

[@robertaglanemann1481]

They did a remake of Salems Lot with Rob Lowe. IMO it was no better or no worse that the first one.

[@shonnbennett7682]

The stand and The dark tower any of them

[@JuanMartinez-ib7mz]

they made a newer Salems Lot adaptation in 2004 check it out

[@alexcraft7548]

Revival is in my top 3. So good

[@codywilliams3976]

How about a top-10 Koontz list next?

[@Amber_xo_133]

The Shining Gerald’s Game The Thing Carrie It

[@SpencerJ289]

1.The Stand 2.IT 3. 11/22/63 My top 3. I’m 20 novels In

[@LucasBatistaAndrade1]

Top 5 5 - 11/22/1963 4 - Pet Sematary 3 - Dark Tower (all of them hehehe) 2 - The Shining 1 - It

[@Dekead1930]

You’re awesome man!

[@deadtube5942]

I enjoyed the Outsider as well :D

[@nolansmolarz3468]

The past 20 pages or so of revival are great. Everything leading up to that was so boring

[@PR2much]

No dark tower ?

[@gabferreira6810]

EU AMEIII!!! PARABÉNS AMO VC