Stephen King is undoubtedly one of the most prolific authors of all time. Almost all of his books have been adapted to successful motion pictures. Mostly known for the horror or supernatural genre, the author has written some books belonging to other categories as well, such as The Eyes of the Dragon which is set in a fantasy world. Selecting the most outstanding Stephen King books from the impressive total of sixty can prove to be quite a challenge. The following top lists some of his best creations.
1. Carrie
Year: 1974
The series of outstanding Stephen King books started with Carrie, the first one published by the famous author in 1974. The story has been adapted for the big screen three times and for a Broadway musical once. Focused on the trauma produced by bullies, Carrie follows the life of the title character, oppressed by her mother and her colleagues from school. After one teacher shows her kindness, Carrie discovers her telekinetic and telepathic powers and starts to exact revenge by using her newly found powers. The book has been banned in many schools for its violence. King wrote it as a challenge when someone told him he couldn’t write about the problems of women.
2. Salem’s Lot
Year: 1975
Salem’s lot shares a feature with several other books by Stephen King: the occupation of the main character. Ben Mears is an author who discovers that Jerusalem’s Lot residents have all turned into vampires. He once lived in the town and upon his return has to deal with the creatures of the night. Upon his arrival, Ben learns that his childhood home has been purchased by a mysterious Austrian who was never seen in public. Among others, his wife is turned into a vampire after being bit by an infected young boy. It’s up to Ben to restore the peace in Jerusalem’s Lot. Even though today vampire stories are overrated, back in 1975 it was still a fresh and intriguing subject. King was inspired by the case of a town where all the residents mysteriously disappeared, and his novel was adapted twice for television.
3. The Shining
Year: 1977
The Shining is one of the outstanding Stephen King books that was turned into a famous movie starring Jack Nicholson. This is arguably the work that established the author as one of the best of his time . Jack Torrence is an author who moves with his son and wife to Overlook Hotel to work as a winter caretaker. The hotel is located in the middle of nowhere. Jack’s son has supernatural abilities that enable him to see ghosts. As a result, other spirits come to life and one of them manages to possess his father. The novel is inspired from one of King’s experiences at an empty hotel situated in Colorado. The author was not pleased with the movie adaptation, as it did not correctly represent the love between the father and his son. Doctor Sleep, the sequel of The Shining, was published in 2013, and follows the story of adult Danny, the son of Jack.
4. IT
Year: 1986
IT has been considered by many the scariest novel by Stephen King. The story follows a shapeshifting creature that sometimes appears as Pennywise, a terrifying clown. It is first encountered by a bunch of misfits named the Loser’s Club. All children that have met the creature believe they can defeat it, and manage to do so. Unfortunately, after about thirty years, the creature reappears to wreak havoc once more. The book is focused on the power of loyalty and friendship even among young children, who manage to stand together and face the great evil. IT was inspired by a real serial killer, John Wayne Gacy who had an alter ego named Pogo the clown and killed over thirty boys in the 1970s.
5. The Green Mile
Year: 1996
Last but not least, among the most outstanding Stephen King books we can find The Green Mile. Adapted to the big screen in a highly emotional and successful movie, the story takes place in a prison. One of the wardens on Death Row, Paul Edgecombe, witnesses the fate of John Coffey who is convicted of rape and murder. He was found holding two little dead girls. However, Edgecombe is amazed by the gentility and sensibility of Coffey, as well as his healing abilities. It is up to the warden to solve the mystery of this empathic man who shows no signs of violence whatsoever. This is one of the few books of King that does not belong to the horror genre, even though it keeps the supernatural aspect.
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