Exceptional Books discussion

In 2003 the National Book Foundation awarded Stephen King the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.

Dubbed the King of Horror, he unfortunately got genre-cast. His writing does, of course, include exceptional horror fiction, and it includes other genres like fantasy, mystery, adventure, psychological suspense, coming-of-age, screenplays, and non-fiction.

For a list of awards and nominations he has received over the years, please go here:
http://www.stephenking.com/awards.html

You can also view his bibliography at the same site at:
http://www.stephenking.com/the_librar...

I love his short stories. Have you read ? It was dark and creepy.

Tami wrote: "I love his short stories. Have you read ? It was dark and creepy."

I read it, and it still comes back to me sometimes when something in my life triggers a memory of the story. It was creepy but very well written.

I thought "The Stand" was OK, sort of, but Stephen King works are very low on my list. I do not think he is a great writer, adequate, but not great. I guess horror is not my favorite genre!

Karen wrote: "I thought "The Stand" was OK, sort of, but Stephen King works are very low on my list. I do not think he is a great writer, adequate, but not great. I guess horror is not my favorite genre!"

I agree. He's a bit overplayed and there's always a movie or TV miniseries on his work.

People of their time said the same about a gentleman named Poe. Mr. King will be around a long time and will always be in the elite level of horror genre. If that's not your "thing" then try a couple of his non-fiction novellas. You might surprise yourself in discovering what a gifted author he really is. "Always a movie or miniseries" is testament to his sure-fire success in translating the page to the screen.

I wouldn't consider The Green Mile or The Shawshank Redemption or The Body (Stand By Me) actual horror. AND I think if people were to read them instead of just his horror books, that they would change their mind about his talent. He is far more versatile than just one genre.

I am a HUGE fan of his books, although his earlier books are much better in my opinion. ( I havn't been able to get through some of his latest books.)I love the older novels and the fact that he comes up with original story ideas and takes me to places I've never dreamed of. If you are on the fence about him read something over 15 years old.

I agree that his earlier books are maybe better in my opinion. And yes, some of his books are not horror at all. I think The Stand is one of the best books I ever read and very thought provoking. Its a shame that some think he only writes horro. I would have to say give him another chance, or try a different type of story. The Dark Tower series is very different.

I forgot to add that the movies/series based on his books do not give them justice. Some of his books have really creeped me out but then I've laughed at the movie. They just arent as scary as the books.

Karen wrote: "I thought "The Stand" was OK, sort of, but Stephen King works are very low on my list. I do not think he is a great writer, adequate, but not great. I guess horror is not my favorite genre!"

I thought The Stand was much more dystopian SF than horror.

Yes thats a perfect description, I was going to say "survival" but that doesnt cover it. :)

If you like King's work, check out Robert McCammon as well. Especially "The Five" and "Swan Song".

Almeta wrote: "I wouldn't consider The Green Mile or The Shawshank Redemption or The Body (Stand By Me) actual horror. AND I think if people were to read them instead of jus..."

That's funny that you pick those three. Those are 3 of my favorite King books ever, along with The Stand, which is one of my favorite books of all time. I guess 'horror' novels don't scare me, so I don't really like them as much. I like his novels that are more plausible. The things that could really happen scare me a lot more than ghouls and monsters! "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption" is an amazing novella. In fact, all the novellas in Different Seasons are wonderful.

I am currently reading 11/22/63 by Stephen King. It is a little different from his horror books. Guy goes back in time to try to prevent Kennedy's assassination. Enjoying so far.

Gale wrote: "I am currently reading 11/22/63 by Stephen King. It is a little different from his horror books. Guy goes back in time to try to prevent Kennedy's assassination. Enjoying so far."

I just finished 11/22/63 and thought it was OUTSTANDING!

Bobby wrote: "If you like King's work, check out Robert McCammon as well. Especially "The Five" and "Swan Song"."

I loved Boys Life and Swan Song by Robert McCammon. I tried to read "The Five" and I felt it was soooo descriptive I couldn't stand to read it! Either my taste has changed or his writing style has- I'm not sure which!

I was never a Stephen King fan--I think I thought myself above his work, having not much respect for the horror genre. My daughter-in-law truly opened my eyes to the depth and meaning that can be found in some of his work. I thought The Stand was very well-written, and a fine representation of the end-of-the-world as we know it kind of writing. But what really opened my eyes was The Dark Tower series. I think King creates a world that rivals the best of J.R.R. Tolkein or George R.R. Martin. I think there are some very fine examples of great writing and thinking in the series. I'm not a fan of all of King's work, but I think you can find some real, thoughtful gems in his catalog.

Stephen King is hands down my favorite author of all time, and he has been for around thirty years. I use examples from his writing when teaching kids about writing, due to his ability to so well describe people, places and events. He creates worlds and characters that we truly care about, or at least feel strongly about, and that feel real. I believe he writes well in any genre he chooses! Yes, he is popular, of course! That does not make him bad at all. People read him at different depths and in different ways. I am proud to be a "constant reader."

I'm trying to get my parents to read 11/22/63 b/c of King's fabulous description of the late 50's/early 60's but they wont touch it b/c they dont like "horror". Frustrating.

It's a shame your parents won't venture outside of their comfort zone. Speaking as a Baby Boomer myself, I found King's descriptions of the 50s and 60s in 11/23/63 to be quite perceptive and nostalgic. Keep trying to work on your parents to give it a chance. Tell them that to be so rigid is not what the 60s were all about. I don't think King can be limited to just a "horror" writer. Many of his works go so far beyond that. I'm glad I put my prejudices aside and gave him a chance.

I will keep trying. They are older and very set in their ways, but dated during the late 50's/early 60's and would love it if they just tried it. :)

The Green Mile was one of my favorite King books, probably in my top 20 books overall. I'd recommend The Stand if you are going to get another King book.

I also enjoyed The Stand. 11/23/63 is a mad page-turner as well. I literally could not put it down.

You can read what I said about Stephen King's influence on me in this recent interview with International Thriller Writers.

http://www.thebigthrill.org/2012/07/d...

I am not a Stephen King fan but I did read his book, On Writing, A Memoir of the Craft. Many memorable quotes:

" . . .and the reader must always be your main concern; without Constant Reader, you are just a voice quacking in the void. And it's no walk in the park being the guy on the receiving end."

"Writers form themselves into the pyramid we see in all areas of human talent and creativity. At the bottom are the bad ones. Above them is a group which is slightly smaller but still large and welcoming; these are the competent writers. . .The next level is much smaller. These are the really good writers. Above them all-above almost all of us-are the Shakespeares, Faulkners, the Yearses, Shaws, and Eudora Weltys. They are geniuses, divine accidents, gifted in a way which is beyond our ability to understand,let alone attain."