So.. I haven't really ever read any Stephen King, because I am a wimp with scary stuff, haha. Anyway, my friend just texted me because her 14-year-old son loves scary stories and is curious about trying Stephen King books (She's simliarly not into scary stuff so has no idea where to begin). Honestly, I'm not sure if they are really strict or not, but I guess I'm wondering, are there any good starter Stephen King books? Some that she was specifically wondering about are Misery, Salem's Lot, and Needful Things. But if there are better suggestions, I'm sure she'd be thrilled to hear them.
by TheGreatestSandwich
9 Comments
Honestly would need to know more about the kid. Are they easily scared? What are their interests?
Not Stephen King but Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky has IT vibes without all the stuff that makes IT probably not the best choice for a 14 year old.
I think Salem’s Lot would be a great start. Needful Things I found kind of boring. I’d also suggest Carrie and The Shining. Ol’ Stevie started off strong.
I lovedddd the tommyknockers – bit more slow burn and sci fi but very fun. Also loved the stand
I personally like Night Shift. Collection of short stories.
That way the kid will also see if they like S.K. In bite-sized pieces.
The shining was one of my first SK books at a young age and got me hooked. While not SK, Amityville Horror was my 1st scary book and maybe even younger than 14 and the thrill of reading that book stays in my memory.
I was a Stephen King teenager!
So Needful Things is my personal favorite, but there’s a lot of masturbation, sex, and animal death. I wouldn’t buy it for someone else’s kid. Salem’s Lot had me so scared that I couldn’t be near open windows for weeks.
I would suggest Carrie, The Shining, or Pet Sematary.
I read Christine at 14 years old.
The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon is a good Stephen King book for someone who hasn’t read Stephen King. If they don’t want to read his horror stories then The Body might be good. It’s the inspiration for the movie Stand By Me