I'm sure that, if it's not obvious already, Stephen King is my favorite author. I've amassed a collection of probably 92% of all of his books. In regard to main works, the only book that I'm lacking is Different Seasons. I'm not an expert, nor am I some snobby literary critic that reads books for the allusions and symbolism. I like a story for exactly what it is. I would dare argue that most people read books because they want to know the story, not because they want to know how much the author knows. I only preface with this to say that my list is based on the stories, not necessarily the execution. Stephen King is an excellent writer, so I don't think that anybody is going to have a problem with his execution. But, he's been doing this for decades, he doesn't need some 22 year-old from rural Alabama critiquing his literary prowess. Now, if you want to know the works of his that I found the most interesting and compelling, enter at your own risk.
5. 'Salem's Lot
'Salem's Lot begins with writer Ben Mears, returning to his childhood town after many years
of being away. The problem is that weird things are going on in 'Salem's Lot. Many of Mears' thoughts circle around the old Marsten House where he witnessed something horrible when he was younger. Now, a strange person is inhabiting the house, and they may have something to do with the secret upheaval happening beneath the surface of this town. Vampires have come to 'Salem's Lot, and sooner or later something big has to happen.
4. Night Shift
Night Shift is King's first published collection of short stories. This is always the one that I recommend to people when they ask what King book that should begin with. I think starting with his short stories allows you to really learn about his writing style in a way that is still fast-paced and interesting. Sometimes, King's commitment to description can cause the beginning of his books to drag on. You don't experience that with the short stories as often. This one is also chock full of titles that have gained popularity of their own. This book came out after 'Salem's Lot, there is a short story entitled "Jerusalem's Lot" which is a prequel to 'Salem's Lot (as the full name of the town is Jerusalem's Lot) and gives some eerie background for the area. Other recognizable stories include: Children of the Corn, Sometimes They Come Back, The Lawnmower Man, Quitters INC., The Mangler.
3. Mr. Mercedes (Bill Hodges Trilogy # 1)
Mr. Mercedes follows detective Bill Hodges as he looks into the mass murderer that got away from him. After his retirement, Hodges gets a note from the mass murderer (dubbed Mr. Mercedes because of his crimes) who gives Hodges little details that encourage him to continue his investigation on his own. You get to see the story through the perspective of both the killer and the detective which makes for a fun ride. Seeing them get so close to one another is so frustrating at times, but ultimately very satisfying. If you're into detective novels with plenty of twists, then pick this one up, you won't regret it.
2. Misery
This is the Stephen King novel that I've read the most recently. I felt like I just couldn't put it down the entire time I was reading it! It was just surprisingly fast paced considering it only takes place in largely one room of a house. Paul Sheldon has been taken into the home of his "#1 fan" Annie Wilkes, following a serious car crash. What Sheldon doesn't know, is that she has no intention of setting him free now. On top of that, she does not like the ending of his new book, in fact she hates it. Misery cannot be dead. She demands that he write another book, righting his wrongs. Sheldon pushes back, the book is done, that was how it was supposed to end. It doesn't take long for him to understand the depth of Annie Wilkes' madness and how far she'll go to force him to do what she wants. This book is much more gruesome than the movie was, though I must say that I thought Kathy Bates was an amazing Annie.
1. Needful Things
This book is my absolute favorite Stephen King book. It doesn't get the attention that I think it should. The little town of Castle Rock, Maine is brought to life when Leland Gaunt comes to town. Gaunt opens up a little shop called "Needful Things." On the outside, it just looks like another little junk shop, full of little trinkets and weird odds and ends that surely nobody would want. The thing is, whenever on of the Castle Rock residents goes into the store, they happen across something that they had forgotten that they needed. It could be something coveted or just something that brings them back to a different time. Gaunt is happy to sell them what they need, but not for money. All Gaunt wants in return is a simple little favor. If they do the favor (knocking over a flower pot, pulling someone's laundry off the line, etc.) he will give them what they want. It all sounds simple enough. In the end, it all culminates with explosive, drastic results. This one drags at the beginning, but it is worth it for the end alone.