I have been a fan of King's work for many many years now, these are some of my favorite more recent King novels and short stories.
Duma Key
I was amazed at how hard it was to put this book down, and this novel quickly became one of my all time favorites. The story is of Edgar Freemantle, a former contractor who loses his arm on the job. His psychiatrist suggests a change of location, so Edgar moves to Duma Key. He picks up the long ago hobby he once had of art, sketching and painting, but something dark lies in his newly created works of art.
This is one of those books that will hook you after only a few pages, the narrative is perfect, and the story never seems dull.
More info at...
http://www.amazon.com/Duma-Key-Novel-Stephen-King/dp/1416552960/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274722228&sr=1-1
Lisey's Story
If I were forced to list my top 5 Stephen King novels, this one would surely make the list. The story follows Lisey Landon, the widow of novelist Scott Landon, who for years has only lived in the shadow of her famous husband. A few years after his death, Lisey is finally ready to clean out his study and is haunted by the memories of Scott, but are they just memories? This is a story that is full of humor, heartbreaking sadness, and an overall great story. If you enjoy King's work at all, or even if you don't, I highly suggest this novel. And trust me, you won't see what's coming, don't read any spoilers online if you expect to read this book.
More info at....
http://www.amazon.com/Liseys-Story-Novel-Stephen-King/dp/1416585710/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274722744&sr=1-1
Under the Dome
Town gets trapped by a dome, that's the story, lol. But don't let that simplicity fool you, this is an epic novel, and a long one, at around I believe 1075 pages. Don't let that scare you though, it is well worth the time it takes to read it. Released around November of last year, it is the most recent King novel I have read. Next on the agenda is Blockade Billy, which I believe is a novella.
More info at....
http://www.amazon.com/Under-Dome-Novel-Stephen-King/dp/1439148503/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274723172&sr=1-1
Cell
Who doesn't like zombies??? And what's better than a Stephen King story of cell phones that turn people into zombies?? Not much, I highly recommend this book. This is back to basics for King, going back to the gruesome gore that he became so famous for early on. There is no slow into for this book, it begins as non stop action.
More info at....
http://www.amazon.com/Cell-Novel-Stephen-King/dp/1416524517/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_5
Dreamcatcher
I don't think the critics cared for this one as much as I did. This is a story of 4 friends who share a special bond who encounter aliens on a hunting trip. For me, this was great, I've always been a fan of alien stories and for King to do one this great was a real treat for me. Do yourself a favor if you intend to read this, don't see the movie first, sure see it after, but not first. The book is far superior in my opinion.
More info at....
http://www.amazon.com/Dreamcatcher-Stephen-King/dp/074343627X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274723777&sr=1-1
I will give an honorable mention for the book Bag of Bones. While I did not find it to be one of King's absolute best, and it is very slow to get into in the beginning, after you get past that it is a very enjoyable read and a cool story.
If you just don't have the time to start a novel, and some of these are extremely long, might I suggest a book of short stories to get started on. The most recent that I have read is called Just After Sunset. Other great short story books by King include Nightmares and Dreamscapes, Night Shift, Four past Midnight(Novellas), Different Seasons(Novellas and includes Shawshank Redemption), Skeleton Crew, and Everything's Eventual. I recommend any of these.
In conclusion, lol, I know that's a lot of reading, hahhaha If you happen to enjoy fantasy novels like Lord of the Rings, you may also enjoy Stephen King's Dark Tower Series, I'm only on the second one currently but so far so good.
Subject: Stephen King 
Mon May 24, 2010 3:02 pm
