What Order to Read Stephen King Books

I’ll be honest, when I first thought about diving into Stephen King’s universe, I felt completely overwhelmed. He’s written over 65 novels (and counting!), not to mention hundreds of short stories, novellas, and collaborations. The man is a machine. If you’ve ever stood in front of the “K” section of the library or bookstore, you know the feeling, where on earth do you even start? Do you begin with Carrie, his debut? Or do you go straight into The Dark Tower series? What about his horror classics like It and The Shining?

Over the years, I’ve realized that there’s no single “right” way to read King, but there are a few approaches that make the journey more enjoyable and less intimidating. Whether you’re here for the chills, the interconnected worlds, or just curious to see why Stephen King is such a phenomenon, I’ve put together a guide to help.

Order to Read Stephen King Books

There are a few popular ways to approach Stephen King’s massive bibliography. Here are the three most authentic reading paths you can follow:

1. Publication Order (The Purist Way)

If you want to experience King’s growth as a writer and see his themes evolve over time, this is the way to go.

• Carrie (1974)
• Salem’s Lot (1975)
• The Shining (1977)
• The Stand (1978)
• The Dead Zone (1979)
• Firestarter (1980)
• Cujo (1981)
• The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger (1982)
• Christine (1983)
• Pet Sematary (1983)
• It (1986)
• …and onward through his later works like 11/22/63 (2011), Doctor Sleep (2013), The Outsider (2018), Fairy Tale (2022), and Holly (2023).

This way, you’re walking the same path as his original readers.

2. Beginner-Friendly Starter Path

If you’re brand new and don’t want to get lost in his gigantic catalog, here’s a handpicked list of books that showcase King’s range:

• Carrie (his debut, short, punchy, and classic King horror)
• The Shining (arguably his most iconic haunted-house novel)
• Misery (claustrophobic, character-driven horror at its best)
• The Green Mile (emotional, magical realism, shows King’s softer side)
• It (his magnum opus, but a big commitment!)
• 11/22/63 (historical + sci-fi blend, and very accessible)

This is a balanced entry point that gives you both scares and storytelling variety.

3. The Dark Tower-Centric Reading Path (The Connected Universe)

Stephen King is famous for weaving his books together, and The Dark Tower is the spine that connects them all. If you’re intrigued by the idea of a multiverse, this is the path for you:

1. The Gunslinger (1982)
2. The Drawing of the Three (1987)
3. The Waste Lands (1991)
4. Wizard and Glass (1997)
5. Wolves of the Calla (2003)
6. Song of Susannah (2004)
7. The Dark Tower (2004)

Along the way, you can sprinkle in related works (Salem’s Lot, The Stand, It, Insomnia, Doctor Sleep, Hearts in Atlantis, etc.) since they tie into the Tower mythology.

Who is Stephen King, Really?

It’s hard to overstate Stephen King’s impact on literature and pop culture. Since publishing Carrie in 1974, King has sold over 400 million copies of his books worldwide. What’s fascinating about him is that he’s not just “the horror guy” (though he does that brilliantly), he’s a storyteller who dips into science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, crime thrillers, and even heartfelt dramas.

King also has this uncanny ability to blend supernatural terror with very human fears. Cujo isn’t just about a rabid dog, it’s about helplessness and survival. It isn’t just about a clown, it’s about childhood trauma and the loss of innocence. That’s what makes his books linger long after you put them down.

Fun fact: King almost quit writing after Carrie. He threw the first few pages in the trash, and it was his wife, Tabitha, who rescued them and encouraged him to keep going. Without her, we might not have one of the most iconic authors of our time.

Why Reading Order Actually Matters

While you can absolutely pick up any Stephen King novel and enjoy it, the reading order question matters more than you’d think. Here’s why:

• The interconnected universe – Characters, locations, and even supernatural forces repeat across his works. Reading them in certain sequences makes those connections exciting “aha!” moments.
• Growth of themes – Early King is raw and rebellious, while later King is reflective and expansive. Following publication order gives you a timeline of his evolution.
• Personal taste – Some readers love horror but can’t stomach a thousand-page book (It). Others might prefer his thrillers (Mr. Mercedes trilogy) or his time-travel sci-fi (11/22/63). Knowing where to start helps you fall in love without burning out.

My Verdict

If you’re adventurous, go with publication order, you’ll see the rise of a literary giant from scratch. But if you’re cautious and don’t want to be overwhelmed, start with the beginner-friendly path I shared and then branch out once you’re comfortable. And if you love interconnected worlds like Marvel or Tolkien, then the Dark Tower path will absolutely hook you.

The beauty of Stephen King’s books is that there’s no wrong way to read them. His stories are like a haunted house, you can enter through any door, and you’ll still end up somewhere unforgettable.

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