Stephen King is not only one of America’s most iconic writers, but he is also a versatile reader and literary influencer. Over the years he has highlighted books by various other authors that have played a key role in shaping his imagination and writing style. Many fans look to his reading recommendations for inspiration. In this guide, we explore 10 of Stephen King’s favorite books titles he has publicly recommended, praised, or included in his personal reading lists.
Who is Stephen King
Stephen King was born in Portland, Maine, in 1947, and rose to fame as the “King of Horror.” He published his first novel, Carrie, in 1974 and has since written more than 65 novels and 200 short stories, selling over 350 million copies worldwide. His stories are famous for blending everyday realism with chilling supernatural elements, creating characters and settings that stay with readers long after the last page.
While his name is synonymous with horror, King’s interests span beyond this area, as there are many favorite books that he holds so dear. He reads widely literary fiction, classics, thrillers, and speculative tales and he often shares books that inspire him. These recommendations offer fans a unique look at the stories that influenced one of the greatest storytellers of our time.
Here Are 10 of Stephen King’s Favorite Books
- Salem’s Lot by Stephen King
- Misery by Stephen King
- The Shining by Stephen King
- The Golden Argosy edited by Charles Grayson & Van H. Cartmell
- Lord of the Flies by William Golding
- Watership Down by Richard Adams
- The Orphan Master’s Son by Adam Johnson
- Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy
- Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
- Time and Again by Jack Finney
1. Salem’s Lot by Stephen King
Ben Mears returns to Jerusalem’s Lot, the Maine town where he grew up, hoping to find creative inspiration and confront childhood fears. Soon, he notices strange events: neighbors disappearing, pets dying, and a chilling aura around the old Marsten House.
As the truth unravels, Ben discovers a vampire infestation spreading through the town. The novel is a classic small-town horror story that combines creeping dread with a sense of nostalgia and inevitable doom.
- Why King loves it: He has said it is his personal favorite among his books because it “captures the soul of a small town” and carries a deep personal attachment.
- Where to buy: Amazon US
- Ideal for: Fans of classic vampire tales and slow-burn horror.
2. Misery by Stephen King
Bestselling author Paul Sheldon wakes up after a car crash in the home of Annie Wilkes, a seemingly devoted fan. At first, he believes he’s lucky to be alive, but soon, her obsession reveals a terrifying side.
When Annie forces Paul to rewrite his latest manuscript to her liking, his survival depends on his wits and willpower. The novel is a masterclass in psychological horror and claustrophobic suspense.
- Why King loves it: He once said Annie Wilkes “was my drug problem, and she was my number one fan,” making this novel a deeply personal reflection of his own struggles with addiction and fame.
- Where to buy: Amazon US
- Ideal for: Readers who enjoy tense, character-driven thrillers with psychological depth.
3. The Shining by Stephen King
Jack Torrance accepts a winter caretaker position at the isolated Overlook Hotel, bringing his wife and young son Danny. Jack sees it as a chance for a fresh start and time to write, but the hotel has other plans.
Haunted by a dark history and supernatural forces, the Overlook slowly drives Jack to violence, while Danny’s psychic “shining” reveals the horrors lurking in its halls. The story is a chilling mix of family drama and paranormal terror.
- Why King loves it: He considers it one of his best works because it blends supernatural fear with the human horror of addiction and isolation.
- Where to buy: Amazon US
- Ideal for: Fans of haunted-house stories and slow-building psychological horror.
4. Lord of the Flies by William Golding
After a plane crash, a group of British schoolboys is stranded on an uninhabited island. At first, they try to maintain order, but the isolation slowly reveals their primal instincts.
The descent into savagery exposes how fragile civilization can be when social structures vanish. Its exploration of morality and human nature left a lasting impact on King.
- Why King admires it: He has said it was the first book that “grabbed him by the throat,” showing him the power of fiction to disturb and enlighten.
- Where to buy: Amazon US or Barnes & Noble
- Ideal for: Readers who enjoy classic literature with deep psychological and social themes.
5. Watership Down by Richard Adams
When their warren is threatened, a group of rabbits embarks on a dangerous journey to find a new home. Along the way, they face predators, harsh landscapes, and rival rabbit societies.
Beneath the surface, the novel is a story of survival, loyalty, and the cost of freedom. Its world-building and emotional resonance make it a standout for King.
- Why King picked it: He praised its emotional depth and storytelling, calling it a personal favorite.
- Where to buy: Amazon US or Barnes & Noble
- Ideal for: Fans of adventurous, allegorical fiction with heart.
6. The Orphan Master’s Son by Adam Johnson
Set in North Korea, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows Pak Jun Do, an orphan who rises through the regime’s brutal ranks. His journey takes him through espionage, imprisonment, and an identity swap that changes his life.
The story is as much about personal survival as it is about the power of storytelling in an oppressive state. Its mix of suspense and emotional weight drew King’s attention.
- Why King admires it: He listed it among his top ten novels for its bold narrative and emotional intensity.
- Where to buy: Amazon US or Barnes & Noble
- Ideal for: Readers who enjoy gripping literary fiction with political intrigue.
7. Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy
This dark Western follows a teenager known as “the Kid” as he joins a gang of scalp hunters in the mid-19th century American Southwest. Their violent journey blurs the line between survival and savagery.
McCarthy’s prose is haunting, poetic, and often brutal, presenting a bleak yet mesmerizing portrait of human nature.
- Why King reveres it: He has called McCarthy one of his favorite authors and praised Blood Meridian as unforgettable.
- Where to buy: Amazon US or Barnes & Noble
- Ideal for: Readers drawn to literary, violent, and existential stories.
8. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
The unnamed narrator recounts his life as a Black man navigating a racially divided America. His journey from the South to Harlem exposes systemic injustice and personal disillusionment.
Blending surrealism, social commentary, and lyrical prose, the novel remains one of the most important works in American literature.
- Why King respects it: He named it a top favorite for its profound impact and exploration of identity.
- Where to buy: Amazon US or Barnes & Noble
- Ideal for: Readers of literary fiction exploring race, identity, and society.
9. Time and Again by Jack Finney
Si Morley, a commercial artist, joins a secret government project that allows him to travel back to 19th-century New York. His exploration of the past brings wonder and unexpected danger.
The novel combines time travel, romance, and historical detail, making the past feel alive in a way few stories achieve.
- Why King recommended it: He once called it “the time travel book” for its immersive narrative.
- Where to buy: Amazon US or Barnes & Noble
- Ideal for: Fans of historical fiction and classic time travel stories.
10. The Stand by Stephen King
After a deadly plague wipes out most of humanity, the remaining survivors split into camps of good and evil. A final showdown between moral forces determines the fate of the world.
This sprawling epic blends horror, adventure, and social commentary, making it one of King’s most ambitious works.
- Why King loves it: He considers it a cornerstone of his career for its scope and moral weight.
- Where to buy: Amazon US or Barnes & Noble
- Ideal for: Readers who enjoy epic, character-driven post-apocalyptic fiction.
Conclusion
Stephen King’s favorite books reveal the range of his literary tastes, from classic literature to brutal Westerns and allegorical adventures. For U.S. readers, these books are widely available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, ready to add to your shelf.
Which book from King’s list have you read? Or which one are you most excited to pick up next?
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