A peek into the realm of horror: 5 Stephen King books you need to read

Every horror and mystery fan must have heard of Stephen King. His books showed us that even the worst nightmares can become reality. His fiction is highly marked not only by horror, but it also touches upon fantasy, crime and the supernatural. 

5.Carrie (1974)

One of King’s first novels, Carrie tells the story of a telekinetic girl and her abusive mother. Not only does she not control her extra sensorial powers, but she ends up destroying everything around her. What catches the eye, is the portrayal of an inexperienced girl who possesses a power bigger than herself. She is not aware of the surrounding world, but she has the power to control it. But what happens on the night of the prom?

4. IT (1986)

If you like clowns, this book is for you. It brings to the spotlight a character that feeds with children’s fear. Pennywise the Dancing Clown is not the kind of guy to invite to your birthday party. Unless you want it to be your last. The novel is written by alternating two periods and the perspectives of the same characters as both children and adults. It deals with recurrent themes in King’s writings: the power of memory, childhood drama, and even sacrifice. Will the members of The Losers Club manage to defeat their worst nightmare?

3. Christine (1983)

A nerdy high school student decides to buy a car that will catch the eye of his colleagues. What happens next has to do with a broken friendship, some mysterious murders, and a shady past involving the car. Dennis witnesses his best friend becoming obsessed with his new car. Christine is the most beautiful dream and the worst nightmare. This is a toxic love story between a boy and his car that concludes into something dramatic. A story in which lust, possession, jealousy, and revenge reach the deadliest levels. But what happens when the car starts killing the ones you love?

2. Misery (1987)

Who would have thought that being a writer can be a threat to your life? Misery is not only about a deranged fan that holds captive her favorite author, but more about survival. The plot is more or less simple, with only two main characters and one setting. But with the focus on the psychological effects of the trauma and less on the horror, Stephen King plays with both the characters and the reader. Paul Sheldon is forced to continue his novels that feature Misery in a way that satisfies Annie, his biggest fan. The last novel that Paul writes will be literally covered in blood. Will he survive in the house of a revengeful murderer?

1. The Shining (1977)

As expected, the novel that screams Stephen King’s name is also one of his most famous. Overlook Hotel casts a spell over its visitors. Little Danny and his family come to take care of the hotel for the winter. What Danny doesn’t know is that they are not alone. His visionary powers will reveal some creatures and stories that send shivers down your spine. A novel which makes you lose your mind, literally, just like Danny’s father. This is a world where one can hardly make the distinction between the dead and the living. A realm of horror stories, psychological manipulation, and degradation of the human being. All of these weighing the shoulders of a little boy who has to save his family. Will Danny find the meaning of the word REDRUM? 

Whether you are a fan, or you just want to spice up your reading, the horror of Stephen King’s books will always be a good choice. And as King himself states, Books are a uniquely portable magic, so keep on reading!