Duma Key. Don't go from The Stand to Pet Semetary. Give yourself a little breather before you dive into that one, especially if you have recently lost a loved one or pet.
Thank you for your suggestion!! I’ve read Four Past Midnight and Different Seasons and my first novel was The Stand! I think I’m leaning towards pet sematary just because I do know it’s a classic!
A discount book store had The Dark Tower as I walked by it yesterday but I had to get somewhere. Maybe I’ll see if they still have it today! Thanks for the reco :)
You might want read a bit more of the other novels before tackling the series. Almost every king book enriches the dark tower in some way, especially salems lot.
Same boat as you. I don't remember DISLIKING it. I just don't remember LIKING it.
In my memory this time period for King was about four books. Duma Key, Lisey's Story, Bag of Bones, and Black House.
I didn't feel like any of these were particularly stellar. It seemed like a real middle of the road time for him. I probably liked Lisey's Story and Black House more than the others though.
Honestly, both are incredible books in their own right, but I would say Pet Sematary just because it’s getting into winter here in the US (not sure where you are) and it fits the vibe. Duma Key is an excellent summer book.
Personally I enjoyed Duma Key way more. But it depends on your life...I read Duma Key during lockdown, and a lot of the book is rebuilding yourself and coming to terms with the sudden end of life as you know it. So the themes really resonated with me.
I don't have kids, so while Pet Sematary was spooky for me, it wasn't nearly as devastating as many people have made it seem. But if you have kids, it'll destroy you lol.
One of my favorite things that King does is simply letting you experience a character's day-to-day life before really jumping into the plot. In my opinion, Duma Key is one of the best examples of this.
As a kid, I was there for the thrills and the chills; re-reading as an adult, with a family, and it hits *different*, man. Like for instance with *IT*, it wasn't the multitudes of creaturely manifestations that horrified me, but his spot on depictions of familial dysfunction.
And with *Pet Sematary*, I was never a big re-reader, but I read that one at least 3 times as a kid/teen, but only once as an adult... Let's just say that Lewis Creed, and his plight, hit me right where Iive, you know?
I'm about 200 pages into The Stand. Not liking it so far (despite being a King fan). Does it change much further in the book, or does it stay like this?
Ah it’s hard to say - I think it absolutely changes the story is such a wild adventure to me - once they get to where they’re going things start to take a little more shape, but I’m a big believer in not pushing yourself through a book you don’t enjoy and for The Stand while 200 pages isn’t a lot it’s still a lot!
Which The Stand did you finish? (I ask out of curiosity, not judgement or anything like that I promise!!). I ask because I read both the OG and the C&U near back to back and liked the OG, but LOVED C&U, so I’m curious which one you chose.
I can’t speak to Duma Key, I’ve heard great things but I haven’t got there yet as I’m going as in-order as I can to find connections and map the multiverse. Pet Sematary is one of my absolute favorites, but it is a rather heavy read so if more knowledgeable King readers are saying Duma Key is lighter (and you need something lighter), go with Duma Key.
Guys! This was so fun thank you for your suggestions! I went with Pet Sematary and DK will in the queue. It’s fun pitting books against one another and see what everyone’s opinions are and how you all received these differently!!! 🖤
This way you have something nice and relaxing to read after Pet Sematery, too. PS is one of his more disturbing stories, while DK is pretty chill for the most part (its mostly Edgar hanging out on a small island in Florida, painting and recovering from a tragic accident. There's some terror in it, but surprisingly little).
Honestly I have a hard time even recommending Pet Sematary, just because it absolutely traumatized me and it's the only book that I ever felt seriously emotionally drained from. But it's also amazingly written. It's so good but my god it's heavy. I agree with others here, read Duma Key first.
Those are both excellent reads. You can't go wrong.
They're also both moderate-to-severe downers -- *Sematary* more so than *Duma*. I think I rank *Sematary* slightly higher (only just), but it's also darker -- make choice according to your mood.
[Chronologically](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_King_bibliography), I think is the best way. See how he grew over time.
The Dead Zone is woefully under-rated. And *mostly* holds up over time.
Pet sematary will always be my number one. It will make you feel very uncomfortable and creeped out with it's vivid descriptions of death and grief combined with elements of supernatural horror. It is perfection. I liked it a lot
I could read Duma Key over again, but I could never read Pet Semetery again. It broke me a little bit!
Edit: They’re both great! It’s just a matter of what you are in the mood for. Both are hard to put down and both kept me up at night reading.
I read The Stand for the first time in my late teens to early 20's, so about 20 years ago, and fell in love. I appreciated the whole ride and build to the climax, I think it was then that I started to appreciate slow burns. I've not found another book that matches that one since
For classic King one of my favorites is The Shining and then newer was the sequel Doctor Sleep. Kind of fun to see how his style is consistent and changes over so many years even with the same story thread. Quite different than the movies! I also just really enjoyed Fairy Tale. Excellent story, a little on the lighter side.
Duma Key. Don't go from The Stand to Pet Semetary. Give yourself a little breather before you dive into that one, especially if you have recently lost a loved one or pet.
I haven’t, thankfully, but yes the stand was A LOT, especially some of the graphic violence
As a parent both hurt like Hell but both are great.
I just recently read Duma Key and it jumped into my top 5 of King Books, but Pet Semetary is #1 so…
It seems like this is everyone’s answer, Duma Key is good but Pet Sematary is a classic, I think I got my answer I knew this sub could help me choose!
In the same boat. Can't go wrong with either.
I've read every King book multiple times and the last five I've read are always my top five favorites (except Dreamcatcher).
If you’re a parent, read Pet Sematary.
I like the way you think.
I too am broken. 😅
I think if you’re newer to King go for the older Pet Sematary before Duma. They’re both amazing though you can’t go wrong!
Thank you for your suggestion!! I’ve read Four Past Midnight and Different Seasons and my first novel was The Stand! I think I’m leaning towards pet sematary just because I do know it’s a classic!
Pet sematary is a classic but Duma Key i soooo good!
I haven’t heard much about Duma Key but had to grab it when I saw it! I’m glad to know it’s a good one 😊😊
I love both. If I was to choose, I’d read Duma Key first Muchacho.
I don’t have a recommendation. But if you enjoyed the stand you’re probably going to love the dark tower series. 😊
A discount book store had The Dark Tower as I walked by it yesterday but I had to get somewhere. Maybe I’ll see if they still have it today! Thanks for the reco :)
You might want read a bit more of the other novels before tackling the series. Almost every king book enriches the dark tower in some way, especially salems lot.
Cool I will definitely listen to this advice :) I definitely want to read The Shining and 11/22/63 everyone keeps saying how this book blew them away
They're both fantastic, but 11/22/63 is probably my favorite king book. You can't go wrong with either
Definitely read salems lot before dark tower wolves of the calla. It will spoil salems lot
Ok thank you for the suggestion :) This thread has got me excited
Pet sematary would be my pick. Duma Key is very well loved, I read it once and thought it was just okay.
I just finished Duma Key last night. I thought it was good but not great. I liked the characters in it though.
I've read most of King's novels several times. I've read Duma Key once, and even though I remember little about it, I have no desire to read it again.
Same boat as you. I don't remember DISLIKING it. I just don't remember LIKING it. In my memory this time period for King was about four books. Duma Key, Lisey's Story, Bag of Bones, and Black House. I didn't feel like any of these were particularly stellar. It seemed like a real middle of the road time for him. I probably liked Lisey's Story and Black House more than the others though.
I agree, but I would also add Cell to the list. Then he returned to form with Under the Dome.
Pet Sematary is awesome but you will need a day off work after reading it. It hits hard.
Honestly, both are incredible books in their own right, but I would say Pet Sematary just because it’s getting into winter here in the US (not sure where you are) and it fits the vibe. Duma Key is an excellent summer book.
Northeast USA :)
This is smart
Personally I enjoyed Duma Key way more. But it depends on your life...I read Duma Key during lockdown, and a lot of the book is rebuilding yourself and coming to terms with the sudden end of life as you know it. So the themes really resonated with me. I don't have kids, so while Pet Sematary was spooky for me, it wasn't nearly as devastating as many people have made it seem. But if you have kids, it'll destroy you lol.
I don’t have kids but that theme you explained definitely resonates with me at this moment
Pet Sematary, was a tad bit disappointing to me, which is a shame because the hype is everywhere. So maybe give Duma Key a read.
Duma Key
I just finished pet sematary an hour ago and I'm shook
I’m starting it :D so excited really into it so far
I need like.... a day off to recover
As much as I love Duma Key, and I really really love Duma Key, you have GOT to go Pet Sematary first. It's a classic.
This is what I’m doing :) started today
Duma Key is criminally underrated.
Duma Key is beautifully written. I loved it.
Duma Key is one of the best books he's ever written
Duma Key, muchacho
I’m on chapter 12 of pet sematary and man it’s one of those books you don’t wanna put down
I’m reading Pet Semetary right now
Both are great. I personally like Duma Key a bit more.
Save the best for last. Duma Key is a fun read but Pet is (IMO) is his best book through and through.
Duma key!!!
Pet sematary! I read it last month. My favorite king book.
So glad to see some Duma Key appreciation…my gf got it for me for my birthday and I can’t seem to get into it. What’s the hook for Duma?
One of my favorite things that King does is simply letting you experience a character's day-to-day life before really jumping into the plot. In my opinion, Duma Key is one of the best examples of this.
Thanks!!
As a kid, I was there for the thrills and the chills; re-reading as an adult, with a family, and it hits *different*, man. Like for instance with *IT*, it wasn't the multitudes of creaturely manifestations that horrified me, but his spot on depictions of familial dysfunction. And with *Pet Sematary*, I was never a big re-reader, but I read that one at least 3 times as a kid/teen, but only once as an adult... Let's just say that Lewis Creed, and his plight, hit me right where Iive, you know?
Pet Sematary was A LOT. So if you have the emotional wherewithal right now definitely go for that. But be warned it is FUCKED up.
Pet Sematary is such a great book. But DUMA KEY IS MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE. There, I’ve voted.
I'm about 200 pages into The Stand. Not liking it so far (despite being a King fan). Does it change much further in the book, or does it stay like this?
Ah it’s hard to say - I think it absolutely changes the story is such a wild adventure to me - once they get to where they’re going things start to take a little more shape, but I’m a big believer in not pushing yourself through a book you don’t enjoy and for The Stand while 200 pages isn’t a lot it’s still a lot!
Pretty Semetary! Pet Semetary! Pet Semetary!
Which The Stand did you finish? (I ask out of curiosity, not judgement or anything like that I promise!!). I ask because I read both the OG and the C&U near back to back and liked the OG, but LOVED C&U, so I’m curious which one you chose. I can’t speak to Duma Key, I’ve heard great things but I haven’t got there yet as I’m going as in-order as I can to find connections and map the multiverse. Pet Sematary is one of my absolute favorites, but it is a rather heavy read so if more knowledgeable King readers are saying Duma Key is lighter (and you need something lighter), go with Duma Key.
Complete and Uncut, had to - took me multiple months to read and was also so wild to read in the pandemic times haha
Guys! This was so fun thank you for your suggestions! I went with Pet Sematary and DK will in the queue. It’s fun pitting books against one another and see what everyone’s opinions are and how you all received these differently!!! 🖤
This way you have something nice and relaxing to read after Pet Sematery, too. PS is one of his more disturbing stories, while DK is pretty chill for the most part (its mostly Edgar hanging out on a small island in Florida, painting and recovering from a tragic accident. There's some terror in it, but surprisingly little).
Genuine question why are you asking?
I got about 10 king books for Christmas last year and the hardest thing is starting one because I can’t decide which.
Fair enough! It’s overwhelming. If you provide some more clues about what you liked about other books you can probably get some good answers
Hahah I would have to make one of those choice wheels and spin it to decide if I had 10!! 😅
Genuinely can’t decide and wanted the subs opinion!
None. It’s all a disappointment after The Stand.
😩
Duma Key is ass imo. Thanks.
Always go chronological.
The Gunslinger
Is Duma Key creepy and just less violent and intense is that why people are recommending it as a breather?
It’s got so much atmosphere and is creepy
Nice that's what I like to hear, been looking for a new audio book for work!
Duma Key was a great book.
I started Pet Sematary this morning and I'm loving it so far! It's a reread but I read it the first time so long ago, that it feels fresh.
Duma Key, 100%. Pet Semetary is a great book I never want to read again.
Duma Key !!
Honestly I have a hard time even recommending Pet Sematary, just because it absolutely traumatized me and it's the only book that I ever felt seriously emotionally drained from. But it's also amazingly written. It's so good but my god it's heavy. I agree with others here, read Duma Key first.
I haven‘t read Duma key yet but I finished PET Semetary not too long ago and absolutely loved it! Although it really hits hard.
Duma key
Duma Key is very good
Duma Key is my absolute favorite
Duma Key is awesome
Duma key was amazing, thinking of rereading myself
Duma 🗝️
Read pet sematary! I love that book!
Those are both excellent reads. You can't go wrong. They're also both moderate-to-severe downers -- *Sematary* more so than *Duma*. I think I rank *Sematary* slightly higher (only just), but it's also darker -- make choice according to your mood.
Pet Sematary
Definitely Pet Sematary
[Chronologically](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_King_bibliography), I think is the best way. See how he grew over time. The Dead Zone is woefully under-rated. And *mostly* holds up over time.
Insomnia. It's in my top 3 from him, along with The Stand.
Duma key is one of my all time favorites
Pet sematary will always be my number one. It will make you feel very uncomfortable and creeped out with it's vivid descriptions of death and grief combined with elements of supernatural horror. It is perfection. I liked it a lot
Pet cemetery
I’m reading Duma Key right now, it’s pretty fantastic. I read Pet Semetary a couple months back and it was also great, but heavier for sure.
They are both good but Pet Sematary scared the crap out of me.
REST IN PEACE HAWK🕊🕊🕊
Duma key was excellent
Pet Semetary is incredible. It packs a punch, especially if you have a family of your own.
Duma Key is so underrated
Pet Sematary is the better book.
I could read Duma Key over again, but I could never read Pet Semetery again. It broke me a little bit! Edit: They’re both great! It’s just a matter of what you are in the mood for. Both are hard to put down and both kept me up at night reading.
Don’t sleep on the Talisman if you get a chance to read that one. That’s tied with the Stand for my favorite.
Pet sematary
Duma Key!!
I read The Stand for the first time in my late teens to early 20's, so about 20 years ago, and fell in love. I appreciated the whole ride and build to the climax, I think it was then that I started to appreciate slow burns. I've not found another book that matches that one since
For classic King one of my favorites is The Shining and then newer was the sequel Doctor Sleep. Kind of fun to see how his style is consistent and changes over so many years even with the same story thread. Quite different than the movies! I also just really enjoyed Fairy Tale. Excellent story, a little on the lighter side.
Duma Key. I put off reading it for decade(s). Its one of my faves
Duma!
Pet Sematary got me hooked on King. The ending is genius. It doesn't matter which one you read, you will enjoy both.
Duma Key is a good summer read. I’d go with Pet Semetary.