Stephen King turns 74 today. He was born in Portland, Maine in 1947. After finishing university, he tried to become a high school teacher, but he struggled to find a teaching job. To help make ends meet, he started writing short stories and sending them to magazines. His first short story, “The Glass Floor” was published by Startling Mystery Stories in 1967. Today, Stephen King is a household name for his supernatural fiction, horror fantasy and thriller, novels and novellas. His books alone have sold over 35 million copies and still continue to be popular today. A huge majority of his books have gone on to become films, miniseries or comics. Here are some of his most successful novels of all time.
The Shining
This horror novel was published in 1977 and has been a fan favourite ever since. This was King’s 3rd ever book published and would later be produced into a movie that is is sure to make your heart race.
The Dead Zone
This supernatural thriller book turned movie, The Dead Zone was published in 1979 after his road to success. This book, and film, features a character who is placed into a coma for nearly five years.
Misery
Another #1 bestseller, Stephen King manages to scare readers throughout this psychological thriller. This novel was also nominated for the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel and was also was produced into a film and an off Broadway play.
11/22/63
A later novel by King features a man who goes back in time to attempt to stop the JFK assassination. This novel intrigued many readers as it focused on an American historical event that impacted many people. Also turned miniseries.
IT
Published in 1986, this horror novel will definitely keep you up at night. If you haven’t read the book we’re sure you’ve seen one of the two movies based off the popular novel.
Carrie
King’s first published novel, Carrie, was released in April of 1974. This was Stephen King’s debut model which ultimately lead the way for the rest of his famous novels. Of course, there was also a film based off this book as well.
The Shawshank Redemption
Many of us know this as the title to the award winning movie featuring Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins. However this movie was based off the Stephen King novella featured in 1982 collection of Different Seasons.
