If your shopping list includes someone who is a Stephen King fan, your gift shopping just got a lot easier. Every King reader loves to get one of his books. The toughest part will be just figuring out which one to get.
This blog post is about book gifts for the Stephen King fan.
It will provide you with a curated selection of gift ideas that will make any King fan’s day. Or someone not yet a King fan. Whether they like to read horror or not! We have recommendations for everyone.
Because next to reading them, our favorite thing to do is talk about his books!
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For a Stephen King fan, there is no bad book
The Ultimate Gift for the King Reader
When it comes to finding the perfect gift for a Stephen King fan, lovingly referred to by King as “constant reader,” there is no wrong answer. They will be thrilled to get a King book! Looking at his vast bibliography, odds are there is a book or two in there that even the most devout reader hasn’t gotten to yet.
If you’re shopping for a Stephen King fan in your life, have a look through their bookshelf if you have access to it. That will help cross some off your list to shop for.
Even if you gift a book they have read before, any self-respecting fan of Stephen King will be happy to have his books gracing their bookshelves. Beyond that, re-reads are definitely common.
Several of King’s books have been around so long that many of his fans probably read them when they were kids (looking at you Gen X) or young adults. Reading it again as a more worldly reader will put a whole new spin on it.
The Stephen King Universe
Stephen King, often referred to as the “Master of Horror,” is one of the most prolific and beloved authors of our time.
With over 60 novels, numerous short stories, and countless adaptations to film and TV, King’s influence on the world of literature is immeasurable.
His journey through the realms of horror, suspense, and supernatural storytelling has captivated readers for decades.
21+ Epic Book Gifts for the Stephen King Fan
Stephen King’s Literary Career
Stephen King’s literary career began in the early 1970s when he released his debut novel, “Carrie,” (saved from the trash by his wife, Tabitha!) which quickly became a sensation in the horror genre. Since then, he has penned numerous iconic works, including “The Shining,” “Misery,” “Pet Sematary,” “The Dark Tower” series, and “The Green Mile.”
In addition to his mainstream works, King also wrote in the early days under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, offering readers an alternative taste of his storytelling. In our humble opinion, some of the Bachman books – particularly the short stories – are some of his most memorable works.
PLEASE NOTE – THIS IS STEPHEN KING SO THERE ARE SO MANY TRIGGER WARNINGS! If it’s labeled as horror by Stephen King, just know that nothing is off limits and there will be triggers!!
The Top Tier
Although this can be the subject of INTENSE debate, we do feel it is acceptable to say that these two books are the top tier of Stephen King books.
The Stand
The Stand is an absolutely masterful story of a post-apocalyptic world after a deadly virus has decimated humanity, leaving the survivors to choose between good and evil.
We have read a lot of books in this genre, and even though there are some really excellent ones out there, we have never found one that comes close to The Stand.
IT
There is really no other book out there like “IT.” It is a completely unique, freaky, weird, and utterly compelling story about a group of friends who confront a malevolent entity that takes on the shape of a clown named Pennywise.
You can’t go wrong with either one of these books. They are amazing.
If you have a die-hard Stephen King fan who has read these, you can always look at getting a signed or rare copy.
Here is a guide to identifying first editions. If you have a reader that loves horror and hasn’t read either of these two books – you are doing them a huge favor by getting one or both of them as a gift.
Gift Ideas for the Non-Horror Reader
Believe it or not, there are actually several King books that are not considered horror. He is an incredibly gifted writer and he has penned several amazing books that are strongly character and plot driven dramas that would be embraced by readers who don’t like horror.
We looked at some other lists of some books people consider non-horror and we were definitely surprised!
I guess horror is in the eye of the beholder because some books we saw listed we would definitely consider horror. So, a few books that we have read that we would feel comfortable recommending to a non-horror reader:
- 11/22/63 (see more on this below)
- The Green Mile
- Billy Summers
- The Body
- The Institute
- Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption
Books we haven’t read, so can’t personally vouch for in terms of non-horror, but see on lots of “non-horror” lists:
Stephen King the Storyteller
Obviously, King is known as a world-renown author in the world of horror. That title is well deserved; he has some truly scary, messed-up books. In the best way.
What stands out to us are the compelling characters he creates and the relationships he builds within his stories. As great as his horror elements are, they are surpassed (to us) by his incredible ability to create characters you care about, root for, hate, are disgusted by, or end up devastating you.
Here are two examples of what we consider to be some of King’s best work when it comes to characters and relationships – one with a horror element and one without.
“11/22/63”: A Masterclass in Storytelling
For those seeking something outside the realm of horror, “11/22/63” is a masterclass in storytelling.
This novel tells the story of a high school teacher who discovers a time portal and embarks on a mission to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
It’s a riveting blend of historical fiction, science fiction, and drama that showcases King’s versatility as a writer. It will appeal to a reader who likes any of those genres.
It is just an amazing book and story. No horror at all!
The Underrated Gem: “Duma Key”
While many fans celebrate King’s well-known works, “Duma Key” is often an underrated gem.
We grabbed this up on a whim without knowing what it was about. What we found was an incredibly touching story about friendship. It tells the story of a man recovering from a near-fatal accident who discovers a supernatural ability to create art.
The first half of the book is absolutely incredible in terms of discussing the recovery process and the friendship he develops with another broken soul.
In many ways, it seems as though King told the story of his own recovery from his near-fatal hit and run accident. This part of the book – the first half – is perhaps King’s strongest work in terms of creating memorable characters. It is incredible.
Then the second half – this is the horror element. And boy howdy. Some serious horror going on here.
This is the only book that we can think of that we literally yelled out – NO! – when a certain twist hit.
Generally speaking, the main character’s paintings take on a life of their own, and a sinister force is unleashed.
Duma Key is a compelling and atmospheric story that offers a unique perspective on creativity and the unknown.
It is so underrated, its criminal.
Book Series Suggestions for the Stephen King Fan
If you are looking for a series, you can choose to go with The Bill Hodges Trilogy (Mr. Mercedes, Finders Keepers, & End of Watch).
Each of these three books is excellent (which is kind of rare for a trilogy, honestly. Usually book 1 is great, book 2 is decent, and everything falls off the rails for book 3), they are definitely horror, very messed up, and will appeal to a reader who likes classic King.
If you are shopping for a reader that likes westerns, adventure novels, and epic tales, you can get The Dark Tower Series (just tell them to push through past Book 1, The Gunslinger. It’s not the best. But book 2, The Drawing of the Three, is worth the effort).
For the Constant Reader who seems to have everything, consider gifting one of King’s newest releases.
King’s most recent releases, like Billy Summers (2022), Fairy Tales (2022), and Holly (2023), make excellent choices to complete their collection.
A King Book “On Writing”
Stephen King has long been an author who supports other authors. He is a voracious reader and regularly recommends books to his audience.
He also encourages people to write and has written the book “On Writing” with tidbits and stories about his writing history and process.
If you have a budding author on your gift list, this would be an incredible book for them to both read and use as a resource.
Recent King Reads and Our Take On Them
As we said earlier, next to reading the books, Constant Readers LOVE to talk about them!
Seriously, there are all kinds of groups dedicated to talking about Stephen King and his books.
To show we put our money where our mouth is (and because we are solidly in the group that loves to talk about Stephen King books), here are a few of the more recent King books that we here at Slowprose have read, along with our thoughts on them.
List of Stephen King Titles
So, here you go. A list of King books that you can refer to when doing your shopping, or, for you, Constant Reader, to cross off your list as read or owned. Then you can figure out which one you want to get next.
This list includes both his mainstream solo works, collaborations, and those written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman.
1970s:
- Carrie (1974)
- ‘Salem’s Lot (1975)
- The Shining (1977)
- Rage (as Richard Bachman) (1977)
- The Stand (1978)
- Night Shift (Short story collection) (1978)
1980s:
- The Dead Zone (1979)
- Firestarter (1980)
- Cujo (1981)
- Roadwork (as Richard Bachman) (1981)
- Danse Macabre (Non-fiction) (1981)
- Different Seasons (Short story collection) (1982)
- The Running Man (as Richard Bachman) (1982)
- Christine (1983)
- Pet Sematary (1983)
- Cycle of the Werewolf (1983)
- The Talisman (with Peter Straub) (1984)
- Thinner (as Richard Bachman) (1984)
- It (1986)
- The Eyes of the Dragon (1987)
- Misery (1987)
- The Tommyknockers (1987)
- The Dark Half (1989)
1990s:
- Four Past Midnight (Short story collection) (1990)
- The Stand: The Complete and Uncut Edition (1990)
- Needful Things (1991)
- Gerald’s Game (1992)
- Dolores Claiborne (1992)
- Nightmares & Dreamscapes (Short story collection) (1993)
- Insomnia (1994)
- Rose Madder (1995)
- The Green Mile (1996)
- Desperation (as Richard Bachman) (1996)
- The Regulators (as Richard Bachman) (1996)
- The Dark Tower IV: Wizard and Glass (1997)
- Bag of Bones (1998)
- The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon (1999)
2000s:
- The Plant (Serialized novel) (2000)
- Dreamcatcher (2001)
- Black House (with Peter Straub) (2001)
- From a Buick 8 (2002)
- The Dark Tower V: Wolves of the Calla (2003)
- The Dark Tower VI: Song of Susannah (2004)
- The Dark Tower VII: The Dark Tower (2004)
- The Colorado Kid (2005)
- Cell (2006)
- Lisey’s Story (2006)
- Blaze (as Richard Bachman) (2007)
- Duma Key (2008)
- Just After Sunset (Short story collection) (2008)
- Under the Dome (2009)
2010s:
- Full Dark, No Stars (Short story collection) (2010)
- 11/22/63 (2011)
- The Dark Tower: The Wind Through the Keyhole (2012)
- Joyland (2013)
- Doctor Sleep (2013)
- Mr. Mercedes (2014)
- Revival (2014)
- Finders Keepers (2015)
- End of Watch (2016)
- Gwendy’s Button Box (with Richard Chizmar) (2017)
- Sleeping Beauties (with Owen King) (2017)
- The Outsider (2018)
- Elevation (2018)
- If It Bleeds (Short story collection) (2020)
2020s:
- Later (2021)
- Billy Summers (2021)
- Fairy Tail (2022)
- Gwendy’s Final Task (2022)
- Holly (2023)
- You Like It Darker (2024)
21+ Epic Book Gifts for the Stephen King Fan
We hope this has been helpful in deciding what Stephen King gift to buy, whether its for someone on your list or for yourself. If you are a fellow Constant Reader, we already know you loved this post. Because we love to talk about the books too.
If you are looking for more great reads, check out our list of the best books we have read so far this year.
Hey Book Nerds! Lets be friends on Goodreads and BookTok!
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Happy Reading!
Slowprose, book division of Slowestuff
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