Stephen King’s list of favourites includes historical dramas, fiction and fantasy titles (Image: Getty)
Although he’s the master of horror and suspense, Stephen King’s love of literature extends far beyond his own genre.
In a unique celebration of Goodreads’ 10th anniversary back in 2017, the iconic author ranked his top 10 favourite books, revealing a blend of classics and lesser-known works which helped him get inspiration for his own work.
But not without disclaiming how “ridiculous” a list like this would be to build: “On another day, ten different titles might come to mind, like The Exorcist, or All the Pretty Horses in place of Blood Meridian.”
“On another day I’d be sure to include Light in August or Scott Smith’s superb A Simple Plan. The Sea, the Sea, by Iris Murdoch. But what the hell, I stand by these”, he added.
Here’s a look at the full list of Stephen King’s (then) favorites:
10. The Lord of the Rings – J.R.R. Tolkien
Tolkien’s epic fantasy trilogy needs little introduction. The Lord of the Rings is a monumental achievement in world-building, weaving together elements of mythology, history, and adventure. Though it wasn’t recognized with major literary awards upon publication, its influence on modern fantasy is unparalleled. The series has since received numerous accolades and continues to inspire generations of readers and filmmakers alike.
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9. American Pastoral – Philip Roth
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1998, American Pastoral tells the story of Seymour “Swede” Levov, a man whose idyllic American life unravels as his daughter becomes involved in radical political movements. Philip Roth’s novel is a powerful examination of family, identity, and the fragility of the American dream, cementing his place as one of the greatest American novelists.
8. 1984 – George Orwell
George Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece is a chilling warning about the dangers of totalitarianism and mass surveillance. Published in 1949, 1984 has remained relevant for its depiction of a society stripped of freedom and individuality. Though it didn’t win significant awards at the time, it is now considered one of the most influential books of the 20th century.
7. Blood Meridian – Cormac McCarthy
Often cited as one of the greatest American novels, Blood Meridian is a brutal and unflinching depiction of violence in the American West. Although it didn’t win major awards upon release, it has since been recognized as a modern classic. McCarthy’s haunting prose and philosophical exploration of human savagery have earned it widespread acclaim.
Book cover of 1984 by George Orwell, designed in 1978 (Image: sunday mail)
6. Invisible Man – Ralph Ellison
Invisible Man is a powerful and groundbreaking novel that delves into the African American experience and the struggle for identity and recognition. It won the National Book Award in 1953 and remains one of the most important works in American literature. Ellison’s portrayal of race, power, and invisibility is as relevant today as it was when it was first published.
5. The Hair of Harold Roux – Thomas Williams
This semi-autobiographical novel, which won the National Book Award in 1975, is a meditation on the writing process and the blurred lines between fiction and reality. It tells the story of an author reflecting on his past while working on a novel. The Hair of Harold Roux is celebrated for its exploration of memory, creativity, and the complexities of storytelling.
4. The Orphan Master’s Son – Adam Johnson
Winner of the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, this gripping novel takes readers deep into the secretive world of North Korea. The Orphan Master’s Son follows Pak Jun Do, a man navigating the brutality of the regime while struggling with his own identity. Blending elements of political thriller and dark satire, Adam Johnson’s novel is both harrowing and deeply moving, offering a rare glimpse into life under dictatorship.
Lord of the Flies has been adapted into productions for the big screen and theatre stages (Image: -)
3. Watership Down – Richard Adams
In third place, King lists this tale of survival and adventure: Watership Down follows a band of rabbits as they flee their warren in search of a safe new home. Despite being about rabbits, the novel is an epic exploration of leadership, freedom, and resilience. It won the Carnegie Medal and the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, and it continues to captivate readers of all ages with its blend of mythology and political allegory.
2. Ship of Fools – Katherine Anne Porter
Set aboard a German-bound passenger ship in the late 1930s, Ship of Fools is a scathing social commentary on the political tensions and prejudices of the time. In the novel that made King’s second place, Porter masterfully weaves together the stories of her characters, creating a microcosm of society’s flaws. While it didn’t win major literary awards, the novel was a commercial success and remains an important work in American literature.
1. Lord of the Flies – William Golding
The gold medal goes to this iconic novel, which tells the story of a group of British boys stranded on a deserted island who attempt to create their own society, only to spiral into savagery and chaos. Lord of the Flies is a dark exploration of human nature and the thin veneer of civilization. Widely studied in schools, the novel earned William Golding the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1983 for his body of work, with this book being his most famous and enduring achievement.