The Dark Half was published in 1989 and is Steve's 30th book. The book is dedicated to Shirley Sondregger and her husband Pete. Shirley was King's assistant/office manager at that time. There is also an Author's Note, "I'm indebted to the late Richard Bachman for his help and inspiration. This novel could not have been … Continue reading Reread Project: The Dark Half
Stephen King
Reread Project: The Tommyknockers
Published in 1987, this blended horror/sci-fi novel is King's 26th book, and is considered by most to be the last book written before Stephen King got sober (with The Dark Half being written during his transition period, and Needful Things being the first novel to come out post sobriety.) The book is dedicated: For Tabitha … Continue reading Reread Project: The Tommyknockers
Reread Project: Misery
Misery was published in 1987, and won the Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel. The book is dedicated, "This is for Stephanie and Jim Leonard, who know why. Boy, do they." Stephanie Leonard is King's sister-in-law, she was King's assistant at the time and also ran the Castle Rock Newsletter (a fan-club rag), while her … Continue reading Reread Project: Misery
Reread Project: It
It was published in 1986 and is Stephen King's 22nd book. A note at the end says: This book was begun in Bangor, Maine, on September 9th, 1981, and completed on December 28th, 1985. It won the British Fantasy Award in 1987, and led to multiple adaptations including the 1990 miniseries (with Tim Curry as … Continue reading Reread Project: It
Reread Project: Pet Sematary
Pet Sematary is King's 14th book, and was published in 1983 (the same year as Christine and Cycle of the Werewolf). The book is dedicated to Kirby McCauley. Kirby was King's literary agent at the time and his fingerprints are all over King's career in this era. He was an active champion and promoter. This … Continue reading Reread Project: Pet Sematary
Reread Project: Christine
Christine was published in 1983 and is King's 13th (lucky) book. The dedication reads: "This is for George Romero and Chris Forrest Romero. And the Burg." George Romero was the legendary film maker (Night of the Living Dead), and his wife Chris (Christine) Romero is an actress and producer. The Burg is Pittsburgh, where the … Continue reading Reread Project: Christine
Reread Project: Cujo
Cujo was King's 11th book, and was published in September of 1981 (I was a month old, if you were wondering, our timelines are finally overlapping.) At this time Stephen was only 33 years old and he had six bestsellers under his belt, he had made the leap from struggling teacher to one of the … Continue reading Reread Project: Cujo
Reread Project: Firestarter
Firestarter is a science fiction thriller novel published in September of 1980. The book is dedicated to author Shirley Jackson, "In memory of Shirley Jackson, who never needed to raise her voice." This is Steve's ninth book, he is a successful writer (but not yet the legend he will be), with three young children (at … Continue reading Reread Project: Firestarter
Reread Project: The Dead Zone
Found money brings bad luck. The Dead Zone is Steve's 7th novel, and was published in 1979. The dedication, to his son, reads, This is for Owen, I love you, old bear. I have found all of the dedications in these early books incredibly touching. Steve is now (in '79) an extremely successful author, moving … Continue reading Reread Project: The Dead Zone
Reread Project: The Shining
The Shining was published in 1977, King's fourth book (this includes Rage, the first book written under his pseudonym Richard Bachman, 1976). While Carrie was dedicated to Tabitha, his wife, and 'Salem's Lot to Naomi, his daughter, The Shining is dedicated to Joseph Hillstrom King, his first son, "This is for Joe Hill, who shines … Continue reading Reread Project: The Shining
Thibeautown 