Author Stephen King has written what many readers consider some of the greatest novels in modern history. While a large number of these stories tend to be horror novels, Stephen King is also known for having dabbled in other genres as well. Still, though, many fans might be wondering what exactly Stephen King chose for his all-time favorite book. Could it be a horror story like Dracula or Frankenstein? Or something much less horror-adjacent? As it turns out, it’s the latter.
Stephen King revealed as much about his favorite book in an appearance on a segment called What Ya’ Readin’? on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Although the segment aired this time last year, it’s currently been making rounds again courtesy of Far Out. Now those fans who missed out the first time can find out just what his favorite book happens to be. And it’s quite unexpected.
As it turns out, Stephen King’s favorite book is none other than Lonesome Dove. This particular book, written by Larry McMurtry, was published in 1985. And it’s actually known for being a classic western novel.
Here’s what Stephen King had to say about it below:
For those horror fans out there, however, he did mention his favorite horror book as well. Specifically, Stephen King listed Peter Straub’s Ghost Story as his favorite horror story. In fact, he claimed that particular book “scared the hell outta me.” Indeed, that should be mandatory reading for any fan of horror literature. With that in mind, it also makes sense that Lonesome Dove happens to be his all-time favorite. Now that’s a book which managed to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1986 and it’s no wonder why. The book is essentially considered by many to be the definitive cowboy novel. As such, it goes to show just how varied Stephen King’s tastes can be.