7. Carrie
The one that started it all. Kings very first published novel, 1975s Carrie marked the emergence of a new voice in literature. A story about growing up cloaked in horror and drenched in blood. A lean, mean, scream machine that few have forgotten. The novel also marks one of the best book to film adaptations of a King work. Keep in mind too, a remake is on its way this fall. Like I said before, its a big year for Uncle Stevie. Carrie tells the story of a high school girl who is bullied at school and at home as well. On the day she gets her first period, she finds out she has telekinetic powers and begins to learn how to control them. After continuing abuse at home from her fundamentalist mother, Carrie begins to turn toward the dark. An incident at the prom leads her to use her powers to destroy almost her entire town. A vicious story, through and through and not one easily forgotten. The novel deals with themes of growing up, bullying and even religious extremism. Its amazing to think this one was published by a virtual unknown way back in the 70s.