1. Moments When We Need A Friend - The Talisman
In my opinion, the most entertaining best book that King (with Peter Straub) has written. Not only is a perfect example of a quest motif, but also illustrates that if you have to make a life-changing trip somewhere, don't do it alone. Jack discovers he has a supernatural ability to switch between worlds, which he uses to save his mother in travelling from one side of the country to another. On his journey, he travels with companions who not only help him overcome obstacles, but also help him learn more about his childhood. I moved around a lot. I lived in three different countries in my childhood and I can tell you, all the experiences in the world mean nothing if you haven't got a friend to share them with. Sounds ultra-corny, I know, but the fact is, we understand the significance of events in our lives by comparing our subjective interpretations to those of our friends. We like or dislike things based on what those we trust like or dislike. The absence of friends in important situations, like a shared journey, inhibits our personal growth. When those major events happen in our lives, we need our friends around us. Not just simply for the sake of company, but because they help us establish our values and priorities in life. Jack learns about dedication and duty from Wolf in his near-fanatical devotion to "keep the herd safe". Without Wolf's physical strength or his loving devotion, Jack would have never made it out of the boys' home. Jack learns about loyalty from Richie. Richie disbelieves reality and doubts his own sanity, even after witnessing first-hand the other-worldly nature of the monsters that pursue Jack. Still, regardless of these things, Richie believes in Jack and even after learning that his own father is a monster, Richie stands by his friend. Both Richie and Wolf teach Jack that these qualities are absolutely crucial to his success; he can't do this alone. Simply put, that's what friends are for. King is a keen student of human nature. His characters have real issues, intricately detailed but completely humanistic. It's easy to relate to them regardless of whatever supernatural situation they are in, he always manages to reduce the conflict to the basic desires and drives of people. People are jealous, lonely, insecure or loving and supportive and caring. He illustrates these basic human qualities so well that it's hard not to insert yourself into an imaginary situation, asking yourself what you would do; and if you're asking yourself that question, then maybe it'll get answered and it'll mean something to you in some aspect of your life. Lessons learned.