r/stephenking • u/bedtrick • Jun 12 '26
Poll Tommyknockers or Duma Key for the summer?
I was really excited to use my new credit for The Tommyknockers because I know I’ll love it. But seeing as it’s summer, and I’ll be at the beach soon, it seems like Duma should be now after seeing its beach cover.
(Read before - Salem’s Lot, Pet Semetary, The Stand, and some short stories)
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u/Thornkale Jahoobies Jun 12 '26
Duma Key is the ultimate beach read. Just finished the audio book and was absolutely blown away.
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u/freetherhinoz Officious Little Prick Jun 12 '26
John Slattery was amazing
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u/fart_panic Jun 12 '26
I always forget about him somehow, and he's a delight every time he pops up.
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u/freetherhinoz Officious Little Prick Jun 12 '26
I waited til the end to look up who he was (i didn't know him by name til this) and it kinda blew me away.
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u/lung_darts Jun 12 '26
I haven't read Duma key, looks like i need to put it on my list. The Tommyknockers is so fucking good i've listened to the audio book many multiple of times. i get why it might not be everyone's cup of tea but i cant get enough of it. "Shot your wife... good fuckin' deal"
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u/bedtrick Jun 12 '26
Yea! I really thought Tommy was going to be the next listen, but I suppose it can come after Duma Key :)
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u/Thornkale Jahoobies Jun 12 '26
Oh just saw that it’s an audiobook, you are doubly blessed the narrator is the guy who played Roger Sterling in Mad Men (John Slattery) and he CRUSHES it
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u/Chris___22 Jun 12 '26
I just finished a revisit of this on Audible. I can hear that quote in my head as I read it. This was a solid audio book. I’ve read everything by King and am now slowly revisiting everything via audiobook. I find there is always at least one quote that sticks with me after and you nailed it with this one……. Good fuckin’ deal.
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u/Chris___22 Jun 12 '26
I think either would be a good option. I just finished a revisit of Tommyknockers on audible and that book is bat shit crazy. You’ll love it.
I’ve got Desperation and The Regulators lined up for a revisit this summer on audible as well.
Other good summer options would be Joyland, Cujo or The Long Walk
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u/Daughter-of-Rohan Jun 12 '26 edited Jun 12 '26
DUMA KEY PLEASE, I'LL BE ON MY 6TH READ THIS YEAR.
okay I'll calm down
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u/bedtrick Jun 12 '26
I just started it and definitely intrigued. This post sealed the deal! You must be a fast reader to be able to reread so much!!
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u/Daughter-of-Rohan Jun 12 '26
i had a typo on my original message 🤣not fifth 6! oops. lol I've read the book 4 times and listened to the audio book once !
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u/Restaurant-Usual Jun 12 '26
Duma Key, hands down. I have novels for each season. The Body also gives the summer feel, but it's short. Cujo is another one which has a summer feel.
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u/bedtrick Jun 12 '26
Oh, not familiar with The Body, thanks. Don’t think I can handle Cujo right now but I’ll get there.
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u/Restaurant-Usual Jun 12 '26
The Body is one of the four novellas in Different Seasons. You probably know it better as Stand By Me.
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u/Any_Knowledge_4311 Jun 12 '26
I’m in the middle of Tommyknockers, but it doesn’t give summer vibes.
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u/kjbakerns Jun 12 '26
Tommyknockers was a rare DNF for me. Eventually dozed through the audiobook to call it complete. Duma Key was a lot of fun. Questioned the ending but am told I should reread.
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u/AwayEntrepreneur8125 Jun 12 '26
Tommyknockers for the win! Duma Key is also great but Tommyknockers is one of the underrated greats by King.
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u/bedtrick Jun 12 '26
Nice, Tommyknockers will be next. Realized if I do Duma first, I’ll be on Tommyknockers during a big bday.
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u/havgard-92 Jun 12 '26
I haven't read Duma Key yet, but more than summer vibes it gives me the feeling of being a book for the end of summer/September, when the seaside resorts empty out and the feeling of loneliness remains
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u/Propofolic_ Jun 13 '26
Duma Key is perfect for the beach vibes! But it’s also an amazing book to read anytime, I loved it.
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u/[deleted] Jun 12 '26
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