If you love Stephen King but can’t handle his horror stories, fear not. King has showcased his gentler side in some of his works that offer a milder literary experience. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the least scary Stephen King books that are perfect for readers looking for a less frightening experience without compromising on brilliant storytelling. So, sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the world of Stephen King’s least scary books.
The Green Mile
“The Green Mile” is a heartwarming and thought-provoking novel by Stephen King that follows the lives of prison guards and inmates on death row. It is a moving and emotionally-driven story that tackles serious themes such as justice, redemption, and the human condition. Unlike many of King’s other works, this novel does not rely on outright horror, making it one of his least scary books.
Although it has its intense moments and touches on heavy subject matter, “The Green Mile” is a touching and intimate portrayal of the characters, their actions, and their motivations that will leave readers feeling moved and inspired.
Plot Summary
“The Green Mile” is set in 1932 at Cold Mountain Penitentiary’s death row, otherwise known as “The Green Mile.” The story is told from the perspective of Paul Edgecombe, a senior guard at the prison who oversees executions. When John Coffey, a death row inmate who has been accused of murdering two young girls, arrives at the prison, Paul begins to develop a unique bond with the seemingly gentle and compassionate man.
As the story unfolds, Paul and his fellow guards come to realize that there is more to Coffey than meets the eye, and their perception of him is challenged in unexpected ways. Along the way, the novel tackles complex themes such as racism, corruption, and the nature of good versus evil, all while delivering a deeply emotional and human story.
11/22/63
“11/22/63” is a mesmerizing novel by Stephen King that transports readers back in time to explore the events leading to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. This enthralling time-traveling tale combines elements of suspense and thriller with a touch of romance, making it a compelling read for fans of historical fiction, science fiction, and mystery genres. While it contains moments of tension and suspense, “11/22/63” is considered one of Stephen King’s least scary books, making it an ideal choice for readers who want a less frightening but equally captivating literary experience.
Bag of Bones
Stephen King’s “Bag of Bones” tells a gripping story of a young novelist who loses his wife and faces a severe writer’s block and his subsequent adventure to overcome it. Featuring a blend of mystery, romance, and supernatural elements, “Bag of Bones” offers readers a unique and gentle experience within the Stephen King universe. While some parts of the book may be eerie, the focus is not on chills and thrills. Instead, King masterfully explores the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery and the uncovering of secrets from the past.
The Plot:
The main character, Mike Noonan, loses his wife, Jo, in a sudden accident. Following her death, Mike also suffers from a serious writer’s block that leaves him unable to produce any new content. He decides to spend the summer in their vacation home in Maine to deal with his grief and hopefully overcome his writer’s block.
Supernatural Elements:
As Mike stays in his vacation home, he begins to encounter strange echoes from the past, encountering several ghostly apparitions, wherein supernatural elements are woven into the plot. King’s skilled storytelling keeps the readers interested while striking a balance between keeping things intriguing without crossing the line into horror.
Personal Journey:
As Noonan continues to uncover the secrets of the past, he embarks on a personal journey to find a new sense of purpose that extends beyond his writing. Along the way, he deals with grief, guilt, and several haunting memories, exploring his inner demons and learning what it means to move on from tragedy. The novel is a beautiful and heart-wrenching read that offers a unique experience of King’s master storytelling, making it one of his least scary books.
The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger
“The Gunslinger” is the first book in Stephen King’s epic “The Dark Tower” series. The story introduces readers to an intriguingly dark and fantastical world where the main character, Roland Deschain, embarks on a quest to reach the Dark Tower. While the book has its intense moments, it is more of a dark fantasy adventure than a straight-up horror story, which makes it an ideal option for those who are looking for a less scary Stephen King novel.
As the series unfolds, readers will come across some rather spine-chilling moments, but the first installment is somewhat tamer compared to other works by Stephen King. Overall, “The Gunslinger” offers a captivating read filled with mystery, action, and intriguing characters that will keep readers engaged from start to finish.
Insomnia
“Insomnia” is a novel by Stephen King that follows the journey of an elderly man named Ralph Roberts, who is plagued by insomnia and begins to experience strange and supernatural occurrences. Though the story has elements of horror and the supernatural, it is considered one of King’s least scary works, making it an ideal choice for readers seeking a tamer literary experience. As Roberts delves deeper into a strange otherworldly realm, readers are taken on a fascinating journey that combines elements of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural, without overwhelming the senses with intense scares.
Joyland
“Joyland” is a captivating mystery novel by Stephen King that takes place in an amusement park. It follows the story of Devin Jones, a college student who takes a summer job at the park and becomes embroiled in solving a murder case. Although it has its moments of tension and suspense, “Joyland” is considered one of Stephen King’s least scary books, with a greater emphasis on character development and personal growth.
Readers can expect a touching and insightful examination of human relationships, themes of loss and acceptance, and a nostalgic nod to the golden days of American carnivals. With graceful prose, Stephen King weaves a spellbinding tale that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end. “Joyland” is a must-read for those seeking a gentler Stephen King novel with a little bit of mystery and a lot of heart.
The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon
“The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon” is a captivating novel that follows the journey of a young girl lost in the woods. While the story includes moments of tension and suspense, it is one of Stephen King’s least scary books. Readers can expect an engaging and emotional experience that highlights the protagonist’s resilience and determination to survive.
