I hated reading in school. I’d read the first few chapters of a book, follow discussions in class, and read the last two chapters. That was usually enough for a “B” on a written test. 

One author who helped realize I didn’t hate reading, just being forced to read, was Stephen King. Over school summers, I read Misery, Pet Sematary, and Cujo at my own pace. 

I finally got around to reading a book that’s been on my “to-read” list for years: On Writing. Not only is this not your usual King book—it’s not fiction. It’s also not your average writing book. In fact, it’s not really a writing book as a whole.

The book is divided into three parts. The first focuses on King’s younger days up to his first few successful novels. Each chapter centers on specific moments that shaped his writing style or his writing themes. 

The second part of the book is the teaching part. King explains his approach to writing, editing, rules he abides by, and rules he breaks. He also dives deep into his disdain of adverbs. 

“I believe the road to hell is paved with adverbs, and I will shout it from the rooftops.”

In the third section, King goes into the details of the accident that nearly killed him in 1999. There’s nothing like getting the details from the person who lived through it. And when that person happens to be one of the most prolific writers of our time, it makes for a hell of a story. 

I understand why On Writing is present on so many lists of books for English majors and aspiring writers. Whether you’re reading it as a King fan or as a writer looking to improve, this is a great book to read.