In the small town of Chamberlain, Maine, high school senior Carrie White is an outcast, tormented by her peers and sheltered by her overbearing, fanatically religious mother. But Carrie harbors a secret: she possesses powerful telekinetic abilities. As the cruelty of her classmates reaches a breaking point, Carrie’s pain transforms into rage, unleashing forces she cannot control.

On prom night, the culmination of her suffering ignites a catastrophic chain of events that will forever alter the lives of everyone in Chamberlain. As the truth of her powers unfolds, the line between victim and monster blurs, revealing the terrifying consequences of bullying and the desperate need for acceptance.

In this chilling debut novel, Stephen King masterfully explores the darkness within us all, blending horror with a poignant coming-of-age story that will resonate long after the last page is turned. Prepare to be captivated by the tale of a girl who discovers her strength in the most devastating way possible.

• Debut Novel: "Carrie," published in 1974, was Stephen King's first published novel, launching his prolific writing career.

• Unfinished Manuscript: King initially discarded the first few pages of "Carrie" but pulled them out of the trash after his wife read them and encouraged him to continue.

• Unique Marketing Strategy: The book's cover featured a bold design that became iconic. King’s publisher used a bright red background with minimalist text to attract attention, which helped it stand out.

• Telekinesis Concept: King’s fascination with telekinesis was inspired by his readings of parapsychology and interest in unexplained phenomena, reflecting his curiosity about human potential.

• Small-town Setting: The fictional town of Chamberlain, Maine, serves as a microcosm for small-town America, illustrating themes of social isolation and conformity. It was the first of many set in his home state.

• Dual Narratives: The novel's alternating perspectives—Carrie’s inner thoughts and external narratives—allow readers to experience both her turmoil and the societal reactions to her. (One of my favorite aspects of his writing.)

• Influence of Other Works: King drew inspiration from various literary sources, including works by Shirley Jackson and Richard Matheson, particularly their explorations of societal norms and horror.

• Real-Life Connection: Some of the bullying experiences depicted in the book are based on actual events King witnessed as high school teacher. Can you imagine having King grade your essay?

• Early Reception: While the book is now celebrated, it received mixed reviews upon release, with some critics labeling it as "over the top" or "melodramatic."

1. Carrie (1974)
2. ‘Salem’s Lot (1975)
3. The Shining (1977)
4. Rage (1977)
5. Night Shift (1978)
6. The Stand (1978)
7. The Long Walk (1979) [by Richard Bachman]
8. The Dead Zone (1979)
9. Firestarter (1980)
10. Roadwork (1981) [by Richard Bachman]
11. Danse Macabre (1981)
12. Cujo (1981)
13. The Running Man (1982) [by Richard Bachman]
14. The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger (1982)
15. Different Seasons (1982)
16. Christine (1983)
17. Cycle of the Werewolf (1983)
18. Pet Sematary (1983)
19. The Eyes of the Dragon (1984)
20. The Talisman (1984) with Peter Straub
21. Historical Essay * Richard’s Thoughts
22. Thinner (1984) [by Richard Bachman]
23. Skeleton Crew (1985)
24. IT (1986)
25. The Dark Tower: The Drawing of the Three (1987)
26. Misery (1987)
27. The Tommyknockers (1987)
28. The Dark Half (1989)
29. The Stand: The Complete & Uncut Edition (1990)
30. Four Past Midnight (1990)
31. The Dark Tower: The Waste Lands (1991)
32. Needful Things (1991)
33. Gerald’s Game (1992)
34. Dolores Claiborne (1992)
35. Nightmares & Dreamscapes (1993)
36. Insomnia (1994)
37. Rose Madder (1995)
38. The Green Mile (1996)
39. Desperation (1996)
40. The Regulators (1996) [by Richard Bachman]
41. The Dark Tower: Wizard and Glass (1997)
42. Bag of Bones (1998)
43. The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon (1999)
44. Hearts in Atlantis (1999)
45. Storm of the Century (1999)
46. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft (2000)
47. Dreamcatcher (2001)
48. Black House (2001) with Peter Straub
49. Everything’s Eventual (2002)
50. From a Buick 8 (2002)
51. The Dark Tower: Wolves of the Calla (2003)
52. The Dark Tower: Song of Susannah (2004)
53. The Dark Tower: The Dark Tower (2004)
54. Faithful (2004) with Stewart O’Nan
55. The Colorado Kid (2005)
56. Cell (2006)
57. Lisey’s Story (2006)
58. The Secretary of Dreams: Volume One (2006)
59. Blaze (2007) [by Richard Bachman]
60. Duma Key (2008)
61. Just After Sunset (2008)
62. Under the Dome (2009)
63. Blockade Billy (2010)
64. The Secretary of Dreams: Volume 2 (2010)
65. Full Dark, No Stars (2010)
66. 11/22/63 (2011)
67. The Dark Tower: The Wind Through the Keyhole (2012)
68. Joyland (2013)
69. The Dark Man (2013)
70. Doctor Sleep (2013)
71. Mr. Mercedes (2014)
72. Revival (2014)
73. Finders Keepers (2015)
74. The Bazaar of Bad Dreams (2015)
75. End of Watch (2016)
76. Charlie the Choo-Choo (2016) [by Beryl Evans]
77. Six Scary Stories selected by Stephen King (2016)
78. Gwendy’s Button Box (2017) with Richard Chizmar
79. Sleeping Beauties (2017) with Owen King
80. The Outsider (2018)
81. Flight or Fright (2018) coedited with Bev Vincent
82. Elevation (2018)
83. The Institute (2019)
84. If It Bleeds (2020)
85. Later (2021)
86. Billy Summers (2021)
87. Gwendy’s Final Task (2022) with Richard Chizmar
88. Fairy Tale (2022)
89. Holly (2023)
90. You Like it Darker (2024)