Like to read? Of course you do. Otherwise, you probably wouldn't have been interested in this article. People have mixed emotions when it comes to Stephen King and his stories. But whether you like his stuff or not, you can't deny his influence on literature and popular culture.

Here are the top five books that I recommend you read if you are interested in reading his stories (by the way, I'm sticking strictly to only his horror novels and stories):

5. "Pet Sematary"

I had a hard time choosing between this one and "Misery," since they are both great suspense stories. However, "Pet Sematary" has King's signature relatable and likable characters, whereas, even though it's a fantastic story, "Misery" doesn't have the same type of true-to-life characters that defined his earlier works. "Pet" is one of those stories that takes the average American family and throws them into a horrible situation. The unthinkable happens to them, and the way they all cope is one of the best aspects of the novel. Definitely worth a read.

4. "It"

This is Stephen's King longest story (not including The Uncut Edition of "The Stand" that came out years later) and it's one of his most powerful. It's definitely not for the faint of heart (or easily offended, for that matter), but it has so many great, emotional moments that define each of the novel's main characters. There's a sense of belonging and friendship in the novel that makes the reader feel like he's been friends with the characters for years. It's one of those books that takes a while to get through, but at the end you'll be sad to leave the characters. Not to mention, it has some of King's most frightening moments.

3. "The Shining"

If you've seen the movie and liked it, read this book. If you've seen the movie and hated it, read this book. It's very different from the film and focuses more on Jack's growing insanity and Danny's skill of "shining." It's more of a ghost story than the film is, and the characters are much more fleshed out. It's a lot shorter than It, but it packs just as much of a punch. Plus, it's a classic. If you haven't read it by now, do yourself a favor and pick it up.

2. "Night Shift"

This is a collection of short stories. It's hard to say what King does better: writing novels or short stories. Many argue that his short stories are better (and less clunky), and they could be right. This collection is absolutely the best--seriously--short horror collection I've ever read. The tales are quick and full of twists. What happens in some of them will put you on the edge of your seat. And they are clever! It feels like you're reading a greatest hits collection by King; all the tales are that good. Check. This. Out. Highlights include: "The Ledge," "Grey Matter," "Quitter's Inc.,"Graveyard Shift," and "I am the Doorway."

1. "'Salem's Lot"

This is one of the first Stephen King books that I read. It isn't "deep" or complicated or hard to understand in any way. Sometimes it feels like you're reading a pulp-y piece of literature. But that's the beauty of it. It's told simplistically. He gives us tons of characters that we can relate to and feel bad for when cruel things happen to them. It's a fast read and a wild ride. The suspense is also top notch. There's also a good sense of friendship and togetherness that you feel when you read it. He does in this novel what every good writer should do: he tells a fantastic story. And he tells it really well. If you could only read one Stephen King book, read this one.

These are only five of his books. He has written over 50. Most of them are worth a read, but these are all the ones you should start with. These will determine whether or not you like King's style of writing. Give them all a chance!