1977 Horror Novel Ranked Among 'Best Books to Read on a Rainy Day' Still Gives People Nightmares
Fans of Stephen King have long considered The Shiningto be his best work. The psychological horror novel has captivated readers for almost half a century, and was recently listed on Goodreads as a perfect book to read on a rainy day.
Though true fans would likely say that reading this particular title of King's during storm may hit a bit too close to home...or hotel.
King was inspired to write The Shining in part after a stay with his wife, Tabitha, at The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. Upon checking into the hotel in 1974, King and his wife found themselves to be the only guests on the property. After Tabitha went to bed, King wandered the empty halls of The Stanley, eventually ending up in the bar and having drinks with the bartender. By the end of the evening, King had the full story of what would become The Shining planned in his mind.
Related: What Was Found in Stephen King's Private Archive Changes How You'll Read His Books Forever
What is The Shining about?
Set at the fictional Overlook Hotel, The Shiningfollows the Jack Torrance, a recovering alcoholic a struggling writer who accepts a position as the off-season caretaker of the historic landmark. His family comprised of his wife, Wendy, and young son, Danny, accompany him on this job in the remote Colorado Rockies. Slowly but surely Danny's psychic abilities, called "the shining," begin to reveal to him the true sinister and horrific nature of the Overlook. After a massive storm leaves the family snowed in, the dark forces that call the hotel home latch onto Jack, leaving Wendy and Danny in grave danger as they try to survive both the patriarch of their family and the Overlook itself.
What is Stephen King working on now?
Stephen King's most recent book, Never Flinch, was published May 27, 2025. His next novel, Other Worlds Than These, will be published on October 6th, 2026. The highly anticipated Mike Flanagan adaptation of Carrie is also on track to release this fall.
Related: Stephen King Ruled Horror Every Year of the '90s - Except One
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 2:13 PM.