Mark -
So far as Stephen King’s work is concerned, I would highly recommend reading The Stand. It’s good vs. evil on a very grand scale, with a lot of interesting and well-imagined characters. The novel is so much better than either of the adapted-for-TV efforts.
On a broader scale, The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern is a beautifully written and engaging novel. It’s sci-fi meets fantasy, and Morgenstern really surprised me with how well she can paint a scene in one’s mind.
Also, Jitterbug Perfume, by Tom Robbins. It’s pretty freakin’ amazing on most every level. One of my favorite novels of all time.
