Stephen King – America’s Favorite Author

Bangor native Stephen King has been named the favorite author of adults in the latest poll conducted by the Harris Company. In the poll, adults were asked to name their favorite writers. King, King, the "king" of horror and suspense with such classics as "The Shining," "Carrie," "The Tommyknockers" and well over 100 others finished on top, while mystery writer James Patterson, author of "I, Alex Cross" and "The Postcard Killers," among many others finished in second.

The Top 10 According to the Harris Poll
1. Stephen King
2. James Patterson
3. J.K. Rowling
4. John Grisham and Dean Koontz (tie)
6. Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb
7. J.R.R. Tolkien and Mark Twain (tie)
9. Nicolas Sparks
10. Danielle Steele

And in a related note, if you want to know what kind of books adults were reading
Mystery, thriller and crime: 47 percent
History: 33 percent
Biographies/memoirs: 31 percent
Romance novels: 27 percent
Cookbooks/food writing: 26 percent
Science fiction: 26 percent
Fantasy: 24 percent
Classics/literature: 23 percent
Health and wellness: 22 percent
Religion and spirituality: 20 percent
Self-help: 19 percent
True crime: 19 percent