Is this the standard or uncut version?

Only big books for Luke now.

It's the Audible version. I'm over half way through already.

I'll be interested to hear what you think. The Stand is my favorite Stephen King book, hands down. I just finished the Marvel graphic novelization of it.

I hope you enjoy it. Many people consider it a classic. I read it a long time ago but got bogged down in all the wordiness and couldn't finish it. If everybody here gives it a thumbs up, I might try again.

I have the old version that's only half as long. But I only got halfway through. I guess that would be a quarter way through the new one.

Did it just seem that 90% of their actions were pointless when it came down to it? I thought it was a hugely enjoyable book but most of their efforts seemed to be a waste of time.

Not pointless, I don't think. Some were futile, it's true, but in a new world with unwritten spiritual rules, it's hard to know which actions were going to lead to success and which to failure.

I enjoyed the idea of god wanting sacrifice, but none of the characters understanding who or what would be good enough. It's what I imagine a bible story would actually read like if god worked the way he wanted, and all the events were recorded, rather than past events being viewed through the lens of an already existing theology.

What door stopper next, Gravity's Rainbow?

Hahaha... no.

Tam, do you want Luke to get another review done before Christmas? He should go with something short but meaty like Harmony.

Hmm, at least Infinite Jest has footnotes...

I've been working on other projects while listening to this audio book, which included a lot of other reading and lots of video editing. The video project should be finished and available in a few weeks, and I'm sure a lot of people will enjoy it.

The writing project won't be completed for a long while, but again, I think SFBRP listeners will get a kick out of it.

You should actually definitely read both Gravity's Rainbow AND Infinite Jest. I for one would definitely read along to either one.

Great review, Luke! I read the Stand as a kid and it was my gateway drug into post-apocalyptic fiction, which in turn got me reading a lot of sci-fi and fantasy. A lot of SK's work is actually is actually science fiction with horror elements as opposed to strictly horror and I hope you'll consider reviewing more of his books. Nice nod to Earth Abides and the Day of the Triffids as well. I do recommend a short novel by the English author John Christopher entitled "The Death of Grass" or "No Blade of Grass" (alternative titles for the US and UK editions, respectively).

I'm also looking forward to your Bible project. Divorced from all of the cultural baggage, there may be no greater piece of literature and it deserves to be read from every possible angle.

I love when you apply your experience and interest in religious matters to your reviews. You have some really interesting insight there. Have you considered reviewing Michael Moorcock's "Behold the Man"? A little piece of blasphemy that says a lot about the historical career of religious myths.