What did you think?

[Brittany]

I have yet to read this book. I have always been kind of hesitant to read Stephen Kings books. Not to sure why now that I think about it. His movies such as It (which I have coming tomorrow in the mail) and The Shinning scared the living day lights out of me. Regardless of that fact I have been wanting to get into horror novels. I know that Stephen King is loved by so many and good at what he does. So what did you think about this novel? What did you like or not like? and do you recommend that I read more of his novels in the future?

[Deborah]

The Stand is one of my favorite King books. Powerful and moving. Great characters. Another BIG read, but worth the effort.

His later works are much better than his "horror" books (It, Cujo, Christine...all horrible). I highly recommend Bag of Bones, Duma Key and Under the Dome. Favorite all-time is the collaboration with Peter Straub, The Talisman

[Fyreball]

I do not always like Stephen King's books (e.g., Cujo, Christine, Carrie) but I LOVE The Stand. It is a great story of good and evil and describes how much of our life we take for granted (e.g., the basic workings of society). I can't say enough good about this King book. While it's thick, it is very engrossing and I've reread it several times. In fact, when our sons were babies in arms (the mid 90s), I would read to them grown up books and I read this to both of them. (I know it sounds weird but babies like anything read in a sweet voice).

I'm not sure what puts you off of King's writing - is it the scary parts? the woo-woo? For me, his writing is often grounded in the realistic but has enough of an edge to grab you. Other books of his that I love are The Long Walk, a fascinating story of a contest to see who is last man standing. This is a story of teamwork and man v. man, all within the same page. I also liked It and Under the Dome. It is more along the lines of horror but it's a great tale of a small town and a group of friends. Under the Dome is much like The Stand in its length and its use of the unthinkable to provoke its characters to reexamine their lives.

Hope that helps!

[Richard]

The Stand is one of his best but revisiting it recently (and having become an athiest over time) i was struck by how christian it is. god is an absolute in the book, as is satan. the story is hugely biblical to the point that re reading it 15 years after i first read it i started to find it quite quaint and time capsual like- i doubt a book written about such events these days would hinge on God and The Devil quite so considerably

so yeah, it is very good, but it is dated (certainly for me) with its theology

[Ruth]

The Stand is by far my favorite King book. I also like his short story collections. The Shining was the first one I read because my brother insisted that I had to read it. Thanks Steve. I've been a King fan ever since.

[Brittany]

Thank you guys this definitely helped. I will be sure to read it sometime soon. It is indeed a monster of a book, but by reading everyones responces its definitely worth the challange. Thank you :)

[Holly]

Sandyboy wrote: "The Stand is one of his best but revisiting it recently (and having become an athiest over time) i was struck by how christian it is. god is an absolute in the book, as is satan. the story is hugel..."

So, you just hit on a big issue with me regarding this book. I have sometimes wondered if perhaps there was an unwritten group of plague survivors somewhere who felt neither the attraction towards Flagg or Mother Abigail, but were brought together by dreams of a pagan paradise. It is kind of natural when reading a book like this to try and insert yourself into the situation and wonder how one would react to living in those circumstances, and I can't imagine myself joining either community. I couldn't understand why people would want to get together and try to recreate the society that existed at the time of the plague; it seems like the people of the Free Zone community were all eager to reinvent big government, organized religion,and jobs and taxes and all that crap I would rather do without. I would have much preferred an agrarian/hunter-gatherer society; devoting myself to finding the few remaining canine and equine survivors of the plague and helping to re-establish those species.

The whole good v evil, God v Satan thing was just sort of baffling to a chaotic neutral person.

[Fyreball]

Holly wrote: "Sandyboy wrote: "The Stand is one of his best but revisiting it recently (and having become an athiest over time) i was struck by how christian it is. god is an absolute in the book, as is satan. t..."
Good points from both of you. I am not a fan of organized religion and am not convinced there is a god. However, I never thought of The Stand as taking a position, instead just took it at face value as good and evil. for me, these are separate from religious symbolism, such as the devil.

I vaguely remember something about King being either an atheist or agnostic. Not sure if that is true. However, he does very clearly draw the groups, so there is no acknowledgment of those who don't believe.

[Tabbycatz]

I Love Stephen King and I do agree some books are better than others. I read the stand probably 15 years ago and am just about to listen to the new released version with 500 pages of added content, so we will see if I still like it as much. Not all of his books are ultimate horror-Bag of Bones is an excellent book a little scary but not too bad, some other favorites: Cell, Needful Things, Duma Key there are so many too choose from. I hope you read it!

[Stepheny]

I loved the Stand. I think it was fantastic. There were a few loose ends that bugged me, but I lived. I think Stephen King is a brilliant writer and some of the "scariest" elements of his books aren't always the monsters, but the human reaction to events. He has an understanding of the human condition and the human mind which few else share. I was very upset to see someone say that It was a horrible novel. IT is probably one of my top five King books- a wonderful story of good overcoming evil and the magic of childhood. It is about loyalty, bravery and friendship. But, to each their own. I say definitely read the book and form an opinion of your own. It isnt for everyone and there are a few times in the Stand where you will be dragging because it gets kind of slow, but overall it is a wonderful story. Bag of Bones, Cell, the Shining, Dreamcatcher...all great books. Although, I am an avid SK reader and rarely dislike his books. There are books of his I like more than others, but very few I don't like. But, I digress. Yes, read and see what you think. :)

[[deleted user]]

Brittany wrote: "I have yet to read this book. I have always been kind of hesitant to read Stephen Kings books. Not to sure why now that I think about it. His movies such as It (which I have coming tomorrow in the ..."

I guess I missed this thread somehow even though you posted around the same time you did with Swan song. Okay this book is very long but worth it its better than Swansong.

Its technically the best book he has ever written, that being said I would usually would think of other books to 1st time SK readers such as Salams'Lot, Pet semetary, or even Night shift just so they can get a feel for him before diving into such a big book.

But Yes The Stand is such a great book you won't regret reading it.

[Amanda]

Brittany wrote: "I have yet to read this book. I have always been kind of hesitant to read Stephen Kings books. Not to sure why now that I think about it. His movies such as It (which I have coming tomorrow in the ..."
If you liked the movies, you have to read the books! Probably 90% of Stephen King books that get made into movies are horribly adapted and the books are much better.

[Amanda]

Deborah wrote: "The Stand is one of my favorite King books. Powerful and moving. Great characters. Another BIG read, but worth the effort.

His later works are much better than his "horror" books (It, Cujo, Christ..."

I loved Duma Key and Under the Dome. I also liked Cell and Lisey's Story.

[Levi]

For years I resisted reading Stephen King but the Dark Tower eventually turned me around. I read the stand because of its Dark Tower connections and absolutely loved it! It’s absolutely fascinating watching these characters find each other and then working together to rebuild society. Although I'm not particularly religious I understood the Christian motifs and was really drawn to the themes that dealt with the struggle between good and evil. Randall Flagg is one of my favorite villains ever! And I loved the end but I won’t go into detail, I don’t want to spoil it for anyone.

[Mandy]

This was the first Stephen King book I read, and it honestly made me an instant fan. I have reread it no less than 5 times, and each time I do I find something new that I had missed before. It is a well told story of the eternal conflict between good and evil, and it offers an insight into humanity during a time of unimaginable crisis. Read it, and I am sure that the characters will become like old friends.

[Connie]

Deborah wrote: "The Stand is one of my favorite King books. Powerful and moving. Great characters. Another BIG read, but worth the effort.

His later works are much better than his "horror" books (It, Cujo, Christ..."

You and I agree that his "best book" was the collaboration with Straub. The first time I read that, when I was done, I wanted to turn it over and read it again. It remains as as all-time favorite!

[Tamilyn]

It was a good book but TOO DAMN LONG!!! I ended up reading the first sentence of every paragraph for the last fourth of the book!!!!

[Debbie]

Worth the read. After you read it then move on to The Talisman! I love both of those books and do not consider them to be horror books at all.It is a big read but well worth it. Dont skip along.

[Sherri]

I wouldn't consider The Stand to be "typical" Stephen King. Sure, it has it's parts, but overall I think the "scary" is more psychological than "gory." I'll tell you one thing: It's a story that stays in your head. In fact, it's one of my all time favorite books. I think everybody should read it whether they're a King fan or not.

[Aditya]

I started reading King books chronologically & have read till The Stand & i must disagree with the others by saying it is the worst one i have read so far.The characters are great like all King novels but the book is ultimately too long for its own good as 300 pages could have been easily edited out & the ending was lackluster.If you must read it go for the edited & original version or you might check out Salem's Lot which is way better.
I have posted a detailed review of the book just today on GR.You may want to check it out.

[Nancy]

This has to be one of my favorite books. I've read it several times and I liked the Tv show. If you liked The Stand, you should like Swan Song by Robert McCameron. I may have misspelled his last name. It's of a similar nature but completely different. You should try reading it too.

[Shannon]

The Stand scared me half to death. It is wonderfully written, but I had nightmares for a week after I read it. I did not read Stephen King again for almost 20 years. Then I read 11/22/63. That was also a great read.

[Earl]

The Stand was the first and the last book by Stephen King that I read. I found the plot gimmick he used to advance the plot ludicrous. Sorry but he is not on my to read list.

[Mia]

This book hands down is one of my favorites, the book that started my love affair with Stephen King's books

[Ryan]

I read this book for the first time nearly 30 years ago. As an early 20-something-year-old, I knew that King was on the mark with this book. This book isn't really about the horror of annihalation; it's really a story of faith.

King's story and characters reaffirm the potentials of humanity for both great good and great evil. The tale is an exploration of the concept of the exercise of free will.

When I finished the book all those years ago (and I have read it twice more since then), I was not terrified by the potential of humanity destroying itself; instead, I was strangely soothed and healed.

I have read many (not all) of King's work. Some fail epically--Cujo and Dreamcather. Others speak to a view of humanity which has caused me to question my own views on life--books like It, From a Buick 8, and most definitely The Stand.

[Amanda]

Brittany wrote: "I have yet to read this book. I have always been kind of hesitant to read Stephen Kings books. Not to sure why now that I think about it. His movies such as It (which I have coming tomorrow in the ..."

This was, without a doubt, one of my favorite Stephen King books. I've read it so many times that my copy is falling apart! If you like the movies made from his books, then you'll like the books themselves even better!

[Nicholas]

Could have been edited down somewhat, but still a great King read.

[[deleted user]]

Once you read one, you'll be hungry for more! My first Stephen King was Duma Key and since then I've been the biggest fan. It took two tries to read The Stand, only because it's so gigantic I finally decided it would be easiest to get through on the Kindle. GREATEST DECISION EVER! I could not put this book down!

[Sandy]

Amanda wrote: "Brittany wrote: "I have yet to read this book. I have always been kind of hesitant to read Stephen Kings books. Not to sure why now that I think about it. His movies such as It (which I have coming..."

Brittany wrote: "I have yet to read this book. I have always been kind of hesitant to read Stephen Kings books. Not to sure why now that I think about it. His movies such as It (which I have coming tomorrow in the ..."

I felt the same way as Brittany about Stephen King and the horror bit. But a fan of his told me aoout The Stand and what it was about. He let me borrow his book and I could not put it down. It is a must read and especially if it's your first. He pulls you right in and you feel like you know the characters and can relate to them. It's tale is basic good vs evil and very believable. Hope you read it and enjoy it as much as I did. It is probably my favorite book. Have read it at least 3 times. The Talisman is also a good one too. It does tend to be a mixture of present day and fantasy. Happy reading. Sandy

[Jaime]

I absolutely LOVE this book. I have always been a King fan, but I am a bit picky. I do like some books more than others, I'm not about to tell you that ALL his works are superb. But this IS one of my favorites of his...I ended up wearing out my copy and having to buy another because it got destroyed. I prefer to read the uncut version with the extra pages because it seemed incomplete without them. Nutshell, I love it. Great characters, great story, battle of good versus evil, all that jazz.

[Tracy]

Caryn wrote: "Holly wrote: "Sandyboy wrote: "The Stand is one of his best but revisiting it recently (and having become an athiest over time) i was struck by how christian it is. god is an absolute in the book, ..."

I'm not a believer either, but I thought King was trying to reflect the very real religious zeal that does hold sway with quite a large part of U.S. society, the even stronger adoration of technology, and how quickly some would want the "same ole', same ole'"....... there is the suggestion in the end that some of the origional colorado group have begun to drift away in search of a different life. The two groups do form around charismatic, seemingly supernatural beings, one for "good" and one for "evil", though I think they're really composite sketches drawn up of all the influences around today, and that the evil, or good is within all of us, and which way would we turn under those kind of circumstances?

[Annette]

Agree that this is the Best novel of the S.King Books...have read it several times over the years. Still on my top ten Horror Novel list!

[Kenneth]

I believe this is the best of all the King's books. It's a classic! I've read it three times and enjoyed it each time.

[Mathieu]

Sandyboy wrote: "The Stand is one of his best but revisiting it recently (and having become an athiest over time) i was struck by how christian it is. god is an absolute in the book, as is satan. the story is hugel..."

I agree wholeheartedly. I read it back in high school and love it, but this time around I found the religious component quite jarring. I LOVE the first part where the sickness is setting in and everything is going to crap, but once the fight between good and evil starts it becomes more of a chore to read.

What I liked about The Stand most of all are the little bits of story that don't really go anywhere that describe people doing crazy things because they're the only ones left in town.

[Susan]

The stand was my first time with SK,the choice was made mainly on the grounds that I needed a 'big book' to see me through a stay in hospital and even 30 years later what I remember about that hospital stay is that book. I loved it and have stuck with Stephen ever since. I think the book also opened my eyes to the joys of fantasy, horror and even science fiction. Many years of happy reading on a road I may not have turned down if I had not have chosen The Stand.

[Miranda]

"Pet Sematary" was my first SK read and it had me hooked. I had seen the original "Carrie" years before. It was a big thing in it's day and I enjoyed it very much. Now they are milking the hell. out of it. They had made yet another remake.

Sk has a way of blabbling on and on and on. He goes on forever in a lot of his books about irrelevant stuff. It can get annoying. in "The Tommyknockers" I was exactly half way through his fairly large novel before things really started to happen. The vast majority of what he wrote before that was pointless blather.

The Stand is fantastic. Worth the read. Just know that the unabridged release isn't quite truthful. It's not a release of writing previously withheld. It's rewrite by King. He went in and rewrote parts he (an others) felt were weak and needed more substance. I've read both. Some are purest and say stick with the original and the unabridged takes away from the original release. I really found no substantial difference to the over all story. Regardless of which copy you choose to read it's definitely worth your time.

[Jaime]

This remains one of the best SK novels. I enjoyed it when I first read it some 30 years ago. I reread ti gain some 15-16 years ago. It still packed a punch then.

[Gordon]

I liked Swan Song by Robert McCammon better. Not bad, but I enjoyed other King books more.

[Tracey]

gbcjr wrote: "I liked Swan Song by Robert McCammon better. Not bad, but I enjoyed other King books more."

Agreed gbcjr Swan Song by Mccammon was wonderful. The Stand has totally stood the test of time though maybe because the author is so prolific and it's a great book.

[Priscila]

It is my favorite book. The characters are so well-written that, after a while, they almost became tangible to me. It was hard when the book ended =O A great loss.... I wish I could forget the entire story, so I could be delighted by it once more!

[Deborah]

I first read the Stand when it came out in 1978 or 79. I have purchased at least 4 paperback and had my hard cover stolen by one of my kids. The paperbacks I let people borrow until they were held together by a string. I have my kids SK's books to get them interested in reading. All 3 are now readers and my 9 grandkids will read SK too ...even if I have to slip them to the kids. The Stand hooked me on SK. I have read it 3 times and each time I enjoyed it anew. There are only a few SK books that I'm not fond of but Needful Things & Lisey's Story are fav's of mine. I'm been married over 40+ years and Lisey's story was a love story to me (I know I'm sick) but it really was. Hail to SK may he write for us forever even from the other side.

[Sheila]

Just told my daughter (AVID reader) that if I were told I could only read one book from now on - ever, THE STAND is the book I'd choose. I've read it 5 times (3 years in a row on vacation). :)

[glenda]

The Stand is one of my very favourite books of all-time, and ties for top fave King book.

[Rasika]

This is my favorite read. (not just from the Stephen king shelf, but overall) The character development, the depth, the plot and the primordial battle of good vs. evil made it one of the best books I ever read. The characters are relatable, likable and almost tangible. I mean who doesn't like Nick ?? And, it also shows a world where bad things happen for no reason to good people, and how it keeps on piling. How average everyday people become leaders and heroes. I also like how he portrays god in this book.

All in all, this book is the best kind of fiction for me. Fiction engraved with reality by the use of relatable, complex characters and situations.

[R.a.]

Just like years ago. So many who find this one a favorite. I still find The Shining to be his best, (at least so far of those I've read).

And honestly, I'm not sure whether I'll read through all of his work, (50+). But, I have come to truly appreciate his work—his probing, and the questions, observations, and speculations he makes.

[Malina]

The Stand is my favorite SK book, I have read it twice and will read it again.
I would not classify it as horror though, I found IT and The Shinning to be much scarier.

[Frank]

Holly wrote: "Sandyboy wrote: "The Stand is one of his best but revisiting it recently (and having become an athiest over time) i was struck by how christian it is. god is an absolute in the book, as is satan. t..."

I think that one of the points in the story was that God made his presence known. Also I believe there was some slight mention in the book of people who didn't go to either camp.

[Barbara]

The Stand is my favorite Stephen King book.
I have read it for the first time something like 20 years ago or so, and it's still impressed in my heart. I think it's perfect, the characters, the story, the whole idea. Fantastic. It's in my top 5 (overall, not only among King's book)

[Richard]

well back in the 1980's i was happy to read the god / devil story, but these days I want to read the happy athiest survivors who head over to alabama and live in merry ignorance of the tumultuous struggles and simply get life back in order

[Holly]

Sandyboy wrote: "well back in the 1980's i was happy to read the god / devil story, but these days I want to read the happy athiest survivors who head over to alabama and live in merry ignorance of the tumultuous s..."

Yes, the book has lost most of its power to frighten me, too. Since I don't really have a horse in the god/satan race, I see the good/evil thing as a battle between decent humans and people who suck big time. In mid-life the end of civilization doesn't necessarily seem like such a bad idea. Our fears revolve around such mundane things that The Stand has a more frightening effect on the young.

It is still a very good book, but now I read it for the intriguing possibilities it inspires in my thoughts rather than a good scare.