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The Gunslinger
Buddy Reads
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2014 DT Buddy Read: #1 - The Gunslinger
Justin wrote: "Becky wrote: "Justin, can you mark post 47 as a spoiler please?"Sorry! Commented from my phone and forgot the spoiler tag. Won't happen again :)"
No problem. Thanks for getting to it so quickly. :)
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Wow! I'm 5 days late, but just found this group.I've already listened to the entire series except keyhole on Audiobook. Been dying to re-read, but wanted to do it with a group. I'm in! I'll start reading and catch up!
Good to see the group gathering some steam. :) I'd some thoughts on The Way Station but might need to read it again to refresh my memory, hah!
Here's one of my observations about The Way Station, can't for the life of me recall the other thing or two. Probably not earth shattering insights anyway! The gunslinger is famously an anti hero. We don't like him at the start of the saga and remember him being hard to connect with, too single mindedly goal oriented, doesn't get on with others, a loner, heatless. Well, so far we have had Brown and the boy come into the story. Guess what? Old long, tall and ugly immediately likes both these guys - in the boys case he even loves him.
Maybe the gunslinger just gives a bad first impression and isn't such a bad bloke after all eh!
The following is a spoiler for the series ending. Don't read unless you've read to the end of Volume 7. (view spoiler)
Anyhoo, must start looking through the next segment. :)
I saw him less as an anti-hero and more as just an unknown. The writing is so vague and there are so many questions that I didn't know if I should pull for him or not. Why is he so focused? Why should I care about the Tower? Does he even know?
It really drew me into the story as I know SK always delivers answers and doesn't leave much out there for interpretation. It's going to be a fun ride....
I found it difficult to get into the first time round. Really difficult. :( It has that sort of reputation, doesn't it? SK wasn't renowned for fantasy like this and maybe fantasy in general wasn't in the public conscious like it is nowadays, making The Gunslinger a toughy to get into for most Constant Readers. Something else I spotted during The Way Station. (Hopefully not a spoiler! I'm just going to use a term from later in the series, no plot.) I think it was when the gunslinger was hypnotising the boy, he heard bells. These wouldn't have been the kammen...? I know its a stretch considering the changes of direction the series underwent, but still... :p
I don't think it's much of a stretch, Stevo. Bells or chimes are mentioned in other of King's earlier books. I noticed them in IT as well.
Stevo, I'm interested in your deja vu realization, and wondering what the difference between the original and revised editions are. (I've only listened to the Audio book so far, and haven't started reading yet. I plan to catch up this weekend.) Would you mind quoting what you are referencing?
Becky wrote: "I don't think it's much of a stretch, Stevo. Bells or chimes are mentioned in other of King's earlier books. I noticed them in IT as well."Really? I didn't notice bells/chimes in It though that was read in my pre-DT days, when I was oblivious to the idea of SK's works all being intertwined. :D
Ryan wrote: "Stevo, I'm interested in your deja vu realization, and wondering what the difference between the original and revised editions are. (I've only listened to the Audio book so far, and haven't started..."
Its at the part where the gunslinger visits Sylvia Pittston's church, making it a moot point as its too far in the past to be of any overall relevance.
'For a moment the gunslinger felt mixed feelings of nostalgia and fear, stitched in with an eerie feeling of déjà vu - he thought: I dreamed this.'
Uggghhh you guys are killing me lol. I am having one of the best experiences obsessively devouring The Dark Tower series. However, I am extremely jaded and jealous that you all are back in simpler times with such much splendor and awe ahead of you (Don't worry there is plenty of splendor and awe where I am). I've been doing an extended reading list for the DT which incorporates all (well most) of the connected novels and short stories. I'm on "The Wind through the Keyhole" right now, and have finished all the connected works that I hadn't previously read, so I'm left now with the last 4 DT books. If I didn't have another three books to read, or maybe if I had even an ounce of self control, I'd be going back right now and grabbing my copy of the Gunslinger and starting the journey all over with you guys. But any attempts to resist the beckoning call of the Dark Tower are futile. I'll check back and see how you guys are doing. And I hope I'm not the only one who can think of little else besides our main man Roland and his quest. Enjoy it y'all. I'll be waiting for you guys at the Dark Tower.
Danny wrote: "Uggghhh you guys are killing me lol. I am having one of the best experiences obsessively devouring The Dark Tower series. However, I am extremely jaded and jealous that you all are back in simpler ..."this it the website that has the reading list i'm following:
http://honkmahfah.blogspot.com/2012/0...
I probably owe this guy at least a drink and a pat on the back, if not a good bottle of scotch or my first born.
Dang it Danny! My dark side wants to do it that way now. It seems like a fantastic adventure...... Ugh what to Dow hat to do haha
Steve, I retread the section, and I completely see what you are talking about now. There is such a story told about Sheb and Nort and I personally felt bad for Nort. For Example: Nort says, “I shake,” he said. “And I want it. I can’t stop. Allie, you was always good to me . . .” He began to weep. “I can’t even stop peeing myself. What am I? What am I?”
This part had me feel so much sympathy for him, just as Allie does when he says this, and truth be told it developed my negative feelings for The MIB even more.
Apparently it is difficult to type on an iPad. I apologize for my few typos haha.
Jesse wrote: "Dang it Danny! My dark side wants to do it that way now. It seems like a fantastic adventure...... Ugh what to Dow hat to do haha"I have never read so feverishly lol. Having to take the break between "Wizard" and "Keyhole" was truly painful, but it was totally worth it
Another thing I have noticed. Does anyone feel so saddened by Allie. Not sure if these are spoilers or how to mark them, but She has fallen completely in love with the gunslinger, and he doesn't know it. I feel like Mr. King has described her anguish so we'll that I am beginning to wish that this section of the book was longer.
I'd disagree that he doesn't know it. I think he knows it full well, but doesn't acknowledge it because he knows that it's not going to last. He doesn't feel the same about her, and he'll move on, and she'll be hurt. So he gives her what he can, and that's it.
As I was continuing to re-read this section, I actually came to the same conclusion. I am beginning to believe he feels love for her as well, even acknowledges it mentally, but he knows that his goal is bigger than that. So you are right, and I also think he is preparing her for his departure because he begins to become more distant with her. Not all of this I jut because of the departure but that's for a later discussion.
Becky wrote: "I'd disagree that he doesn't know it. I think he knows it full well, but doesn't acknowledge it because he knows that it's not going to last. He doesn't feel the same about her, and he'll move on, ..."Totally agree Becky. I think i t's easier to see this when you reflect on it after reading further into the series.
He feels something for her, but I don't think I'd call it love. Maybe a sort of loneliness connection?
Yes, I thought more of a loneliness connection. He has been alone for a long time and I think part of the reason they connect is because of their mutual loneliness. There is something a little doleful or perhaps wistful about both of them that seems to draw them together.
I do think he has a loneliness connection. I haven't read much further than this but maybe his connection with Allie is representing his loneliness and desire to have somebody with him. His fear of losing somebody is why he cannot stay with her.
I think his dedication and focus on the Dark Tower is why he can't stay with her, I don't think he's scared of losing her. I think at this point in his journey he has learned not to get too close to anyone, his quest for the Tower is his obsession and he won't let anything stand in his way.
Yes, I agree with Shell. He's sentimental and something of a romantic, but not with Allie. He has no attachment to her, really, just a little attraction and that loneliness, and a little bit of duty as well. Payment for her letting him stay and being kind to him. He'll leave her (and they both know it) because he's not giving up his quest for her, so he doesn't try to get too attached, but he doesn't want to hurt her either.
I felt like SK always dropped reminders in, too, that Roland was focused on the Tower. As he would meet new people or you thought he felt a certain way, there would be a reference to the Tower to remind me that's all that matters for him right now. The intriguing thing is the Dark Tower is so mysterious. We don't know why it's important or why Roland has to get there. It made things evermore captivating for me to see him that focused on something that is so unknown.
Also, these expanded DT reads are interesting. I've seen several lists of different ways to read other SK novels with the series for a better experience. Since I find myself ahead on the series and unable to stop , I may try to incorporate some other books as well. Seems line a daunting task, but I'm up for it.
Justin, I'm doing the exact same thing. I'm a semi fast reader and I've already gone through the series. (Except keyhole) I'm gonna fill in the blanks with some of the tie in novels that I've never read while I keep up with the group. DT introduced me to King, so I have a lot to catch up on!
Jesse wrote: "Steve, I retread the section, and I completely see what you are talking about now. There is such a story told about Sheb and Nort and I personally felt bad for Nort. For Example: Nort says, “I sh..."
Yeah these rereads give you a chance to see things you might have rushed past previously. Tull is an entirely tragic little town. They each have their issues and yet, in the grand scheme of things, they are nothing but pawns in the MIB and gunslingers chase. :(
Re: Allie, I wouldn't say the gunslinger loved her but I think she had a slightly more importance to him than mere duty. In Tull it looks like they use each other as two lonely people might, but her name is repeatedly dropped throughout the rest of The Gunslinger along with other 'big hitters' from his past, which says to me she lingers in his thoughts.
Are we sticking with the buddy read or is it now a mad rush to the Tower? Its good to stop and smell the roses along the way. ;)
Ummm! Am I too late or can I just join for the "Buddies read" of "The Gunslinger"? Are we going all the way to the tower, this year?
Ajay wrote: "Ummm! Am I too late or can I just join for the "Buddies read" of "The Gunslinger"? Are we going all the way to the tower, this year?"This is the time frame Justin laid out, so yep, there's still time. :)
January 1 – 3: Chapter 1
January 4 – 6: Chapter 2
January 7 – 9: Chapter 3
January 10 – 12: Chapter 4
January 13 – 14: Chapter 5
Thanks Stevo. .Will catch up!
Don't worry Ajay I just started the other day too! We can catch up!
So these (view spoiler)that show up.... I assume they will be back again later in the series, or do you think it was just a one time deal to add some adventure to the story?
Ajay wrote: "Thanks Stevo. .Will catch up!"What you think of the story so far?
Eric wrote: "Don't worry Ajay I just started the other day too! We can catch up!"
Good man, that's the spirit!
Justin wrote: "So these [spoilers removed]that show up.... I assume they will be back again later in the series, or do you think it was just a one time deal to add some adventure to the story?"
Hmm, time will tell. I'm sure SK will conjure up plenty of weird creatures as we quest to the Tower.
I'm up to the palaver now, wIll read it over the next few days. (Actually last read it on its own in December there.)
So, just a quick question. I am assuming this takes place after the stand, but I am just wondering. Maybe SK never said but I was just wondering.
I actually had gone all the way to the tower, almost two years before and just getting back into the first book was so beautiful. Contrary to what most people felt about the first book, I loved the eerie feel and the subtle humour and images that SK put up in my mind while reading the first book.
This re-read is bringing new details to the story.
Anyone noticed the following words
"He had progressed through the khef over many years, and had reachela perhaps the fifth level." Page 19.
Any idea what he means by this?
Loved the way he actually mentioned about the way the last of Tull died.->
"Yowp!", the man cried, and fell over. It was Tull's final word on the business. (ha ha!)
I am already at Chapter 5 "The Gunslinger and MIB"
A pleasure to get back in..
Welcome aboard, Ajay. The ending was my favorite part of the novel, but I wait to share my thoughts. I'm with you on the writing style. It can be a little pretentious at times, but as Stevo mentioned earlier, he was a young guy penning the origins of his magnum opus. The pacing is great and I love how it's really five novellas compiled into a larger story.
Finished. Might reread the palaver in the revised too, just for a more direct look at how things changed. As is, I can't believe the conniving of those scallywags Marten and Walter and I can't wait to reach the Tower and do some unimaginable final battle with The Beast. The very first time I read The Gunslinger, it was this final chapter that saved it (and the entire series) for me. I got the first three volumes together and hoped they weren't a series, but separate stories linked by this Dark Tower thing in the title, such was my minds rejection and adversity to The Gunslinger. Then came the palaver, the vision, the talk about SIZE! Every word had me hooked like nothing before in this little ~200 page book. I remember that very night after finishing it and reading the afterword, I went and got TDotT and started straight into it. I had it and The Wastelands read within that early July week - after maybe months of hmming and hahhing my way through The Gunslinger. A Tower Junkie was born! :D
What did you all think of the ending? Roland tracks down the MIB only to learn he has a long way to go before he reaches the Tower. Walter sets up the next book nicely with the cards he shows the gunslinger. And what about Jake?!
Justin wrote: "And what about Jake?!"Totally heartless, the way things played out with the boy.
Stevo wrote: "Justin wrote: "And what about Jake?!"Totally heartless, the way things played out with the boy."
Seriously! His initial mistrust was right.. (view spoiler)
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Stevo wrote: "Finished. Might reread the palaver in the revised too, just for a more direct look at how things changed. As is, I can't believe the conniving of those scallywags Marten and Walter and I can't wait..."that did it for me too. The book has one of the truly best incipit lines in history of literature, but the book and with it the series doesn't really start till the palaver....
I'll put together a rough timeline for The Drawing of the Three. How fast do you all want to read through it?
Here's a timeline for The Drawing of the Three:January 15 - 19: The Prisoner
January 20 - 25: Shuffle and Lady of Shadows
January 26 - 31: Reshuffle, The Pusher, and Final Shuffle
The thread for the book has been created so you can start posting your thoughts. See ya there1
Finished! Going to start The Drawing of Three tomorrow. I did not care for the boy being used as a poker chip but that is the choice Rowland had to make on his own. I am wondering if the man in black will make another appearance? Maybe or maybe not?
Eric wrote: "I am wondering if the man in black will make another appearance? Maybe or maybe not?"(view spoiler)
Who knows if he is actually gone though... it is just a theory, and since you have read the serious I will have to take your word for it
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Stephen King Fans
Books mentioned in this topic
The Drawing of the Three (other topics)Wolves of the Calla (other topics)
The Dark Tower (other topics)
Sorry! Commented from my phone and forgot the spoiler tag. Won't happen again :)