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The Wind Through the Keyhole after Wizard and Glass?
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Jaro
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Sep 24, 2015 06:01AM
Do I read The Wind Through the Keyhole after Wizard and Glass or after The Dark Tower?
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I asked the same thing a couple of weeks ago, as I am now reading Wizard and Glass, and I was told yes, that even though WTTK was No. 8 in the series, it makes more sense to read it out of order as it more or less continues WAG. Others may disagree and, if so, I'd like to hear their opinions, but I plan to read WTTK next.
Teresa wrote: "I asked the same thing a couple of weeks ago, as I am now reading Wizard and Glass, and I was told yes, that even though WTTK was No. 8 in the series, it makes more sense to read it out of order as..."Thanks Teresa. I'm also reading WAG, and I had planned to read WTTK after, but then I thought I might ask to see if there might be a reason not to. Of course those who had read all the books in 2012 had no choice, but it would be interesting to hear their opinions.
Stephen King specifically says WTTK should be put in the shelf between DT number 4 and 5, as it is the 4th and half volume in the series, and it should be read in that order.
Endre wrote: "Stephen King specifically says WTTK should be put in the shelf between DT number 4 and 5, as it is the 4th and half volume in the series, and it should be read in that order."Thank you!
I originally read them in publication order, but am working my way through them now on audio and will be listening to WTTK after W&G.
I always tell people to read it after the dark tower, as it is basically a flashback book and the whole thing will damper or slow down your path down the beam. Most communities I've been in also suggest to read it after TDT including the reddit groups. I was very surprised to see people suggesting to read it as 4.5. I do, however, suggest to read it as 4.5 AFTER you've read the series before. If it's your first journey though, I always suggest to save it for last. Dark tower 1-7, 4.5, Marvel comic books, concordance and other additions. That order for first reading.
I just re-read all of the Marvel comics and the DT concordance, but like you say, Austin, this is a reread for me, so that makes sense.I would always suggest publication order for first reads.
I feel the same way about Star Wars, even though I'm in the minority. ;)
Kandice wrote: "I just re-read all of the Marvel comics and the DT concordance, but like you say, Austin, this is a reread for me, so that makes sense.I would always suggest publication order for first reads.
I..."
Kandice, I don't think your in the minority about Star Wars. Or at least I hope you're not.
Austin wrote: "I always tell people to read it after the dark tower, as it is basically a flashback book and the whole thing will damper or slow down your path down the beam. Most communities I've been in also su..."Interesting; now I may have to rethink the order I was going to read them in. Although, didn't SK himself suggest it be read between 4 and 5?
I don't remember him ever saying that was the suggested READING order. I've seen him say to "place it on your shelf as if it's 4.5", and seen him clarify countless times that that is where the book takes place, but I have no memory of him ever saying to read it in that specific order. He may have, I'm not saying he hasn't, but I'm a nut with this stuff and have not seen him say to read it specifically in that order. As for star wars, I always watch in Machete order myself. (Look it up).
Austin wrote: "I don't remember him ever saying that was the suggested READING order. I've seen him say to "place it on your shelf as if it's 4.5", and seen him clarify countless times that that is where the book..."I have Wolves of the Calla reserved at Barnes and Noble; I've decided I'm reading that next and staying in publication order. :)
Teresa wrote: "I have Wolves of the Calla reserved at Barnes and Noble; I've decided I'm reading that next and staying in publication order. :)"I think I will read them in publication order as well.
Austin wrote: "I don't remember him ever saying that was the suggested READING order. I've seen him say to "place it on your shelf as if it's 4.5", and seen him clarify countless times that that is where the book..."Do you really mean Machete (leaving out I) or do you mean Ernst Rister? ;)
I agree with Austin! I read the dark tower series years ago. I read wizard and glass in the late 90s and wolves of the calla sometime in the 00s. The wind through the keyhole pretty much has nothing to do with your journey to the dark tower. Reading it will only waste time getting to the dark tower. It's a flashback and you don't make it any closer to the tower in that book. Also, there are no real significant events that happen to the main characters!I read it over a year ago and it was a good book. But, if I would've read it my first time through the dark tower series, I would've asked, "what was the point of that?" So, I recommend waiting till you are done with the complete series.
Sorry to be so late in coming into this. IMHO In the flow of the story WTTKH fits into the events of the story as 4.5 It is a flashback as is W&G, but W & G has some events that fit in with the story flow. WTTKH does not. It just happens at a time when Roland is able to sit everyone down and tell a story. Here's the real problem with saving it to the end. THE DARK TOWER BOOK really is the end of the series. It's a true ending. So if you save it, my guess is it's going to feel pretty odd reading it after that ending. My advice, if you're going to read it after the series, then read a couple of other books in between. Clear your mind, give Roland a rest. It certainly doesn't do anything to clarify what happens at the end of that epic journey. OBTW, King's short story, The Little Sisters of Alyria fit into the same slot as I recall.
Nick, I couldn't agree with you more!
I also agree with Nick. But I would say that reading it in the correct order would've given me a filler vibe. I would also advise to wait until the end of the saga. It's also a nice way to get back in touch with Roland maybe after a few months of distance
It IS a good way to reconnect with Roland and remember the good times. I think that's exactly what King was doing for himself. He doesn't want to let go.
I read the DT series for the first time two years ago. The friend who gave me the series also recommended that I read TWTTK at 4.5. Internet opinion generally favors 4.5 as well. I think this also aligns with spirit of the series. which is not "how fast you can get to the Tower", but rather simply relaxing and enjoy the journey. Sitting back and "resting for a spell" while reading TWTTK allows the reader to become more immersed in the universe - therefore making the journey even better.
Those saying that TWTTK 'does not advance the story' are short-changing it's impact and the depth it adds to Roland & his world - and therefore the overall tale.
Inserting at 4.5 felt perfect for my first-time experience. I am a huge DT devotee now and consider it the best piece of fiction I've ever read (with W&G being my favorite single book, ever). I'd recommend a 4.5 positioning to any new reader beginning the journey.
Just finished W&G and loved it, and I decided to keep in order and am now reading Wolves of the Calla. On another note, my husband and I are having a debate: are Walter, the man in black, and Randall Flagg the same entity? I know RF is Marten/Maerlyn, and at first I thought he was Walter as well (my husband still says he is), but the more I read, the more it seems clear to me that they are two different entities. Help?
Teresa wrote: "Just finished W&G and loved it, and I decided to keep in order and am now reading Wolves of the Calla. On another note, my husband and I are having a debate: are Walter, the man in black, and Ran..."
I always thought they were... but it sure isn't that clear to me.
Thomas wrote: "I read the DT series for the first time two years ago. The friend who gave me the series also recommended that I read TWTTK at 4.5. Internet opinion generally favors 4.5 as well. I think this als..."
Well said Thomas. I like how you say to enjoy the journey. It's so true. And W&G was also my favorite of the series.
Thomas wrote: "I read the DT series for the first time two years ago. The friend who gave me the series also recommended that I read TWTTK at 4.5. Internet opinion generally favors 4.5 as well. I think this als..."
Have to agree with you, at least to the point that W&G is not only my favorite book of the series but also my favorite novel period. BTW, how to you incorporate the Little Sisters of Alyria.
Nick
Nick wrote: "Teresa wrote: "Just finished W&G and loved it, and I decided to keep in order and am now reading Wolves of the Calla. On another note, my husband and I are having a debate: are Walter, the man in..."
Someone in a Dark Tower group on Facebook cleared the matter up: there's actually a Wikipedia page for Randall Flagg, and it says that they are the same being, although in the beginning, King wrote and intended them to be separate entities; it was later he went back and made them the same being.
Teresa wrote: "Nick wrote: "Teresa wrote: "Just finished W&G and loved it, and I decided to keep in order and am now reading Wolves of the Calla. On another note, my husband and I are having a debate: are Walte..."
For a while I thought he would be the crimson king... but that wouldn't make sense... more like IT.
Nick wrote: "Teresa wrote: "Nick wrote: "Teresa wrote: "Just finished W&G and loved it, and I decided to keep in order and am now reading Wolves of the Calla. On another note, my husband and I are having a de..."
Yes, even with what little I know, at first I thought the same thing: Flagg/Crimson King, but no, not the same. And I still think of Flagg as I did in The Stand, more of a demon than a wizard/sorcerer, which is how the Wikipedia page describes him. For me, Flagg as one of Satan's minions holds so much more terror for me. I guess the bottom line is, he can be pretty much whatever he wants to be, as it suits him. I have to admit, I've been a little confused at times while reading this series but, so far, I'm loving it! Reading Wolves of the Calla right now, but not too far in yet. What an imagination this man has.
I just finished my journey to the Dark Tower (don't worry, no spoilers) and read WTTK after W&G, which, in hindsight, I'm glad I did.Having said that, I'm feeling completely lost without my nightly visit with the ka-tet.
I can only hope that there will be another DT novel at some point (maybe The Battle of Jericho Hill?) so I can revisit with these old friends.
Another .5 addition to the DT series would be fantastic. I'm sure SK could find a hole to fill somewhere in the series!
