Which version of The Stand??

[Colton]

First time reader of The Stand, and I own the complete and uncut version. Would this be the way to read it or should I find the original version? Length is not an issue, just looking for quality!

[Nancy]

I haven't read the original since it first came out but the uncut has some chapters that are not in the original. The year the story takes place is different (ten years later in the uncut).

There's some little things like one has snickers and the other is chocolate Paydays, LOL Things like this don't really make a difference but funny they were changed.

I honestly don't think it matters which one you read. If you already have one version then just read that.

Some might have a strong preference over one or the other but I woudn't worry about it. You can can always try to find the original later and say you've read both!

[Rhian]

I've only read the original and people tell me I've read the best version, I absolutely loved it and I've decided I don't want to read the uncut version the original was perfect

[Erin]

I've only read the original version and it's one of my favorites.

[Kelsey]

I've only read the uncut version. If you read the introduction you get a good idea of what was added, but I've heard good and bad things both ways. It's really inconsequential though - you can't go wrong with The Stand.

[Squire]

Having read both versions, I recommend seeking out the original version. See how great of a novel in once was.

The cuts made to the novel may have been made to fit it into the 823 pages that was the limit a novel could be at the time (based on the printing technology), but the edits were very judicious and focused the novel brilliantly. Now it's a sprawling mess.

The 1978 version is my 2nd favorite King book. The 1990 version is my least favorite. I got into a discussion about this with some people at King's Dallas signing for 11/22/63 and the lines were pretty evenly split. Most of the people who liked the original had read that one first; those that liked the 1990 version were younger and had read that one first.

[Kandice]

I am in the camp that says either is well worth reading. The only reason I prefer the uncut is that I can never get enough King. My husband says he has diarrhea of the pen, but I don't mind. I always want more!

The 1978 version doesn't suffer from the edits at all. Just read what you have access to.

[Catherine]

I read the original first in the early 80's and loved it but I prefer the uncut version now. My main reason is that I love the details that King adds. Some authors details seem extraneous and tedious but King's aren't to me. More is better. :-)

[Matthew]

I read the abridged copy on the left years ago - it's my favorite. About to give the unabridged a try starting in July. (As you can tell, it has been read by several others already)

[Aditya]

Colton wrote: "First time reader of The Stand, and I own the complete and uncut version. Would this be the way to read it or should I find the original version? Length is not an issue, just looking for quality!"

If you are looking for quality the version is not the issue, the book is. I have only read the uncut version it's atrocious both in terms of plotting and pacing. Feel free to check it out, just consider yourself warned.

[Jeff]

I have copies of both, but have only read the uncut. I guess I just don't feel like I'm not missing a ton by not reading the original.

[Daniel]

I just finished the original after having only read the uncut. I'd say that there are a few things I missed, but overall, the original is really strong. The plotting and pacing are perfect. I'm looking forward to scanning a copy of the uncut once I can get my hands on it again, just to have a better sense of the changes.

I was reading a google doc that someone had going, keeping track of all the changes between the two on a chapter by chapter basis. There are quite a lot, and some of them change the tone a pretty good deal, adding a bit more humor in the uncut.

[Nina]

I have only read the uncut version but have always been curious about the other one. One day I'll track it down and give it a shot, too.

[Deyth]

The film was a long one... but it was interesting so far I watched the film!