gunslinger -- safe thread for first time readers. safe and spoiler-free!

**Evil Queen** · August 29th, 2012

It really felt like I was reading a dream, which was so strange, but so cool.

That's how I felt too. I really did like it!

**JordyVerrill** · December 5th, 2012

So after having read about 12 of King's books I decided I should read the Dark Tower series, since so many of his other books tie into it. I picked up The Gunslinger from my local bookstore and started reading. I got about 30 pages in (10%... I'll give any book 10% before giving up) and decided this just wasn't for me, so I read 11/23/63 instead. Fast forward about 6 months, and the copy of It from the library that I'm reading (my local bookstore had no copies in stock) is due and has holds on it, so I can't renew it, so back to the library it goes and onto the wait list my name goes. So there I was, about 400 pages into It and not wanting to get into aanything too heavy before I get a chance to pick It back up, and I see the Gunslinger on my bookshelf and decide to give it another go.

That was a week ago. I struggled through the first 150 pages, which I found quite dry and honestly I had no idea what was going on. Then the next 140 or so pages were much better, and I got through them pretty easily. The last 10 pages blew my mind and now I can't wait to get to the bookstore and pick up volume 2. But I just got a notice that It is available for me again at the library. So now I'm exactly where I didn't want to be; several hundred pages (I have no problem considering the entire Dark Tower series as one giant book) in to epic novels with an urge to read both. I think I'm going to try to power through It real fast (if powering through a 1000+ page novel is even possible for me) so I can get back to the Dark Tower. Those last 10 pages hooked me.

**Vose** · December 6th, 2012

I dunno . . . Gunslinger had me at "The man in black fled across the desert." I'm wary that you didn't really enjoy until that deep in to it, but now that you're hooked you'll probably stay hooked. I haven't read as much King as I'd like, but these are among my very favorite books of all time.

**Winter** · 4 Weeks Ago

Originally Posted by Alaska Munchkin

I just can't get into this whole DT lovefest. It seems like a lot of fantesy stuff to me -- I won't read anything about Harry Potter either. And...I don't wear fairy wings for Halloween. Seems like a lot of hoopla over nothing special. Convience me that a looksee is warranted.

Ok, I wouldn't have put it like that but its a similar sentiment to why I have never started them...am I wrong?

**FlakeNoir** · 4 Weeks Ago

Originally Posted by Winter

Ok, I wouldn't have put it like that but its a similar sentiment to why I have never started them...am I wrong?

The Dark Tower series spans several different genre, personally it's in my top 5 of Stephen's works... and yes, I think you're missing out by not at least giving it a go.

**Walter Oobleck** · 4 Weeks Ago

Almost like saying I'll never eat anything w/a green skin unless someone peels it for me first. If the cook prepares a feast and you have enjoyed everything you've placed on your plate & having read the dietary description for the remainder of the meal, why wouldn't you want to taste everything laid out on the table?

**Winter** · 3 Weeks Ago

Ok too many people love them....one copy of The Gunslinger sitting here waiting for me to finish my current book. I'm sure it will be great...though I am yet to read a SK I didnt like!