So Disappointed :(

[BenBubb]

I was so disappointed with the stand. I had read about a million reviews raving about it, and i started reading it and got like halfway through and was bored out of my skull! I actually just wanted it to end. I even gave up with it! Very rarely do i ever give up reading a book and thats why i was so upset with this one, i love King and just thought please hurry up and end. I thought the characterisation was lovely but like nothing happened and it just got boring in the end. I moved on to another Author just for a little break from Stephen, but i shall return to him i am getting UTD for christmas so i will have that one to read.
Anyone Else Feel The Same About The Stand?:down:

[JohnDalglish]

Ji,

No, sorry, completely the reverse.

I hope you enjoy UtD.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Bryan James]

I liked both versions of "The Stand," and I even accept the movie.

If you didn't take to it, you should probably ask the Christmas UTD gifter for something else.

The great thing about King is that his volume of work appeals to many different tastes. You can't win 'em all.

~BJS

[Doc Wilson]

Boy I guess everyone's different but thats about my all time favorite novel.

[boogerb53]

Loved it!!!!

[smerdyakov]

Man, all my yammering in another thread brings what folks were saying into perspective.

I couldn't put this one down -- thought the mix between character development and action was spectacular. For me, there was an exciting movement to the story that never really slowed.

Yeah, this is one of my favorites that I still enjoy rereading.

But different strokes and all that.

[AtomicAgeEthan]

Actually, I'm right there with you. As much as I love "The Ginslinger", "It", "Cycle of the Werewolf" and "Insomnia", I couldn't get past Mother Abigail's history. I saw the movie and thought the ending was a wash. I intend to go back and finish the Stand someday but for now, I'm more interested in his other books.

[edkemper]

I had a problem about halfway through the stand, I started struggling to stay interested. Now, givin that was a loooong time ago, I was just starting to read SK, and I was young and in school. I sat the book down for a bit and when I picked it back up I finished and rather enjoyed it. I have thought alot about reading it again here recently, but I have a ton a books I want to read so I dont know how soon I'll get to it.

[randallFlaggfan1]

No offense intended, but how can anyone dislike The Stand, especially to the point of boredom?

[Bluedog]

Wow! I can't believe what I just read. Amazing. How anyone could find The Stand boring?! I mean, forget the fact that it is my all-time favorite book by SK or that it is an incredible story about the end/beginning of the world! Just the fact alone that it is a complex piece of writing. Are you sure you read the same book that I read? Oh, well. Different strokes and all that.

[BenBubb]

Actually, I'm right there with you. As much as I love "The Ginslinger", "It", "Cycle of the Werewolf" and "Insomnia", I couldn't get past Mother Abigail's history. I saw the movie and thought the ending was a wash. I intend to go back and finish the Stand someday but for now, I'm more interested in his other books.

OMG! Thats the exact bit where i gave up! i was like gosh can you get anymore boring!! Yay im not the only one!

[Er0tic NeUr0t1c]

well, its a little drawn out and a little bit of drama near the end of the Book 2 but uh, its good i believe. I loved it. There's a little drama near the end of Part 2 but that pretty much ends when the bomb goes off, the one at the Free Zone committee. I thought it was great and loved every bit of it though.

[GNTLGNT]

Sai BenBubb,

Here's an idea that might help ease you back into one of my all time favorite King universes(just crazy bout dat Super-flu!). Marvel Comics has been issuing "The Stand" in graphic novel form(O.K., comic book form) for the past several months. Maybe Mike Perkin's flat a** blow you away artwork and faithful to the story writing would get you hooked. Hope this helps.

Long Days and Pleasant Nights,

The Giant

[SunshineLady]

One of my favorite novels; I have both versions of it.
I read everything SK writes (well, not magazine stuff since I don't subscribe to any) and even when I don't really like the scenario I still appreciate his story-telling.

[AtomicAgeEthan]

It's just as simple as something not working for one person as it does for another.

[AtomicAgeEthan]

Not saying the book isn't good. That's not in the mix at all. There are plenty of songs out there that I know are "Good" but I don't like.
The Stand was flat for me. I understand that if someone told me they felt "It" was flat for them I'd blink at them in utter disbelief at what they just told me, but I would understand that it is that persons preference. Not how good or bad the writer may be.

[BenBubb]

Not saying the book isn't good. That's not in the mix at all. There are plenty of songs out there that I know are "Good" but I don't like.
The Stand was flat for me. I understand that if someone told me they felt "It" was flat for them I'd blink at them in utter disbelief at what they just told me, but I would understand that it is that persons preference. Not how good or bad the writer may be.

Totally agree with you there! I have not put his writing as an author down i absolutely love his work, but it was just this book that didnt really appeal to me, ive read many of his other books and loved them!

[michal]

Look, it's one of my personal favorite SK books, but hey - different strokes for different folks AND different strokes for the same people in different points in time.

Try it again in a couple of years and maybe it'll grow on you, but only if you want to. My own personal opinion is that there are so many wonderful books out there that there is really no point in having a hard time with the ones we don't like. Move on, read another one, be happy.

[DancingCorpse]

I tried The Stand in 2004, i got up until the Frannie section and found myself stuck, so i put it back on the shelf and foraged through a multitude of other King novels, until around two months ago i decided to venture back in.

I was aware of the hysteria around King fans of the novel, but put that to the rear of my mind. I like to appreciate and experience things on their own merits. I finished the novel in around three weeks, which i think is pretty good going, and says leagues about the quality of the story. On some points, i do agree with your post.

Three quarters of the novel, i adore and love the characters and all the build up and Flagg's presence. The descriptions of the epidemic and consequences and each character's own little narratives and interwoven plots is fascinating and breathtaking in moments, and full of so much clarity and completely believable. That is what i think is amazing about this novel, the harsh reality which it brings, that we live (still) in an age where this is a true possibility, a real horror.

Although the last parts of the novel, and one event in particular i just did not see the point of and thought it destroyed a whole lot of the novel's potential for where it could have headed and what could have rounded off this beautiful piece of literature. Perhaps it makes sense in some ways, though I can't help feeling that it seems incomplete. It is all subjective though.

[aliciasimon]

One of my top 5 all-time favorite books. It can't appeal to everyone though. My friend loved Tommy Knockers and that was one of my least favorite King books.

[Muderboy]

I've read the Stand 7 times - listened to the unabridged version 5 times and finally, read the "uncut" version twice -knowing immediatelly when the new stuff was in. There's never a dull moment I can find. But... I did overhear a woman, a while back, who said she put it down for the same reasons you cited, so it really is, "To each his own." The first time I listened to The Stand, my wife wanted no part of it, or SK. But one night we were driving back to LA from Santa Barbara and she wanted to snooze, so she told me to put on the book and it would put her to sleep quickly. Well, it didn't, and now is her favorite book of all time - along with Robert R. McCammon's, Boy's Life. The Stand is King's best and it's a shame you didn't get it... To each his own...

[womby wombles]

As a few other people have mentioned before, different strokes for different folks. But one day, when you are ready and maybe more mature, do yourself a favour and pick it up and try it again. Who knows, you just may find that you can get past Mother Abigail's history and turn the page just once more and find that it isn't nearly as boring as you found it the last time. You might just surprise yourself and read another page after that and then the next one too. Before you even know it, you will have passed Mother Abigail and her story and come across another character who is more to your liking and so much so, you just may find the book worth finishing.

I personally LOVE The Stand, and so far I haven't read any novel that could come anywhere close to taking over the number one spot in my all time favourrites. But that is just me......

[Benita]

I was so disappointed with the stand. I had read about a million reviews raving about it, and i started reading it and got like halfway through and was bored out of my skull! I actually just wanted it to end. I even gave up with it! Very rarely do i ever give up reading a book and thats why i was so upset with this one, i love King and just thought please hurry up and end. I thought the characterisation was lovely but like nothing happened and it just got boring in the end. I moved on to another Author just for a little break from Stephen, but i shall return to him i am getting UTD for christmas so i will have that one to read.
Anyone Else Feel The Same About The Stand?:down:

WHAT?:glare:

[jackson992]

I love everything about The Stand except the ending.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Finish it!

Long days and pleasant nights

[bookworm101]

Sorry no. The Stand is one of my top three favorites. I hope you enjoy UTD.

[jcasey]

I LOVED the Stand, but much in hind sight. I felt that it was a difficult novel to get through with ALOT of dialog that I could have done without...BUT with that being said, I have since had to go back through the book to pick up pieces that I lost through *gulp* skimming thru conversations. I was always drawn back to reading it though, and that is one thing I love the King for. Im always SO curious about whats going to happen next, thats how I muddled my way thru the Buick 59 (cant remember the title exact). I thought that The Dome was so compelling and had less of the minor conversing that doesnt really effect the story line; he seemed to stay on track with where it was going. At any rate, my advice is to stick with The Stand, you will not regret it! Great book!

[smunchkin]

i have to agree with the majority The Stand was the first and my all time favorite SK book until UTD. UTD definately has a standish feel to it.

[Scott C]

What!!!...??

[M-O-O-N that spells Nikki]

What a shame. I suggest reading it again maybe. It's one of my favourite books hence the name :)

[Sarkisaur]

Not liking The Stand seems crazy to me, but then Stephen King himself said "it's not my favourite novel" in the introduction to the uncut version!

[hossenpepper]

The Stand is a great book and story. The problem with it is the middle section. The endless town meetings and such are very slow. The first 1/3 is great, the last 1/3 is awesome, the middle 1/3 is boring, sorry. But to say overall it's not a masterpiece, I can't agree with that.

[Ducky]

Never finished The Stand myself. But only because I always feel like I'm coming down with the flu after reading more than a couple of chapters! True story... :eek2::dunno:

[randallFlaggfan1]

The Stand is a great book and story. The problem with it is the middle section. The endless town meetings and such are very slow. The first 1/3 is great, the last 1/3 is awesome, the middle 1/3 is boring, sorry. But to say overall it's not a masterpiece, I can't agree with that.


I'm actually reading the middle section, and it has been very entertaining. And the town meetings are interesting, IMO. :biggrin2:

[frisbee]

I kind of agree with hossenpepper. Sometimes King gets a little too detail oriented for me in some of his works. But, that's a very small issue and I love the Stand.

[LEELEEBG]

I couldn't put The Stand down...I have read it several time now...I had issues with IT and the Tommyknockers...at first ...I just put them down then read something else and then picked them back up and finished both in no time....(by the way I enjoyed the both)

[Pucker]

Without going into detail about how my tastes may differ from others', I can concur that there are portions of the work (and certain characters) which encourage me to "skim" a bit, but I have trouble putting this book down whenever I pick it up because I'm always excited to revisit the epic lunacy of Donald Merwin Elbert or the fetid bog inside Harold Lauder's head . . . or that pompadoured fruitcake from Louisiana . . . or oh how I love to love Nadine . . . or that saucy little tart with the bubblegum whose name I always forget . . . or . . .

[JohnDalglish]

or that saucy little tart with the bubblegum whose name I always forget . . . or . . .

Hi,

Julie Lawry?

Long days and pleasant nights

[Pucker]

That's the one.

Wery pert, she was.

[Kojakistheman]

I can understand if someone is bored at the beginning, especially with the uncut. its very long and has probably 500 pages of character development. But the 2nd half of the book, basically when everyone starts meeting up and talking about the dreams, and especially when once they all get to boulder, was amazing and I couldnt put it down. It took me 4 months to read the stand...3 and a half months for pages 1-500 and half and about 2 weeks for pages 500-1150. and thats not an exxageration

[bsymom927]

The Stand was first Stephen King read!! It got me hooked!!

[Teddy Duchamp]

Wow! Each to his own but I couldnt put it down! I read it when I was 19 and it first came out in the late 70's. Was so hyper after it that I wrote to Stephen personally (via his publishers!) and got a letter back!

My husband, who isint a fan was so fed up of my prattling on about it that he picked it up on holiday last year. He couldnt put it down - actually sat up all night reading! He has now read a few other SK books but says the Stand is his favourite.

[no bounce no play]

I LOVED The Stand but... I found those hundred or so pages finding Mother Abigail boring too. And then later, I couldn't figure out why they bothered searching for her... she didn't play much of a role in destroying evil. I thought she would be the good leader but it seems her only purpose was to gather the good guys together. Maybe I missed something.

[Teddy Duchamp]

I know what you mean, but I found that she actually was the pivot in the story - she told them that they had to "stand" and that they had to leave in the clothes they were wearing etc.............but yes I totally take your point, the dreams, the finding her, did take up a lot of the story!

I loved the way she recoiled when she met Nadine - She had her sussed out!:oo:

[MistahJ]

Let me ask you...Did you read the original published or the Uncut And Expanded Edition?

[Ering]

I'm reading The Stand now and I am about halfway through but I love it so much. I've only just gotten into Stephen King's works. I read Gerald's Game first and thought that was very intriguing. But I have never been sucked into a story like I have The Stand. While I have been reading it I forget everything else. It's like I'm reading a history textbook instead of a fiction novel. I cannot wait to finish the story. Usually I read books very fast but this one has taken me some time because I've been really reading it.

[mstay]

I'm reading The Stand now and I am about halfway through but I love it so much. I've only just gotten into Stephen King's works. I read Gerald's Game first and thought that was very intriguing. But I have never been sucked into a story like I have The Stand. While I have been reading it I forget everything else. It's like I'm reading a history textbook instead of a fiction novel. I cannot wait to finish the story. Usually I read books very fast but this one has taken me some time because I've been really reading it.

I totally agree. It's my favorite SK book!

Welcome to the SKMB. :biggrin2:

[Ering]

Thank You.

[MyLife4YouSK]

Wow, when I saw this thread and saw that it was about The Stand I was flabbergasted! This book is so EPIC! Took my name from it so I did, 'mylife4usk'. (just changed it to SKT Rules! recently., think i'm changing it back. ;) I wasn't bored with this book at all, even Mother A's part. Wow, just wow.... then again the post-apocalyptic stuff does intrigue me, maybe it didn't 'do it' for the original poster., maybe too young? hmmm. BUT i have to say I wasn't hugely impressed with the movie. Say Sorry Steve! but did enjoy Teddy's part. ;)

[Silhouette86]

I've read only the original version, and to me that is the way that it is going to stay. I don't feel like reading a book simply because there are more scenes. If the original "Stand" novel was heavily edited, it was edited very well.

[JohnDalglish]

I've read only the original version, and to me that is the way that it is going to stay. I don't feel like reading a book simply because there are more scenes. If the original "Stand" novel was heavily edited, it was edited very well.

Hi,

He comments on why and how it was edited (in the foreward of the Uncut, I think), purely for binding (read financial) reasons and the IUncut actually IS the oiginal, definitely worth a read IMO.

Long days and pleasant nights

[krs72]

The Stand is without a doubt the best Stephen King book . Forget the Dark Tower ties and everything else, the uncut version is incredible . How can you read halfway through that book and give up on it ? Some of the characters in that book are so life like you feel like you know them .

[cuesta73]

I am with you on the all-time favorite novel. Good vs. Evil and Love conquers all in 1100 some odd pages. I've read this book every June since 1985. I'd like to know what this poster considers a captivating novel.

[king family fan]

I really liked the Stand. I had abetter understanding of it after reading both versions. The movie was a wee bit different,

[Damienkc18]

I loved The stand myself.It is in my top 5 favorites.I don't know how you could get bored with this book.

[bobledrew]

While I'm a fan of the Stand, I do think it's possible for ANY work to not appeal to someone. Let's remember the old "Right you are if you think you are."

[Almost60Really]

The Stand was filled with such rich characterization...and it held true almost up until the end.

I don't think it can ever be replaced in my list of favorite books. I read it a million years ago, when I was over at my folks' house. My dad was in the middle of reading it, but I picked it up and took a look. Eight hours later, I needed to get home, but was so enraptured with it that I couldn't leave. Finally my dad got up off the couch, came over to me, took it from my hands, and said, put this in the car. You need to go. Bring it back when you're finished.

Dang, I loved that man. Neither of us ever forgot the day I fell in love with Stephen King's writing.

[Nick Jager]

Lets face it. Your in the minority on this one.

[The Sentimental Fool]

I finished reading The Stand, the original and uncut version. The book is definitely worth another looksee in a few years time when you feel ready to read it again!

[Laymonking]

I could'’t disagree more. To me it is the perfect novel. I don't know what you mean by it being boring, It had a lot of depth going on which you may not enjoy but I really enjoy a nice deep story to get wrapped up in the novel is always on the move always going forward I am currently re-reading the uncut edition and am still caught up in the story . When I first read it uncut I finished it in a week as I was so caught up in the tale. I honestly believe it to be King best work and my all time favourite novel e if not the best I have ever read . Which edition did you read by the way ? you may want to read the shortened first published edition.

I guess different stokes for different folks.

Peace.

[Jaydean]

How weird, I rate this book highly, out odf the King Novels this is up there with the DT. The Stand is beautifully written, I had the extended version which is like 1200 pages, I read every single one. Def one of his finest tale telling, really suprised you hated it?? Then again i wouldnt class The Stand as a horror, Oet Semetary and It, without doubt, but The Stand had a different angle. Also, int he book Flagg was hanging people from crosses along the vegas strip like they were telephone posts, I noticed they didnt show that in the movie, didnt think they would. One of the many reasons why books will always be more enjoyable than movies.

[pauljj]

I loved The Stand too. King on top form, in my opinion.

[polly89]

I read the uncut version of The Stand and I have to agree that it was really boring! Every single section went on for way too long, except for the really crucial parts! There were over 300 pages worth of descriptions of peoples death from the flu, which was a bad start, and the amount of long and arduous journeys that the characters went on were infuriating! Why on earth bother to describe exactly what type of food Tom Cullen and Stu ate on their way back to Boulder, and yet leave Flagg's demise almost completely unexplained?! I feel like I have no idea why all of a sudden things started to change and good began to triumph over evil - yes there was a godly intervention but why then, what was the catalyst?! And in the end what was the point of the whole Nadine thing? And why did Abagail send the men over there to die? And why did Stu get to be the one to survive? AND WHY was every female character simply a weak (simpering and sexual) appendage to a male character?!!
Im very frustrated with this book, I've absolutely loved every other one of King's books that I have read so I pushed on to finish this one hoping it would get better, but it never did. AWFUL.

[JohnDalglish]

I read the uncut version of The Stand and I have to agree that it was really boring! AWFUL.

Hi,

Welcome to the MB.

Hmmm.

I guess we have to agree to disagree on that then.

Long days and pleasant nights

[cat in a bag]

I guess we have to agree to disagree on that then.


Yep, what John said.

It's one of my absolute favorites, just reread it (my sister said AGAIN?!? when I told her what I was reading) and it has not lost any of its magic for me. Love it!

[Teddy Duchamp]

Im also with John here, but I do realise that the world would be a boring place if we all liked the same things.

Polly, while I do understand you "not liking" the book (Im not a big fan of Liseys Story for instance) I do think most of the questions you asked in your post were answered in the book.

Re Flaggs death being unexplained - I would have found it mind numbingly simplistic if it HAD been explained, a bit like reading a childrens story, for example - I liked the fact that when I discuss it with others they have a slightly different "take" on him and his end..............thats hugely interesting, for me.

Mother Abagail didnt "send" them to die - she relayed the message she had received to them - I find it a hugely spiritual book - and why did they go to die? Well again different folk will have different takes, but for me it was "good over evil" "love over hate", and the fact they gave up their lives for the greater good.

I also found it hugely interesting the fact that some of the characters were "changing" - Lloyd for instance was beginning to see the writing on the wall, and loads who were in Vegas were leaving - Trashcan Man, who caused the explosion, to me wasnt a "bad" person really, it was his history and his mental issues that made him what he was, and he was overjoyed to finally "belong" to folk to accepted him the way he was.

Oh dear sorry Im rambling - but when I start with the Stand I cant stop lol

Re Nadine - she was HUGELY important - had it not been for Nadine I feel that Harold might have integrated into the group - she basically seduced him (weak he was!)

The only one point I do agree with you is the weakness of one of the characters - Frannie - I never warmed to Frannie - she was a bit of a whiner. lol

will stop talking now - sorry - my history with the Stand goes back 30 odd years and the characters are like my friends and enemies!

[jellydonut25]

The Stand (in both original and expanded versions) is my all-time favorite novel. If I have a fault to find with it, it's (as has been mentioned) with Frannie. Never much liked her, and I get the feeling we're kinda supposed to.

[CCAL]

you got halfway thru then gave up on it?? I find that incredible! okay-I had a way different reaction. I loved the whole thing! Halfway through things were really cooking, so maybe its just not your cup of tea? just saying.

[Kurtman518]

The first three hundred pages or so are among my favorite passages that I have ever read. Reading about the "end of the world" is quite haunting. I'll admit the parts of middle (especially the Mother Abigail part) can be a bit slow, but overall I still think this is one of SK's best. I love the character development that occurs while the survivors are emerging from the wreckage and during their travels to either Boulder or Vegas.

In my opnion, this book ranks up there with It and The Dark Tower as my favorites (as you can see, length has never been a problem for me, even after 1000+ pages I'm often left wanting more. )

[Dominar Rigel]

That's too bad. I'm roughly 450 pages into the expanded version and I can hardly put it down. I completely agree with Kurtman, the opening 1/3rd depicting the fall of civilization could be my favorite... anything.

[prufrock21]

The Stand is tricky. It's long (even SK admits he can be wordy at times, which may be a fault elsewhere but not here) and a slow read. Rather than detracting from the story, it is these very qualities which make it one of his best works: detailed, dark (aren't they all) and thought-provoking. After all, we're talking End of the World here. So it must be long and it must be slow. I believe you must give The Stand a second chance. And a third, if need be.

[Schmidty]

I was so disappointed with the stand. I had read about a million reviews raving about it, and i started reading it and got like halfway through and was bored out of my skull! I actually just wanted it to end. I even gave up with it! Very rarely do i ever give up reading a book and thats why i was so upset with this one, i love King and just thought please hurry up and end. I thought the characterisation was lovely but like nothing happened and it just got boring in the end. I moved on to another Author just for a little break from Stephen, but i shall return to him i am getting UTD for christmas so i will have that one to read.
Anyone Else Feel The Same About The Stand?:down:

Is it the one with the 400 pages added?

[TheHMC]

I didn't find it boring at all. Nowhere. I actually found myself trying to read even faster because I wanted to see what happened. In the end...1141 pages in 11 days and I'm now done. I loved it so much I'm out of words to describe it.

[LarryUnderwood]

Which version is a better READ, the uncut version or the edited version? I've actually read the uncut version twice and am thinking of reading it again, but I may actually go with reading the edited version if its better (I would need to go out and buy it, that is why I'm asking)

[friend of Oye]

The Stand for me, as with so many others was an incredible ride. One I will never forget, and one I will take again soon. when I first read it, it changed my own standard as to what a good read was. IM(humble)O.

[JohnDalglish]

Which version is a better READ, the uncut version or the edited version? I've actually read the uncut version twice and am thinking of reading it again, but I may actually go with reading the edited version if its better (I would need to go out and buy it, that is why I'm asking)

Hi,

The Uncut definitely IMO.

And you'll only find the original edition in secondhand shops now, but I wouldn't go out of my way if I were you,

M-O-O-N spells enjoy!

Long days and pleasant nights

[Tinahorve]

When I first read the stand years ago, I only read the first part -- I couldn't seem to care after that. I have read it through a couple of times since, and it has become a favorite. I like to pull it out when I want to completely bury myself in a story for a long-time (or I grab IT).

Stick with it. You will be glad you did.

[Banjo Kazooie]

I think anyone complaining about the slowness of the book has to think about what their life would be like if almost everyone in the world died, friends and family included. Would there be flesh-eating zombies chasing you? No, because that's not what The Stand is about. The Stand is about finding friends and how we adapt to new situations. The Stand is an epic 20th century novel that deserves to be read because of how raw it is. Honestly, these characters surprised even me sometimes (especially when Harold signed his last letter under his pseudonym and how Stu felt pity for him and a strong desire to avenge his death) and they are human, not heroes. They don't always do the right thing, or the thing they "should" do, but they are definitely unique characters. You will find yourself attached to them. You will cry, laugh, bleed, and live this book. If you didn't like it, then the only explanation I can think of is that you didn't understand it.

[Olivia Dunham]

I sorry you didn't enjoy it. For me, it is definitely one of my favorites. The first adult book I ever read when I was 12 and a perennial favorite I will pull out and reread once a year. Not a fan of all his books though. I could not finish Pet Semetary.

[Japhy]

I'm glad I stumbled upon this thread. Just last night I gave up on the Talisman. I got a few hundred pages in and just absolutely could not focus on it. The story was just not grabbing me at all. Also, all I could think about was The Stand, which I haven't read yet and/or The Dark Tower which I finished just a few weeks ago. Needless to say, I'm still coming down from that journey. I'm starting to wonder if maybe I should have taken a little time to process DT before starting something else. It is disheartening when you get fired up for a book and it lets you down but I think patience is the key here. You could pick up The Stand in a couple years and feel completely different about it. Me? I'm gonna read Eluria then dive into The Stand and see what happens.

[since75]

Japhy, hi, not trying to tell you what to do, but please give the Talisman another try.. if you can get past the part where Jack gets Richard and flips back to the Territories, the story picks up and goes like a 'locomotive' if you get to that part you will 'see what I mean'. Talisman won't disappoint, and then you have Black House (book 2) which takes the story on to another level. If you have read the Dark Tower books, it is all linked in.. I love the Stand, it is my favorite book of all time,forever and ever time without end.. sorry about hijacking the thread to talk about the Talisman.

[Olivia Dunham]

Definitely keep with it. The Stand is a great introduction but everyone reads King differently. There are people on here who love some of his books that I hated (like Pet Semetary) and others who hate books that I love. You just have to find the right fit for you. Once you hear that click, then you know and you can go back and read things with new eyes. Like for me, I think I might go back and give Pet Semetary a reread to see if maybe older eyes will invest it with something I missed when first I tried it.

[CCAL]

I really liked The Stand, and even liked the movie version. (hey it WAS a SK movie!) Every so often I feel compelled to go back and enjoy the Stand experience again. Sure Frannie is a cry baby, but for crying out loud, she was just an immature teenager and stuck in a situation cause she was "preggers" as the book says. She managed to keep her condition secret for much longer than most wet- behind- the- ears teens could have.SK did a good job there. I felt SK did a very good job keeping everything rolling smoothly to its conclusion. I'm sorry you didnt enjoy it as well. Maybe you might be willing to stick the book in a drawer for a few weeks/months then blow off the dust and give it a go.... best of luck!

[Frannie Goldsmith 817]

Okay judging by my screen name you know where I stand on the Stand infact it is the only book I will read once a year and have since it came out. In fact it is the standard I hold all of SK's books to (you know UTD was Stand good and it was as was Duma Key) The Stand and The Shining are 2 of the greatest books writen

[1BachmanKing9]

Okay judging by my screen name you know where I stand on the Stand infact it is the only book I will read once a year and have since it came out. In fact it is the standard I hold all of SK's books to (you know UTD was Stand good and it was as was Duma Key) The Stand and The Shining are 2 of the greatest books writen

Agreed, they are.

[prufrock21]

The Stand is tricky, and long, I agree, but its length is what makes it an enduring masterpiece. Consider Mr. King is relating End of the World here. In which case 500 words doesn't cover it, or begin to do the theme justice. During the reading of The Stand is where the "constant" in Constant Reader most applies.
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[steve-w]

Hi all. Not been here for a while for one reason or another, but have just finished The Stand. I've enjoyed all the SK books I've read so far which, by most people on here's standard isn't many ;o) This was one of those that I will be revisiting in the future along with Desperation and UtD.

[1BachmanKing9]

Hi all. Not been here for a while for one reason or another, but have just finished The Stand. I've enjoyed all the SK books I've read so far which, by most people on here's standard isn't many ;o) This was one of those that I will be revisiting in the future along with Desperation and UtD.

One book at a time friend, and some of us are so happy for you that you've finished The Stand.

[melindaville]

My husband loves SK but he absolutely hated The Stand! I could not disagree with him more. This is one of my alltime favorite SK books--and in fact, it was his first book that I read. After, I read everything he'd done before then (which wasn't much--I think only Carrie and The Shining) and I have continued to read everything he writes. The characters are so beautifully developed. In fact, I re-read this book every few years and I always get something new out of it.