Anyone else have trouble with the length of SK's books?

[Ravenreader]

Let me start out by saying two things: first, I LOVE SK and consider him a literary genius, otherwise I would not read and post on this board. Second, this is my second time attempting to read the uncut edition of The Stand. I made it about 500 pages the first time, and am now about 750 pages in. It's a fantastic story, just---drags, in places.

This isn't the case for me with all of his work: not Carrie or The Shining, Salem's Lot, Dolores Claiborne, or Rose Madder, to name a few. Certainly not for Needful Things! That's the last one I read before giving The Stand another try, and it reminded me of all the things I really love about King. I finished (and enjoyed) Duma Key, but only after cheating a bit, reading some spoilers. I couldn't help thinking, "Where the heck is this going? Good story--I like Edgar, and he's well-developed as a character, but isn't something going to HAPPEN?"

Has anyone else had this problem? And does The Stand start to pick up again? Right now I am getting bogged down in the Boulder community's attempt to make some kind of a government. Yawn.

I enjoy collecting King, even things like Eye of the Dragon, and I do intend to read all of it eventually..(even seriously considering pre-ordering Under the Dome, and rather proud of the idea that that would be my first first edition King).but sometimes I wonder if I can really call myself a fan (much less a Constant Reader) if I get stuck so often.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

No, I haven't. The only complaint I have against The Dark Tower is that it's too short!

And laws yes, M-O-O-N spells picks up like a rocket IMO. Keep going.

Long days and pleasant nights

[senca the lemon]

surprises me that you find the stand hard to read,it was one of my first books to read and found it really easy to read (yes it was the compltete and uncut edition).Only a small part was dragging for me and that was the part about mother abigails life but this was an ow so small part that it didn't really have an effect on how easy the book red.I actually like the bigger books even better then the smaller ones,don't know why...they contain more characters,is more lively and real or something like that

[elysian]

Has anyone else had this problem? And does The Stand start to pick up again? Right now I am getting bogged down in the Boulder community's attempt to make some kind of a government. Yawn.

Perhaps The Stand just isn't for you. There's nothing wrong with that (although it is my personal favorite)! Have you ever read the original, "cut" edition? If not, maybe that would work better for you. I happen to love the whole Boulder government thang, but I can assure you that the **** will hit the fan shortly and you might find it more exciting then.

As for the length of the books, I definitely prefer 'em lengthier.

[ifsogirl88]

I'm a pretty new reader, relatively speaking - I've read only 4 books: The Regulators (Bachman), Salem's Lot, Lisey's Story & Duma Key. Loved them all. But no, I haven't found any of them to be too long. I found myself wishing they were all longer because I enjoyed them so. Now, I may have a different opinion once I read a few more of his books, lol! I'm about to start the Cell. Looking forward to enjoying it as much as the others. My friend raves about it.

[KatieScarlet]

I was a long time getting through The Stand. It was well worth the effort, but I know what you are saying. Mostly though, I'd have to agree, that I'd prefer the books to go on & on. I hate to part with the folks in these stories.

[Haunted]

I have read both the abridged (first out) and the unabridged (came out later) and did not find a dragging time in either.

Strikes me is that you are in the calm before the storm period and that can lead to ennui because it is quiet. Especially after all the movement in the earlier chapters leading up to your present scenery.

Maybe this is not the time, maybe a break?

But do know there is more story to tell. YAHOOOOO

[mojomofo]

Nope. I enjoy SK like I enjoy few other authors, so usually I get near the end of the book and think "over so soon"?

[Ubasti]

I've started The Stand 3 times now and although each time I seem to get a little further in to it, I still can't finish it. I bought an illustrated edition (un cut) of it and I'm hoping maybe that will be the one.

[Jackson]

The Stand is my favorite of all of SK's books--It was also the first one I read, in 8th grade. For me the longer the book the better! I'm thrilled to hear that Under the Dome will be over 1000 pages! I think I like the lengthier books better because they're like a journey and I always hate to see them come to an end.
Don't give up on The Stand--it definitely picks up (although I thought it was great all throughout).