Should I read DT first?

[dsurrett]

Parts of Insomnia seemed a little slow to me, and the Dark Tower references helped to keep my interest up. I agree with those who have said to read DT first, not necessarily to make Insomnia more easily understood, but because the DT books are better. All in all Insomnia is a good read though, even with the slow parts.
Long days and pleasant nights.

[Anna Rose]

i have read insomnia but not the DT series, but i an intending to some time (sooner or later)...but, anyways, i understood it fine...

[Garriga]

I think reading insomnia first is the way to go. If you read Mr. King's books in order then you will discover the connection while reading Insomnia. This can cause ones imagination to run wild, and maybe cause insomnia trying to figure out the connection. However the books are great however one reads them.

[bluesology]

I was just thinking about this at work this morning - I'm listening to Insomnia on audiobook. I think it would make the most sense to read Insomnia between books six and seven of the Dark Tower series. If you read most of the Dark Tower series, I think it would give more color and texture to the world that Insomnia exists in. And, like Ms. Mod hinted at - there is an important character in DT 7 that is in Insomnia - if one were to read Insomnia first, that character's introduction would maybe seem less abrupt - his/her's importance would be a little more clear.

All that said, I don't think reading the DT books is essential - I think it just gives the reader a little bit more appreciation - like you're privy to an inside joke being told.

[Aericanwizard]

Ok, this discussion, as old as it is, has decided me. Insomnia will be the next SK book I pull off my pile to read (although that may be a couple of weeks/months). It seems that all of my requests from the library are coming in at the same time, and books I own don't have a return date. As it pertains to the discussion, I've reached the Tower, and look forward to the nods to the DT in the novel. Just finishing my first re-read (audio) since finishing the Tower (the wonderful Duma Key), and even a work that is not so connected to Roland's quest is wonderful in a post-Tower Universe.

Long days and pleasant nights. (mild Duma Key Spoiler) (And if you've lost an arm, don't paint with it!

[Nabila]

When I saw this thread I thought,oh I should have seen this before I read Insomnia. But when I saw the posts, I realised that yes it's like the chicken and egg thing. Too late anyway, I already took the plunge, I finished Insomnia last week and I'm in the middle of re-reading From A Buick 8 now. I read FAB8 I think 3 years ago before I ever read any DT books and I was so confused towards the end regarding what the characters were seeing in the trunk of the car. My thoughts then: What just happened! What! What!

I've read DT until volume 4 then I decided to stop and read the other earlier DT related books before I go on to Wolves of the Calla. So this year, I read IT, The Talisman, Black House, Insomnia and now FAB8. And it seems I have to re-read Salem's Lot before I can go on to DT vol.5. Hmm, maybe I should re-read Bag of Bones first too because Wind through the keyhole volume 4.5 might just get published while I'm in the middle of volume 5.

Having said all that, I enjoyed and understood Insomnia and the key DT related character was a pleasant surprise. Well, he drew the tower so I just assumed he will pop up when I resume my journey. Cheers!

[Shoe]

I've read DT until volume 4 then I decided to stop and read the other earlier DT related books before I go on to Wolves of the Calla.

That's a good break point IMO to go and explore some of the other DT related stories such as Insomnia. It is the same point in the path where I picked up Insomnia. Though I should probably note that it was somewhere around 1999 or 2000 when I finished with Wizard and Glass, so not much choice to continue with the direct DT path at the time. I am not entirely sure I could have made myself stop with the DT journey otherwise.

[fonzberry]

FWIW to those who haven't read Insomnia and are mulling over doing so -- for me, I read Insomnia after having read only DT#1-3. I LOVED the book. In fact, it is in my top 5 favorites from SK. I especially love the book on Audiobook; the narrator is so awesome and just adds an entire other dimension to the book.

In any event, having read the book prior to reading DT#4-7 didn't do me any harm. If you haven't read it but are considering doing so, go get the book--its awesome! (IMHO)


-fz