Was this a stupid idea?

**Hoofbeat** · January 26th, 2011

So... I went to the library and got out this book a couple of days ago but i have never read any other Dark Tower book apart from the Little Sisters of Eluria... But thats a short story and isnt part of the series is it... Was it a bad idea to start with the 4th book in the series? They didnt have the first book in the series...

And i am already into the book

**JohnDalglish** · January 26th, 2011

Hi,

Well yes and no, maybe si maybe no, that's where Marvel decided to start the comic arc, so....

As W&G is largely a standalone book, telling the story of young Roland in flashback it should be okay, in fact both my children read it as a standalone novel and thoroughly enjoyed it but I would suggest that you order the first three - The Gunslinger, Drawing of the Three, and the Waste Lands from your library NOW so that you can start at the beginning when you've finished W&G.

Marvellous book, isn't it?

Long days and pleasant nights

**Spideyman** · January 26th, 2011

Agree, W&G can be considered a stand alone book, but to get the full experience- the depth of the each character- the how and why of their actions, I would strongly suggest starting from the beginning. Having those read, the last three books will have so much more meaning, feeling and understanding.
Mayhap you can request your library to put a request out for the first three books, then they will be available to you as you finish W&G. Be prepared for life changing happenings.

**Hoofbeat** · January 26th, 2011

Ok, thanks you 2, i will order for the first 3 books today

**GNTLGNT** · January 26th, 2011

Good advice wee one...and enjoy!

**oylovesjake** · January 26th, 2011

Originally Posted by Hoofbeat

Ok, thanks you 2, i will order for the first 3 books today

In W&G, Roland basically the ka-tet that they had traveled this far and endured this much together already that it is time he told them his story. I don't know that it would have worked as well to me if I had read it first. It was as though Roland finally decided the group was a true ka-tet and therefore he was ready to spill his soul to them; give them some insight into his own personal wheres and whens.