I still don't understand WHY but this is one of my all-time favorite books. Maybe it makes me face fears I'd rather leave uncovered, but I survived them, through this book. ( )

Originally published in 1978. Read so many years ago when Stephen King was the most popular author in my age group. But for me? Most boring novel I have ever read! Way over-rated! I literally thought I was going to have to slit my wrist just to get out of it. ( )

I'm not a stranger to hefty tomes but this one was a struggle to complete. The story itself is good, though the setting of a future pandemic made reading it strange when you consider the future it was set in was 1990 and we're currently almost 2 years into a real-world pandemic. I’m not sure if it was the pacing or the story’s second act but I put “The Stand” down for a few months when I was a tad past the midway point. As always with King books the character development was solid and is what made finishing it worthwhile. Overall, a decent book though I recommend going with the abridged version unless you’re in the mood for a challenge (I’m in the midst of a personal challenge to read all of his novels) and you won’t be missing too much of the overall story. ( )

One of the few horror books I've read. Intermittently interesting and, well, horrific. I don't mean horrific in a good way. ( )

I have seen various movies or shows that were based on Stephen King books and for the most part enjoyed them. This was my first Stephen King book to read and it was extremely good, laws yes! It is a big book but the reading went very easy and engaging. The underlying threat and the stage it sets starts off quickly but at the same time builds up the characters slowly but without becoming a bore. It seems SK is known for his long descriptions and world/character building which is certainly evident in the book. But most of it adds to the story and certainly to the personality of the characters that you soon learn to love and have much interest.
You quickly learn, if not from the cover or back that this is a classic struggle of good and evil. The fact that most of the people who fall on either side do not really realize the underlying struggle is handled very well and adds a dimension that keeps it all fresh and exciting.
The action steadily picks up as you get past the middles and builds to a satisfying conclusion that left me wondering how things continue after it ends.
As mentioned, this was my first Stephen King novel to read and in telling people this almost everyone said that I chose what they consider to be his best book. They also said that many others are also very good and come close to "The Stand" but never quite reach the same level. Whether this is true or not I do not know but maybe some day, in the future, I will read another Stephen King novel. This one is much recommended!
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