How did I not know this about The Stand?

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

I have a copy from 1978. It is my all time favourite book.

Why did I not know that it was released as an abridged version? I've just discovered that there are about 300 pages missing that are included in a version released in 1990.

I feel like I've stepped into an alternate reality - how did I not know this?

Is there anything else I'm missing, any secret books that SK wrote that I've somehow not come across?

I love him so much have been reading and rereading him since a teen.

My favourites are IT, The Stand and Firestarter.

Whoever said they love the farmer in Firestarter me too.

I've also gone a bit Annie Wilkes and named my dog after him he's usually Steve though only Stephen when he's naughty, my other dog is Molly which is the same name as his dog I only know this because he posts photos of her a lot I'm not stalking him honest.

Don't say that about End of Watch is it worth precious suitcase room?

Sorryyyy It is good, but just not his best. Definitely worth reading though. Suitcase room?? All SK fans especially re-readers should have a Kindle or similar!

Yy to The Jaunt. Love that ending, and he is an absolute fricking master of short stories. But I'll see your "Longer than you think, Dad!" and raise you "Ladyfingers they taste just like ladyfingers" - anyone else like that one?

Also agree that a lot of the books change after having children. I recently re-read all my SKs except for Pet Semetary- I just could not face it!

The only SKs I don't have are The Talisman series. Are they as good as the others?

You know, I've iust thought of another one that doesn't get much credit. Thinner.

I've always found the end quite sad - I was rooting for him to 'get his own back' on his wife, but when he realises his daughter has eaten the pie too...

I love both the Talisman books - but don't read the last chapter of The Black House.

It was to do with the cost of publishing. One plus for e-readers - size doesn't matter.

I've only read it on my Kindle and I know there was a note about it being the full book and why it was shortened.

dh bought it for me as a surprise giraffe :)

I loved the Stand, though I read it in 1990, so my memories may be coloured by my enjoyment of that long hot summer.

I heard this week on the radio that the reason it changes so much 2/3rds through is that he was an absolute alcoholic/drug addict, who then went completely dry whilst writing, and finished it of stone cold sober. I don't know if that's true, but it was R4. I was driving though, and at a tricky (flooded) junction, so I didn't catch it properly. Would love to know if anyone caught the same programme.

I haven't read any King since about 1993 (when I read The Dark Tower, that was the only Dark Tower book published, so give you an idea how long ago).

I don't think (post-children) I could read scary stuff any more (struggled with that pre-children tbh) but could anyone recommend something to start with published in the last 25 years, thats good but not too scary?

I also agree with the poster upthread that said his characterisation of teenagers is just superb. I think that was his appeal, as I was a teen when I read his books, that he just seemed to know exactly what people were like. His characters were all so believable.

I'll take your shelf, and raise you two.
For those that haven't read The Dark Tower books, they are FAB and I cannot wait to see Idris Elba as Roland in the film

I'm getting Talisman confused with The Dark Tower. Haven't read either but I'm encouraged by your collective good opinions

Machikoro I would suggest Mr Mercedes actually, it's really gripping thriller material but no supernatural horror in it. Fantastic page turner.

MachiKoro - try 11.22.63

I read plenty of SK as a a teenager but then stopped for some reason. I remember in 1993 driving (being driven!) across the border into Maine from New Brunswick and the border guard commenting on my copy of The Dead Zone and her fondness for SK

I've only just read The Stand (loved it!) as I avoided for some reason, and haven't read any Dark Tower. Looking at his bibliography I have read most things up to 1992; I've recently read 11.22.63 so I'm going to continue catching up and re-reading favourites.

Does anyone else like The Tommyknockers? I haven't re-read it but I remember liking it. Think that had a rubbish mini series done of it too.

I liked the Tommyknockers, was a long time ago, but when he 'takes you ny the hand' you just follow along lost in the story.

Films are different sometimes good sometimes not so good depending on how you 'saw' the book or if you like the actors/directors version.

I can't stand 'Pet Sematary' - I think it's ridiculous and rubbish. Ditto 'Needful Things' (always surprised how popular that is on here). I don't like 'Duma Key' 'The Tommy Knockers' or 'Dolores Claiborne' either, and thought the end of 'Revival' was dreadful. Having said that, I'd happily read King's shopping lists.

Why has no one mentioned Insomina???? That's my favourite SK book followed by Eyes of the Dragon (which I have lined up as DDs first SK book to read) then The Long Walk

only one I couldn't get into after several attempts was The Girl who loved Tom Gordon. Current rereading Drawing of Three although I will admit to skipping the first chapter with the lobster things!

They are remaking It with the young Skaersgaard as Pennywise - first film about when they were young and second one when they go back to Derry

I couldn't read Tommyknockers again. I got too upset about the fate of the Beagle!

The Jaunt absolutely HAUNTS me. It is linked with my claustrophobia and I find myself worrying over it at random moments.

Does anyone else think Donald Trump is eerily reminiscent of Greg Stilson from the Dead Zone? It has been a while since I read it but from what I remember there are some v scary parallels.

Another one that rarely gets mentioned, but that I rate v highly = Bag of Bones.

Here's my King cupboard!

I have not done Bag of Bones, must get it next.

I am finding my Kindle v expensive. I have bought 67 books so far this year. DH is regretting buying it for me.

Kitten, thank you for this thread Just love the Stand, kindled it on a long train journey, and I chose the unabridged one too. Yes, I love Duma key too.
Dreamcatcher is amazing, this still stays with me.
Was always hesitant to start the Tower series, but will now have a go, Firestarter sounds good.
The Shining and Dr Sleep are so good, such emotional books. As you say, good writing about what it's like to be a child caught in a situation that is beyond you. Sniff...
Thank you so much, I thought I was weird liking him.
Find the books better, especially for re visiting bits that are good.

Humphrey I like the sound of you tell your DH that where he went wrong was not buying you Amazon vouchers too!

Oh God yes Humphrey. My dad and I talk about Trump/Stillson all the time. And my dad is usually a Republican! But he despises Trump. I tell him if we can just get him to briefly use a kid as a human shield, we'll be all right I LOVE the Dead Zone. I've read it a billion times but I still get literal chills every time the news of the fire comes over the radio. I really do! Johnny's holding cards and they spray all over the floor and my whole body goes cold.

Tits is your Molly a thing of evil too? :o

Oh yes Giraffe. Don't let the left hand know what the right hand is doing.

I do like Bag of Bones but it made me angry and sad. It's very good though.

I read the entire thing out loud to a knobhead exboyfriend of mine once and it made him really uncomfortable. He wasn't used to having much in the way of emotions. :o

I love the Stand. I must have been about 11 when I read it and I've re-read it 5 times or more. I cried when Nick Andros died! I would love to see AMC or HBO take it on.

Hard to say my other favorites though (they are all so good), the Dark Tower Series is epic, I loved Rose Madder, Bag of Bones, Lisey's Story, the Talisman, The Dead Zone, 11/22/63 and Under the Dome. Cell was pretty good too.

I really love how so many of them tie in together, its really incredible.

I'm going to re-read Dead zone I think. But I also want to re-read The Jaunt. Just finished It. I forgot how sad it was at the end :(