Rereading The Stand 30 years later: God, Stephen King is AWESOME

[GinSoakedBarroomQueenInMemphis]

I first read the abridged one in the 1980s as a teenager and loved it then. I'm halfway through the 1990 'unabridged' version and, wow, it's good. I can't put it down, and the best thing is, I can't remember the ending so it's extra exciting!

My other favourite, very recent, SK is 11.22.63. I've read it about seven times; it's fantastic. Think I'll reread the Tommyknockers next. I remember loving that one when I was young. He's just such a great writer isn't he? Which are your favourites?

11.22.63 is staggeringly good.

Love the Stand. Best book ever!

Have you read 'IT'? That's brilliant too.

I've read maybe half his books and enjoyed them all. Currently reading the Dark Tower series and LOVING IT. I started the first one a few years ago and couldn't get into it, tried again a few weeks ago and now I think Past Me was bonkers. Can't put the fucker down this time round!

Loved The Stand. My fave SK (and IT) ike you, it was the 'shorter' version, so may try re-reading

I struggled a bit with 1122 63 - my nextission is Under The Dome

The Stand is probably my favourite Stephen King book - and I've read them all . IT runs a very close second and the Tower series. Fire fighter, by his son jo Hill is pretty good too

I've just started a re-read of The Dark Tower (for the umpteenth time). They are perfect as the dark nights start to draw in!

The Stand makes me cry. :( :(

Wasn't that keen on 112263, it was ok, but I wouldn't re-read it. The Green Mile I'd definitely re-read

IT scared the pants off me as a teenager. I must reread that one too. And oh yes, the green mile is just utterly fantastic.

11.22.63 really seems to divide people between love it or hate it. I think it's one of his finest pieces of work.

I just can't get into Dark Tower. I keep getting to around a third of the first book and it doesn't hold my interest or grip me like his other books have, so I give up.

I keep getting to around a third of the first book and it doesn't hold my interest or grip me like his other books have, so I give up

That was me, totally. But I'm on book 3 now and 100% gripped. It's brilliant.

I love The Stand. Also The Dead Zone, Needful Things, Delores Claibourne and the Bachman (Bachmann? ) Books, especially The Long Walk. I was really disappointed by Insomnia, Cell and the ending of Under the Dome.
What's Mr Mercedes like?

The ending of 'Under the Dome' is stupid. I really enjoyed it until the end. 'Mr Mercedes' is okay - not his best but worth a read.

I think you just have to grit your teeth and get through 'The Gunslinger'. You need the info in it to understand the later books, but it's definitely the weakest one (he was v v young when it was written).

Remember enjoying Salem's Lot when it first came out, and I still think of Danny Glick at the window if I'm closing the curtains after it's gone dark.

I had The Stand and IT on my reading list for summer and haven't gotten round to them, read both years ago but really must find time to read again! Currently reading End Of Watch, third in a trilogy of King books. Love everything King

I bought the unabridged version of The Stand recently after reading a SK thread on here , I'm looking forward to reading it.
Honestly , stick to the dark tower , the first book is nothing like the rest , it's s bit "meh" but it sets the scene and gives background to the character Roland. It totally changes in style and pace by book two , it'my favourite book series ever.

Ex cited to start The Stand , will it pull me in right away ?

I love the Richard Bachman books, especially the Bachman Books and Thinner. Also The Talisman he wrote with Peter Straub.

Stephen King has written some brilliant books. The Dark Tower series was brilliant. I enjoyed The Tommyknockers and The Shining. In fact I'll second intrusivethoughts Love everything King

He is amazing, I read 11.22.63 last year and it was amazing! He does write really long books though! Was exhausted by time I finished The Stand.

Loved11.22.63. Reread the stand quite often but just cannot get into under the dome. Keep trying and get a little further each time but always think meh I'll come back to it!

Pet Sematary is my favourite, such a great book, though can't bring myself to reread now I have kids!

I love the Dark Tower series, but agree with the other posters - you have to get through the Gunslinger as it gets better and better after that one.

Ive just finished The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon. I loved it and it was such an easy read.
I can see ds1 getting into SK in a couple of years so I'm excitedly buying a book every now and then in readiness. I'm going to read IT next.

Group sex???!!! Must have missed that the first time round!!!!
I did my dissertation on Stephen King back in the mists of time - no-one on my English course would take responsibility for me, so passed me over to the film/communications department
The Stand (unabridged version) is my favourite too - I also love 'The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon'. A perfect novella.