I've kind of been thinking about reading this book for a while.  I really liked Carrie and Salem's Lot, and I don't mind long books, but I'd like to get a little bit of an idea as to what this book is about exactly & how it reads.  Does it go quickly?  Is it over-written or does it need to be as long as it is?  Is it worth the time?

I read it years ago and very much enjoyed it.  I found it to be a quick read since the story was very engrossing.  I've always been fascinated with post apocolyptic literature and I do think "The Stand" is one of the better within that particular genre. 

I agree with CAhobbit, its a quick read because the story is awesome.  King excells in character creation and we see it used well in this book.   I've actually read it twice.  Both times, it sucked me in. 

I've also read it twice because it is such a good book! Doesn't seem nearly as long as it is!!

Stacy

The Stand is definitely worth the time!  I read it when it first came out, then bought it in hardback 10 years later when SK released the full and uncut, expanded version.  Usually that means the author has reached a status that allows him/her to become self-indulgent and it often mars the story.  In this case, I can honestly say it made the book even better.  I say go for it, you won't regret the time investment.

Well worth the read. You'll be surprised when you're finished reading it that it is as long as it is. Just doesn't seem like it. King has a way with a story like no other, like you're there!!!

Christa

I WILL TAKE ANY WISHLIST BOOK IN ANY CONDITION AS LONG AS IT'S READABLE

Go for the uncut version. The extra 250 or so pages are great!

I have an unpostable original paperback if anyone has any interest. It is readable but a bit worn.

The first time I saw the size of The Stand I thought I'd never get through it, but I agree with everyone in that you  become so engrossed that before you know it, your done.  It's also one of my all time favorites and I will re-read it every couple of years or so.  It was King at his very best.

Read it!  The story will quickly pull you in.  Before you know it, you're there.  It's worth every page.

Ok, so I have some credits now, what's a good version to order?  I'm a bit confused with the uncut/cut versions, can anyone link me to the right version?

This is the best work Steven King did!!  I had the uncut paperback in my personal collection and would re-read as the mood took me.  I now have the HC/DJ that I got from Doubleday Book Club and I am just so excited with it.    The uncut version is before they edit it to fit a format for the publisher:  might have to be a certain number of pages, etc.  This means that we get all the book and not the revised version in the "uncut".   Much Better!!

I just got Rising by Brian Keene.  I have never read him before and it's been a long time since I read some real blood and guts gore.  Can't wait!

http://www.paperbackswap.com/book/details/9780451169532-The+Stand+Complete+and+Uncut

The only available version right now is in paperback. All others are WL.

I have one on my shelf.....hint, hint.  Thanks for the order!

The original (cut) version is the originally published one. Later, because King is so popular, the complete and uncut version was released with around 250 more pages. King said he thought the story was better with the details that were cut from the original and we got the complete and uncut one. King did say some pages still were left out but he decided that the editors were right and left them out.

Enjoy the story.

This book definitely flies by.  I tend to think it is better to read the edited version first.  I've read both versions several times, and I love the longer version, but I think all those extra character details at the beginning might make it a bit harder to keep up with if you don't know who they all are already.  Definitely one of my favorite books of all time!

I'm loving it but it is taking me a while to get through, mostly because I have so little time to read (just half an hour for lunch basically) but I'm enjoying the time!

I envy anyone reading The Stand for the first time.  I discovered Stephen King in the early 80's.  I picked up a copy of The Shining and read it straight thru.  It was about 2:00AM; I had to get up for work in 4 hours and was too scared to sleep.  At lunch the next day I went to the bookstore and bought everything I could find by Stephen King.

Wow, its getting pretty intense and I'm sneaking  as many spare minutes as I can to read it.

I'm re-reading it for the 2nd time, too.  :-)  I love this story!

I've had the uncut version on my shelf for about 3 years now and just haven't gotten around to reading it, despite the fact that Stephen King is one of my favorite authors.  I think I was intimidated by how long it is.  Just picked up Duma Key this afternoon and I'm 85 pages in.  I forgot how easy it is to get engrossed in his stories.  I'll definitely be reading The Stand next!!

Whew! Just finished it.  It took me almost two months to read, but oh my god, this is one of the most intense books I've ever read.  I'd say its up there with The Terror by Dan Simmons and The Count of Monte Cristo (two of my other all-time favorites) because its so epic and even though you vaguely know how it will turn out, you get so emotionally invested in the characters that you can't bear for anything bad to happen to them, but you can't stop reading even though you know it won't all turn out alright.  This book was awesome in the original sense of the word.

I can remember being sick as a dog when I first read this book - you know, one of those nights where you feel just awful, but can't get to sleep, so you just stay awake miserable? Well, this book was so engrossing that it totally took my mind off my body for the rest of the night - I needed to get away for just a while and this did the trick - I looked up and it was morning (and I promptly got dressed and went to urgent care - turned out I had a bad case of pneumonia and they ended up admitting me for 3 days because I also have bad asthma and the two together are high risk).  I joke and I say this book saved my life!  Stephen King has been a favorite ever since.

My second favorite book by him is Insomnia. Another epic read.

So now I'm wondering, what bits did they cut?  It was long, but I didn't think there was anything that didn't add to the story.

Also, is there some kind of historical or religious significance to the initials RF?  Or did King just choose to make his devil character have those initials randomly?

this book is an amazing book,i am almost done with it now and i cannot put it down

The Stand is my all time favorite book.  My friends and I have quoted from it for years.  I haven't read it in a long time...it's about time for a re-read.  It is the ONLY book I've ever read more than once.

I always get suckered in when the miniseries is re-run on TV, too.  Although they changed some things and left some things out, I thought it a pretty close representation to the book.  The casting was excellent, too - Gary Sinese is one of my favorite actors, and he really did a great job!  I had read the book before watching the miniseries, and that helped me keep track of everything that was going on.