The Stand - Feb & March read

And I decided to read the giant, sprawling, everything but the kitchen sink version. I'm crazy.

One thing that is interesting is that only the dates of things (like the old chevy Stu sees coming and tells Hap to turn the pumps off) are updated with this, not the original concepts, so some of it is dated and doesn't jibe with the new date structure. I find it fun to have the original at hand so I can compare. Funny.

Anyway, I don't know how we want to structure this conversation given the length of the book and that there are two versions, but I did want to say that I LOVE the way King describes how many people some come into contact with and how they spread Captain Trips. It's also fun to see people flail about something they think is important (Carla over the parlor and Fran's "Lump") knowing it will blow away like so much dust in a short time.

So I'm up to...about page 100. Only 1000 more to go!

Good for you! I still have to get a copy. I was sure I had it but it is MIA. I'm sure as soon as I get another it will show up!

Upon further reading, I found the types of diseases to which Captain Trips is compared have been changed as well. For example old version says emphysema, new says AIDS.

And some added modern references during Lloyd's intake into prison after the crime spree with Poke. He talks about his semi-fame feeling like Tom Cruise must and instead of letting it go by in the original that they'd probably xray him to search up his butt, he adds a reference to Papillion in the new one.

Funny.

I'm glad someone else is reading the longer version. I figured since we were going in order published most would opt for the shorter first version. I was planning on reading it later if we did it again, but maybe now I'll reread it this month!

I haven't got my copy yet as I didn't know how we were doing it - short copy this month, long copy next month or in order of publication? Or whichever we fancy this month? Or BOTH this month?

I read The Stand several years ago, but it remains one of my favorite King books so far (I've read up to The Dark Half, which is next on my list). I enjoyed reading what you all had to say about Night Shift and I'm very excited to see how everyone finds The Stand. Happy reading everyone!

I'm reading the short version for now. If we're sticking to original publication, we won't be reading the longer version for a year or so. Between The Dark Half and Needful Things. (I admit, I'm reading the shorter version because I wasn't that wild about The Stand when I read it the first time.)

It will be neat to compare and contrast the two.

Bookmarque, I think The Stand will draw more discussions than our last few books. I figure we could start a thread for The Circle Opens/Captain Trips, another for On the Border and one for the Stand/the Circle Closes. (Do I run this thing too much? I don't mean to. I just think it was such a neat idea.)

I've just realized two things:

1. The 'shortened' version of The Stand is 820 pages. Yowza!

2. I can't find my copy of the longer version of The Stand (we moved bookcases around once my in-laws moved out.) Time to start digging.

Thanks for that, I'll hunt down an old copy SOON...

Well, I've just encountered Trashy and it's funny, but this section sort of reminds me of how Joyce Carol Oates would handle describing him. I think SK is a fan of JCO, but not sure. Maybe this should go into the section discussion instead of here, but I'm kind of PWI due to black russian imbibing.

Well, I'm about to go start the book. I'd sorta put it off since I know we're taking two months on this one.

Boy, discussion sure has died down some, huh?

I think there's almost too much scope in it to discuss. Plus I've kind of stalled and am reading other things in between. Not that I don't like it or won't finish it, but I need comfort reading right now. Flagg will keep.

I still need to start. I'm with Jseger. I'm kind of waiting because we allotted 2 months to it. Even without a lot of discussion I'm glad to be participating. It gives me goals that I wouldn't have made on my own. The bonus is reading what you have to say about the books!

Is anybody else still reading it/finished yet? Jseger's done, I'm almost there, cal769 is still reading it - what about everyone else?

When entering it into my library I noticed one of the covers for the original version, the one with two robed guys fighting (one black, one white). It's the best SK cover I've seen, and really fitting considering it is more of a fantasy than a horror. Would love to get hold of a decent copy.

I'm still reading. I've been very busy with work and classes so I haven't had much time to read. I've read it before so I can join in at any time. I love this book!

I'm plugging away at it. The 75 book challenge group is also reading The Stand for a group read. I won't get done this month so I will pick up their group read and finish it. My library has the book with the cover that you are talking about. It is great!

Cal, if you could stuff it down your trousers and stick it in the post, I'd be ever so grateful ;)

It's awfully big, I'd have to take my pants off to get it in there and that would lead to all sorts of problems!

I have the first paperback edition of the uncut version of The Stand. On it they have the two robed fighters, though the background has been replaced by metallic gold foil.

I also have to give credit to the current U.S. cover of the mass market paperback with the grim reaper on his horse. Excellent image that is both creepy and communicates what is in the book.

Looking at the covers in LT, has anyone noticed the German paperback cover? What is that supposed to be? I'm pretty sure that's an old image from one of The Shadow's reprints in the '70's. I love The Shadow, but that is an awful cover for The Stand.

>17 cal8769::

Cal, it's for the greater good, honest! I'm sure your librarian would understand. If nothing else it shows dedication to the cause.

>18 jseger9000::

It's identical, isn't it? I've never seen that done before. Do you think the cover artist actually got PAID for that?