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adrianagoycoolea's review against another edition
3.0
I had a hard time rating this book because I committed so much time to reading it and there was a lot that happened over the span of 1400 pages. I had a hard time keeping track of all the characters at the beginning of the book, but I enjoyed seeing everyone’s different reactions and experiences with the flu. Around page 400 I thought it got really boring and I considered DNFing it. It picked up again a couple hundred pages later when people started congregating in the Free Zone, and I was interested in the anxiety building amongst the Free Zone about the dark man. I thought that the ending felt rushed compared to the rest of the plot. I thought there would be a bigger “battle” between the two communities because there was so much anxiety in the Free Zone.
Ive heard the critique that King’s endings to his books are subpar, and I would have to agree. Usually the first 75% of his books make up for the poor ending, but I personally don’t think that is the case with The Stand.
Ive heard the critique that King’s endings to his books are subpar, and I would have to agree. Usually the first 75% of his books make up for the poor ending, but I personally don’t think that is the case with The Stand.
slickvic's review against another edition
dark
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
christinawelc's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
oisiveteolivaw's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
_leitmotif_'s review against another edition
i’d never read a steven king book before, and this one seems to be considered his best/fan’s favorite. it was a slow week in my libby holds and it was available for an immediate borrow.
writing style and story are so engaging, i get why king has such a rabid fan base…AND NO ONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK.
it is deeply racist and misogynistic to its core. like grossly, blatantly so. casually, ‘i definitely meant to do this/it’s so rooted in me i also didn’t even notice’ so. and it’s not just the relentless use of racial slurs in the dialog, and the description of women’s bodies and gross sexualized pov’s written for some of the female characters, it’s how the Black and brown characters are written and the positionality they take up in the story; covering all bases; from ‘thug’ to ‘magical being’, all as foils to the white characters.
oh, and this book is ALSO riddled with horrible ablism and fatphobia. all around fucking trash.
he wrote this in the 70’s. i get it, people felt REAL free to be super open with their white supremacy and misogyny. perhaps he’s grown? and even if so, where is the rewrite/updated version of this story or the disavowal?
disgusting.
writing style and story are so engaging, i get why king has such a rabid fan base…AND NO ONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK.
it is deeply racist and misogynistic to its core. like grossly, blatantly so. casually, ‘i definitely meant to do this/it’s so rooted in me i also didn’t even notice’ so. and it’s not just the relentless use of racial slurs in the dialog, and the description of women’s bodies and gross sexualized pov’s written for some of the female characters, it’s how the Black and brown characters are written and the positionality they take up in the story; covering all bases; from ‘thug’ to ‘magical being’, all as foils to the white characters.
oh, and this book is ALSO riddled with horrible ablism and fatphobia. all around fucking trash.
he wrote this in the 70’s. i get it, people felt REAL free to be super open with their white supremacy and misogyny. perhaps he’s grown? and even if so, where is the rewrite/updated version of this story or the disavowal?
disgusting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexism, Fatphobia, Racial slurs, Sexual assault, and Ableism
teoru's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Det blir en liten annan upplevelse att läsa en sådan här bok efter pandemin, nästan så att den första delen kändes lite tråkig. Men det blev bättre en tredjedel in. Det är tankeväckande att se hur ett samhälle byggs upp i ruinerna av det existerande. Också hur lite mer paranormala element dyker upp, det är aldrig riktigt tydligt om det är verkligt eller om alla har påverkats på något annat sätt.
m_h_dahl's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
3 stars ⭐️
Given the many parallels I found between this book and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, I've decided to frame my review using comparisons to Tolkien's epic saga!
🌔 Both stories depict a struggle between good and evil.
🌔 Randall Flagg and Sauron represent ultimate evil.
🌔 Survivors in 'The Stand' and characters in LOTR form alliances to confront darkness.
🌔 Both narratives involve perilous journeys and tests of resilience.
🌔 Characters like Gandalf and Mother Abagail guide reluctant heroes like Frodo and Larry Underwood.
🌔 Unforeseen actions of minor characters lead to the villains' defeat.
🌔 Both stories highlight the cyclical nature of good and evil.
🌔 'The Stand' is a lengthy and complex read, making it challenging but ultimately rewarding. Rated three out of five stars.
I think Stephen King’s ‘The Stand’ is more than just a story of good versus evil; it’s a modern-day odyssey that mirrors the grandeur and moral depth of Middle-earth. In Tolkien’s world, the land is under the shadow of Sauron, the Dark Lord, whose malevolent power threatens to engulf Middle-earth in darkness. In King's America, a superflu dubbed “Captain Trips” decimates the population, paving the way for Randall Flagg, a sinister figure with a penchant for chaos, to establish his own reign of terror. Both Sauron and Flagg represent the ultimate evil, drawing others into their web of malevolence, promising power but ultimately leading them to ruin.
Just as Frodo Baggins cannot bear the burden of the One Ring alone, the survivors in ‘The Stand’ form their own fellowship to confront the looming darkness. Frodo has Sam, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and others to help him on his quest. Similarly, Stu Redman, Frannie Goldsmith, Larry Underwood, and Glen Bateman band together, united by their shared goal to rebuild and protect what remains of humanity. Both groups are bound by fate, friendship, and a mission that transcends their personal desires.
In LOTR, the journey to destroy the One Ring is fraught with perils, from the treacherous Mines of Moria to the deadly swamps of the Dead Marshes. In "The Stand," the survivors’ trek to Boulder and later to the heart of Flagg’s territory in Las Vegas is equally perilous, marked by the threat of Flagg’s spies and the desolate, post-apocalyptic landscape. Each step taken by both sets of heroes is a test of their resilience, courage, and faith.
Frodo is a humble Hobbit, not seeking glory, but chosen by fate to carry a heavy burden. Likewise, Larry Underwood begins as a self-centered rock musician, only to rise to the occasion when called upon to lead. Both characters embody the reluctant hero archetype, demonstrating that true heroism is born from humility and the willingness to face overwhelming odds for a greater good. And every epic needs a wise guide. Gandalf, with his profound wisdom and magical prowess, is the guiding light for the Fellowship. In "The Stand," Mother Abagail serves a similar role, a beacon of faith and wisdom guiding the survivors towards a divine purpose. Both figures symbolize hope and the enduring power of goodness in the face of evil.
Then, we have those who fall under the spell of darkness. Saruman, once a wise wizard, succumbs to Sauron’s influence, mirroring Harold Lauder's descent under Flagg’s manipulation. Both characters start with potential for greatness but are undone by their weaknesses, serving as cautionary tales about the seductive nature of power and evil. And let’s not forget the Trashcan Man, a character whose pyromaniac tendencies inadvertently lead to Flagg’s downfall. He is a parallel to Gollum, whose obsession with the Ring ultimately brings about Sauron’s defeat. In both narratives, it is not the direct action of the heroes that vanquishes the villain, but the unforeseen consequences of the actions of seemingly insignificant characters.
And Nadine Cross; divided between her desire for a normal life and the dark allure of Flagg. Gollum's internal conflict could mirror Nadine's, as both characters are driven by forces they cannot fully control. She is introduced as a schoolteacher who has survived the superflu, but she carries a dark burden and is tormented by visions of Randall Flagg, the Dark Man. Nadine’s journey is heavily influenced by themes of destiny and free will, reminiscent of the characters in Tolkien's work. She believes she is destined to be Flagg’s consort, a role she feels powerless to escape.
Tolkien introduced the concept of eucatastrophe, a sudden turn of events that ensures the protagonist’s victory despite looming disaster. In ‘The Stand,’ this is evident in the climactic moments in Las Vegas, where the self-sacrifice of Larry, Glen, and Ralph paves the way for Flagg’s downfall. Their stand mirrors Frodo's final act of resistance at Mount Doom, where victory is achieved not through force, but through the willingness to resist evil even unto death.
Ultimately, both stories remind us of the cyclical nature of good and evil. Evil may rise again—as hinted by Flagg’s rebirth at the end of "The Stand"—just as Sauron’s spirit lingers on, waiting for another opportunity. Yet, the enduring message is one of hope and resilience. As long as there are those willing to stand against darkness, be they Hobbits or ordinary people, there is always the possibility of redemption and renewal.
‘The Stand’ is indeed a lengthy book, spanning over a thousand pages, and its sheer size can be daunting. The extensive length made it challenging for me to finish, as it took a considerable amount of time to truly get into the story and become familiar with the characters. The narrative felt overly complex and sprawling, which made it difficult to keep track of the various plot lines and personalities. As a result, it was hard for me to stay engaged throughout, leading to a somewhat frustrating reading experience. Therefore, I would rate it three out of five stars.
Given the many parallels I found between this book and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, I've decided to frame my review using comparisons to Tolkien's epic saga!
🌔 Both stories depict a struggle between good and evil.
🌔 Randall Flagg and Sauron represent ultimate evil.
🌔 Survivors in 'The Stand' and characters in LOTR form alliances to confront darkness.
🌔 Both narratives involve perilous journeys and tests of resilience.
🌔 Characters like Gandalf and Mother Abagail guide reluctant heroes like Frodo and Larry Underwood.
🌔 Unforeseen actions of minor characters lead to the villains' defeat.
🌔 Both stories highlight the cyclical nature of good and evil.
🌔 'The Stand' is a lengthy and complex read, making it challenging but ultimately rewarding. Rated three out of five stars.
I think Stephen King’s ‘The Stand’ is more than just a story of good versus evil; it’s a modern-day odyssey that mirrors the grandeur and moral depth of Middle-earth. In Tolkien’s world, the land is under the shadow of Sauron, the Dark Lord, whose malevolent power threatens to engulf Middle-earth in darkness. In King's America, a superflu dubbed “Captain Trips” decimates the population, paving the way for Randall Flagg, a sinister figure with a penchant for chaos, to establish his own reign of terror. Both Sauron and Flagg represent the ultimate evil, drawing others into their web of malevolence, promising power but ultimately leading them to ruin.
Just as Frodo Baggins cannot bear the burden of the One Ring alone, the survivors in ‘The Stand’ form their own fellowship to confront the looming darkness. Frodo has Sam, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and others to help him on his quest. Similarly, Stu Redman, Frannie Goldsmith, Larry Underwood, and Glen Bateman band together, united by their shared goal to rebuild and protect what remains of humanity. Both groups are bound by fate, friendship, and a mission that transcends their personal desires.
In LOTR, the journey to destroy the One Ring is fraught with perils, from the treacherous Mines of Moria to the deadly swamps of the Dead Marshes. In "The Stand," the survivors’ trek to Boulder and later to the heart of Flagg’s territory in Las Vegas is equally perilous, marked by the threat of Flagg’s spies and the desolate, post-apocalyptic landscape. Each step taken by both sets of heroes is a test of their resilience, courage, and faith.
Frodo is a humble Hobbit, not seeking glory, but chosen by fate to carry a heavy burden. Likewise, Larry Underwood begins as a self-centered rock musician, only to rise to the occasion when called upon to lead. Both characters embody the reluctant hero archetype, demonstrating that true heroism is born from humility and the willingness to face overwhelming odds for a greater good. And every epic needs a wise guide. Gandalf, with his profound wisdom and magical prowess, is the guiding light for the Fellowship. In "The Stand," Mother Abagail serves a similar role, a beacon of faith and wisdom guiding the survivors towards a divine purpose. Both figures symbolize hope and the enduring power of goodness in the face of evil.
Then, we have those who fall under the spell of darkness. Saruman, once a wise wizard, succumbs to Sauron’s influence, mirroring Harold Lauder's descent under Flagg’s manipulation. Both characters start with potential for greatness but are undone by their weaknesses, serving as cautionary tales about the seductive nature of power and evil. And let’s not forget the Trashcan Man, a character whose pyromaniac tendencies inadvertently lead to Flagg’s downfall. He is a parallel to Gollum, whose obsession with the Ring ultimately brings about Sauron’s defeat. In both narratives, it is not the direct action of the heroes that vanquishes the villain, but the unforeseen consequences of the actions of seemingly insignificant characters.
And Nadine Cross; divided between her desire for a normal life and the dark allure of Flagg. Gollum's internal conflict could mirror Nadine's, as both characters are driven by forces they cannot fully control. She is introduced as a schoolteacher who has survived the superflu, but she carries a dark burden and is tormented by visions of Randall Flagg, the Dark Man. Nadine’s journey is heavily influenced by themes of destiny and free will, reminiscent of the characters in Tolkien's work. She believes she is destined to be Flagg’s consort, a role she feels powerless to escape.
Tolkien introduced the concept of eucatastrophe, a sudden turn of events that ensures the protagonist’s victory despite looming disaster. In ‘The Stand,’ this is evident in the climactic moments in Las Vegas, where the self-sacrifice of Larry, Glen, and Ralph paves the way for Flagg’s downfall. Their stand mirrors Frodo's final act of resistance at Mount Doom, where victory is achieved not through force, but through the willingness to resist evil even unto death.
Ultimately, both stories remind us of the cyclical nature of good and evil. Evil may rise again—as hinted by Flagg’s rebirth at the end of "The Stand"—just as Sauron’s spirit lingers on, waiting for another opportunity. Yet, the enduring message is one of hope and resilience. As long as there are those willing to stand against darkness, be they Hobbits or ordinary people, there is always the possibility of redemption and renewal.
‘The Stand’ is indeed a lengthy book, spanning over a thousand pages, and its sheer size can be daunting. The extensive length made it challenging for me to finish, as it took a considerable amount of time to truly get into the story and become familiar with the characters. The narrative felt overly complex and sprawling, which made it difficult to keep track of the various plot lines and personalities. As a result, it was hard for me to stay engaged throughout, leading to a somewhat frustrating reading experience. Therefore, I would rate it three out of five stars.
calypso_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Definitely in my Top 5 for favorite books. It’s got everything you could want from a book: mystery, romance, adventure, magic. Well worth the 1k+ pages
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Pregnancy, Ableism, Cursing, Drug abuse, Sexual content, Body horror, Confinement, Racial slurs, Addiction, Excrement, Gore, Drug use, Grief, Medical content, Mental illness, Murder, Pandemic/Epidemic, and Sexual assault
As usual, Stephen King has unprotected sex with racial slurs. Just something to be aware of