The Stand By Stephen King Book Review & Reaction | In The Discussion For The Best Book He's Written

Mike continues his Into the Multiverse series by talking about the fourth published novel by Stephen King, 1978's The Stand.
You can purchase The Stand here: amzn.to/2X0wr6u
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0:00 Introduction and Excerpt Reading
2:03 Background and Personal History
4:00 Non-Spoiler Review
26:05 Spoiler Thoughts
39:12 Multiverse Connections
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#MikesBookReviews #StephenKing #TheStand

[@73mleduc]

King in an interview a few years back was telling them that The Stand gets a resurgence in sales every time there is an illness or threat of one like ebola.

[@willemvandeursen3105]

O, yes. When I feel a flu coming up I start rereading the unabridged version immediately. Sore throat, running nose, fever, hacking away between the clammy bed sheets- it's the ultimate masochist experience! Thanks, Mr King!

[@FullStewart]

I looked up the google trends of this book, the spike in 2020 is crazy

[@solitaryrecluse7740]

M-O-O-N, that spells "masterpiece".

[@mikesbookreviews]

+1

[@solitaryrecluse7740]

Honestly, one of the funniest moments is late in the novel when he actually says "M-O-O-N, that spells 'moon'."

[@kristenpetrus991]

The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want for nothing. He makes me lie down in the green pastures. He greases up my head with oil. He gives me kung-fu in the face of my enemies. Amen

[@EdgeOfEntropy17]

I am glad you enjoyed the book, but as a story, it fails on almost all levels. For example, what did Mother Abigail accomplish? Which of the protagonists (Good Guys) defeated the bad guy? Why use a literal Deus Ex Machina to end the story? If you know anything about story structure, you will see that the Stand fails horribly. It has some great characters, it has some cool moments, and I enjoyed it, but it is far from a masterpiece.

[@pizzarules22]

@@calebmauer1751 "everyone likes it" is such a terrible statement lol

[@aden.e]

i found a true first edition hardcover of the stand a few weeks back at my thrift store for $2. the excitement i had was uncontainable

[@lakeshoredisciples906]

That's a steal!

[@leob4403]

Was it the unabridged version?

[@hto8010]

I messed up bad one day. There was an uncut version of the Stand at Goodwill in MINT condition one time I went. Cant remember why I didn’t end up buying it but boy o boy do I regret it. Luckily I found one eventually but not as new.

[@andrewnixon4469]

There was that scene where Larry realized Leo can read thoughts, AKA he had the shine, which I think is part why he got along with Abigale so well

[@ryanforest4849]

i'm pretty sure that mother abigail confirms in this book that she has the shine: "I started having dreams two years before this plague ever fell. I've always dreamed, and sometimes my dreams have come true. Prophecy is the gift of God and everyone has smidge of it. My own grandmother used to call it the shining lamp of God, sometimes just the shine."

[@piousmutilator4513]

Very nice!!

[@RocketRcn947]

Is Mother Abigail possibly Dick Hallorann’s great, great, great grandmother….?!

[@Welther47]

god is just a word, like Shine.

[@BobBob73271]

Nice! I thought I remembered her mentioning the shine somewhere

[@JohnMinehan-lx9ts]

This is part of King's shared universe, although he has not really developed this element, even in Dr. Sleep.@@BobBob73271

[@Leaving_Hope]

I just finished reading “The Stand” yesterday. I can’t get over how brilliant it is. There wasn’t a single dull moment, despite it’s length. It’s easily my favourite SK book so far.

[@leob4403]

Try tommyknockers, it's very underrated

[@ChadQuick270W]

His best book ever. It’s so scary because it mostly reads as non-fiction, especially with what’s going on these days.

[@soitgoes290]

Only retards believe the news

[@callum7081]

Literally lol, the wuhan lab theory has some credibility.

[@katrinabill8247]

Mother Abagail said in the book that her grandmother called her gift “the shine.” I remember reading this and dropping my jaw on the floor

[@mattieatkins1474]

I was going to comment this! I remember that line as well

[@minestwenty7849]

Maybe she’s related to Richard Hallorann

[@johngalt6838]

He always overlapped themes and characters.....Heck...Flagg is all over his books.

[@GreenSabre187]

@@johngalt6838 SPOILER . .. . . . for example what becomes of the ending of the stand, midworld

[@zaurak73]

I just finished reading the book and had the same reaction when learning that Abagail had the shine.

[@jackbutler8341]

Just finished the uncut version. It was such a great book really felt the characters were real people and a great book about fate and battle between good and evil

[@GreatOldOne9866]

It’s definitely good vs evil, I haven’t read it yet but I did watch the old miniseries and it brought a lot of emotion. Now I want to read the book. I’m currently reading IT now though.

[@ryanmcwilliams8784]

I just finished it myself. I gotta say when Stu falls and breaks his leg I was in tears. The way the book just kills off characters just suddenly and harshly just like it would be like in the real world. It was a fantastic book I almost want to listen to it again immediately but I’m listening to the dark tower now that I realize Randall Flagg is the dark man in that as well. I’m into the rabbit hole guys help

[@givemeshelter.]

I'm considering reading. Watched both miniseries. How long did it take you to finish the book? It's size intimidates me, greatly.

[@ryanmcwilliams8784]

@@givemeshelter. on audible it’s about 50 hours. And I had it on 1.5 speed. It’s a beast of a book that’s for sure

[@jamespringle7408]

Which version do I read

[@Brownie5540]

Mother Abagail "My own grandmother used to call it the shining." The picture of the text doesn't have the page number, so I can't give that, sorry.

[@gemuesepampe9864]

"The shining lamp of god, sometimes just the shine" - mass market paperback: page 597

[@bloodynine9017]

I feel like the both Tunnel scenes were powerful, the way Trash goes back to the Kid shows how broken he is. Larry pushing on and going through the tunnel is the start of his character arch in my opinion.

[@bloodynine9017]

@Tyler Gay Larry was scared but pushed on through, Trash was scared but walked away. See where I’m going?

[@evirareid1500]

Trash went back because he had no choice and it still ended tragically with Kid dying by Flaggs wolves. He is trash after all....that whole arc ended in trash.

[@PeterStawicki]

Spoiler - The Greatest Line Ever "And they never saw Stu Redman again" (I had a fricken cow!!)

[@edencantu6599]

Just read this line a few days ago. I was royally pissed.

[@carterphillips3357]

It gets twisted like a dagger when everything plays out.

[@Kaleidosope_Eyes]

spoiler i especially love the twist that comes with that line

[@paulcain548]

I absolutely adore this book. I first read King when I was maybe 13 (‘Salem’s Lot 👍🏻) and it was his skill as a storyteller that kept me reading books to this day. I only read The Stand for the first time 2 years ago. What can I say? Save the best for last. Would you believe I have IT (still not read it 😲) and am now raring to go. Your enthusiasm for King has relit the spark. Keep up the great content. Stay safe, my friend 👍🏻🇬🇧

[@calista3371]

This was my favorite King book until I read 11/22/63. This is a masterpiece. After your comments, I did start this 3 days ago and I find myself so engrossed and 100 pages just slip by. It reads so easy. It is brilliant. Thanks for putting this series and video. I love your indepth review.

[@calista3371]

This is his longest novel. It was 444,414 and the Stand is 472,376 words. Monsters of goodness.

[@mikesbookreviews]

11/22/63 is just gorgeous.

[@MagicJulienBertone]

I was introduced to The Stand with the TV series and absolutely loved it. I own multiple versions of both the novel and the TV series. It is one of my favorite stories!

[@pboyle2112]

The Stand is one of my favorite books of all time. The first time I read the book I was sick with the flu scared the scrap out of me.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha ha I got a sore throat while reading it and was like WTF?!

[@Themaninblack19]

I started Reading it and i was basically in the beginning , when the virus is already going nuts and the Army is trying to contain information , for like 4 days there were Army Helicopters flying by my house in perfect formation and it freaked me out 🤣 It was an air show and i dint know about it

[@Cyn_Razz]

I just finished it last night and the last week I’ve been reading it I came down with one of the worst colds, or perhaps it’s the flu I’ve ever had. Very eerie.

[@CurieBohr]

My son had a cough that lasted weeks. Had me concerned for sure lol

[@amayacomics]

Thanks a lot for this! After completing the book there's a huge void and this review helps to fill it up!

[@mikesbookreviews]

It’s a void that has yet to be filled.

[@ryanvincent5015]

Meaning? Alot to swallow? I'm about to start it

[@redtheftredemption2907]

@@mikesbookreviews you got me into this book. The stand is the third book by King i have read and so far the stand is my favorite. I am now reading the dark tower now.

[@misterkefir]

Absolutely amazing book, so atmospheric. Definitely one of my favourite novels ever. Cheers!

[@pamrocks5098]

I absolutely love this book & the characters. Harold breaks my heart, as does Larry (one of my favorite characters, too)! But Lloyd Henreid...so complex, so perfect!

[@spyroskamilalis2515]

I've read this one back when I was 20 (33 now), after having spent most of my teens reading Tolkien's and Stephen King's books. Loved it from the start! Thanks for this series, Mike; I am reminded of good times!

[@bloodynine9017]

Currently reading The stand the 1300 pages version, I am currently 130 pages deep. I have read IT, The shining, Salem’s lot, Pet Semetary and the Gunslinger, my King journey started through your reviews thank you for inspiring me to read more!👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

[@mikesbookreviews]

Awesome to hear! Enjoy.

[@LesMartin]

I wish I could like this 1000 times. Great to see you covering this. One of my favorites! I've actually read this one 3 times over the years.

[@mikesbookreviews]

It’s a really special book and in my Top 10 of all time.

[@levymclaurin6975]

Just Finished The Stand! Love your review and your channel in general great content!

[@jeff5624]

Holy crap Mike, I’m from a small town called Minturn, Colorado. Trash Can is now coming down Vail pass, after being with the pack of wolves.

[@adamrasmusson6976]

I swear, this opening and your opening to Different Seasons are the best, they made me a King fan. I stumbled acrossed them, now I'm a constant reader for life!

[@nram1]

Thanks for the review. I read the first book. Then the extended edition. Enjoyed both. Many years past before I read it again so I was glad to see the TV original series. Now watching the new one. I'm still listening to you so I'll comment further.

[@ronaldmccomb8301]

Glen Bateman is my fave. It made me want to get into sociology.

[@Akkatlah]

For a momment I read scientology lol

[@TidddyHD]

Just finished this one! This was my first book of this length, and I was blown away by the character development. Excited for the new mini series, and as always, excellent review Mike!

[@tragikk03]

Finally, I found a book reviewer I can relate to. We are, I'm guessing, around the same age and you seem much more like me than all the other booktubers. I've just started getting back into reading (I used to devour books when I was younger before heading down a dark path with unsavory "friends"). I've never read King, but because of you I picked up a few of his books and started reading Dreamcatcher. I'm not sure if you interact with older videos, but thank you for rekindling my love of reading!

[@queentaldiy1652]

I've read The Stand, and It probably 5 times each, and the audiobooks twice. Never disappoints. Always something to think about; the essence of whether people are good or bad, and the implications they can have on each other. CHEFS KISS.

[@rustywarrior5288]

One of my favourite books. Period. I recently reread this myself (last summer) and in my opinion is a work of genius where all of the characters have something about them that allows you to empathise if not sympathise with them. All of the characters are flawed in some way - nobody is perfect although the story itself comes close. I'm looking forward to the new TV adaptation to see what can be done with a mega budget and stellar cast.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, this is one of my very few 5-star rating books.

[@keep_calmandcarry_yarn5912]

Only 100 pages left , don't want it to end 😫 what a journey! Got to be my favourite book now - thanks for getting me into SK 😊 T x

[@mikesbookreviews]

You're so welcome!

[@TheEternalElir]

This was my first Stephen King novel and man I love it, definitely going to read more Stephen King. Great channel dude, looking forward to more videos - More Wheel Of Time please - and keep up the goo... great work.

[@JekyViews]

You started with this? Wow, strong start! My first one was The Dark Half (found it in my Granny’s book shelf), and the second was The Dead Zone (mom’s book shelf). But I did read The Stand early, I remember doing a book report on it when I was thirteen.

[@mattieatkins1474]

One of my favorite King books so far…. I love this review! The character development and attachment I felt to each character was amazing.

[@izveglic]

Absolutely superb review! Insightful, well presented and thorough. Can't believe I found your channel only now. :)

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks for watching!

[@laradep]

Amazing review! I've just finished this book, and watching your video totally complemented the experience. Your analysis was really on point. Thank you! What an amazing piece of work "The Stand" is!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DaraDione]

Just found your channel and thoroughly enjoying your videos, so big thanks right up front. However, dude, cannot believe you didn’t read The Stand until 2017! 😮 I’m in my early 60s and that book has been pivotal in my life since reading it when it first came out (or within a couple years after…) … I read The Shining in my early teens and it scared the bejeebers out of me (of course) and I was then hooked on King (although not a fan of some of his later work). I did purchase the big uncut version as well when it came out. Brilliant, just brilliant book in so many ways so thanks for giving it a spotlight. I’ve pulled The Stand off one of my many groaning bookshelves to re-read. 😊

[@Mark-iv6yg]

Got this bad boy on the reading list for later this year, can’t wait! I vaguely remember it from my teenage days, looking forward to a reread... Another thoroughly engaging review man 👍

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks! Since I read it just 3 years ago I’ll wait for a bit but I will absolutely re-read this one before I kick the bucket. It’s too good not to.

[@jeffbousson3332]

It's seldom that I comment on KZbin but I want to thank you for posting this video, Mike. You did a fantastic job with summarizing this book!!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks for saying so!

[@jamieserrano827]

I love the 90s miniseries and I just recently got it on DVD while I was listening to the audiobook

[@redtheftredemption2907]

That’s nice

[@signalh9958]

Mike! That opening was amazing! Thanks for always making awesome videos

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glad you liked it!

[@mayzo51184]

I started reading this book in 2019 and the length was what's gotten me not to pick it back up for the longest time. Didn't help that this year got busy and since graduating college last year and then once this stuff happened this year, I haven't picked it up again. Everyone tells me to finish it and maybe after watching this review and hearing that CBS has put the first episode of the series for the Stand out a couple days ago, I'll pick it up and actually finish it. I've liked what I've read so far... Just discovered your channel because of this video and I really enjoyed it!

[@user-kk5jt2po5o]

I have just started reading this book because of your recommendation. Thank you.

[@custarddavidson8104]

I started reading King last year (mentioned it before, thanks to this channel) and this was maybe the 4th book of his I read, and I agree with how most people feel about this, despite the masssssive length, I never thought it was a chore to get through, everything interested me and I loved every page of it!

[@mikesbookreviews]

It's truly special.

[@JLchevz]

Watching this video again made me realise how much I enjoyed the Stand. The characters are fantastic. honestly 8/10.

[@jackieb325]

I've read this and listened to it a couple times. Just talking about it makes me want to read it again, and yes, I am one of those people that felt the need to read it in 2020. I haven't yet, but I still feel the need to read it. That tunnel scene in the book is one of my favorite parts. It has stayed with me also. I think about it when I go through a tunnel, even though the tunnels in my city are much shorter.

[@jenniferwood144]

Loved it. Have not done a reread in 30 years. Yet I remember it well. Good job

[@mikesbookreviews]

It's definitely something I want to re-read one day.

[@emosongsandreadalongs]

Excellent video as usual, Mike. I recently read this on my own journey through King's work in publication order and caught a couple other multiverse connections that you didn't mention. The first one's fairly tenuous, but toward the end of chapter 45 (page 502 in my edition) Mother Abagail is thinking about her life and it says, "Prophecy is the gift of God and everyone has a smidge of it. My own grandmother used to call it the shining lamp of God, sometimes just the shine." And in chapter 78 (page 1129) Frannie is talking about traveling to western Maine. "There are some beautiful places. Bridgton. . . Sweden . . . Castle Rock."

[@JaimeEnFuego]

Making me relive ALL the feels here. My fave covering Sai King,

[@mikesbookreviews]

You know I had originally set out to do this video in under 20 minutes. I looked at the clock and realized I wasn’t even done with non-spoilers yet and said screw it. I honestly could have talked for another hour. Such an amazing tale.

[@09RetsamEdalb]

Oh dude I loved Frannie! Frannie and Nick were my favorite characters! Right from the beginning, I loved them both. Stu Redman was a marvelous character too, and Larry's arc was incredible. But Frannie, her journal entries and slice of life stuff in the beginning, was the most relatable character to me. And Nick was just so much fun to follow. Might be the best book I've ever read! Checking out Swan Song in a month or two

[@JohnMinehan-lx9ts]

When I read the book in 1980, I thought that Sam Elliott would have been a great Stu , Neil Diamond as Larry, and Bill Schallert as Glenn Bateman. I thought of Loretta Switt as Nadine and the actor who played COL Flagg on MASH as Flagg (because he was so nondescript and quietly crazy as COL Flagg.) I also thought of Dustin Hoffmann as Nick, then.

[@melissac4318]

Great review! I read this for the first time in the early nineties and changed how I read books. I think I have re-read this book a dozen times and each time see something new in it.

[@mikesbookreviews]

For sure. I'll compare every single "life after civilization" book I ever read again to it.

[@ChristmasLore]

@@mikesbookreviews , oh, have you heard of the Silo series? Howard Hughes (spelling?)? Don't know if I'd classify it as post-apocalyptic or sci-fi, but it's... amazing, just amazing. I know your TBR is kind of fixed for a long time, but hey, there's always surprises, like with Wayward Pines 😉

[@VaskoBuk]

The intro on itself won you a new subscriber. ;) I didn't watch for much longer that the intro, however. I'm currently reading The Stand for the first time. Although your video is spoiler-free for most of the way, I will still finish the book first and then (gladly) come back to it in its entirety.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glad you liked it. Hope to talk to you about it when you finish!

[@VaskoBuk]

@@mikesbookreviews Well, I'm back, finished the "Stand" (complete and uncut edition) a couple of days ago. I appreciate how King doesn't pull any punches in exposing the basest human instincts and evils, but also the potential for good and virtue. I liked the Christian themes, as well as the anti-establishment vibes. However, definitely too long and meandering, and I found the ending a bit anti-climactic (was expecting a, if not physical, at least some type of "power-of-will" confrontation, but got a cheap deus ex machina instead). Cudos for your video and keep up the great work.

[@sanjanphukan]

I finished this book last night and, I must say, what a story ! And it's the 1990 version so it's definitely the biggest book I've ever read (page count wise)

[@mikesbookreviews]

It really is fabulous.

[@JohanDjurholm96]

Great video! The Stand is my favourite book by SK and arguably one of my all time favourite!

[@mikesbookreviews]

It's so good!

[@alexjohannes7908]

Love these videos ! Great job, man. In IT, Ben lives in Hemingford homes too as an adult.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ah, I didn't catch that one.

[@Sevatar_VIIIth]

I'm reading through IT right now and wanted to go to the dark tower next but if that character is first showing up in this then I'll go ahead and buy the uncut version now. Thx man👍 *Update Just started this book yesterday afternoon, I fkn LOVE it man! Started around 2pm yesterday and could not put it down until I had to at 11:30pm last night bc I had to be up at 4am for work today. Amazing book!

[@wanghiskhan7345]

Just did the whole audiobook on my library's app, and it was great, 47+ hrs of walking, driving, and working on chores being treated to that story. Really loved the characters (most of them). Jistnr watched the 1994 miniseries, I remember Trashy showing up to Vegas as a kid and my mom turning it off as she didn't intend for me to watch the VHS she used to tape it 🤣 now that I've seen it all as an adult, I think Jeremey Sheridan singing "Baby Can you Dig your Man" was one of the best parts 🤣🤣

[@alexisdumas84]

Your comments about how you have to take your time, tell yourself you're going to be reading for a while, and settle down for The Stand really clicked with me. I do this for _every_ book I read: I'm a bit of a slow reader, so I like to take my time and really immerse myself into whatever book I read. So The Stand was practically made for me and my reading style. I think this is why, as a general rule, I prefer longer books that really make my style of reading possible. That's why I often find shorter, leaner books, without all the details and long winding plot-paths, to be so unsatisfying. I sit down, ready to read for a good long while, to spend some time in a world, and then it's over in a few days.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I admittedly read fast. In normal times I knock out a 500-750 page novel in a week. But there are certain ones I say to myself "where's the fire?" and I slow down and enjoy it. Trying to do that with the last 2 Wheel of Time books now that I'm not up against a deadline.

[@gabbys1831]

So happy I found this because I just started watching the new show and I wanted to know more and I couldn't remember the one from the 90's 😁

[@chrislawson1988]

M o o n spells awesome review mike just seen episode 1 ofvnew the stand show looking up anything about the stand and found this gem thank you

[@August.6260]

First thing I do after finishing the stand is watching the very video that made me want to read it, thank you mike for recommending my favorite book of all time

[@mikesbookreviews]

My pleasure! So glad folks love it as much as I do.

[@dpeady78]

Just finished this for the first time last week Man, the bit that really got me is the kid, left alone who falls down the well Just so matter of fact I really really really loved Tom Cullen And now at the age of 42 I can finally see what all the fuss is about - an absolute classic

[@pyke209]

Haven't watched this yet but I like his channel the most compared to other book reviewers . I finished this story this morning. This was what it said on the side M-O-O-N that spells "Epic" lulled in some places but that was very few and far between. I loved it, the characters were awesome each in their own way. The uncut was longest story I've read yet it felt enough . Awesome 👌

[@danecobain]

Awesome! Funnily enough, I literally finished re-reading this via audio book today!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I bet that's like 100 hours long.

[@danecobain]

@@mikesbookreviews Slightly over 48! :D

[@scandle6161]

Theres so many different versions, I have a 'cut' version & an 'uncut' version, & theres a pretty big difference in page numbers. The writing is soooooo tiny too!

[@Countravendark]

Whoop whoop yesterday I received the leather bound edition of The Stand 😁, i seriously can't wait to read it

[@nemoonbekend2483]

Not one of my favorite King novels, but you did an excellent job reviewing it. That was really well presented and I think you nailed it (those characters; man!). Looking forward to your take on Dead Zone (which, oddly, is one of my King favorites). Btw- Your best video intro yet. Perfect music choice.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks! I know King stuff does moderate traffic on the channel, but he's still my favorite author and if I can sell one person on a book I love, I always consider that worth the time.

[@nemoonbekend2483]

@@mikesbookreviews Very satisfying feeling. I remember back in the day when he was often looked down on as a hack writer of "horror genre" novels by many critics. Fools.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Folks that say he isn’t an amazing writer clearly never read this one.

[@DAVEHARSTON]

I read this on kindle a couple of years ago and was gob smacked when I saw the actual book and realised how big it was I felt I flew through it the book isbtgat good it just never felt like a drag at all thanks

[@fernandopaiz3696]

I just read "The Stand" for the first time this past week. After a couple decades of hearing about this masterpiece, it more than lived up to the hype! What an experience this was 10/10

[@sweetfeathery]

I just grabbed this book from my public library for a dollar.... I'm quite excited to read it!

[@bloodynine9017]

Finished the stand 3 weeks ago, by far the best Stephen king book I’ve ever read, furthermore the best book I have ever read!

[@jamieserrano827]

I was listening to the audiobook on audible in January or February so that took me 2 1/2 ,three weeks to listen to that. My mom and dad were listening to it together.

[@mikesbookreviews]

That's an awesome family experience.

[@carrisebear3499]

I've read this book at least 5 times starting when I was in middle school. I loved the mini-series as well. I adored the long and in-depth story of good vs evil and the nuances in-between. I also enjoyed John Steinbeck's, "East of Eden" for the same reasons. It's very philosophical and there's a good vs evil element to it. I highly recommend it!

[@jasonjaffeux866]

I finished this at the start of the month. I took my time with it over a few months and im so glad i didnt rush this one. I still find myself wondering about the characters that made it. Such a good book. I just finished reading mr mercedes this morning and now im on to under the dome.

[@dominicaudy8479]

I’ve just finished a reread of it, after a hiatus of maybe 15 years without reading King who, with Frank Herbert, was the favourite writer of my teenage years. This is still a really great book. It made me fall in love again with King’s massive gift for characterization and just plain good storytelling. Except for maybe John Irving, I don’t think any other writer could make me interested in chapters like Mother’s A’s trip to get three chickens. I was watching your video about villains the other day, and you discussed the bullies. Harold is such a great flip side of the medal as the victim of bullies turned into a vengeful creep. This is an interesting twist for King on the writer character, and I recognized in Harold’s characterization a few details from autobiographical anecdotes King likes to tell. I agree with you Harold really has many layers, and he is for me perhaps the most interesting antagonist in the book. Larry has an interesting opposite arc, ending in selfless sacrifice. While the power of the story is absolutely intact and with a bit of work on the reader’s part it’s also very relevant today, the central allegory itself has been blunted by the decades a bit. When King edited the uncut version in 88, his vision of American society still held up well, despite being at its core and as originally written a post Vietnam, post Nixon vision of the late 70s, with an almost hippy vision of freedom and democracy being reborn on the ruins of the “old order”, facing a near fascistic, orderly and authoritarian society. But America has changed so much since 1990, its lines of division have evolved and deepened a lot, and this really dates the book a bit, and makes the allegory less powerful. But I might come to regret what I wish for (or not) later on, as King said last week he intends to write a novel set during the 2020 pandemic and election year. That sounds sort of like revisiting the stand, without all the allegorical coating. Not sure how much I’ll like that. But that aspect aside, the book has lost none of its power as a story, still offers a ton of food for thought, big emotions and extremely interesting and unforgettable characters. A classic, as you said. It also wetted again my appetite for King and makes me want a lot to continue rereading (before reading for the first time his newer material). I hesitated between going back to Carrie to strictly follow the chronological order or picking next IT, which was my favourite back in the day and might well still be now. Finally, I’ve settled on Salem’s Lot.

[@mnconstant147]

Just finished The Stand and it was fantastic. It's a shame some people are put off by the size. I completely agree with you. The journey is definitely worth the time!

[@leob4403]

It's the opposite of something like the Harry Potter series, which is just a complete waste of time to read though

[@yensid4294]

I read The Stand in 1979. I assume it was the original version. I didn't even know there were 2 versions in print until recently, my husband mentioned he had read the "unabridged" version while we were discussing the new mini series. I'd forgotten details like characters names but that book really stayed with me & I remembered most of what happened to the major characters & the hell they all went through when traveling to reach Mother Abigail. I especially remember that part about going through the Lincoln Tunnel, it made my skin crawl. Anyways, kind of watching your video as a refresher for the show since it seems they changed a lot. I'm kind of curious how different the 2 versions of the novel are or if extra chapters were just added. The Stand was always my favorite S.King novel but admittedly I've not read everything he's written. He's way too prolific to keep up with. I currently have the entire Dark Tower series waiting to be read & I think I will be starting that soon. I might try a re-read of The Stand somewhere in there too :) I think the reason King is so difficult to adapt to screen is because at their heart his novels are psychological thrillers & very character driven, but they end up as monster movies which doesn't do them justice.

[@hanak69]

Ok nice video, and you got a new follower, and again a guy who said IT is my fav S.K book, I need to re-read that for sure. :)

[@locolima279]

I liked The Stand. It's 5th on my King List behind The Shining, Pet Semetary (just finished the audio a week ago & STILL spooked), Salem's Lot & It. I liked the collapse of society in the 1st part. From there on it seemed like great character work more than great story. The Stand is worth a reread. Perhaps my view will evolve on the 2nd pass. Great video. Keep up the good work! I've got Dead Zone on my TBR. Might move it up cuz I'm gonna watch your full video & don't wanna spoil it. Perhaps after I get done with Powder Mage (which I'm really diggin).

[@mikesbookreviews]

I still say Pet Sematary is the scariest thing he has ever written.

[@locolima279]

Agreed. Extra points if you read/listen in the dark. Extra extra points if you have a cat with you.

[@mstrssdae]

Like Mike said, it's totally worth the journey through such a long book. If I do a reread of this though, it would be in audiobook form

[@nicholasoleksak395]

I’m almost done with the novel. I’m currently on page 1004 (I’ve got the paperback version which is 1439 pages!) and I’m really loving this book. I’m enjoying everything about it. My #1 favorite king novel of all time (I think it’s his best personally) is Salem’s Lot. Now I’m starting to think it’s this one here now. I watched this video up to the spoilers and I really enjoyed your review. Spot on. Now on to the ending for me!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Enjoy, man. It's a ride.

[@Merrick]

oh boy, one of my fav Kings and could you possibly find a more temporally appropriate book? Not often I comment before the video, but I'm excited for this one Awesome video, thanks Mike!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@lisarood9509]

I love this book and have read it every summer for many years. ❤

[@CurieBohr]

Loved this video.

[@zolyguy]

This was my third SK book after the Gunslinger and 11/22/63. Took me like a year to read. Wild journey

[@drewro541]

Mike, in retrospect...this was crazily-timed! So funny to see you reading this book during the initial U.S. outbreak wave!

[@jchan8493]

I love your videos man so much I read stephen king the stand recently and I love it so much, can't wait to read more by him, I love the Steven King poster in the background with pennywise how can I get one?

[@wreckemdaileas8647]

One of the greatest pieces of American literature ever written.

[@fluent2254]

Thanks! I needed this for a Novel study! :) Now I'm finna get a A+ B)

[@toddbowers418]

I read this over Easter weekend in 1983 when I was 14 and down with the flu . best. book. ever. At least until I read the full version in the 90s. One of my all time faves. Now that I’ve seen LoTR I see the connections. The center never holds!

[@robertjordinelli3041]

I read this book at least 4 times, both versions, most recently during the shut down in 2020.

[@sagittarianfirerat7657]

In 'The Stand' (the movie) the Nadine character is combined into two characters. There was a group of Stephen King novels made into tv movies that came out in the 1990s on ABC. The only Stephen King novel that did not air on ABC, was 'Carrie', it was aired on NBC.

[@LordoftheGame88]

Recently finished the stand and I am in love with it. Trashcan man is my favorite followed maybe by Larry.

[@mistermatsuda]

I read this smack dab in the Covid crisis. I had to stop for 2 weeks when I caught a cold (tested negative). I thought I was going to die while reading this. LOL It was giving me anxiety attacks.

[@capleespiller7336]

i think your'e right, man. Mother Abigail definitively had the shine.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Without a doubt.

[@bloodynine9017]

@@mikesbookreviews I disagree, I think she was chosen by God, my reason being she never actually saw into the future like Danny Torrance (him knowing Jake and Ullman crashed into a bike, him knowing jack got the job etc) God would speak through her IMO. Interesting opinion though!

[@datlilbeanch5477]

@@bloodynine9017 Mother Abigail literally said that her grandmother called it the shine

[@bloodynine9017]

@@datlilbeanch5477 fair enough, but she’s more of a religious figure n the shine is more like hints where as she knew it was defo gna happen. Looking back on my comment now, that bitch defo had the shine😂😂😂😂

[@morzansreddragon]

I just finished the book, now I can tell everybody I read it at a time 'Life was Literally Imitating Art', There's no denying it's greatness for which upon reading I believed every bit of it and I cannot wait to see the new miniseries when it comes (considering I read 'It' before the new film came out).

[@scandle6161]

I feel like you have to read the books that a film or show is based on, before you watch the show, as so much is left out/changed for the screen. I read the Harry Potter series as a child/teen, & have seen each of the films a ridiculous amount of times (I love that series as much as I love Stephen King!), yet I have just finished the HP book series for the first time today as an adult, & realised how much I missed when I read it when I was younger, & noticed all the differences in the films. I always think the books are so much better than the adaptations. Especially Kings, though I really enjoyed Doctor Sleep. Best screen adaptation of one of King's books to date.

[@glamvan8658]

My favorite book ✋🤚's down. .good review.

[@cilanthropetunia]

I love Tom, Stu, Larry and Nadine ❤️

[@tomahawkchop7669]

I have read both the uncut and "short" version but to be honest I did not remember the differences since there was almost 30 years in between reads. Flagg was such a badass in this then I read The Dark Tower. Realizing he was afraid of Roland Deschain just blew my mind. Roland is my all time favorite character in any story. Uncompromising

[@TheConstantSeeker]

I finished The Stand this morning. It was my first Stephen King book to read and wow... I'm can't wait to move on to 'Salem's Lot and The Shining and IT - which I've already purchased.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hope you love them!

[@dreamweaver1603]

Don’t forget his other early works because they’re great... Firestarter Dead Zone Christine Pet Semetery The Shining Then the later stuff like IT and Tommyknockers. Oh, and the books he wrote as Richard Bachman were all pretty great as well. Al of those were excellent in my opinion.

[@MrRys]

for some reason the stand halted my SK reading spree twice now, first when I was reading King in high school, I read over 20 King books and didn't finish the Stand and now when I started reading King in chronological order like you, I am stuck on the stand for over a year :D