#1 – The Stand

Plot

When a man escapes from a biological testing facility, he sets in motion a deadly domino effect, spreading a mutated strain of the flu that will wipe out 99 percent of humanity within a few weeks. The survivors who remain are scared, bewildered, and in need of a leader. Two emerge–Mother Abagail, the benevolent 108-year-old woman who urges them to build a peaceful community in Boulder, Colorado; and Randall Flagg, the nefarious “Dark Man,” who delights in chaos and violence. As the dark man and the peaceful woman gather power, the survivors will have to choose between them–and ultimately decide the fate of all humanity. 

Review

Here we are.  At the end, and yet at the beginning – which happens quite often on epic journeys.  The very first Stephen King book I’ve ever read is the last book to be ranked.  It stands alone as not only my favorite Stephen King novel but my favorite book I’ve ever read.  It’s perfect.  

This is an epic book in every definition of the word.  It’s the longest novel King has ever written, clocking in at nearly 500,000 words.  The plot is centered around a civilization on the verge of destruction and one giant battle of good vs evil for the fate of the human race.  It involves a Super Flu that wipes out nearly the entire planet in a manner that drew a ton of comparisons during the onset of Covid.  If there’s a more epic book grounded in reality with sprinkles of the supernatural, I’m all ears.  

I’ve never read the normal version of The Stand, only the uncut edition.  I can’t imagine cutting some of this material.  It was all important to either character building, plot development or just pure entertainment.  King appears to take special delight in finding different ways folks died (both with and without the Flu).  

The characters here are incredibly rich.  Stu, Randall Flagg, Mother Abagail and The Trashcan Man (to name a few) are all rich, fulfilling personas that add unbelievable depth and detail to this sprawling piece of literature.  They are all different ages, different backgrounds, different sexes, different races and King is able to perfectly capture them all.  It’s absolutely amazing to think this was one of King’s first novels, published when he was merely 31.  

Thank you.  Thank you to the Constant Readers who went on this journey with me.  I’ve been exposed to an entire community of Stephen King fans and to some spectacular blogs.  None of which doesn’t happen if you didn’t read, like, comment, etc.  I’m entirely grateful for all of it. 

I’m also grateful for my Aunt JoAnn for not only getting me started on this journey but for the continual discussion throughout it all.  Here’s to hoping you have someone in your life that encourages you to experience art in all its beautiful mediums.

Details

Pages: 1,141

Dates Read: Pre-2012

Quote: “That wasn’t any act of God. That was an act of pure human fuckery.”

Best Part: King shows his creativity in spades while crafting all the different scenarios folks die early in this one.

 

Until next time, peace be the journey.