#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.

 

#31 – Misery

Plot

Novelist Paul Sheldon has plans to make the difficult transition from writing historical romances featuring heroine Misery Chastain to publishing literary fiction. Annie Wilkes, Sheldon’s number one fan, rescues the author from the scene of a car accident. The former nurse takes care of him in her remote house but becomes irate when she discovers that the author has killed Misery off in his latest book. Annie keeps Sheldon prisoner while forcing him to write a book that brings Misery back to life. 

Review

As I mentioned previously, I do my best to not have any idea what a book or a movie or a tv show is about before I consume it. I’ve found that not having any expectations on where I think the story should be headed has allowed me to experience art with a clearer and more open mind.

Unfortunately, there are times where this can be unavoidable. Misery falls into this category as – despite never watching the movie starring Kathy Bates – I knew the general premise prior to reading the book. But man, do I wish I had a blank canvas because Misery is a great read. The sheer amount of psychological warfare that was being exhibited by Annie was extraordinary.

Knowing the premise is one thing, but not having a clue how everything was executed was another. King had his audience in mind – not only because of the centered relationship between fan and artist, but also because Misery puts you right into Paul’s shoes – and what helpless soles they are.

It’s hard not to read Misery and ask yourself what King was really trying to say to his Constant Readers. He published Misery soon after The Eyes of The Dragon (yet to be named on this list) and received some backlash from his supporters because it was so much different than his previous works. As for me – I’m here because King is a great writer – regardless of genre, and Misery is an excellent example of that.

Details

Pages: 368

Dates Read: October – November 2020

Quote: “I am your number one fan.”

Best Part: It’s difficult to look at a riding lawnmower the same way after reading Misery.

Hint for #30: My dog Lucy and I would often go on these when she was younger. Now, she’s tired after a lap around the neighborhood.

 

Until next time, peace be the journey.