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Khalid Abdul-Mumin's Reviews > The Stand
The Stand
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Considering the popularity of this book, there'll be no need for me to make this long, so, just my feelings and impressions while reading this.
The first half of this reads like a classic Stephen King novel. All hell has broken loose and he has generously provided great exposition akin to a front row seating for anyone curious in observing how the world might end in a meticulously written high definition detail. A true class act indeed, nevertheless, I did find myself getting bored and/or transfixed with the world-building and character development in equal measures.
The second half deals with how the various remaining forces of good and evil have choosen to remake the wasteland of the world in their respective images. I think my problem with this read was that I went into it with expectations of mythic proportions. I'll still recommend this for both Stephen King die hards yet to pick this up and general post-apocalyptic fans out there that'll love a very interesting and immersive experience of world-building and character development of truly macabre tints.
2022 Read
The first half of this reads like a classic Stephen King novel. All hell has broken loose and he has generously provided great exposition akin to a front row seating for anyone curious in observing how the world might end in a meticulously written high definition detail. A true class act indeed, nevertheless, I did find myself getting bored and/or transfixed with the world-building and character development in equal measures.
The second half deals with how the various remaining forces of good and evil have choosen to remake the wasteland of the world in their respective images. I think my problem with this read was that I went into it with expectations of mythic proportions. I'll still recommend this for both Stephen King die hards yet to pick this up and general post-apocalyptic fans out there that'll love a very interesting and immersive experience of world-building and character development of truly macabre tints.
2022 Read
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The Stand.
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Reading Progress
October 21, 2022
–
Started Reading
October 21, 2022
– Shelved
October 21, 2022
–
35.0%
October 21, 2022
–
55.0%
October 25, 2022
–
Finished Reading
December 3, 2022
– Shelved as:
reviewed-reads
Comments Showing 1-26 of 26 (26 new)
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Theresa (mysteries.and.mayhem)
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rated it 5 stars
Oct 25, 2022 04:07AM
Ah, the hype killed it for you! I'm sorry to hear that. This is one of my favorite King books. I'm a sucker for all the intricate world building and character building - the very things that started to bore you. :)
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I hear you Khalid! I loved the first part, but the grand show down between good and evil? Not sure why he went there, but I did not dig it, and this put me off reading King for years.
Nice review! I don't think I ever managed to finish this one. I had similar feelings I seem to remember.
I have been meaning to read this one for ages but keep putting it off because of its length! I am so sorry it wasn't quite up to expectations Khalid, thank you for your great and honest review! 😊
Oh my, Theresa. My fingers were in my teeth while writing this review because it's been my mom's favorite book of all time! I do love intricate world-building but I guess I couldn't justify his with the page count. It's his first book that I've rated below four stars though. Thanks for the comment.
Yes Phil, your comment sums up my experience of this. The first 50% was quite okay, but it went downhill from there for me I suppose. I thought maybe if he would have went the road of cosmic horror like in some of his books rather than the good/evil dichotomy.
Lol, Stu. Seems like we have the same 'enjoyment meter' on these kinds of reads. Thanks for dropping by.
@EllieThanks E. I do hope you get to experience this tome nevertheless. Will be waiting for your thoughts on it, whenever it comes. 😁
Guess it is a season of 3-stars, gave the same to my recent read :-DA brilliant, well-justified review, Khalid!
Lol. Thanks Meghna, my second consecutive 3 stars. I really wanted to like this so much (and thought that I would) but alas... It was quite a slog.
Aw no, too bad! Sorry this wasn’t a winner for you, Khalid. I haven’t read it in years but I remember it being one of my favourites! 😊
Thanks, Cym. I can think of 10 solid SK's books that I liked more than this.
Great review Khalid! I don't know how I managed to finish this one. 😂
@KayI feel you. I had to just because...
It's SK after all!
Thanks Carmen, much appreciated.
Sometimes you wonder what else you can add in the way of reviews when there are plenty out there. I think yours was just fine.
Oh yeah, lol. I just spill forth my ramblings and hope it gives some otherwise hidden insight to someone that's not read the book before. Pretty daunting actually. Thanks a lot for your opinion on this.
The Stand owes a lot to a previous Novel "Earth Abides," which I read before "The Stand" came out. I think overall it was more interesting.
@HaroldOh wow, woulda never thought, I'll check it out. Thanks for that.
Sorry this didn’t work for you Khalid. When I venture to read one of kin’s books, I either love it or hate it it. This one was just meh for me.
@GlendaYeah, Glenda, I really wanted to like it much more than I did.
I felt the same way. The Lincoln Tunnel scene was among my favorites ever but oh my did this novel drag in the 2nd half. I gave a 3 star as well. So overrated.
Yeah but you've still read tons of him I'm sure. I broke my teeth reading him and Clarke, Sheldon, Archer, Grisham, Ludlum, etc.But he's been my favorite starter author yet. Although I do love my Ludlum's, very thrilling.
Lincoln Tunnel! Loved this so much but your points are all valid.
@CharOh yes! I haven't read another King since.
