Justin’s review of The Stand > Likes and Comments
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Fun! I’ve never read this one, although I’m a come-lately King fan. I’ll be anxiously following along, Justin. 😁👍
(Hey, no joke about the coronavirus - one of the five reported cases is in the county where I live in Arizona. Yipes! 😷
Never fails, each time I read this book, I psycho-somatically get a cold. Be prepared for Mr. King to convince you that you are also sick!
My all time favorite King book! Scary because it could happen. That was my perspective when it came out. Now, could it be happening?
@Cyndi I keep hearing it’s his best. There’s a lot of competition but I’m loving it so far!
Hey Justin. I think that Stephen King is one of the best character writers going around. It's as if he builds his narratives around his characters. :-)
Stephen King makes characters that seem real, because they're all flawed in some way. None of that beautiful woman meets most handsome man alive wishy washy crap.He builds suspense like no one else can. Then bam he hits you hard with some crazy antics. Like in Storm Of The Century where Andre L. gets everyone to do bad stuff to their long time neighbors , friends, and lovers. He truly is King
I loved this when I read it "m a n y" years ago. I think it might still be on the shelf - if so, maybe it's time to read it again.
Good review, Justin. I agree with your comments about China. Hey what better way to deal with protesters, eh? I enjoyed the movie, as long as it was. You know, maybe King deserves a lot more credit for his works. Didn't he write a book about a school shooting before the loonies made it a sick fad? And now this? Will they one day think him another Nostradamus?
I just bought this to reread as well. I had read it years ago but now I am questioning the timing also. Maybe too close to reality right now. The beginning is especially vivid as I recall.
@Holly vivid is a good way to put it! There’s been a few so-so kinda boring chapters, but in a way they work too because it makes the horrific moments stick out.
Justin wrote: "@Holly vivid is a good way to put it! There’s been a few so-so kinda boring chapters, but in a way they work too because it makes the horrific moments stick out."
That's how I remember it...ugh. You are making me want to drop everything on my tbr and read it despite everything going on and I am trying not to do that. It is enticing though. I love the King works that are like this one. Maybe this weekend...
Does goodreads have to be turned into an ugly political name calling finger pointing circus just like every other social media forum? Seriously people, go to Facebook if you want to carry on like this.
Wow, an arbiter of what people can say on Goodreads, that is exactly what we need! Steven King on DJT When Blabbermouth Don talks about who has the bigger nuclear button, I think we all know what he's talking about. It's your basic dick-measuring contest. Sad!
Great comments! I’m honestly not trying to make this a political rant. I’m reviewing this as I go along because I know it’s too massive for me to remember my full range of emotions after I’m done. Also, I figure this journal approach would fit in documenting what’s going on in the world during a real pandemic. Unfortunately politics is part of the situation. It’s also very much a part of The Stand.
The Stand is one of my favorite all-time reads and I give you a lot of credit, Justin for reading this right now. I think I would be in panic state mode all the time getting reality and fiction all twisted up. Lol. Stephen King had to have been an old soul at such a young age when he wrote these deep and meaningful and horror ridden stories the have made him an icon in the writing world. I love your comments and I will be following along to see what you think because this was an unforgettable book for me and it truly was written well ahead of it's time!!
Lol imagine panicking about the covid-19, a virus with a mortality rate just slightly higher than the normal flu.
@Marlon while a 2% fatality rate is fairly low—certainly much lower than The Stand!—that’s actually 20x the likelihood of death from regular flu. Not totally insignificant. I’m more concerned for my parents, however, who are in their 70s and with heart conditions.
Haha!! I LOVE this book, read it for the first time in my teens, and have reread it numerous times since. I also have it downloaded as an audio book ready to listen to soon, as I’m feeling a yen to revisit it again. One of the few books in life I’ve given 5 stars too. Enjoy the ride, my friend, you’re in for a helluva treat!!!!
And stop worrying about Coronavirus!! 😉
I've read this book at least 6 times. It's my favorite King and favorite book. So, so good. Chilling and wonderful. Enjoy!
I started rereading for the same purpose. Reading the original not the unabridged. It is terrifyingly predictive, at least the beginning.
Always been one of my favorites, no matter how often I've read it!
When Larry is at an afternoon matinee and hears people coughing...
Starting to question my logic that reading this during a pandemic will make it more fun...
thank you for some much needed levity. i actually LOL. have you read his book On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft?
I have read this book so many times but I absolutely could not RESIST re reading it with all the covid 19 stuff going on. I just had to.
Cinda wrote: "I have read this book so many times but I absolutely could not RESIST re reading it with all the covid 19 stuff going on. I just had to."
Same here. I did go ahead and pick it up again and it is a good as I remember so far.
I'e read this book 3 times, and watched the mini series a dozen times, I have never gotten tired of it
Read it during COVID-19
Yes or No?
Also the number 19 connection is quite eerie.
I am also reading for the second time, during the virus scare. I am just getting started, but I admit the book is scaring me a little.
I am listening to the Grover Gardner narration of this for the 1st time of listening or reading ever- it was gifted to my Audible account- perfect timing:)- I literally just got to the " in the row behind Larry, someone was coughing" part --I've had this in my wishlist for awhile-so this was great to receive -and the timing makes it even better- especially since its my first time.. I go through stages where I read 2-3 of his then I have to take a break and pick him back up 5-6 years later.. It works good for me I think I appreciate him more than I would if I tried to barrel through a lot of em at once..When I told somebody I was listening to it- she said" ughh dont bother NOTHING happens..I mean it..NOTHING!! 1000 pages and NOTHING! I HATE THAT BOOK!! ITS THE WORST!!" Well I'm a couple hours in and there's quite a few things that have happened :):)
This is a terrific and chilling live-blog.
He’s just that good. Everything he writes gives me chills.
An ironically timely read. When I read this classic horror saga, blissfully unaware of the real risk of pandemics, I enjoyed the mythic story thoroughly, though presently I don’t plan to read it again anytime soon, at least not until after COVID-19 has run its course.
I love your reading your thoughts on the comparisons with current events as you read along. Who would have believed how prophetic it would turn out to be? You are a braver soul than I to re-read this at this time. But, you are correct, even at a young age, Stephen King proved his amazing talent.
I found the beginning of the book fascinating and scary -- I've always found infectious diseases interesting. But once it got supernatural, I lost interest.
Last weekend I watched "Contagion" for the first time since I saw it in the theater, which is a realistic look at a pandemic disease that is not actually like COVID-19. So I get the urge to experience something similar during such a bizarre and unprecedented time.
I hope we all have good books to read these days, and we all still connect about them on Goodreads, and we all come out of this okay sooner rather than later.
I want to read this in the midst of the corona virus too just to freak myself out. I think I will :)
This Steven King. You are either at the edge of your seat or a bit bored. I am sure it will get interesting again. I don't know how you can read this now, though. I would be freaked out.
I did like this, 3 stars, but it's no Shining.
I dedice reading Station Eleven because it seemed a good idea, so I totally get why you started "the stand" now, but I will say to both of us: not sure that was a great idea!!! (The stand is faaaaar scariest han Station Eleven anyway!!!)
I’m loving your updates Justin! Keep reading faster. 😉🤣
I hear you. I am rereading for same reason. This just happens to be my favorite book and although I have read it many, many time since for more the 35+ years I think it's time to bring it out once again. M-O-O-N spells...scary times.
What good series of reviews, Justin. Yours have to be almost as good as the book. Since it seems all of us will be stuck in a quarantine for an indefinite time, I need to get my hands on The Stand, hopefully from our digital library.
I fear that the number of cases will continue to double daily, or even exponentially, until the virus runs its and (A those with immunity of some strength will recover and B) the rest of us are dead.
I do tend to over-think things. Almost everything, actually.
Justin wrote: "Great comments! I’m honestly not trying to make this a political rant. I’m reviewing this as I go along because I know it’s too massive for me to remember my full range of emotions after I’m done. ..."
I love that and how you are doing this Justin. A long review for a long book. And I applaud you for reading this during this time. I doubt I would sleep at all if I was reading this now.
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Jan 27, 2020 10:40AM
Fun! I’ve never read this one, although I’m a come-lately King fan. I’ll be anxiously following along, Justin. 😁👍
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(Hey, no joke about the coronavirus - one of the five reported cases is in the county where I live in Arizona. Yipes! 😷
Never fails, each time I read this book, I psycho-somatically get a cold. Be prepared for Mr. King to convince you that you are also sick!
My all time favorite King book! Scary because it could happen. That was my perspective when it came out. Now, could it be happening?
@Cyndi I keep hearing it’s his best. There’s a lot of competition but I’m loving it so far!
Hey Justin. I think that Stephen King is one of the best character writers going around. It's as if he builds his narratives around his characters. :-)
Stephen King makes characters that seem real, because they're all flawed in some way. None of that beautiful woman meets most handsome man alive wishy washy crap.He builds suspense like no one else can. Then bam he hits you hard with some crazy antics. Like in Storm Of The Century where Andre L. gets everyone to do bad stuff to their long time neighbors , friends, and lovers. He truly is King
I loved this when I read it "m a n y" years ago. I think it might still be on the shelf - if so, maybe it's time to read it again.
Good review, Justin. I agree with your comments about China. Hey what better way to deal with protesters, eh? I enjoyed the movie, as long as it was. You know, maybe King deserves a lot more credit for his works. Didn't he write a book about a school shooting before the loonies made it a sick fad? And now this? Will they one day think him another Nostradamus?
I just bought this to reread as well. I had read it years ago but now I am questioning the timing also. Maybe too close to reality right now. The beginning is especially vivid as I recall.
@Holly vivid is a good way to put it! There’s been a few so-so kinda boring chapters, but in a way they work too because it makes the horrific moments stick out.
Justin wrote: "@Holly vivid is a good way to put it! There’s been a few so-so kinda boring chapters, but in a way they work too because it makes the horrific moments stick out."That's how I remember it...ugh. You are making me want to drop everything on my tbr and read it despite everything going on and I am trying not to do that. It is enticing though. I love the King works that are like this one. Maybe this weekend...
Does goodreads have to be turned into an ugly political name calling finger pointing circus just like every other social media forum? Seriously people, go to Facebook if you want to carry on like this.
Wow, an arbiter of what people can say on Goodreads, that is exactly what we need! Steven King on DJT When Blabbermouth Don talks about who has the bigger nuclear button, I think we all know what he's talking about. It's your basic dick-measuring contest. Sad!
"My main thought right now is that it's entirely unfair for Stephen King, probably writing most of this while still in his 20s, to be this good."
This made me smile. When I read his books first, when I was 20+ myself, I didn't realize this, but now that I am much older (54) I can understand more how exceptional it is for such a young person to be able to write very good, deep old characters.
Also you are right, that Trump is a threat, even more right now, since he just spins around himself and his money and saying that on Goodreads is not only fine, it is necessary. Art is and was always political. Life is political. Books are political and we as readers are deeply affected by politics.
Trump himself does political comment on all kinds of art, the latest was him rambling about how the Oscars could go to a movie made in South Korea, by South Korean people and that he wants "Gone With The Wind" back, of all possible movies he could have mentioned...
This made me smile. When I read his books first, when I was 20+ myself, I didn't realize this, but now that I am much older (54) I can understand more how exceptional it is for such a young person to be able to write very good, deep old characters.
Also you are right, that Trump is a threat, even more right now, since he just spins around himself and his money and saying that on Goodreads is not only fine, it is necessary. Art is and was always political. Life is political. Books are political and we as readers are deeply affected by politics.
Trump himself does political comment on all kinds of art, the latest was him rambling about how the Oscars could go to a movie made in South Korea, by South Korean people and that he wants "Gone With The Wind" back, of all possible movies he could have mentioned...
Great comments! I’m honestly not trying to make this a political rant. I’m reviewing this as I go along because I know it’s too massive for me to remember my full range of emotions after I’m done. Also, I figure this journal approach would fit in documenting what’s going on in the world during a real pandemic. Unfortunately politics is part of the situation. It’s also very much a part of The Stand.
The Stand is one of my favorite all-time reads and I give you a lot of credit, Justin for reading this right now. I think I would be in panic state mode all the time getting reality and fiction all twisted up. Lol. Stephen King had to have been an old soul at such a young age when he wrote these deep and meaningful and horror ridden stories the have made him an icon in the writing world. I love your comments and I will be following along to see what you think because this was an unforgettable book for me and it truly was written well ahead of it's time!!
Lol imagine panicking about the covid-19, a virus with a mortality rate just slightly higher than the normal flu.
@Marlon while a 2% fatality rate is fairly low—certainly much lower than The Stand!—that’s actually 20x the likelihood of death from regular flu. Not totally insignificant. I’m more concerned for my parents, however, who are in their 70s and with heart conditions.
Marlon wrote: "Lol imagine panicking about the covid-19, a virus with a mortality rate just slightly higher than the normal flu."
There is a difference between panicking and being reasonable concerned, a difference between calling it a hoax and asking your citizens to stay calm and follow some easy to follow instructions to minimize the dangers and actually putting someone in charge who is capable of doing the job and not only pray. A difference between downplaying Covid-19 because you are not part of the specific group that faces a high mortality risk (up to 20x compared to the flu), like my 76/78 year old parents and my granddaughter with already a bad health condition of her lungs.
That difference shouldn't be hard to understand. You might ask yourself how loud all the family members of the already dead are "lol-ing" right now with you. There is nothing funny about this, not at all.
There is a difference between panicking and being reasonable concerned, a difference between calling it a hoax and asking your citizens to stay calm and follow some easy to follow instructions to minimize the dangers and actually putting someone in charge who is capable of doing the job and not only pray. A difference between downplaying Covid-19 because you are not part of the specific group that faces a high mortality risk (up to 20x compared to the flu), like my 76/78 year old parents and my granddaughter with already a bad health condition of her lungs.
That difference shouldn't be hard to understand. You might ask yourself how loud all the family members of the already dead are "lol-ing" right now with you. There is nothing funny about this, not at all.
Haha!! I LOVE this book, read it for the first time in my teens, and have reread it numerous times since. I also have it downloaded as an audio book ready to listen to soon, as I’m feeling a yen to revisit it again. One of the few books in life I’ve given 5 stars too. Enjoy the ride, my friend, you’re in for a helluva treat!!!!
And stop worrying about Coronavirus!! 😉
I've read this book at least 6 times. It's my favorite King and favorite book. So, so good. Chilling and wonderful. Enjoy!
I started rereading for the same purpose. Reading the original not the unabridged. It is terrifyingly predictive, at least the beginning.
Always been one of my favorites, no matter how often I've read it!
When Larry is at an afternoon matinee and hears people coughing...
Starting to question my logic that reading this during a pandemic will make it more fun...thank you for some much needed levity. i actually LOL. have you read his book On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft?
I have read this book so many times but I absolutely could not RESIST re reading it with all the covid 19 stuff going on. I just had to.
Cinda wrote: "I have read this book so many times but I absolutely could not RESIST re reading it with all the covid 19 stuff going on. I just had to."Same here. I did go ahead and pick it up again and it is a good as I remember so far.
I'e read this book 3 times, and watched the mini series a dozen times, I have never gotten tired of it
Read it during COVID-19Yes or No?
Also the number 19 connection is quite eerie.
I am also reading for the second time, during the virus scare. I am just getting started, but I admit the book is scaring me a little.
I am listening to the Grover Gardner narration of this for the 1st time of listening or reading ever- it was gifted to my Audible account- perfect timing:)- I literally just got to the " in the row behind Larry, someone was coughing" part --I've had this in my wishlist for awhile-so this was great to receive -and the timing makes it even better- especially since its my first time.. I go through stages where I read 2-3 of his then I have to take a break and pick him back up 5-6 years later.. It works good for me I think I appreciate him more than I would if I tried to barrel through a lot of em at once..When I told somebody I was listening to it- she said" ughh dont bother NOTHING happens..I mean it..NOTHING!! 1000 pages and NOTHING! I HATE THAT BOOK!! ITS THE WORST!!" Well I'm a couple hours in and there's quite a few things that have happened :):)
This is a terrific and chilling live-blog.
He’s just that good. Everything he writes gives me chills.
An ironically timely read. When I read this classic horror saga, blissfully unaware of the real risk of pandemics, I enjoyed the mythic story thoroughly, though presently I don’t plan to read it again anytime soon, at least not until after COVID-19 has run its course.
I love your reading your thoughts on the comparisons with current events as you read along. Who would have believed how prophetic it would turn out to be? You are a braver soul than I to re-read this at this time. But, you are correct, even at a young age, Stephen King proved his amazing talent.
I found the beginning of the book fascinating and scary -- I've always found infectious diseases interesting. But once it got supernatural, I lost interest.Last weekend I watched "Contagion" for the first time since I saw it in the theater, which is a realistic look at a pandemic disease that is not actually like COVID-19. So I get the urge to experience something similar during such a bizarre and unprecedented time.
I hope we all have good books to read these days, and we all still connect about them on Goodreads, and we all come out of this okay sooner rather than later.
I want to read this in the midst of the corona virus too just to freak myself out. I think I will :)
This Steven King. You are either at the edge of your seat or a bit bored. I am sure it will get interesting again. I don't know how you can read this now, though. I would be freaked out.
I did like this, 3 stars, but it's no Shining.
I dedice reading Station Eleven because it seemed a good idea, so I totally get why you started "the stand" now, but I will say to both of us: not sure that was a great idea!!! (The stand is faaaaar scariest han Station Eleven anyway!!!)
I’m loving your updates Justin! Keep reading faster. 😉🤣
I hear you. I am rereading for same reason. This just happens to be my favorite book and although I have read it many, many time since for more the 35+ years I think it's time to bring it out once again. M-O-O-N spells...scary times.
What good series of reviews, Justin. Yours have to be almost as good as the book. Since it seems all of us will be stuck in a quarantine for an indefinite time, I need to get my hands on The Stand, hopefully from our digital library.
I fear that the number of cases will continue to double daily, or even exponentially, until the virus runs its and (A those with immunity of some strength will recover and B) the rest of us are dead.I do tend to over-think things. Almost everything, actually.
Justin wrote: "Great comments! I’m honestly not trying to make this a political rant. I’m reviewing this as I go along because I know it’s too massive for me to remember my full range of emotions after I’m done. ..."I love that and how you are doing this Justin. A long review for a long book. And I applaud you for reading this during this time. I doubt I would sleep at all if I was reading this now.
