Nightmares and Dreamscapes discussion

Hey all!

A few of us will be buddy reading The Gunslinger and then tackling the rest of the books in The Dark Tower series in the months to come.

Please join if you would like and use spoilers when discussing the book while reading.

I’m so excited to finally read this series!

Looking forward to this! Don’t know why I’ve never tackled this series before, but glad to be doing so now.

Terry wrote: "Looking forward to this! Don’t know why I’ve never tackled this series before, but glad to be doing so now."

Me too!! Feel the same and I have no idea why it’s taken me this long to get to it.

I love this series and will gladly buddyread along.

Do you have a start date in mind? Or are we just going for it?

Glad you can join Annerlee. We’re starting book 1 right away, and we’ll play the rest by ear as we go.

Hey Annerlee! Welcome and glad you can join us for your reread!

What Terry said above ⬆️

Nice. Will dig out my copy!

I'm ready! I am glad to be buddy reading the series because I don't think I'd be motivated to read it otherwise. 😉

Vickie wrote: "I'm ready! I am glad to be buddy reading the series because I don't think I'd be motivated to read it otherwise. 😉"

Hey Vickie! Welcome to the Dark Tower madness! 🤓😂

I’ve started and read up to ch11. As I’ve heard others say, it is not what I was expecting, but I’m definitely curious!

Also, I found the forward in my copy to be interesting. I didn’t know that this book got republished in 2003 when he was finishing the series up, and that he added and changed a few things from the original story.

Terry wrote: "Also, I found the forward in my copy to be interesting. I didn’t know that this book got republished in 2003 when he was finishing the series up, and that he added and changed a few things from the..."

I found that interesting too! I liked hearing about his thoughts on the series and that he changed/added a few things when he finally finished the entire series.

I also liked how he described the series in where it was a mix between The Lord of the Rings and The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.
I watched that movie with my dad when I was a kid. Husband and I ended up watching it again about a year ago so it's fresher in my mind as I'm reading this.

I can totally picture both of these things as I'm reading this first book! haha

Yes, the forward was rather interesting. Not much really happening right now, but like you said, Terry, I'm curious as well.

This is one of my favourite series of all time, so I'll follow along your discussion as my books are in storage at present. I'm curious about the post-2003 Gunslinger, as I'm pretty sure I've got an earlier edition.

Hope you guys love these books as much as I did!

Thanks Krystal! I’d be curious what the differences are as well, but the forward didn’t really say other than he’d added a few things and changed a little. I’m enjoying so far, although I’m still a little lost as to what’s going on.

In part 1, ch 15, what in the world just happened? I think (view spoiler)[ SK kept it vague just to keep us guessing. (hide spoiler)]

At the end of part 2, ch 3, (view spoiler)[ this part must be a clue as to what this world actually is that we find ourselves in. It certainly does not feel like our world so far. (hide spoiler)]

Terry wrote: "In part 1, ch 15, what in the world just happened? I think [spoilers removed]"

I have no idea but maybe the (view spoiler)[Man in Black not only got her pregnant (demon child!! :D) but also possessed her mind so that she was able to influence the townies. They get so warped up in her crazy that when she points at the interloper (him), the trap is set. (hide spoiler)]
I got to the beginning of Part 2 last night. The part with the town (view spoiler)[was crazy and felt like a fever dream.
I would also act like there wasn't a nineteen too. hahaha (hide spoiler)]

Krystal wrote: "This is one of my favourite series of all time, so I'll follow along your discussion as my books are in storage at present. I'm curious about the post-2003 Gunslinger, as I'm pretty sure I've got a..."

Glad to hear it's a favorite Krystal, and please follow along as much as you want! :D

Ginger wrote: "Terry wrote: "In part 1, ch 15, what in the world just happened? I think [spoilers removed]"

I have no idea but maybe the [spoilers removed]
I got to the beginning of Part 2 last night. The part w..."

Yeah, that’s how I read everything also, I just could not (view spoiler)[ figure out what The Gunslinger actually did to her. He seemed to have killed the demon baby (if there was one?) but did not seem to actually hurt her. I do think it was kept vague on purpose but would like to have known a little more what was going on. (hide spoiler)]

I agree about the part at the end of part 1, (view spoiler)[ in Tull. That was pretty crazy that he had to kill all of them like he did. (hide spoiler)]

Not sure if you guys are aware, either, but there is a GORGEOUS series of graphic novels of The Dark Tower. The artwork from Jae Lee is stunning, and the story is told chronologically, as opposed to the novels which utilises flashbacks. I'd highly recommend if you end up enjoying the series!

Yeah, Terry, that part was rather vague but I read it pretty much the same as you.

And, geez, yes Ginger, that ending in Tull... yikes!

Krystal wrote: "Not sure if you guys are aware, either, but there is a GORGEOUS series of graphic novels of The Dark Tower. The artwork from Jae Lee is stunning, and the story is told chronologically, as opposed t..."

I’ve seen those Krystal and I’m glad to hear that you loved them!

I thought I would join this King party. lol

I read the first three books back in the 80's but do not remember much of them now as it has been so long that my memory has become fuzzy. lol I never finished reading the series as at the time I had to wait on King to write the next book in the series so I just let it slide and then figured that so much time had passed I would need to reread them again and kind of start over so I just let them all slide to the side of the book road. lol

I own books 1 and 2 on kindle so I will see if I can grab the rest of them when you all get ready to read each one.

Will start book one this weekend. :)

Marie wrote: "I thought I would join this King party. lol

I read the first three books back in the 80's but do not remember much of them now as it has been so long that my memory has become fuzzy. lol I never ..."

Awesome Marie!! I’m so glad you’re joining our Dark Tower party! 🎉

I know we’re planning on reading the entire series. As for the rest of the books, we’re hoping to do one a month or what works for us all.
All of those other books do tend to get in the way! 😉🤣

Marie wrote: "I thought I would join this King party. lol

I read the first three books back in the 80's but do not remember much of them now as it has been so long that my memory has become fuzzy. lol I never ..."

Excellent Marie! Glad you can join.

Good to see ya, Marie. And Happy Birthday! 😉🎉🎂🎈

Happy Birthday Marie!! Hope you have a fantastic day!

Thank you for the birthday wishes! And happy to be here on this Dark Tower journey. :)

Yes, Happy Birthday Marie! I hope you got some new books and had a fun day.

I’ve made it up to ch10 in part 3. So far, (view spoiler)[ I’m still really guessing at where this is going. I’m curious to see what our upcoming confrontation is going to reveal about the big picture. (hide spoiler)]

I’ll likely get there tomorrow. I got up to Chapter 3 today.

I feel like (view spoiler)[Jake is bait. Maybe the Man in Black makes Roland care for him?
I found it fascinating that we got a portal to NYC with Jake before he died. My curiosity is peaked! (hide spoiler)]

Ginger wrote: "I’ll likely get there tomorrow. I got up to Chapter ..."

I totally agree about (view spoiler)[ Jake. He is definitely going to be used against Roland at some point. I think Roland knows that also.

And the part with the New York flashback with Jake is probably what has hooked me the most on this story so far. (hide spoiler)]

I've finally caught up. It's been a rough few days. We had to put one of our dogs down. He was 13 and started showing signs of dementia and went downhill fast, so it was time. Still sucks, though.

Anywho... I am now up to chapter 4. I agree with what you both have said so far. And I still wonder where all this is going.

And about Roland and Jake... (view spoiler)[ I find it crazy that Roland can love him after only knowing him for, like, a few hours.😂 (hide spoiler)]

Vickie wrote: "I've finally caught up. It's been a rough few days. We had to put one of our dogs down. He was 13 and started showing signs of dementia and went downhill fast, so it was time. Still sucks, though. ..."

Oh no Vickie!! I’m so sorry to hear this. One of the toughest things to do and we had to do this back in 2020 with our boy Duke. It took me a few years before I could get another dog, Charlie.

I know they’re not suppose to be with us forever but I’m not sure why not and who made that rule?! I swear I love my dogs more than most people these days. 🫣😂

"It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them.
And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart.
If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are".

This quote still gets me teary eyed. Big hugs my friend!

Vickie wrote: "I've finally caught up. It's been a rough few days. We had to put one of our dogs down. He was 13 and started showing signs of dementia and went downhill fast, so it was time. Still sucks, though. ..."

I am so sorry too, Vickie. We lost one of our dogs just a few months ago as well. She was just turning 13, but was in terrific health as far as we could tell. She was still acting like a puppy but then suddenly passed. It’s devastating.

And Ginger, I love that quote! I hadn’t heard that before but it is so true.

Thank you both! And I love that quote, too, Ginger. Thanks so much for sharing!

Vickie wrote: "I've finally caught up. It's been a rough few days. We had to put one of our dogs down. He was 13 and started showing signs of dementia and went downhill fast, so it was time. Still sucks, though. ..."

Sorry to hear about your dog, Vickie. :( Our pets are family. I have had to put down pets before and it is hard. They will meet you again across the rainbow bridge. :) Hugs to you and your family. :)

I am way behind you all on this book - wasn't able to get to it yet. Just a lot going on at home and I have been in and out some. I am trying to finish up some other books so it might be awhile before I can get to this one. When I get to it I will plop some stuff on this thread as we don't close threads around here - we leave them open for the future in case others want to jump aboard the band wagon. :)

Marie wrote: "I am way behind you all on this book - wasn't able to get to it yet. Just a lot going on at home and I have been in and out some. I am trying to finish up some other books so it might be awhile bef..."

Awesome and glad you’ll leave some thoughts when you get to it!

I got to the beginning of Chapter 5 last night. I'll likely finish this up in the next day or two. The book moves between Roland's past and present dealings with the Man in Black.

I hope to learn more about the world building in this because (view spoiler)[there's portal like weirdness going on.
Not only was Jake from NYC but getting all of this train business in the cave and seeing old stores is so weird.

It's like steampunk in a way except with fantasy.
Having a historical setting with falcons, weapons, medieval things with Roland and then having this advanced technology and present times with Jake in the story. (hide spoiler)]

Very strange and want to know more!

I ended up finishing. I liked it although I have to admit (view spoiler)[ I was confused as to everything that was happening there at the end. I’m not sure who the man in black ended up being, although I’m guessing he works for the devil, or some evil that is his boss he wouldn’t speak of. I was also confused by how it seemed that the Gunslinger may have been through all of this before, but now is moving on… 🤷🏼‍♂️ (hide spoiler)]
I am certainly looking forward to finding out more as we go along.

Hopefully I can finish tonight, but we'll see.

I finished and honestly, I'm not sure what the heck I just read, lol. I agree, Terry, it was a little confusing on the whole. Hope things get clearer as we continue. And, yes Ginger, the world building is definitely different!

Vickie wrote: "I finished and honestly, I'm not sure what the heck I just read, lol. I agree, Terry, it was a little confusing on the whole. Hope things get clearer as we continue. And, yes Ginger, the world buil..."

They have to, right?!

How does Nov 1 sound to everyone to start the second book? Get through the Halloween season, and time for Marie to get a chance to get to this one.

Terry wrote: "How does Nov 1 sound to everyone to start the second book? Get through the Halloween season, and time for Marie to get a chance to get to this one."

Sounds good to me on Nov 1st!

From comments from other readers that’s finished the series, it sounds like a lot of the questions we had about characters and the world building in this will make sense.
Let’s hope! 🤞

Sounds good to me, too.👍