Rating: 
Summary: Stands for King's Work
Review: Project Blue. Captain Trips. Superflu. All these are names for the rapidly spreading, incurable, and deadly disease that spreads across the entire planet in Stephen King's "The Stand."Before I opened this novel, I had no idea what it was about. And even after reading the description, I still had no idea what would actually be coming. In the midst of the plague, two forces emerge. Mother Abagail, a kindly woman living in Nebraska who forsees the life to come after the plague for those immune to it, and Randall Flagg, King's most celebrated villain, who attempts to structure the remaining fragments of humanity into what it once was before the plague: oppressive and hungry for power. The ideas of the novel toy with man's desire for dominance, good and evil, and faith in God. Often, several plot points lead nowhere and seem to be King's production of ideas that he meant to go somewhere with, but abandoned for others. These are NOT the sections added with the unabridged version. Those parts add to the characters and make the reader care about them, which matters greatly for later. This novel has its problems, but most of it is in the dead-end plotlines. There are several moving and memorable moments that will stand out, and while the length might intimidate some, it's worth the long read to experience the characters and initial plot, even with a slow finale that is made up for by a shocking end. -Escushion
Rating: 
Summary: Extra material unnecessary.
Review: I'd read the original stand when I was 11 and loved it. A few years later I read this and it wasn't nearly as good. The extra material is unnecessary, and subtracts from an otherwise compelling story. The epilogue has the sole purpose of tying in with other parts of Stephen King's books (Randall Flagg = Richard Fannin). Read the original and save some time.
Rating: 
Summary: Fabulous Read
Review: "The government got together a bunch of virologists and bacteriologists to make a weapon for germ warfare, and one of them made a disease and said 'look at this, it kills almost everyone!' and they gave him a beach house and promotions and probably a medal or two. And then someone spilled it." -Harold Lauder That quote is basically the premise of this novel at first glance. But truthfully, the plague itself is a plot tool for a much larger battle between good and evil. Into this new world are thrust many normal (and not so normal) Americans. Frannie Goldsmith, a pregneant teenager, Stu Redman, a quiet man from a dying East Texas town, Glen Bateman, a professor of sociology, Nick Andros, a deaf and mute drifter. And then there are those who fall into the not so normal Americans category, Lloyd, a man on death row, Abigail Freemantle, a 108 year old black woman from Nebraska, Donald Merwin "Trashcan Man" Elbert, a deranged pyromaniac, and of course The Dark Man, The Walkin' Dude, The Man With No Face: Randall Flagg. With no main character, this novel follows the journeys of these people, who, along with countless other Americans, flock to one of two places, Boulder Colorado or Las Vegas Nevada. It is there that they prepare for what they all know will be a climactic battle between good and evil. I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys reading. At 1200 pages, it is a monster of a book, but for myself at least, I wish it would have had 1200 more. A great read.
Rating:
Summary: "Stands" up as one of Kings best.
Review: About 10 years ago I read the original Stand and at the time thought it was a little too long. For what reason I have know idea, probably just a restless young mind that counldn't focus for any length of time. So, 10 years later, what do I do when I come upon a used copy of the uncut edition? Well of course I read it again, and guess what? This time it doesn't seem as long.
A paradox? Not really. It's just I think that the full version is much more intricate giving a lot more insight into the characters. The overall Good vs. Evil theme is always lingering, always building to a cresendo, but you genuinely get swept away caring about the (rather large) cast of characters. It is a huge story (1141 pages of densely packaged prose) but you're sure to enjoy the ride.
The only complaint I have is that, because of richness of the story that gets built up for the first 3/4's of the book, it seems that it almost winds down a little too quickly. Maybe it was just a case of not wanting it end and having to say goodbye to some of the most interesting characters in Kings repetoire.
Then again maybe my powers of focus are now so honed that it's simply too short for me.
I wonder where I can find a used copy of War and Peace...
Rating:
Summary: A different Stephen King - but perhaps his best.
Review: "The Stand" is widely regarded by his fans as Stephen King's best ever novel. I've not read the original editor's cut version of 1978, only the huge uncut version published in 1990 with 150,000 words added. At an imposing 1100+ pages in paperback, it may be surprising that this novel is regarded as King's best. But while King's usual fare is to indulge in horror, in "The Stand" he goes far beyond that. There is some horror, but it is not the focus, since this novel is far broader and more epic than that. The length enables it to be peopled with vivid characters and events that lend it much credibility and colour. Essentially it's an apocalyptic "end-of-the-world" type story, as a contagious and lethal super-flu bug escapes from a US Defence Department lab facility where it was created, and spreads around the world in epidemic proportions, killing over 99% of the world's population. The survivors gradually pool themselves into two distinct groups and pit themselves against each other in a final stand of good versus evil. King divides the story into three books, Book 1 entitled "Captain Trips" describing the spread of the superflu; Book 2 entitled "On The boarder" describing the struggles and polarization of the survivors; Book 3 entitled "The Stand" describing the final conflict. I personally did not care for the blasphemy, profanity, immorality and crude sexual talk, and bloody gore that occasionally was present, but fortunately these elements were less evident as the novel progressed. But these are made up by the novel's real strengths: a well-paced and suspenseful plot, and splendid characterization. The characters are vivid and believable, especially those such as Stuart Redmond, the only survivor of those at the gas station where the initial outbreak of the superflu occurred; Frannie Goldsmith, a pregnant teen; Nick Andros, a deaf-mute; Larry Underwood, a musician on the verge of success; Glen Bateman and his dog Kojak; Tom Cullen, retarded but useful; Harold Lauder, the eccentric devotee of Frannie; Donald Merwin Elbert, better known as the pyromaniac Trash Can Man, and Abagail Freemantle, the 108 year old black Christian with a deep faith. But the novel's real strength is the clear conflict between good and evil. On the side of good, the ancient Abagail Freemantle becomes a spiritual leader and guide as the good guys try to reorganize society and take their stand against evil. Chief on the side of evil is the mysterious Randall Flagg, otherwise known as "the Dark Man" and "the Walkin' Dude", and his associates which include the thug Lloyd Henreid and others, and who also succeeds in gaining the allegiance of Harold Lauder and Nadine Cross. The spiritual nature of the conflict is especially evident in "the Adversary" Randall Flagg, who is clearly portrayed as a supernatural being with special powers and "the devil's pawn". In contrast, Abagail Freemantle frequently quotes the Bible, asserting the need to "Trust and obey the Word of God". The Stand thus is essentially an apocalyptic tale of spiritual proportions: "we are all part of a chess game between God and Satan; Satan's chief agent in this game is the Adversary, whose name she says is Randall Flagg...for reasons best known to Himself, God has chosen her as His agent in this matter." As the people of Boulder (on the side of good) and of Las Vegas (on the side of evil) take their final stand, much more is at stake than personal conflict. The spiritual tale is not without flaws, notably two: Firstly, those on the side of good also indulge in evil behaviour, such as immorality; Secondly, King's conclusion presents history as circular (confirmed by titling the prologue and epilogue as "The Circle Opens" and "The Circle Closes") where people do not learn from the past. In reality, history is linear, and the Messiah will accomplish an apocalyptic victory by completely destroying evil - this truly religious and Biblical answer is missing from King's novel. But even so, the apocalyptic themes and Biblical imagery that King frequently draws upon, makes this a very interesting and entertaining read. It's little wonder that it stands out from the rest of Stephen King's works, and deserves the respect it has earned. I'm not a fan of King's typical horror fiction, but it's awfully difficult not to be a fan of this book! -GODLY GADFLY
Rating:
Summary: What? I Can Only Give It 5 Stars??
Review: I read this book back in '78 when it first came out. I loved it then and love it even more now that it's the full unabridged version. I don't understand how anyone could not like it. It's got everything in it: drama, suspense, sex, comedy, gore, etc. there's something for everybody. Yes of course it's looooong, it's Stephen King! He is well-known for being long-winded. If you want a fast read, then read Patterson or someone else. Man, I read this book just about every year and as another reviewer said, I still pick-up little things that I didn't notice before (it's almost creepy). It's a classic. Every King fan will tell you that their favorite is either The Stand or The Gunslinger series. Hey, I've been reading this guy for 26 years, yeah, he's my favorite fiction writer. This book is, of course, my favorite. Give it a chance.
Rating:
Summary: Best book ever
Review: This is my all time favorite Stephen King book! I have worn out several copies reading and rereading it. The characters in this book are extremely well developed and the plot takes many unexpected twists and turns.
Definitely read the complete uncut version. It is worth the extra time it will take you.
I can't praise this book enough!
Rating:
Summary: A Great Book About People
Review: As a huge King fan, I have been rereading many of the books that I read years ago. Having just reread The Stand, I have fallen in love with King's work all over again. It is amazing to see how the people are affected by the superflu, created by their own government, and the afteraffects of creating society again. King gives insights into each characters personality, as well as showing the trials they must face, like Larry Underwood's trip through the Lincoln Tunnel in the pitch black. Not only do you attach yourself to these characters in their struggle against evil, but you see snippets of other lives as well, making this book one of the greatest masterpieces of our time.
Rating:
Summary: Flawless Brilliance Characteristic of King
Review: Upon purchasing this book, I was skeptical of how good it would really turn out to be; mostly due to the fact that I was inexperienced with King's work (having only read Thinner, which did not impress me to any degree). Little did I know that I was about to partake upon a journey of masterfully crafted, literary magnificence. The story began in a US Military research facility out in the desolate deserts of the west. Slowly creeping its way through Kansas, Nevada, the Western States, New York, Boulder (Colorado), Maine (of course...this is a King novel folks), Georgia, Texas, much of New England, and finally plants itself firmly in Boulder and Las Vegas (mostly). This in itself shows the vast knowledge of our home countries many landscapes, cities and diverse populace. Amidst the seemingly endless debacles, roadblocks and stirrings of revolt along the treachorous journey for the weary travelers, there is a man...a dark man who craves the alleigance of all, and feels he must crush all that oppose him. This happens to pose somewhat of a problem for the followers of a person that was to me, the living, breathing embodiment of god. Mother Abigail. It is the job of four men to defeat the dark man, and in the process save the world from the depraved future of rampant malice envisioned by the dark man. In a world where only 1/2 of a percent of the existing population at that time still exists, enveloping the world in a darkness unbeknownst to the people of America. Plague, love, savage hatred, burning envy (cough...Harold...cough), bitter loss, thrilling chases, spine-tingling action, hair-raising suspense, vaunted power, wondrous victory, spicy sex and an apocolyptic air unmatched by any story told (excluding the Bible) are the things in "The Stand" that altered my opinion of King. This is a literary accomplishment by anyones standards, and should be read by anyone who has any disposition whatsoever towards reading. "Thinner" seems almost infinitesimal in comparison to the twisted world of death that King has created in "The Stand". A must read!
Rating:
Summary: Great read
Review: Read both versions, the expanded version is better but both five star. Generally I think King is too slow in developing his plot. Not the case here. Just one of the best books I have ever read.
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