The Stand: Complete and Uncut

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Summary: This is a masterpiece -- and not just a King masterpiece.
Review: I read this book for the first time when it first came out and have re-read it several times since. I truly believe it stands up as one of the great books of this generation. The classic fight between good and evil, richly peopled by the terrific characters and the situations they find themselves in, is strongly compelling. Upon reading the uncut version a few years ago, I have to say that I thought the editing job done in its first publication made this a better book. I really disliked that vile cowboy character, and he did nothing to further the plot. I was pleasantly surprised by the mini-series. My first thought upon finishing this book was that it could NEVER be made into a movie. I wonder what Stephen King thought about the mini-series?

Rating:
Summary: Definitely an American masterpiece of fiction
Review: I first read _The Stand_ when in high school and make it a point to reread it every year. Many factors combine to make this "Kingly" book a masterpiece. The characters, so well developed and fully realized , and the plot, semmingly complex as each characters life comes together and entwines, and brilliantly simple as well, the classic battle between good and evil, make this book riveting . However, I find that one of King's most overlooked accomplishments is his use of dialog. His charcacters speak in the real rythyms of our everyday language and each word is true to that character. It is almost as if King is a psychiatrist/psychologist as well as a gifted writer. While reading a King book, particularly _The Stand_, I feel as if I have actually entered that dimension, that reality. If you have not read King, I urge you to start with this book.

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Summary: I am drawn into ...
Review: The characters/people in this story(which could really happen) draw my attention. The involvement of each character/person only makes it seem more realistic. The thoughts of each individual make this book a story onto it's own!

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Summary: AMAZING!
Review: I read this book over a month ago, and I can't stop thinking about it. It is simply phenomenal. I think the reason it is so gripping, is that this could very well happen some time. Not necisarily the good vs. evil part, but the superflu could happen at any time. I find my self wondering what I would do and where I would go if that happened and I survived. Don't be turned away by the 1200 pages. It's so good that the book goes by very fast. I actually found myself wishing there was more to it. I'd love to see a sequel sometime, set maybe 50 years later, telling how mankind has recovered. So, in a nutshell, this is simply THE best book EVER written.

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Summary: Absolutely unmatchable!
Review: The Stand is perhaps King's best work. I read it for the first time 9 years ago, and now after finishing the uncut version, I feel as though I had never read it before. Definitely a ride worth taking!

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic
Review: Arguably King's best work to date. Though 1100+ pages may seem daunting, the storyline with its intriguing characters will keep you glued to it until the end. King describes his characters with such detail and life, it seems almost sad when one of them dies. On top of all this, the whole superflu and good vs. evil conflict makes this book worth the time and the money.

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Summary: Chilling to the bone!
Review: This was the first King book I ever read. It was so realistic. That could really happen in these days. I couldn't put the book down. I've been hooked on Stephen King books ever since. He is truely a Master Horror Writer. This book will scare your curly hair, straight! A real must read!

Rating:
Summary: This is one of the best books ever published.
Review: This is by far one of the greatest books in the English language. Stephen King knows how to write epic books. What makes this so good is that the plot is believeable. This book could happen in real life at anytime. That is what makes it so scary. Still, King knows how to get into the minds of his readers and scare the living daylights out of them. He also knows exactly what we want. King is able to create characters and give then a personality and make the readers think that they actually know the characters.

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Summary: A triumph of characterization
Review: King has always been a master of creating living, breathing, characters, but in The Stand he outdoes himself. There have to be close to one hundred characters in the book, and each of them has a unique and memorable personality. This story also possesses a fascinating vision of the possible end of the world at the hands of a virus (could happen..) while blending it with real human stories, well integrated subplots, and even humor. A must read - particularly for King fans.

Rating:
Summary: Fantasic!
Review: This has got to be one of the best books ever written, and I am so glad that Stephen King published the uncut version instead of leaving us with just his cut version. I couldn't imagine The Stand without each and every word originally in it!