Charmed Book Haven Reviews #1 Stephen King’s “The Stand”

You’re probably wondering of all the book to review, why start with this book? My response: “Why not this book?” It is filled with a long list of characters with unique individual story lines all woven together to create a world much like our own; however, the moral of the story shines much brighter than all of the characters combined.

If any of you have been curious about this novel, you’ll probably realize it’s just as long, if not longer than Gone With The Wind or even The Bible itself. Some avid readers may like this fact while others may stray away from it because of it’s length. Regardless, this novel is worth every single page, every tear, every shiver, every sleepless night, every paper cut, and every hour you separate yourself from everyone. Ok, yeah, only a book addict would say this but still!

There are two different versions of this novel. One is the uncut/unedited version while the other is the original/final release version of the novel. In my opinion, go for the uncut version. This version contains a more in-depth look at the characters and their stories while the final cut was trimmed down by the editor. 

Now the story is split up into three different parts: “Captain Tripps”, “On the Border”, and “The Stand”. Part One of the story begins with a soldier escaping a governmental compound after a tampered strain of influenza breaks out within one of the facilities. The soldier gathers his wife and child along with a few belongings and speeds past the compound’s security gates, out into the world. We all know from zombie films and stories what happens when a sickness escapes. It’s only an amount of time before it spreads around the world.

The soldier travels through the country before he wrecks in the middle of Texas, causing the disease to spread to the town’s inhabitants. After the fact, we are told by the perspective of many “main” characters what they see and experience as the disease causes great panic. Governmental officials declare Martial Law and slaughter countless innocent people in order to keep the news of the declared sickness “Captain Tripps” from reaching the ears of the public. Throughout this part of the story, I could not put the book down. The monstrosities you read will shake you up to the point where you wonder if this could really happen. From there, the disease continues to spread and kills over 99% of the world.

Part Two: Those who survived a spread throughout the world are linked through their dreams. Now, I’d like to introduce you to my “Leaders: Good vs. Evil Roster!” The pictures I will be using are from the ABC mini-series adaption of the book.

Evil:

Randall Flagg: Rugged appearance, evil supernatural powers, protrudes from darkness in order to take over Las Vegas to recruit survivors for his side. He begins his reign by gathering former drug dealers, robbers, and murderers to oversee the rebuilding of the city. He sends out a special fire-loving individual by the name of “Trashman” in order to gather dangerous weapons to be prepared to launch at the survivors in Boulder, Colorado. 

Good:

Mother Abigail Freemantle: 108 year old woman from Nebraska who “still makes her own biscuits.” My favorite line she says through the dreams! She is ordained by God guide travelers to her home in Nebraska to later move to Boulder, Colorado. Unfortunately, she swells up with pride when all of the survivors continue to worship her instead of looking to God who put her in charge. She travels out into the wilderness in order to reconcile her sins with God while her community compile a plan to send three spies to Flagg’s side. She finally returns, malnourished and dying. Her final words were for them to STAND against the evil and to prevail.

Part 3: Do you really think I’m going to spoil the ending? NO! Fair reader, this is the time for YOU to make “The Stand” and pick up this novel and devour it’s contents. I give this novel a solid 10 out of 10 Charms!

If you have read this novel, what did you think of it? Who is your favorite character? What is your favorite part? Let me know! If there are other books you’d like me to review, let me know and you’ll receive a shoutout in it’s review!

Happy Reading!

~C.C.