Stephen King Fans discussion

Have just started reading the expanded edition of Stephen King's THE STAND, and am not sure I like it. Unlike the original 1978 classic, this updated version seems much slower and harder to get into. Too much detail about the characters and not much action yet. If it goes on like this, I may not bother reading it to the end and instead just go back to the original one.

Is it the same basic story or did he completely change it and go on a different path

I started reading the expanded version last week and I’m enjoying it quite a bit. It’s definitely nowhere near my favorite King, but it seems quasi-appropriate reading at the moment. 😁

I read the original when it came out, but all subsequent rereads have been the expanded version. I am one of those that loves when King rambles as far as location and character building. Yes, this version is more detailed, so right in my wheel house.

If it's too much for you, reading the original loses none of the story and doesn't change the arc at all.

Alan wrote: "Have just started reading the expanded edition of Stephen King's THE STAND, and am not sure I like it. Unlike the original 1978 classic, this updated version seems much slower and harder to get int..."

I completely agree with this. I enjoyed the original cut much better because it had a better flow. It was a case where I think the editing totally made sense and even though many were happy that King eventually released his full vision, in my opinion I can see why it was cut.

I too enjoyed the original version when it came out in 1978. Not too keen at all on this longer version.

It's been so long since I've read the original that I dont remember it. So the 3extended version doesnt bother me. It's the only one you can get now.

Linda wrote: "It's been so long since I've read the original that I dont remember it. So the 3extended version doesnt bother me. It's the only one you can get now."

I have seen a couple of libraries with the original version . . . but, libraries are likely not an option right now :(

1978...M....O....O....N.... That spells Colorado....

Jen_Ken wrote: "1978...M....O....O....N.... That spells Colorado...."

LOL; yeah it does!

Yep and maybe the safest place to be when this thing is done... I'm in for the duration.... Maybe a curbside pick up but that's about all... I have my meds for at least a month...

I'm so glad i came across this thread since i was wondering if I should bother reading the original edited version.
I originally read the expanded version and while recently rebuilding my SK book collection I now have both the original & the uncut version on my shelf.
This is the next book I'll be revisiting so I think I'm going to try the edited version this time around.

I’ve only read the expanded version and thought it was one of the best books I’ve ever read. I love how in-depth it is. I felt embedded in the landscape and I really enjoyed the characterization.

I much prefer the extended version

I've never read the first published (shorter) version. But I've read the longer three times. I'm thinking when it comes time to revisit the book again, I'd like to read the shorter, just to see how it was presented.

I'm maybe a little less than halfway through the shorter version now, I'd only read the longer one before. I'd didn't take too long to notice some back story elements were missing. If I had thought about it I would have picked up the longer one this time as well.

Well, I think it depends on the reader. A big King's fan would probably appreciate the uncut version. There are a few differences (more descriptions, one extra character -the Kid- and more to it), but the plot does not change from one version to the other in a way that we end up with two different books. At the time the first abridged edition was published King wasn't as famous as in 1990 when the uncut edition came out, and I have to say that maybe the editor made the right decision in 1978. I really like how King describes his characters and places and situations, but maybe the 1978 edition was a little easier to start with.
Today I only suggest the uncut edition to people: that is what King actually wanted/wants I reckon.

I preferred the uncut version too. BTW: Still watching the new TV series and so far they've got all the characters and as much of their backstories as a tv show could handle. It's actually like meeting a bunch of old friends as they appear throughout the series. I keep saying to myself... Oh yeah, I remember him or her... really liked 'em. Shows how good the original story is. I'm starting to think this is my favorite of all King's works.

Uncut or nothing.
I wish it was 10,000 pages long.

It is the only version that I have read and it remains my favorite King story to date.