Stephen King Fans discussion

Anyone interested in buddy reading The Dark Tower series alongside me at some point?

Hey Michael, when are you planning on starting?

I've not got a start date yet.

You want to join? :)

I might be interested. I heard good things about it recently. Had never known SK dipped into the fantasy genre. I think it was on Reddit someone said it was amazing.

Joseph wrote: "I might be interested. I heard good things about it recently. Had never known SK dipped into the fantasy genre. I think it was on Reddit someone said it was amazing."

Ive not read it in years but it'll be my fifth re-read and it's the best thing a reader can read! 😁

Yes! I’ve been thinking about doing that again soon… that’s how I found this group.

When is suitable for everyone?

If you take it slow, like a book every other month, I'll try to read along. I could start anytime. I have no problem reading several books at the same time as long as there is no rush.

Yes I’d like to join in, but my tbr for October is full. What do you all think about trying the Gunslinger in November?

Or we could start now and I could try to catch up

I'm happy with starting The Gunslinger in November.

Okay, how about we all start The Gunslinger on the 19th November?

And we'll do a book on the 19th of every month until we've completed the series and discuss it throughout on this thread?

Sound good?

I’m in!

Great!!!

I just did a re-read of the cycle this time last year, so I'll skip the buddy read this time. Looking forward to reading any insights you all share.

I'm in! It is about time for a re-read for me

I’m in!

Yes! wow. This will be fun. Quite a group!

I'm very excited about re-reading this and thanks guys for taking part, I'm looking forward to reading it and discussing it with you all! :)

I've been meaning to read this series for years so count me in!

I'm also in. At least I'll try. :)

I'm already making my way through the series and started in September (on book 4--one book a month is a little slow for me), but I'd love to join in discussions as you guys finish. Everything should be fresh on my mind even with being a little bit ahead.

Is it true that you should read The Stand before Dark Tower? I haven’t read The Stand yet and I’m worried I’ll spoil one or the other.

Reading The Stand first is helpful since in DT there are characters and places that show up in both. I read The Stand first and was happy I did, but I don’t think it is necessary. You will still understand everything without reading it.

You certainly don't need to have read The Stand (my favourite book of all time) beforehand.

Amelia wrote: "Is it true that you should read The Stand before Dark Tower? I haven’t read The Stand yet and I’m worried I’ll spoil one or the other."

It's not necessary to read his books in order, or any before others, with the exception of the DT series. The allure of doing it is the hidden references and Easter eggs. A thrill, for sure, but an extra, not a necessity!

Kandice wrote: "Amelia wrote: "Is it true that you should read The Stand before Dark Tower? I haven’t read The Stand yet and I’m worried I’ll spoil one or the other."

It's not necessary to read his books in order..."

I believe that there is a an actual of Mr Mercedes in one of his other books (or was it the other way around…🤔)
And though the other books can be read in any order, I do think it adds to the experience to read them in order.

Is it too late to join in? I've been wanting to reread this for awhile now.

We'll start the first book on the 19th November, I'll check back nearer the time.

In the meantime, you can all add me if you want! :)

I would like to join too. I am going to try to read The Stand first because I have been meaning to read both that and Dark Tower.

I'm glad you decided to join us Nora! :)

The Stand is my favourite book of all time! <3

I'm really looking forward to starting The Gunslinger and discussing it with all you guys! :)

I'd love to join in if I can. I've tried reading this a few years back and couldn't seem to get into it. I tried it again but haven't read it yet. I think that a group might help me.

I guess I'll read The Stand in parallel. It's been a while and I can hardly remember anything. I do remember that it was good though but I don't recall any relation to the Dark Tower. But then there were years between reading both so that is no surprise.

I’m in,

I'm really looking forward to doing my re-read of The Dark Tower with all of you!

I'll see you all very soon! <3

I was so excited I donated my old paperbacks to my son and found myself a ‘matching’ set of paperbacks to read :) I have also discovered some illustrated editions that I didn’t know about… This re-read will be my first time not doing it alone and as you can see, I am a bit excited as well.

I was planning on starting my read in January, but if you all are doing it now I guess I could start it this year. Never read it before. Found a vid on YouTube that goes through an entire extended read of the series. I think it includes like 23 books in total and It is the only one I have already read. I figure this will be a good way to get a lot more King books under my belt. If anyone would be interested in doing this please let me know and I can post the books in this read. I can also start a separate thread if there isn’t one already for the extended read.

Who's ready to start??? :)

I am! I binged The Stand this month so I would be prepared. I’m excited to hopefully see more of the Walkin’ Dude.

I'm very excited about this re-read of The Dark Tower, it's been many years since I've read it.

Michael wrote: "Who's ready to start??? :)"

Me!

I’m in New Zealand so it is now officially the 19th! I actually started The Gunslinger last night and this will be my first read of The Dark Tower.

I’m up to page 55 and I have to confess it’s not grabbing me just yet.

I'm glad you guys are joining in, I'm looking forward to discussing it with you all.

Mike..
Just keep reading, The Gunslinger is a short read and the story really progresses in the second book.

Mike, I’m not sure anyone likes the first part of the Gunslinger… but it does let you understand the man quite well… and I promise the series is worth what you are going through!

Nakanisha wrote: "Mike, I’m not sure anyone likes the first part of the Gunslinger… but it does let you understand the man quite well… and I promise the series is worth what you are going through!"

Thanks for the encouraging words Michael and Nakanisha. I'm at page 171 so about 60 pages to go. Boy, it's been a slog! I really can't wait to finish it but I'm looking forward to book 2 where hopefully the story will gain some momentum.

I just finished the series. I would love to join for the next one. Long days and pleasant nights!

I've reached The Way Station.

I may be in the minority but I've always liked The Gunslinger.