Should I read Stand, or Stand uncut?

[debungsmere]

I am a big DT fan, and have read several other King books. I have for some reason not read the Stand and am wanting to. With the release of the uncut book, I am confused on which version I should read?

Thanks for your opinions!

[ELazansky]

I would definitely read the Uncut version

[Erin]

The Uncut. That was the book King wanted to publish before he had to cut it down, so that's the way I feel it should be read.

I have read both versions though and some things are pretty different between the two. For example, if I'm remembering correctly (I've only read the original once, as compared to reading the Uncut version many times):

Ending spoilers:
Flagg dies in the end of the original while he just disappears in the end of the Uncut version. Right?

[haunted.lunchbox]

Uncut! If I were to read the cut and really liked it I would wonder what I had missed out on and probably have to read the cut anyways.

[debungsmere]

Thanks for the opinions. I could see myself feeling very much like lunchbox said. Thanks!

[ur2ndbiggestfan]

I read the original, and couldn't put it down.
Then when the uncut was released, I also couldn't put it down.
Read them both!

[lordmerchant]

read the uncut, I dont know how anybody could read a cut version, knowing that there exists an uncut edition.

[Dagavidiab]

The Uncut. That was the book King wanted to publish before he had to cut it down, so that's the way I feel it should be read.

I have read both versions though and some things are pretty different between the two. For example, if I'm remembering correctly (I've only read the original once, as compared to reading the Uncut version many times):

Ending spoilers:
Flagg dies in the end of the original while he just disappears in the end of the Uncut version. Right?
If i remember right, in the Uncut version Flagg dies, but just to revive in other place (i believe that he had no memory or something like that). That book needs a re-read!!
Ah, read the uncut version!!

[lordmerchant]

@ Erin- read the uncut recently, the ending i recall is below

"I read the uncut recently, iirc flagg does not die, he awakens on an island many miles away with little memory of who and what he is, but has natives there to exploit"]

[Jean]

uncut

[flaggwalkstheline]

uncut version

it includes the adventures of trashcan man and The Kid!

[maerlyns_rainbow]

Uncut! It's my favorite book of all time. I've read it 3 times (once a year since I bought it. And I plan to read it once a year from now on!)

[haunted.lunchbox]

uncut version

it includes the adventures of trashcan man and The Kid!

Which is shocking! I seriously find King a brave author for writing some of the stuff he wrote about.

[Merlin1958]

read the uncut, I dont know how anybody could read a cut version, knowing that there exists an uncut edition.

Especially with Sai King. DITTO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[LadyHitchhiker]

Uncut. You'll learn a lot more about the characters that way.

[Jean]

uncut version

it includes the adventures of trashcan man and The Kid!

Which is shocking! I seriously find King a brave author for writing some of the stuff he wrote about.

Reading only selected American authors, I often wonder how puritanic American literature is, on the average, if this is shocking...

[blavigne]

uncut version

it includes the adventures of trashcan man and The Kid!

Which is shocking! I seriously find King a brave author for writing some of the stuff he wrote about.


Reading only selected American authors, I often wonder how puritanic American literature is, on the average, if this is shocking...


I guess that depends on what you read and where you look for it and what your definition of shocking is. I am not sure if the word is used in the context of being offended and in a state of disbelief or if it is meaning that state of wow, I did not expect that at all.

I also am not sure about your question Jean. Are you asking about "American literature" in a purely academic sense? If so, I don't know how to answer your question. However, if you are wondering only about what gets published then you just have to locate a source depending on how shocked you want to be and which way you want to get there.

Personally, I though most of The Kid and Trashcan Man's storyline was raw for sure but that is to be expected of Stephen King. I think the word I would use for my reaction is surprised but not in a good way..........

[alinda]

thunderstruck ?

[haunted.lunchbox]

uncut version

it includes the adventures of trashcan man and The Kid!

Which is shocking! I seriously find King a brave author for writing some of the stuff he wrote about.


Reading only selected American authors, I often wonder how puritanic American literature is, on the average, if this is shocking...


I guess that depends on what you read and where you look for it and what your definition of shocking is. I am not sure if the word is used in the context of being offended and in a state of disbelief or if it is meaning that state of wow, I did not expect that at all.

I also am not sure about your question Jean. Are you asking about "American literature" in a purely academic sense? If so, I don't know how to answer your question. However, if you are wondering only about what gets published then you just have to locate a source depending on how shocked you want to be and which way you want to get there.

Personally, I though most of The Kid and Trashcan Man's storyline was raw for sure but that is to be expected of Stephen King. I think the word I would use for my reaction is surprised but not in a good way..........

Hoping my spoiler works, if not I'll try to fix.

It was shocking to me because I guess you could call the US a little homophobic in their literature. There aren't many gay experiences written about in mainstream books, so to have SK write about these very vulgar scenes is shocking not because it's about sex, but because it was gay sex. I've read many books that have sex scenes, and rape scenes (like with VC Andrews) but I have very rarely read any homosexual lit in mainstream books here. I wasn't angry that it was put in, but it shocked me what he wrote about.

[blavigne]

uncut version

it includes the adventures of trashcan man and The Kid!

Which is shocking! I seriously find King a brave author for writing some of the stuff he wrote about.


Reading only selected American authors, I often wonder how puritanic American literature is, on the average, if this is shocking...


I guess that depends on what you read and where you look for it and what your definition of shocking is. I am not sure if the word is used in the context of being offended and in a state of disbelief or if it is meaning that state of wow, I did not expect that at all.

I also am not sure about your question Jean. Are you asking about "American literature" in a purely academic sense? If so, I don't know how to answer your question. However, if you are wondering only about what gets published then you just have to locate a source depending on how shocked you want to be and which way you want to get there.

Personally, I though most of The Kid and Trashcan Man's storyline was raw for sure but that is to be expected of Stephen King. I think the word I would use for my reaction is surprised but not in a good way..........

Hoping my spoiler works, if not I'll try to fix.

It was shocking to me because I guess you could call the US a little homophobic in their literature. There aren't many gay experiences written about in mainstream books, so to have SK write about these very vulgar scenes is shocking not because it's about sex, but because it was gay sex. I've read many books that have sex scenes, and rape scenes (like with VC Andrews) but I have very rarely read any homosexual lit in mainstream books here. I wasn't angry that it was put in, but it shocked me what he wrote about.

I totally agree!! And I think Alinda hit it right on the head with Thunderstruck!! :)

[pathoftheturtle]

uncut version

it includes the adventures of trashcan man and The Kid!

Which is shocking! I seriously find King a brave author for writing some of the stuff he wrote about.


Reading only selected American authors, I often wonder how puritanic American literature is, on the average, if this is shocking...


I guess that depends on what you read and where you look for it and what your definition of shocking is. ...True, but still, insofar as it's possible to speak generally, regarding America's mainstream, the answer is "Very." At heart, we're not really that far from our Puritan foundation.

[mikeC]

I would read the cut version then if you liked it you will be happy there is more to read!

[Merlin1958]

I would read the cut version then if you liked it you will be happy there is more to read!

Why would you not want to read the entire story the author intended? :orely:

[pathoftheturtle]

I would read the cut version then if you liked it you will be happy there is more to read!

Why would you not want to read the entire story the author intended? :orely:That seems like an okay question to me, but I'm not sure why someone would not want to read both versions, anyway.

I kind of like mike's suggestion, but here's another question: even reading the cut version of The Stand, who would not like it?

[Merlin1958]

I would read the cut version then if you liked it you will be happy there is more to read!

Why would you not want to read the entire story the author intended? :orely:That seems like an okay question to me, but I'm not sure why someone would not want to read both versions, anyway.

I kind of like mike's suggestion, but here's another question: even reading the cut version of The Stand, who would not like it?

No I agree, you'd no doubt enjoy either version, but to me it's like reading the novel then reading the 'Cliff" notes. However, to each his own.

[mikeC]

"Why would you not want to read the entire story the author intended?"

Although I respect your snooty reply, The Stand was quite an excellent read before the Uncut version was released.
It's all about the story, I'm not really sure The Kid and Frannie's fight with her mom makes the story better but they are a nice addition. The core of story is there regardless but if you read the cut first you have something to look forward to when you read it again.

Also, the Cut version takes place in the 70s when King wrote it rather then the Uncut which had been updated. I think that's pretty cool too.

[Merlin1958]

"Why would you not want to read the entire story the author intended?"

Although I respect your snooty reply, The Stand was quite an excellent read before the Uncut version was released.
It's all about the story, I'm not really sure The Kid and Frannie's fight with her mom makes the story better but they are a nice addition. The core of story is there regardless but if you read the cut first you have something to look forward to when you read it again.

Also, the Cut version takes place in the 70s when King wrote it rather then the Uncut which had been updated. I think that's pretty cool too.

Dude, I really was not trying to be "snooty", it was just MHO is all. Like I said "to each his own". If, it came off that way, then my apologies. There are valid opinions for either version. I just prefer the "Uncut", but that's my preference.

[haunted.lunchbox]

"Why would you not want to read the entire story the author intended?"

Although I respect your snooty reply, The Stand was quite an excellent read before the Uncut version was released.
It's all about the story, I'm not really sure The Kid and Frannie's fight with her mom makes the story better but they are a nice addition. The core of story is there regardless but if you read the cut first you have something to look forward to when you read it again.

Also, the Cut version takes place in the 70s when King wrote it rather then the Uncut which had been updated. I think that's pretty cool too.

Dude, I really was not trying to be "snooty", it was just MHO is all. Like I said "to each his own". If, it came off that way, then my apologies. There are valid opinions for either version. I just prefer the "Uncut", but that's my preference.

I didn't think it sounded snooty. I still question your intelligence with your views on Lost :angry: , you know... YOU ARE KIND OF SNOOTY WHEN IT COMES TO LOST! I digress... this particular quote was not snooty.

[mikeC]

[QUOTE=mikeC;577450]"Why would you not want to read the entire story the author intended?"
Dude, I really was not trying to be "snooty", it was just MHO is all. Like I said "to each his own". If, it came off that way, then my apologies. There are valid opinions for either version. I just prefer the "Uncut", but that's my preference.

It's cool. No worries.
Great book either way.

[Merlin1958]

"Why would you not want to read the entire story the author intended?"

Although I respect your snooty reply, The Stand was quite an excellent read before the Uncut version was released.
It's all about the story, I'm not really sure The Kid and Frannie's fight with her mom makes the story better but they are a nice addition. The core of story is there regardless but if you read the cut first you have something to look forward to when you read it again.

Also, the Cut version takes place in the 70s when King wrote it rather then the Uncut which had been updated. I think that's pretty cool too.

Dude, I really was not trying to be "snooty", it was just MHO is all. Like I said "to each his own". If, it came off that way, then my apologies. There are valid opinions for either version. I just prefer the "Uncut", but that's my preference.

I didn't think it sounded snooty. I still question your intelligence with your views on Lost :angry: , you know... YOU ARE KIND OF SNOOTY WHEN IT COMES TO LOST! I digress... this particular quote was not snooty.

I'm sorry, I don't mean to be. It's just that IMHO "Lost" was a HUGE let-down in the end for such a ground-breaking and great show for 5 1/2 season's. It gets me going because it coulda been sooooo much more and that was what I was expecting. Not "Magic Island Butt-plugs" LOL, but, that is just one man's humble opinion.

If you were happy with it, don't let me cast a shadow on it. I'm just an "Old fart"!!! LOL Sincere Apologies, for any "Lost related-snootiness"

[haunted.lunchbox]

"Why would you not want to read the entire story the author intended?"

Although I respect your snooty reply, The Stand was quite an excellent read before the Uncut version was released.
It's all about the story, I'm not really sure The Kid and Frannie's fight with her mom makes the story better but they are a nice addition. The core of story is there regardless but if you read the cut first you have something to look forward to when you read it again.

Also, the Cut version takes place in the 70s when King wrote it rather then the Uncut which had been updated. I think that's pretty cool too.

Dude, I really was not trying to be "snooty", it was just MHO is all. Like I said "to each his own". If, it came off that way, then my apologies. There are valid opinions for either version. I just prefer the "Uncut", but that's my preference.

I didn't think it sounded snooty. I still question your intelligence with your views on Lost :angry: , you know... YOU ARE KIND OF SNOOTY WHEN IT COMES TO LOST! I digress... this particular quote was not snooty.

I'm sorry, I don't mean to be. It's just that IMHO "Lost" was a HUGE let-down in the end for such a ground-breaking and great show for 5 1/2 season's. It gets me going because it coulda been sooooo much more and that was what I was expecting. Not "Magic Island Butt-plugs" LOL, but, that is just one man's humble opinion.

If you were happy with it, don't let me cast a shadow on it. I'm just an "Old fart"!!! LOL Sincere Apologies, for any "Lost related-snootiness"

Your VERY HUMBLE opinion indeed!

[Merlin1958]

OK, OK I'm trying to apologize for my opinion here!!!

LOL LOL

[brandnewfan]

I've only read the original cut version. It was pretty great, I can only imagine how awesome the uncut version is.

[Jean]

read it, brand

[Roland of Gilead 33]

i have to agree with "LOST" i was let down by the finale as well. it felt like they left to much out! it should have been even longer than it was cause they left so much out. part of it was cause of how much time they had episode wise. anyways that's my opinion though as well.

anyways, ayuh read uncut version of "The Stand" i've read both & i love the uncut version better as well.

[jhanic]

The Uncut Stand is a much, much richer read than the original version. The character development is SO much better!

John

[Roland of Gilead 33]

well said. though if memory serves me right, the orignal was in print for many years before "SK' took that out of stores. it's also funny that many king fans well not counting anyone here anyways. don't know there are 2 versions of the book "The Stand" i've talked with people about this in the past.


so they aren't i take it Die Hard "SK" fans

[mae]

Is there a site anywhere that lists all the differences between the two versions like there was for The Gunslinger?

[kluker]

We have one of the original Stand prints

[proverbs32]

You can't get the "Normal" per 1991 The Stand anymore can you?.
I would love to read that, But I'm glad the uncut version is the one everyone can freely buy and enjoy.

[jhanic]

Proverbs, you can still find the early Stand in used bookstores, etc., but I'd strongly suggest you stay with the Uncut version. It's a much deeper read.

John

[TCCBodhi]

I really love the Uncut version for the majority of the book, but I prefer the ending of the original version because it keeps thing ambiguous with Stu saying "I don't know." It left my mind to work in 2 directions and create 2 different worlds beyond the story, when the Uncut version removes that ambiguity and leaves us with just one direction to imagine. Now, I know the Walking Dude abides :tongue: but give me the uncertainty of the original version.

[sgc1999]

read the abridged graphic novel instead:)

[costanza]

Read the Uncut edition of The Stand and the original version of The Gunslinger.

[rico567]

I've read both. The only thing the extra 400 pages do is make an already large book able to function as a doorstop.

[Lookwhoitis]

I've only read the original. It blew my mind at a young age. I loved it! I have the uncut in a box somewhere. Gotta dig it out and read. Somehow, even with all the added chunky goodness, I don't think it will have as much of an effect as the original did on me.

[Bryant Burnette]

Read 'em both. Then watch the miniseries and laugh at how shitty it (mostly) is.

[Steve]

Each book has their good and bad qualities.

The uncut version is longer and has more plot threads, some of which are really good (The Kid, the "no great loss" chapter, etc.) and its updated nature and AIDS references to make it more prescient, but it does have a tendency to ramble a bit. The original version is tighter, but you lose out on some pretty good scenes. It may not be what King intended, but it's the first book of his I read and I loved it.

I prefer the uncut version in the end, but you can't go wrong either way.