The Stand: Still Redeeming After 30 Years (!)

The Walking Dude: worn-down boot heels, denim jacket, and - of all things - a “How’s Your Pork?” button on his lapel. Making his way across a desert wasteland.

This is quintessential King. For nearly 40 years, King has deftly created worlds that are capable of walking a tightrope of absurdity and horror. Few writers are able to take on mammoth themes, such as Armageddon, and have fun with it!

I grew-up on King. I became an English major because of King. King was my respite sanctuary; my opiate escape in junior high school. And I think, that was the last time I read any of his work. Then, while moving some books, I came across an old, semi-illustrated, hardback copy of The Stand. Three quarters of the was through it, I found myself looking over my shoulder when I heard strange noises; I had to consciously tell myself that random coincidences were not necessarily an act of God.

It is very true that King’s writing is sometimes silly, sometimes perverse, and sometimes just off the mark. Here’s the rub: He doesn’t seem to care! We have to admire him though for that. King really is unafraid.

Stephen King has churned out something like 30 novels - and for what they are, most of them are quite redeeming. The English major in me wants to dissect the novels and show their lack of care for language - the man really does seem to dole out words like a spendthrift with dollars. But why? What’s the purpose?

King has a place on my shelf and I’m proud to put him there. Maybe like some older generation Y’ers might feel about J.K. Rowling. King aint Yeats, but I sure loved him. Still do apparently.

I’m very happy to have re-read The Stand after so many years. It’s still a good book, with well formed characters, brilliant premises and a cataclysmic ending that rivals anything else in its genre. Thank you Mr. King.