Reasons To Read The Stand
1. Relatable Characters-Although the situation in which the characters are a part of is not very relatable, the characters and their personalities are very relatable. The characters’ emotions and feelings are also extremely familiar to most people. One extremely relatable character is Harold Lauder. Harold has a crush on Frannie Goldsmith and as Harold states, “She doesn’t love me, and I know that…” (King 393). Harold is very relatable because most people know what it feels like to have a crush on someone that does not feel the same way. Since Harold is so relatable, the audience becomes seriously attached to him, and this makes for a great experience while reading. Another relatable character is Nick Andros. Nick Andros has been facing challenges for his entire life. Because Nick is deaf and mute, he has had his fair share of problems. As the narrator says, “He saw stars and felt his consciousness start to diffuse…” (King 75). This quote describes how Nick was beaten up and robbed by some local thugs because they did not like people who were deaf. Nick is relatable because even though he has faced many challenges, he always finds a way to come out on top. He shows courage and resilience, and these are qualities that every person has experienced. Everybody knows what it is like to be faced with many problems. Harold and Nick are just some of the many relatable characters in The Stand. I would definitely recommend this book because of all of the relatable characters.
2. Full of Action-Another reason to read The Stand is because the plot is action filled. There are many events that keep the reader on the edge of their seat including when the nuclear bomb detonates in Las Vegas, killing Flagg and his followers. As it is told in the story, “And the righteous and unrighteous alike were consumed in that holy fire” (King 1085). Another action packed event is when Harold Lauder tries to assassinate the leaders of the Free Zone. Harold had rigged a bomb on the committee building, and “Harold pressed the SEND button” (King 888). This event is extremely exciting because Harold Lauder is working as a force of evil and tries to kill the leaders of Mother Abigail’s group. These two events along with many, many more are excellent reasons to read the book because The Stand is very face paced and full of action.
3. Suspense-In addition to the relatable characters and action filled plot, everyone should read this book because of the suspense. All through the book, the reader watches as the two sides gain followers and strength. In this end of the world scenario being played out in front of the reader’s eyes, mystery is aroused on who will win. With death, love, and treachery plagued throughout the book, suspense continues to be built until the final standoff between the forces of good and evil. One of the best pieces of suspense is when one of Flagg's followers messes an extremely important job, and he is scared by what will happen to him. As is is said in the book, "... the opposite of what the Walkin Dude had ordered" (King 943). His follower is scared about his punishment, and the suspense in this scene is very high. Even in Mother Abigail adds to the suspense in her dying words, “Be true. STAND!” (King 719). All of the suspense keeps the audience enthralled in the pages, and this is a very good reason why everyone should read this book.
4. Interesting Structure-The structure of The Stand is very unique, and this makes it quite interesting and fun to read. The structure is interesting because the point of view constantly switches between main characters. Most of the time, the point of view is either in the eyes of Randall Flagg or the citizens of the Free Zone. This switch between the forces of good and evil gives insight into their thoughts and feelings about the other and their plans on how to win the standoff. The switching between Randall Flagg and the citizens of the Free Zone gives the story an element of dramatic irony. It is ironic because the audience already knows something that the other is trying to find out. This makes the story interesting, and it pulls on the heartstrings because the reader may be watching a character walk into a trap. Because of this interesting structure, I strongly recommend that everyone should this book.
2. Full of Action-Another reason to read The Stand is because the plot is action filled. There are many events that keep the reader on the edge of their seat including when the nuclear bomb detonates in Las Vegas, killing Flagg and his followers. As it is told in the story, “And the righteous and unrighteous alike were consumed in that holy fire” (King 1085). Another action packed event is when Harold Lauder tries to assassinate the leaders of the Free Zone. Harold had rigged a bomb on the committee building, and “Harold pressed the SEND button” (King 888). This event is extremely exciting because Harold Lauder is working as a force of evil and tries to kill the leaders of Mother Abigail’s group. These two events along with many, many more are excellent reasons to read the book because The Stand is very face paced and full of action.
3. Suspense-In addition to the relatable characters and action filled plot, everyone should read this book because of the suspense. All through the book, the reader watches as the two sides gain followers and strength. In this end of the world scenario being played out in front of the reader’s eyes, mystery is aroused on who will win. With death, love, and treachery plagued throughout the book, suspense continues to be built until the final standoff between the forces of good and evil. One of the best pieces of suspense is when one of Flagg's followers messes an extremely important job, and he is scared by what will happen to him. As is is said in the book, "... the opposite of what the Walkin Dude had ordered" (King 943). His follower is scared about his punishment, and the suspense in this scene is very high. Even in Mother Abigail adds to the suspense in her dying words, “Be true. STAND!” (King 719). All of the suspense keeps the audience enthralled in the pages, and this is a very good reason why everyone should read this book.
4. Interesting Structure-The structure of The Stand is very unique, and this makes it quite interesting and fun to read. The structure is interesting because the point of view constantly switches between main characters. Most of the time, the point of view is either in the eyes of Randall Flagg or the citizens of the Free Zone. This switch between the forces of good and evil gives insight into their thoughts and feelings about the other and their plans on how to win the standoff. The switching between Randall Flagg and the citizens of the Free Zone gives the story an element of dramatic irony. It is ironic because the audience already knows something that the other is trying to find out. This makes the story interesting, and it pulls on the heartstrings because the reader may be watching a character walk into a trap. Because of this interesting structure, I strongly recommend that everyone should this book.
Holding Onto Why. Photograph. n. d. "Hold On to Your “Why”." mindstepsinc.com. Web. 14. Oct. 2014.
Action Clapboard. Illustration. n. d. "Who needs an action register anyway?." blog.psoda.com. Web. 14. Oct. 2014.
Action Clapboard. Illustration. n. d. "Who needs an action register anyway?." blog.psoda.com. Web. 14. Oct. 2014.