Whether you picked it up just before lockdown or were inspired by real life events to crack open this Stephen King tome, it sure does feel like we’ve all found ourselves reading The Stand during a gosh-darn pandemic! At least, that’s what Bookstagram and several horror podcasts have led me to believe. And I myself am actually working my way through the unabridged edition. I picked it up months before COVID-19 reared its ugly head in my city.
People have had interesting and strong reactions to current events when it comes to content consumption. Some people are understandably terrified enough by life as it is and have no interest in picking up a plague book or pressing play on Contagion or Quarantine. But some of us have been gobbling up plague content like it’s the last Thanksgiving before humanity ceases to exist as we know it! Hello, I am one of those people.
I feel comforted by The Stand in ways I normally feel comforted while reading King, and in some surprising new ways! I love his story and character work, and despite the subject matter of this over 1,400-page book, I find myself getting caught up in the tale. My mind is taken away from the real life horrors outside for a little while. I also have enjoyed saying to myself, “Well, at least that’s not happening…yet.” And that makes me feel better! I clearly am not alone.
So if you’re taking comfort in The Stand right now and want to feel a bit more like part of a community, check out the recent content currently being made that you can enjoy!
Castle Rock Radio Podcast: Hosted by Max Booth III and Lori Michelle, this podcast focuses on the world of King and all he touches. So naturally, they’re reading their way through The Stand! Listen to their recaps mixed in with other regular episodes.
The Company of the Mad, The Stand Podcast: Hosted by Jason Sechrest and featuring author Tananarive Due, director Mike Flanagan, and journalist Anthony Breznican. They’re reading and talking their way through The Stand as a group, throwing their personal expertise into the conversation along the way.
Books in the Freezer Podcast Patreon: Books in the Freezer is a delightful horror book podcast hosted by Stephanie (Htat’s What he Read on Booktube***), and as part of their $5 “Malevolent Spirit” Patreon membership, you can access bonus episodes including a new episode series featuring Stephanie and her husband as they read their way through The Stand.
Check out the first look at the new The Stand miniseries hitting CBS All Access (release date still unannounced) on Vanity Fair: “Exclusive: Stephen King’s The Stand Comes to Life Again”
Have yet to experience the glory that is The Stand? Read or listen along by borrowing an ebook or audiobook copy from your public library via Hoopla, Libby, or whichever lending app they use! Not sure how all that works? Give them a call to ask what’s available to you digitally while their doors are closed due to our own lil pandemic over here. Librarians would be happy to get you started on your King adventure. Join us!
Forgotten Corners 