The Stand

Written by:
Stephen King
Narrated by:
Grover Gardner

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
2642
Narrator
344
Release Date
February 2012
Duration
47 hours 50 minutes
Summary
This is the way the world ends: with a nanosecond of computer error in a Defense Department laboratory and a million casual contacts that form the links in a chain letter of death.

And here is the bleak new world of the day after: a world stripped of its institutions and emptied of 99 percent of its people. A world in which a handful of panicky survivors choose sides--or are chosen. A world in which good rides on the frail shoulders of the 108-year-old Mother Abagail--and the worst nightmares of evil are embodied in a man with a lethal smile and unspeakable powers: Randall Flagg, the dark man.

In 1978 Stephen King published The Stand, the novel that is now considered to be one of his finest works. But as it was first published, The Stand was incomplete, since more than 150,000 words had been cut from the original manuscript.

Now Stephen King's apocalyptic vision of a world blasted by plague and embroiled in an elemental struggle between good and evil has been restored to its entirety. The Stand : The Complete And Uncut Edition includes more than five hundred pages of material previously deleted, along with new material that King added as he reworked the manuscript for a new generation. It gives us new characters and endows familiar ones with new depths. It has a new beginning and a new ending. What emerges is a gripping work with the scope and moral complexity of a true epic.

For hundreds of thousands of fans who read The Stand in its original version and wanted more, this new edition is Stephen King's gift. And those who are reading The Stand for the first time will discover a triumphant and eerily plausible work of the imagination that takes on the issues that will determine our survival.

Cover artwork ©2020 CBS Interactive Inc.
Reviews
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m wheeler

Best book ever. The narrator did an excellent job with the voices and constant voice changes. To do that for a 15 hour project must have taken months!!!!!!! Bravo!! Hope you get to read the book; I'd recommend the first version published rather than the second. The second, is like an additional 600 pages of background, I personally thought, it didn't need.

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Adriana A.

The book itself was amazing, it kept me at the edge of my seat on every chapter. The narrator did an exceptional job with every character, without overdoing it like with other audiobook narrators I've encountered. Highly recommended.

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Tammy Gordon

Stephen King, once again writing characters in such a way that they come alive. You really care about what happens to them. Read by one of the best voices to read audio books, Grover Gardner.

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Anonymous

One of the best of his books. I have read it many of times and this is the first time trying audio. Excellent narrative and enjoyed very much.

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Jenna Lee B

I suppose I am just not a fan of Stephen King's style of writing. I couldn't even finish this. It just droned on.

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Erik K.

The reader of this book, though reading 1468 pages, is amazing. He does accents and inflections, you can really tell what character is talking at any given moment. Like the book it doesn't feel like you've been listening for 47 hours and 47 minutes, the book you don't feel like you've read 1468 pages.

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Sonofnothing

Amazing. Stephen King is awesome. The Stand is awesome. The Narration was superb! M-O-O-N, that spells superb! I grew up in a metal band, and we were friends with another band from New Jersey, called Randall Flagg. I had to ask, why the name? Now, some 20 years later, I am beside myself at how amazing and entrancing the story is. Forget what people say about how verbose King can be.. The inner monologues, the details laid out regarding each characters past, pre-flu lives are wholly necessary to make this book what it is. Not once did I feel any sense of lagging or dragging. I was hanging on every word, the entire way. Highly recommended, although I'm late to the party. If you've only read it yourself, let this narrator take you on a wild ride.. I will be revisiting this one for sure, as I was sad when it was over.

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Desmond

Phenomenal! just watched the show after reading as well. Although show runners took out one of the best scenes with The Kid, Lucy, and Ralph it still sustained the integrity of the book. Keep em coming Mr. King, keep em coming.

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sharon wright

great book...also narrator was good!!!

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Chantel B.

Awesome!! Couldn’t put it down.

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Rich P

Enjoyed the book. Really makes you think how scary the human race can be.

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valerie cain

Excellent character development brought to life by the perfect narrator. Gripping story that kept me listening.

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Don Edwards

This was a really good book. Anyway, i loved every part of this book, but the ending was just a little dumb. 35 hours of buildup and the end battle is over in 10 minutes. 5 stars all the way if the ending was changed. I do recommend this book!

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Pam M.

The Stand was a fantastic book when originally released. With the additional pages added back that had been removed the characters have more depth and there is more explanation to the storyline.

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Cesar P.

By far the most outstanding audio book I’ve heard so far definitely will be going through it again at work ahaha but yes would recommend the narrator is amazing as wel

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Derek A.

Spectacular story. The narrator was very good.

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Lillian B.

Finding out there’s more to the story than what the movie had in it was amazing I enjoyed this book I highly recommend it it really makes things more clear than the movie and made better since and filled in some answers to questions I always had I have always enjoyed Stephen King’s books and movies and TV shows based off of his books well some of his books I do wish they would redo Cycles Of The Werewolf and make it more like the book because it is my favorite and deserves to be told on film correctly (Silver Bullet) was a good movie but truthfully is more like a completely different story a rip-off of the original sorry I strayed off subject but The Stand is a very entertaining story in book form and movie/mini series this Uncut edition makes more since to me I hope the new Mini Series lives up to the story try this book out stay safe everyone and enjoy!

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Victoria S.

Such a good book to read or listen to. The story never gets dull. Highly recommend...the only bad thing is when your done, what’s going to top that?

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Angel

This audiobook and book is amazing. I have not yet finished the book (SPOLIER! SPOILER!) just got to the part where Nick Andros finds Mother Abigail. But Grover Gardner makes a stellar performance with his acting and his voice. Not only that but Stephen King gets major props for balancing the emotional parts and the horror and suspense parts. This is what I would call a benchmark in horror writing. 5/5

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Christine P.

The Stand is even better this time around in Audiobook! Reading the actual pages just TOOK TOO LONG!!! I could listen while driving, doing the dishes, laundry and cooking!! Everyone says TS is the best SK book they’ve read but to be honest, I found the story interesting but it could’ve been shrunk down to 30 hours instead of 47! Hahahaa! There was a ton of lead up and then the ending seemed rushed and cut short. I doubt I’ll listen to it again unless I’m at a loss on what to pick from in my collection. Enjoy!! Onto the Mr. Mercedes Trilody!! ❤️

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Eddy912

This book is one of King’s highest achievements as a writer. Actually, I frowned on most contemporary fiction as a waste of time. This is a a saga and quite the paper weight for any book, but for readers to love or hate this cast of characters one must know each of their strengths and weaknesses. And all that, takes time. Read this and then King’s Dark Tower series. You won’t be disappointed unless you really don’t want to delve into the psychology of drives humans to either destruction or sets them free.

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Cecelia S.

Great “read” and the narrator was perfect!

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Dana McAllister

Love this book just wish the tracks were labeled with hard copy book page numbers and chapter numbers

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Tom N.

my favorite King book.

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MoonMan

One of my favorite King novels. First read when I was in high school in the 1980s. This time wqs even better as I didn’t have the knowledge then as I do now. Stephen King will always be my favorite modern day writer.

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Ben P.

This is an amazing story. Deeply detailed and very creative.

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Rebekah Rose

excellent!!!!!!

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paulkim005

I love SK but this one was just too long and drawn out for me. At times it was fantastic, but in the end there wasn’t the big “stand” or confrontation I was hoping for. Some great characters though.

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Anonymous

It was a Good book

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Anonymous

This is a long read but amazing you cant understate what the stand has done for post apocaliptic literature

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Anonymous

great book

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Lee K.

Hmm. I’m glad I read it. The last part was easier to follow than 60 percent of the book. Not my favorite King book, but really, really good. Just too much which makes it hard to follow. Narrator was awesome!

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Zuzana K.

The book is very good and narrator did amazing job.

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Cindy “.

I Absolutely LOVED the movie, so I know the book is going to be so much better...

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Scott L.

King’s masterpiece- loved the length, savored every second. Narrator was decent, though some of the character dialog reads were oddly voiced. All in all a good time.

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Alina C.

I seriously think I only have emotional ties to this book mainly because I dedicated almost 48 hours straight to it (took months lol) but he ending could’ve been stronger. i’m glad stephen king keeps around characters you respect for as long as possible otherwise I would’ve quit listening. I like the vibe of this book a lot. the narrator is so good that I could tell who was speaking within a few words of the sentence. very distinct accents and inflections and very impressive

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Anonymous

Three words "BEST BOOK EVER"! Narrator does an amazing job reading this very lengthy story.

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Sara P.

Have listened to this one several times over the years. Great story and wonderful narrator

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Ludmila C.

Amazing story

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Chris S.

Not much more can be said about The Stand that others haven't already said. This book would be close to perfect except for the character of Fran Goldsmith. She has to be one of the most annoying, and narcissistic characters in any book I've ever read. I found myself understanding Harold, and taking his side because of the way Franny treated him. The story is intriguing, and never boring, although there are many Stephen Kingisms that are present. The narrator is top notch, and is one of the best in the business. The only narrator who even comes close is Steven Weber in the IT adaptation. This is a classic, and would be great for a cross country trip, or a long fishing weekend.

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Melissa A.

The narrator was amazing ! He had to voice at least 12 characters and gave each one a specific personality . It was stellar!

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Egle Z.

A boringly clean and straightforward protagonist has some typical King-style adventures in the setting that reminds too much of some annoying storylines of the Dark Tower. It lacks interesting ideas and characters. The narrator is as great as ever, but overall it is a very long and not a very rewarding story.

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Rachel B.

Definitely worth your money/credit. Well thought out book with plenty of characters and an intriguing story. Can’t wait to finish the book but as I’ve been listening all day I’m only around 10% done with it haha.

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Fredrick N.

Great book, and the narration is excellent, in my opinion.

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Jenai J.

The narrator was fantastic!

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Ian.smart8

I’ve been working my way up to The Stand for a few years. Finally got through it and it will become an annual read for me for sure!

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David P.

Great read!!

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Jason Ballard

the original series was amazing. I have read this 2 times. 3rd listen thru and my favorite thing about the audio version is the Bullwinkle impression.

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Brian C.

thought provoking

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Tom D.

Loved the 400 extra pages Great character development

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Anonymous

Not a fan of how frequently the N word was used in this novel. Very disappointing.

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Brittany J.

I am obsessed with this story. I could not stop listening. In typical Stephen King fashion, the characters are compelling and feel so real. The narrator is excellent too. I highly recommend it. You will have a hard time finding picking up another story/book after it. The only thing that may compare in quality is more Stephen King stories.

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Daniel W.

Long, but excellent audiobook that did not get boring... Narrator does an amazing job with the many different character voices.

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Brad M.

Never read the first version, so can't compare with the additional content, but I loved this book. Cool to see the various connections to the Dark Tower series. The narration was spot on. Highly recommend this book.

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John T.

So much better longer. It’s books like this that make Stephen king the king. Narrator was superb.

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Matthew W.

I bought this book as a paperback about a year ago and was making good headway until I changed jobs as found it hard to make the time. I have been wanting to read it ever since I was a kid and remember my folks raving about the mini series. I was not disappointed. The caricature development is amazing, the imagery spot on. Was just enough horror for it to scream Stephen King but not too much for it to be too scary. More of a Post Apocalyptic adventure. Anyone who is a fan of The Walking Dead or Fallout games would love this book. The middle can be a bit of a push but the pay off is worth it

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Charles Marshall

Only the 2nd Stephen King novel I have read, I was disappointed in this one, not as thrilling as I expected. The Biblical aspects were inaccurate, or misleading at best. Sorry, it didn't do it for me. It was just okay.

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Zhaveh-Lee Madsen

Wow... That was a long book. A good one,though just a little slow.

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Mack Frazier

I love this book

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Tania W.

Two drawn out and boring at times. Just could not get into it the way I expected to.

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Keith K.

In my mind, this is a classic!

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Manuel G.

the book it self is very good, but the narration not good , I was trying to stay awake super boring. something with narrator voice . not for me...

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Anonymous

narrator needs to pitch adjust so he doesn't sound so nasally.

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Jose victor G.

Graeat book ... story couldn’t be more relevant and chillin in this times we living in ... Got a little bored with the cousel meetings ... not particularly interested in knowing how was gonna be part of the “turnoff” crew ... thats my only complaint ...all and all really happy with finally getting to read this book !!!

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Anonymous

Thanks again

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Amber L.

love this book

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Jane A.

I read this book at least 3 times in the past but listening now was truly the best way to go. I could hardly stop and it gave me a lot to think about in our current pandemic.

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Monica S.

Loved this book And loved the narration! Highly recommend

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Anonymous

Way too religious for my taste. I know that is what King was going for. But for an atheist it just wasn’t my cup of tea. Great job on narration.

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Richard H.

Great, read it a couple of times , my 1st audiobook very pleased

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Paul Newport

This is by far the best books King has ever written. One can almost feel as though they are in the story and know the characters personally. I was not however very fond of the narrator. His voice had a droning characteristic to it.

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Liliana C.

great book. A must read for those Stephen King fans.

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Corinne M.

one of my favorites

Excellent narration of a classic

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Anonymous

great listening

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Dana C.

Read originally and reread now that we have Captain Trips. Stephen King was spot on. Scary. DSC

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Landry S.

Awesome book and narrator!!

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Anonymous

This is an AWFUL book it jumps around way to much and has way to much subplots. I would save your money it should be a free book it takes 9 hours just to get going.

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Anonymous

great book,has been years and love the new uncut cut,is long and wish more books were long and can keep u listening into all hours of the night anticipating what happens next!

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Mike B.

Good book! But too close for comfort with the Coronavirus going crazy!!!!

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Brian P.

love anything King, wasn't sure how listening to it would be but narrator was good. would it be that hard to have a woman read the women parts.

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Marcus Johnson

The book is LONG but worth the read. The amount of time you spend with each character adds to the impact of every decision and event they go through. However, I felt there were too many characters to follow at times. By the half way point, you are still being introduced to new characters and the core character group is finally becoming visible. But other than the length and amount of characters, the book was highly enjoyable. It's a story of good vs. evil and the continuous struggle between them even in the face of an mass extension epidemic. I could go on and on with this book as there is a lot to unload when you're done with it but for sure worth a read. 1st act = Great; 2nd act = Meh; 3rd act = Worth the wait

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Anonymous

Definitely a binge read/listen!

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Stephen L.

Great book, still can't beat The Shining!! Naration was AWESOME.

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Lisa H.

I feel so connected to these characters. Impeccable storytelling.

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natale ryan

this is a marathon of a book! Great book great backstory and great suspense.

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Xylia G.

This book was amazing! The narrator did a wonderful job at making the characters come alive.

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Robert S.

Beautiful.

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Greg S.

Rich with adventure and suspense. You find yourself getting attached to each character with the way King introduces them. Narrator does a wonderful job slightly changing his voice for the characters but not so much it distracts you from the overall story. Wonderful listen all around.

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Kyle H.

It was great to follow the heavy detailed trip of multiple interesting characters. Great storytelling even if it dragged on for moments. Narrator did a great job on inflection for me as this was my first audiobook

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Brian e

What more can I say. Masterpiece. Narration hands down one of the best I've heard.

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Jewel c

If you become one with a book, it will freak you out the way a psychologically scary movie will. awesome work, Mr. King.

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Jeanine W

Makes you think,really good read

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Timothy G

This book is excellent, and narration is great. I really enjoyed the audio version.

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Matt D

I love Grover Gardner, I've heard him do other King novels and now I associate his voice with King audio books. The Stand is a great story that taps into the human psyche and showcases King's outstanding knack for character development. I have to say that I love Kojak.

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Joshua s

Enjoyed the rich character development and post virus environment. Very believable!

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Mike M

Enjoyed the book. Really makes you think how scary the human race can be.

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Shayla J

I've read this book several times in my life and have always loved it. This was the first time I've listened to it as an audiobook and I enjoyed that as well. The narrator does a good job with voices and he never takes you out of the story. I highly recommend this book to everyone!

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Thomas M

This novel is Kings best. Read it in high school 25 years ago, and I enjoyed it just as much the second time around. I strongly recommend to anyone with a long commute.

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Tarica K

Really great book, the author is a master story teller. The narration brought the characters to life.

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Hernan A

Amazing book, I went through the whole gamut of emotions. A must read for anyone whole loves books

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Wesley Wilson

The I love the narrator! I'm not a big reader and would have lost interest were it not for him! Loved the entertainment.

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Frank Mangiaracina

Love it! Narrator was awesome. Book was extremely engrossing and perfect to help a commute slip by

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Kelli Ivory

Amazing and more amazing. Stephen King is a literary genius. This book never trails off or gets lost in translation. Constantly entertaining and great character development. Excellent from beginning to end.

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Terry Sandusky

I love this book. I have read it several times. The first addition I've read three times and the new addition twice I spend many years between each reading and I always love coming back to the characters of the story. I thought the revised edition was done very well. I don't think anybody could have narrated it better

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Matthew Abrahamson

Love this book and the narrator. Long book but worth it to anyone wanting an interesting read!

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Madison Hobbs

Love this book! It might take a little time to get into it because of all the characters, but it's a great read!

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craig specht

I really thought this book was fascinating. I really enjoyed it. It kept me interested. I had seen the mini series on TV but it will never hold a candle to the book. You can only do so much in a movie. A book helps to use the imagination at least for me anyway. The narrator was excellent. He did all the characters well. I highly recommend this book. I also liked it because it was nice and long.

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sherry burt

excellent book much better the 2nd time around 20 years later. my favorite King book by far!!!!

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Robert Maslowski

Narration was good although the previously-excluded 500+ pages of content could have remained on the original editor's cutting room floor. I found the added pages neither revealing nor important for character development yet somehow were still worth the "read." Caveat: I'm a big fan of Stephen King's horror genre works and prefer to stick to that type of story from him. To me, The Stand pales in comparison to some of his other non-horror work, namely 11/22/63.

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Hemant Bhonsle

Great book! Heard this for over 2 months on my commute and really glad I did...lots of twists and interesting plot. I also really loved the dynamic characters.

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Deb Payne

Absolutely loved this book. I had only seen the movie and never read the book. I LOVED THE BOOK MUCH MORE THAN THE MOVIE! The narration was great. I didn't want the book to end.

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Jackie Vance

I love hearing Grover Gardener narrate, most specially Cold Sassy Tree. He keeps the characters interesting and believable. My favorite all time Stephen King works are Salems Lot and Dr Sleep with The Stand coming in 3rd

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Jon Stevens

Excellent! My favorite author with my second favorite narrator....can't go wrong.

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Emily Mcdonald

Stephen King is, well, Stephen King. And Frank Muller is one of my favorites. His narration of The Talisman is exceptional. A true classic. People think Stephen King is exclusively a writer of horror fiction, but The Stand shows King as much ore than that... This book seems to cover so many genres so successfully that I can't put it down. I recommend this book for every reader of fiction.

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Kellie Hunt

Whats to say? King at his finest. Loved it when I read it, loved having it read to me. Perfection.

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Kenneth kittrell

T.V. Movie was excellent not missing in very much detail at all but the book author Stephen King paint a full picture with every scene not leaving out a single detail so much so that you can smell the words!

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tom Rebelo

entertaining book . good value for 47 hours lol. narrator top marks

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Craig Temczuk

outstanding young king. as he always says. I am a story teller. he is just one of the best story tellers

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JENNIFER EMERY

Will always be my favorite end of times story. Stephen kings thought process as a writer is nothing short of brilliant.

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Mike morgan

Nothing better than this book. This is one of the best stories ever told. it is unsettling because it could happen in modern times that a germ kills 99 % of us. King is King.

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aubrey fisher

I loved this book! Stephen King is such an amazing writer! I had favorite characters and new enough about each one that I felt like I was in the story! this is a classic!

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