Number of times read

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skimom2

Just moseyin' through...
Oct 9, 2013
15,683
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I agree. I enjoy both versions, but the original still seems stronger in regards to characters even if the revision is stronger in so far as technique. Of the seven books, my favorite is Drawing of the Three which I have read more than any other (and I have never kept count). If I had to guess, I'm sure I've read them all at least five or six times and book one and two at least ten times.
I've probably read DotT the most times (I couldn't even hazard a guess), followed by The Wastelands and then TG. WaG is my favorite in the series by a slim margin, with DotT right behind. Least favorite, and only read twice, SoS. #7 is a twice, as well, but it is the newest. I like it better than #6 (and maybe #5), despite the bits that make me cringe.
 

adamjah

Active Member
Apr 7, 2016
32
145
Good for you guys! I`m quite new to reading SK, and i haven`t read any of the Dark Tower series yet. I bought the second and sixth book in a second hand shop the other day. Does it makes sense to read the second book first? Probably not. Anyway, i will order the other ones as soon as i can haha.
 

Moderator

Ms. Mod
Administrator
Jul 10, 2006
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Good for you guys! I`m quite new to reading SK, and i haven`t read any of the Dark Tower series yet. I bought the second and sixth book in a second hand shop the other day. Does it makes sense to read the second book first? Probably not. Anyway, i will order the other ones as soon as i can haha.
It might actually make more sense to read the second one first and then go back to the first one later as it can be difficult to get through for many readers.
 

The Nameless

M-O-O-N - That spells Nameless
Jul 10, 2011
2,080
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The Darkside of the Moon (England really)
Good for you guys! I`m quite new to reading SK, and i haven`t read any of the Dark Tower series yet. I bought the second and sixth book in a second hand shop the other day. Does it makes sense to read the second book first? Probably not. Anyway, i will order the other ones as soon as i can haha.

It might actually make more sense to read the second one first and then go back to the first one later as it can be difficult to get through for many readers.

The reason ms mod and many other say it's OK to read drawing of the three first is because the dark tower series reads as one massive book. If it was one book it would be the equivalent of about 4 - 5 thousand pages. Some books start off in the middle of the story before going back to introduce the characters and themes - firestarter for example starts
with Andy and Charlie on the run from someone from the shop and flagging down a cab
before going back to explain who Andy and Charlie are and how they got their gifts. With the dark tower, the gunslinger is pretty much the 1st few dozen pages of a normal book, straight in to Roland's story without much explanation of who he is, where he is, the strange language etc. But because of the scale of the dark tower those first few dozen pages turn into 300 pages. Then book 2 goes back to explain more about Roland's world and introduces the spine of the story and it's characters. Drawing of the 3 is also easier to read because it's set mostly in familiar territory - new York.
 

Philzilla

Well-Known Member
Mar 1, 2009
176
604
Un-revised version a lot
Probably read Drawing more
Revised version once or so
When I've done a re-read, usually start with Drawing now, I think it might be my favorite SK book
 
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Robert Gray

Well-Known Member
It might actually make more sense to read the second one first and then go back to the first one later as it can be difficult to get through for many readers.

I missed this post somehow, but I agree entirely. It is completely possible to read the second book first and not miss a beat. It includes more than enough backstory during Roland's nightmare and subsequent encounter with the monsters from the sea to put people on good footing. Reading the first book as a flashback would work just as well. I had half hoped (prayed in fact) that the movie would take this approach when they commented about starting in the middle. Unfortunately, I know that isn't the case. The hook for readers with less taste for literary and slower builds would get all the action and HOOK they could ask for in the second book.
 

LokiJake

Member
May 2, 2016
8
38
47
i have always enjoyed re-reading my favorite books (when I had more time) and do the same thing with movies. I think I've read about 6 or 7 times
 
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Edp

Member
Jul 13, 2016
5
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I'm just curious if there are others out there who have read this book multiple times? I've lost count of how many times I've read it. And every time I fly anywhere I read it again (or The Drawing of the Three because well ... airplane lol).

I'd say I've read it at least a dozen times over the years ... and it never gets old

Read the series couple of years ago and about to start over again. Have been on some of his other novels but ready to start the
I'm just curious if there are others out there who have read this book multiple times? I've lost count of how many times I've read it. And every time I fly anywhere I read it again (or The Drawing of the Three because well ... airplane lol).

I'd say I've read it at least a dozen times over the years ... and it never gets old

Getting ready to start the series again for 2nd time.