For those of you that haven't read the DT, or quit on The Gunslinger...

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AnnaMarie

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Feb 16, 2012
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Hello mrblonde and welcome.

I also had to keep restarting the Gunslinger. I just could not get into it. Someone on another King forum finally convinced me to just force my way through so I could get to The Drawing of the Three. Somewhere around the last chapter of Gunslinger I had an "I wonder" moment. About half way through page one of the Drawing I was hooked. I devoured that book.

The series is fabulous. I kind of envy you...your first trip. After you finish book seven, I suggest you reread Gunslinger. I actually found it much better, knowing where it was going.
 

GNTLGNT

The idiot is IN
Jun 15, 2007
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Neesy

#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
May 24, 2012
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I so disliked The Gunslinger I ignored the entire DT seieries. Then took some advise and read Drawing of the Three first. I was so gobsmacked by it I went back to The Gunslinger and suddenly couldn't read fast enough. So maybe try that.

Gunslinger was a really tough one, but The Wind Through the Keyhole is so much better (I am reading this one now).
 

Spideyman

Uber Member
Jul 10, 2006
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Just north of Duma Key
Read the series as published. Have taken the journey many times since. I think most SK constant reader were taken aback by the style of the Gunslinger- it just didn't fit the other SK books. This is happening again with his Pulp fiction books- The colorado Kid/ Joyland. Again many find them difficult to read.
The best advice is stick with the Gunslinger, you will not regret it. If you absolutely can not, read Drawing of the Three- then go back to the Gunslinger. This series is a journey that will change your life. Read on.........
 

Chuggs

Well-Known Member
Feb 6, 2012
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Arkansas
I guess I am strange... I think The Gunslinger is wonderful and it's one of my favorite DT books. Yes, the writing is different, but the starkness of it is such a wonderful setup for what is to come. The Gunslinger is the anchor to which the rest of the books are tied.
I agree. I loved The Gunslinger. I actually like it better than The Drawing of the Three. Great series.
 

91rewoT

Backwards Sister Member
Oct 20, 2009
3,039
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Southern Wisconsin
I guess I am strange... I think The Gunslinger is wonderful and it's one of my favorite DT books. Yes, the writing is different, but the starkness of it is such a wonderful setup for what is to come. The Gunslinger is the anchor to which the rest of the books are tied.
I agree. I read the revised edition a couple of years ago, but still prefer the original. Different strokes, I guess.
 

Shasta

On his shell he holds the earth.
I guess I am strange... I think The Gunslinger is wonderful and it's one of my favorite DT books. Yes, the writing is different, but the starkness of it is such a wonderful setup for what is to come. The Gunslinger is the anchor to which the rest of the books are tied.
As usual, I'm with you. I devoured the Gunslinger at the age of eight and have read it many, many more times since.
 

carrie's younger brother

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Mar 8, 2012
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As usual, I'm with you. I devoured the Gunslinger at the age of eight and have read it many, many more times since.
I think we just love good, complex writing Shasta. :tiger: (not sure why I used the tiger smiley, but it's cute!)
Truth be told, I was a bit disappointed when The Drawing of the Three was first published and it did not continue the feeling of The Gunslinger. Of course I love the whole DT series, but The Gunslinger will always remain an entity unto itself.
 

carrie's younger brother

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Mar 8, 2012
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I don't DISLIKE The Gunslinger, but not my favorite by far. I felt like it was trying too hard to be a 'Spaghetti Western'. Then after it the journey really took off and hooked me. It definately is better the second time around though
If by "spaghetti western" you mean movies like Sergio Leone's The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, then I think you are correct. That movie and the other 2 in the Dollars Trilogy are classic films that are the basis for a whole mythos that is gently woven into the whole DT series, as well as a lot of other movies and books released after those movies. While they may have been made on a budget that is considerably lower than other great movies of that era, Sergio Leone's spaghetti westerns have helped to shape a lot of entertainment (films, books and music) since their release.