Should I try to read it again?

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Lundahl

Member
Nov 20, 2016
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Hey guys, I'm new to the forum but a HUGE Stephen King fan. Have loved all of his novels to date.. except for the Dark Tower. There were some novels that drug along in certain parts, but the Dark Tower I was the first King book I've read that actually hurt to finish because I didn't like it. Every SK fan I've talked to loves the series, but Idk why I couldn't get into it.

Is it worth trying again? Should I jump into the second novel, or try to reread the first?
 

GNTLGNT

The idiot is IN
Jun 15, 2007
87,651
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Cambridge, Ohio
Welcome Lundahl!
...yep, welcome...and I presume you're referring to The Gunslinger, which has oft been discussed here....I personally loved it-however, many others have found it a chore to complete-and advice has often been to go to Book 2 and leave it till later.....Gunslinger and the whole DT series is a marked departure from what King fans thought they "knew" about Steve's style and you sorta have to get used to the "taste".....but by all means, finish the Opus......you will cheat yourself out of a master work if you don't....
 

Spideyman

Uber Member
Jul 10, 2006
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As GNTLGNT said above, many do find the first DT book a difficult read. I would suggest you go onto the second book. Many who do complete the journey soon realize how life changing it can be. You may even find yourself going back to the first book and questioning why you did not enjoy it. Happy journey!
 

Spideyman

Uber Member
Jul 10, 2006
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Just north of Duma Key
I say thee NAY! Read that first book first (it ain't that long, man) and you'll find it enriches what comes after. Besides, it's that first book that sets up Roland and Jake's relationship, without it you'll be lost come book three.

I ain't gonna be moved on this...
muskrat - I must agree, the first book came first and it is the set-up. The threads to the relationship of Jake and Roland. The threads to a journey that just begins. I prefer the original to the revised. I read as published and that is true to me. If someone can't get past that first book-- it is so totally different from other King books, but so much of what is within him-- I will suggest they skip it and move on-- to miss the journey is a miss in life's experience. I also always suggest they go back and sees what they missed.
 

GNTLGNT

The idiot is IN
Jun 15, 2007
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flagg-2.jpg
 

prufrock21

Well-Known Member
Jun 2, 2011
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The Caribbean
Welcome. Roland is definitely worth a second, even a third, try. Perhaps some background knowledge on how the series began might help put things in perspective. You would do well to read the Forewards and Afterwards of each book. There is also a Concordance to The Dark Tower which might be helpful. And definitely begin with Book One.
I agree that some books are difficult. I tried reading Faulkner's Intruder in the Dust in high school, but gave it up after a few pages. Much later, after l became acquainted with his background and having read his short stories, I tried Intruder again and was fascinated with it.
Same thing might happen to you with Roland. So don't give up.
 

Neesy

#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
May 24, 2012
61,289
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Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Welcome. Roland is definitely worth a second, even a third, try. Perhaps some background knowledge on how the series began might help put things in perspective. You would do well to read the Forewards and Afterwards of each book. There is also a Concordance to The Dark Tower which might be helpful. And definitely begin with Book One.
I agree that some books are difficult. I tried reading Faulkner's Intruder in the Dust in high school, but gave it up after a few pages. Much later, after l became acquainted with his background and having read his short stories, I tried Intruder again and was fascinated with it.
Same thing might happen to you with Roland. So don't give up.
Long time no see prufrock21 :biggrin:
 

skimom2

Just moseyin' through...
Oct 9, 2013
15,683
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USA
I pretty much loathed The Gunslinger until just last year. I'd read it at least 4 times...and it finally clicked.

Having said that, if the total change in tone put you off, by all means skip it and go on to The Drawing of the Three. Everything you need to know about the first book is covered in either that or The Wasteland (sorry, muskrat , but it's true), and both of this e are FAR more readable.

There is a chance, though, that none of them will click with you. If you're not an epic fantasy guy, you could be bored or outright dislike them, and that's okay.

Lots of different flavored cookies in Mr. King's jar. This particular recipe might not be for you. But can't hurt to give it a chance to grow on you :)