This was another re-read of mine. My third time reading it, actually. My first time was the original edition from the late 70s, and then the uncut version when it was first released. This was the uncut one again.

The Stand is a book in 3 parts, and to this day I feel Book 1 is by far the strongest. The descriptions of how life falls apart under the reign of Captain Trips is captivating and truly horrifying. It could happen, you know. It surely could.

The middle stretch is a bit on the dull side, and the end is a bit too open-ended for me.

Nevertheless, this is my favorite Stephen King, with compelling characters and a story with a vast scope. A King classic, would read again and likely will.