Dark Tower.

[Ryan_ZOOM_Turner]

I am thinking of starting to read this. Should I? I haven't read alot of King's books though. Is it recommended for people who haven't read all of his stuff. I have really only read The Stand.

[LordKinbote]

You don't need to read anything but the Dark Tower books. Other books illuminate the text, but you won't be lost.

[Ryan_ZOOM_Turner]

Isn't there alot of different connections between all of the books?

[LordKinbote]

Isn't there alot of different connections between all of the books?

Hardcore people will tell you yes. Really, don't worry about it. The book with the biggest connection is The Stand, and you've already read it. When you get to Wolves of the Calla, you might have some questions, but they can be answered in a sentence or two.

[Ryan_ZOOM_Turner]

Hardcore people will tell you yes. Really, don't worry about it. The book with the biggest connection is The Stand, and you've already read it. When you get to Wolves of the Calla, you might have some questions, but they can be answered in a sentence or two.
I read somewhere that it was basically a rehash of Salems Lot.

[LordKinbote]

I read somewhere that it was basically a rehash of Salems Lot.

Haven't finished it yet. It contains a character from Salem's Lot.

[Ryan_ZOOM_Turner]

Haven't finished it yet. It contains a character from Salem's Lot.
I think I will go to the library later and see if they have The Gunslinger. I didn't fare to well yesterday when I went to get a Philip K. Dick book though.

[Scotty]

The Gunslinger is an awesome book I've only read the first 3 I need to sit down and re-read them all again.

[RegularJoe]

Haven't finished it yet. It contains a character from Salem's Lot.

there's a brief summation of salems lot, then they go from the end of that on. i've never read salem's lot and i was fine. ther ARE connections, but not plot necessary ones. everything you need to know for the dark tower series is within the dark tower series.

[Ryan_ZOOM_Turner]

I found a website. You all probably already know it though.
http://www.thedarktower.net/

[Jim.]

I was also intrested in reading The Dark Tower, but feel totally intimidated. On top of all the connections that come out of King's other books, the fact that no 2 books have the same trade dress, also bums me out a tad.

[LordKinbote]

...the fact that no 2 books have the same trade dress, also bums me out a tad.

Jesus Christ. They're books, not collector plates.

[Jim.]

Jesus Christ. They're books, not collector plates.
They aren't??

[Ryan_ZOOM_Turner]

Jesus Christ. They're books, not collector plates.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rhinowalk/LIFE_OF_JESUS_COLLECTIBLE_PLATE3479.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rhinowalk/jesus.jpg

[RobertTN]

I've read all the books and generally love that series, so I'm chiming in here. The first three books are flat out amazing! Books four thru seven are still good I think. The ending to the series generally splits people in the love it or hate it camp. I was satisfied with the ending, just because I didn't toss the book over my shoulder and never give it another thought; no, I had to digest it for a while and come up with a theory about it, but enough there, no spoliers coming...

The Stand is my favorite King book, and the Dark Tower books are next. I agree, reading Salem's Lot is in no way mandatory to understanding the series, but it would add to your overall enjoyment. I advise to go ahead and read Salem's Lot before you get to book 5 just for the fun of it, and don't rush thru, give a proper pause between each book. Later!