Dave Kane asked Michael J. Sullivan:

I see that you have Stephen King listed under 'influences'. Just wondering if you have a favorite Stephen King book. ? (because I need to put a question mark) :)

Michael J. Sullivan There are several of King's books that I love (The Shining, Salem's Lot, Different Seasons, Doctor Sleep), but for my absolute favorite of all time it would be The Stand. A few things about this particular novel.

- It has some of the most memorable characters - it's been over 40 years since I read it and Stu Redman, Frannie Goldsmith, Nick Andros, Tom Cullen, and Mother Abigail still feel like old friends that I'd love to visit with.

- It is the book that helped bring me closer to my wife. We were good friends long before we were romantically involved and she told me I just "MUST" read The Stand. At the time, I wasn't a big reader, but I picked it up so that I could talk to her about it in our late night jam sessions that usually occurred around 2:00 Am when her waitress shift was over and my busboy shift had ended.

- I must say that I really didn't like the ending. Talk about a deus-ex-machina!! Now the fact that the book can end so poorly and still be in my top 5 of all time is really saying something. Yes, I was willing to overlook the terrible way it wrapped up because the preceding 95% of the book was just so good!

Do you have a favorite?

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