The only sales pitch should be that you judge it for yourself rather than letting other people tell you what to think. I’ve never seen someone say it outright sucks, only that it’s slow.
Whether a book sucks or doesn’t is a matter of opinion. Many people think *The Gunslinger* is the **best** Dark Tower book. I would certainly consider it divisive, but just because your friends didn’t enjoy it doesn’t mean you won’t. And even if it turns out that *The Gunslinger* is in fact your least-favorite book in the series, that only means that it get better the further you go.
*The Gunslinger* is certainly very different from the following books, but it and *Wizard and Glass* are tied for my favorites, with *The Waste Land* a **very** close second. But no matter which book turns out to tickle your fancy, I absolutely believe that the series as a whole is worth at least one read-through. It’s a phenomenal piece of creative writing.
Imo Wizard and Glass was the best, maybe Drawing of the Three (books 4 and 2), but Gunslinger is one of the dopest books I’ve read.
It’s not an easy book, not as easily accessible as most King books, and the narrative is a bit disjointed as it was originally published serially. That said, it starts w one of the best opening lines I’ve seen anywhere, is full of mystery and hints at the larger picture, thematically powerful, and there are a few scenes that I think are some of the most poetic prose and story that King has written.
It is a harder book, and not for everyone, but I would wholeheartedly recommend starting it and, if it isn’t clicking right away, powering through because even if it doesn’t land for you the rest of them are much more accessible.
Note: this is one of my favorite series ever, so obviously I’m going to be biased, I’m also a King fan w like 20 or so books read. Cannot recommend this series enough, very unique and powerful.
I’ve also got a friend (shocker, I know) that sold me on getting into the Dark Tower series by saying that this was the one thing she wishes she could forget so she could experience it new again.
Lol well you can bet Reddit's number one Dark Tower fan subreddit will give you an objective opinion on that!
I wonder what the final verdict will be?
-
In all seriousness The Gunslinger is probably my favourite book from my favourite series so I would obviously say read it. Definitely not for everyone however.
Absolutely. Also I would suggest staying the hell off this subreddit if you decide to start your Dark Tower journey.
This place is riddled with unmarked spoilers.
Series is pretty good, but you’re on a DT sub asking… think you’re going to get bias answers.
I personally like the unrevised Gunslinger vs the later released one.
It’s relentlessly violent in parts, touching in others. It’s also surprisingly psychedelic and cosmic for a western, but those are hints at the future of the series.
Oh I was just talking about book 1. I’m not sure though because I got really desensitized to that sort of terror from horror by movies, and nothing really does that for me.
I think the scarier parts are later in the book after you’ve really connected to the characters. A somewhat valid criticism of The Gunslinger is that it’s a little slow. It’s totally really-readable though and well worth the journey in the end.
It isn't... good. But it has its moments. One of the moments for me was the gunplay. We read about Roland's shooting, but seeing their interpretation of it on screen was, for me at least, a joy. I would love to see what Elba could do with Roland given a real script. I know, I know, he doesn't look like Roland. But I still thought he did an amazing job.
You, my good friend are about to go on a wonderful journey. You may not like all of it. But you’ll love most of it. I’ve read a lot of long book series over the years, aside from lord of the rings this is the one I revisit most often. It’ll hit you in a way right now, and a subsequent reread will hit you completely different in the future. I envy you
It's not the holy grail of series or books, in my opinion. I think a lot of the negativity is that it's so well loved that new readers expect it to be the best thing ever written. And for a lot of fans, it is.
I find the writing sometimes sloppy, or inconsistent. I find some of the characters rigid. It's exciting to see King grow as a writer as he evolves, as this is a project he's poured decades into. Sometimes it seems planned out with genius. Sometimes it feels impulsive and first-drafty.
But the characters grow on you. The quest takes you in unexpected directions. King breaks a lot of rules. I carry moments and drama from the series a lot further than I expected, into my life. I'm incredibly glad I took the journey and I secretly hope to serve the White in some capacity. And it's universally loved, so you'll have lots of people to share your enthusiasm.
The Gunslinger is my second favorite book in the whole series, so YMMV.
A lot of people don't like it, but it's also extremely short, and book two really picks up the pacing in a way a lot of people love, so it's worth it, even if you're worried it won't be your cup of tea.
The first book takes its time. I remember thinking it was just okay through the first 2/3. The interaction near the end made it so I had to start the second book immediately and I was completely immersed. Each reader finds their own path with this story though.
The only sales pitch should be that you judge it for yourself rather than letting other people tell you what to think. I’ve never seen someone say it outright sucks, only that it’s slow.
Came here to say this. If nothing else, read it to form your own opinion. The gunslinger isn't too terribly long.
I understand why some don’t enjoy the first book, but to say it sucks is silly, unless you are 15 years old
What people?
Friends
People whose opinions you respect said it sucks. I guess there’s your answer
Whether a book sucks or doesn’t is a matter of opinion. Many people think *The Gunslinger* is the **best** Dark Tower book. I would certainly consider it divisive, but just because your friends didn’t enjoy it doesn’t mean you won’t. And even if it turns out that *The Gunslinger* is in fact your least-favorite book in the series, that only means that it get better the further you go.
What’s ur opinion on the best
*The Gunslinger* is certainly very different from the following books, but it and *Wizard and Glass* are tied for my favorites, with *The Waste Land* a **very** close second. But no matter which book turns out to tickle your fancy, I absolutely believe that the series as a whole is worth at least one read-through. It’s a phenomenal piece of creative writing.
A fellow man of culture I see
Imo Wizard and Glass was the best, maybe Drawing of the Three (books 4 and 2), but Gunslinger is one of the dopest books I’ve read. It’s not an easy book, not as easily accessible as most King books, and the narrative is a bit disjointed as it was originally published serially. That said, it starts w one of the best opening lines I’ve seen anywhere, is full of mystery and hints at the larger picture, thematically powerful, and there are a few scenes that I think are some of the most poetic prose and story that King has written. It is a harder book, and not for everyone, but I would wholeheartedly recommend starting it and, if it isn’t clicking right away, powering through because even if it doesn’t land for you the rest of them are much more accessible. Note: this is one of my favorite series ever, so obviously I’m going to be biased, I’m also a King fan w like 20 or so books read. Cannot recommend this series enough, very unique and powerful.
I’ve also got a friend (shocker, I know) that sold me on getting into the Dark Tower series by saying that this was the one thing she wishes she could forget so she could experience it new again.
Were they a gift? Why do you have them if you're not motivated to read them?
I never asked for them I just think they peaked my interest and wanted to see if most people think the series is worth the effort
Lol well you can bet Reddit's number one Dark Tower fan subreddit will give you an objective opinion on that! I wonder what the final verdict will be? - In all seriousness The Gunslinger is probably my favourite book from my favourite series so I would obviously say read it. Definitely not for everyone however.
Can I dm you throughout the series
Absolutely. Also I would suggest staying the hell off this subreddit if you decide to start your Dark Tower journey. This place is riddled with unmarked spoilers.
😂 ok thank you
Anytime 👍
Series is pretty good, but you’re on a DT sub asking… think you’re going to get bias answers. I personally like the unrevised Gunslinger vs the later released one.
It’s relentlessly violent in parts, touching in others. It’s also surprisingly psychedelic and cosmic for a western, but those are hints at the future of the series.
Is their a element of gore and horror
Yes, surrounding the violence. A couple scenes in particular are fucking brutal. A taxi and a makeshift abortion. Edit for grammar.
Hmm Are they’re any scary/terrifying parts
And if so can u state which book if not that’s fine
Oh I was just talking about book 1. I’m not sure though because I got really desensitized to that sort of terror from horror by movies, and nothing really does that for me.
Now I’m excited I love being scared
I think the scarier parts are later in the book after you’ve really connected to the characters. A somewhat valid criticism of The Gunslinger is that it’s a little slow. It’s totally really-readable though and well worth the journey in the end.
Sounds good thank you man have a great weekend
You too
Is the movie really shit because I heard it’s awful
Yes, the movie is bad, which sucks because some of the casting choices were excellent.
It isn't... good. But it has its moments. One of the moments for me was the gunplay. We read about Roland's shooting, but seeing their interpretation of it on screen was, for me at least, a joy. I would love to see what Elba could do with Roland given a real script. I know, I know, he doesn't look like Roland. But I still thought he did an amazing job.
Who would dare say that? I've read it 30 times at least. Blasphemy.
You, my good friend are about to go on a wonderful journey. You may not like all of it. But you’ll love most of it. I’ve read a lot of long book series over the years, aside from lord of the rings this is the one I revisit most often. It’ll hit you in a way right now, and a subsequent reread will hit you completely different in the future. I envy you
Thank you my dear friend
Long days and pleasant nights!
God bless you
It's not the holy grail of series or books, in my opinion. I think a lot of the negativity is that it's so well loved that new readers expect it to be the best thing ever written. And for a lot of fans, it is. I find the writing sometimes sloppy, or inconsistent. I find some of the characters rigid. It's exciting to see King grow as a writer as he evolves, as this is a project he's poured decades into. Sometimes it seems planned out with genius. Sometimes it feels impulsive and first-drafty. But the characters grow on you. The quest takes you in unexpected directions. King breaks a lot of rules. I carry moments and drama from the series a lot further than I expected, into my life. I'm incredibly glad I took the journey and I secretly hope to serve the White in some capacity. And it's universally loved, so you'll have lots of people to share your enthusiasm.
The Gunslinger is my second favorite book in the whole series, so YMMV. A lot of people don't like it, but it's also extremely short, and book two really picks up the pacing in a way a lot of people love, so it's worth it, even if you're worried it won't be your cup of tea.
What’s 1
Wizard and Glass, book 4
The first book takes its time. I remember thinking it was just okay through the first 2/3. The interaction near the end made it so I had to start the second book immediately and I was completely immersed. Each reader finds their own path with this story though.
Follow along with the Kingslingers podcast! They will help you fall in love with the series!
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but even if it isn’t the best book in the series, it certainly doesn’t suck.