You GUYS. I almost put this bitch down this weekend, pardon moi, but I DID. That Dark Man scarez the cussin’ out of me. It just flows freely. Jill basically called me a wuss (I heard you Jillee Beene) and I may be a lot of things, and I am a wuss, but oh hell, I kept going because she promised me some Standalong Brick House and I can’t miss that.
Anyhoo, after all THAT rambling, here are my answers for the midpoint meme:
The Standalong Mid-Point Meme
1. How does The Stand compare to your initial thoughts on the book?
It is everything I expected and more. And then I got sick. I’ve never ever in my LIFE been so conscious of every cough, sneeze, wheeze, and sniffle. Oh it’s awful.
2. Characters you love so far? Characters you want to kick in the shins?
Love: Nick, Stu, Frannie, Larry
Kick in the shins: Larry, Rita, Harold, The Dark Man, Lloyd, Poke (UGH)
3. Most cringe worthy moment?
I had a hard time with that first scene, after the guy crashed into the gas station? With the mom and baby girl? In the car? OMG, that was awful.
4. Any predictions for the second half? (no spoilers if you’re past there!)
I can’t think about it. If you want me to keep reading, don’t even ask me to think about where this is going. I DON’T WANT TO KNOW. Hold my hand people!
So, I was planning on reading classics all month but I am having a killer time trying to get into any of them. I’ve started The Scarlet Letter, The Jungle Book, Robinson Crusoe, Emma, and The Trial of the Serpent so far and nothing is sticking. I’m a wee bit bummed about this.
I really don’t want to go to work today. It’s too hot. I don’t really want to do anything!! Hence, I’m done with this today. 
I love how you both "love" Larry and want to kick him in the shins.
By the end you'll simply love him though. Guarantee.
I second the laughter about loving Larry yet wanting to kick Larry! I hope you enjoy the rest of the book
Paranormal is working for me. Totally working. I know if I tried to do completely classics I'd crash and burn.
Yes, Larry is equal parts awesome and silly. For me, I'm still thinking he's silly and he makes me mad. And I hate to admit this, but Frannie is driving me nuts right now!
In the mini-series, the Dark Man wears a jean jacket with a smiley face button on it. See…not so scary!
And I wrote you a song to tide you over until you're ready for Brick House.
How in the world did I miss this readalong? I am so disappointed! I've actually read The Stand a few times but still…note to self: must pay better attention to the internets!
I felt a similar way toward Larry in the first half, too, but as I got farther I liked him more and more – and Harold less and less. Frannie also got on my nerves later in the book, but I still like her. I hope you enjoy the second half, and don't find it too scary!