The Stand: Movie Tie-In Edition

50 Books for 50 years

Powell's anniversary list: 1971-2021

First published in 1978, The Stand is a force to be reckoned with in the canon of post-apocalyptic literature. It’s a doorstop of a book that grabs hold of the reader, as all the best Stephen King books do, and the roller coaster of a plot will spit you out into an ending that is deeply satisfying.   Recommended By Mary Jo S., Powells.com

The tie-in edition of the nine-part CBS All Access series starring Whoopi Goldberg, Alexander Skarsgard, and James Marsden.

When a man escapes from a biological testing facility, he sets in motion a deadly domino effect, spreading a mutated strain of the flu that will wipe out 99 percent of humanity within a few weeks. The survivors who remain are scared, bewildered, and in need of a leader. Two emerge — Mother Abagail, the benevolent 108-year-old woman who urges them to build a peaceful community in Boulder, Colorado; and Randall Flagg, the nefarious “Dark Man,” who delights in chaos and violence. As the dark man and the peaceful woman gather power, the survivors will have to choose between them — and ultimately decide the fate of all humanity.

“An undisputed master of suspense and terror.” The Washington Post

“As brilliant a dark dream as has ever been dreamed in this century.” Palm Beach Post

“A master storyteller.” Los Angeles Times

Stephen King is the author of more than 50 books, all of them worldwide bestsellers. Among his most recent are Doctor Sleep; Joyland; 11/22/63; Full Dark, No Stars; Under the Dome; Just After Sunset; End of Watch; and the latest novel in the Dark Tower saga: The Wind Through the Keyhole. His acclaimed nonfiction book On Writing is also a bestseller. Stephen is the 2003 recipient of The National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters and in 2007 he received the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America. He was also awarded the 2014 National Medal of Arts. He lives in Maine with his wife, novelist Tabitha King.