The Stand READING SCHEDULE
Chapter Breakdowns from January - June 2026
We are just a few weeks out from starting our Slow Read of THE STAND and we are so excited to deep dive (slowly) into this epic novel with you.
We officially start our Slow Read on January 1, 2026 with an episode covering the Author’s Note and A Preface in Two Parts. This means that by January 1, you only need to read those few pages in order to enjoy our kickoff discussion.
Then, starting January 5, the main Slow Read episodes will drop on Mondays in accordance with the Reading Schedule. This means you’ll want to read the chapters listed BEFORE you listen to the episode breaking down that section.
The main Slow Read episodes discussing The Stand chapter by chapter will be free and available on Substack AND in your favorite podcast app. The Side Quest conversations, bonus material, community chat, and Book Club meetings (where YOU get to share your thoughts as we go with fellow readers) will be for our paid Substack subscribers.
REMEMBER:
We are reading the complete and uncut edition of The Stand by Stephen King.
You are welcome to read it in any form (physical copy, ebook, or audio) but make sure you’re reading the complete and uncut version published in 1990 or after. (The Stand was originally published in 1978 as an abridged version. That is not the one we’re reading.) If you can’t easily find that info, it should be about 1,153 pages total, with 78 chapters, or 47+ hours on audio.
Our reading pace for this Slow Read will be about 7 pages a day or roughly 50 pages a week. Of course, you’re always welcome to read ahead or catch up. The page number count may vary depending on your reading format, so it’s best to follow along by chapter numbers above all else.
Bookmark this reading schedule! It will also always be available at the top of the main Slow Read Substack page (so bookmark that, too).
JANUARY 1: The Author’s Note + A Preface In Two Parts
BOOK ONE
JANUARY 5: Chapters 1 - 4 (37 pages)
JANUARY 12: Chapters 5 - 15 (84 pages)
JANUARY 26: Chapters 16 - 25 (94 pages)
FEBRUARY 9: Chapters 26 - 34 (88 pages)
FEBRUARY 23: Chapters 35 - 42 (96 pages)
BOOK TWO
MARCH 9: Chapters 43 - 44 (82 pages)
MARCH 16: Chapter 45 (43 pages)
MARCH 30: Chapters 46 - 48 (101 pages)
APRIL 6: Chapters 49 - 51 (89 pages)
APRIL 20: Chapters 52 - 55 (113 pages)
APRIL 27: Chapters 56 - 60 (97 pages)
BOOK THREE
MAY 11: Chapters 61 - 64 (49 pages)
MAY 18: Chapters 65 - 71 (56 pages)
JUNE 1: Chapters 72 - 73 (49 pages)
JUNE 8: Chapters 74 - 78 (64 pages)
JUNE 16: The Circle Closes + Epilogue
We can’t wait to get started!
See you on the other side,
Laura & Sarah
My 19 yr old son is going to read along with me. He’s a Stephen King fan. This is my first King novel. We r excited.
Would it be possible to format that great graphic into a bookmark-ish size to print to tuck into my book? It looks great and would be helpful. Looking forward to the read!