The Stand READING SCHEDULE

Chapter Breakdowns from January - June 2026

Dec 11, 2025

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).