I first read this book in 1985 when I was seventeen. I also read "The Stand" that year. Both books left an impression. I've re-read both the truncated and director's-cut versions of "The Stand" a few times over the past thirty-two years. As I've aged and gained some life experience I've become aware of some of the interesting details in King's seminal work. However I also understand that King was in his twenties when he wrote that novel. Times and people change. I did a speed-read of "Lucifer's Hammer" a few years ago and found myself floored by the depictions of females and black characters. But ,as of today, I'm re-reading it more thoroughly. I'll probably catch even more details that way. I have a longtime friend who warns against reading novels that you read when you were a teenager or in your very early twenties. They never hold up to the scrutiny of middle age and I agree with her. But I'm in the mood for a mega-disaster book. It's summertime after all.