[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by alatar

Sorry for my playful retort. If you've read the book...well, I shouldn't add to your suffering.

Sorry if I came off as testy. I was in a hurry and didn't have time for elaboration.

Originally Posted by alatar

To use an argument from authority, I, as a former molecular biologist, find King's science not very deep.

I am by no means an expert in molecular biology or epidemiology, but I've had many of the same questions as you about the nature of "Captain Trips". On a side note, being in the law enforcement field, I think SK takes similar liberties with police matters in From a Buick 8.

Originally Posted by alatar

Thanks for posting, and if you've read it, I'd like to read your thoughts on how it compares to LotR.

Well, many of the similarites have already been noted by you and others here.
Keep in mind, it's probably been two or three years since I last read it, though I think it's still in my basement somewhere.
We have the good band of pilgrims, called together apparently at random, to fulfill their roles in an epic battle against evil.
We have Mother Abigail: seemingly a cross between Elrond, as a bastion of guidance and wisdom, and Gandalf, taking an active role in organising the resistance to the incarnate evil facing the world.
As you noted, the Trashcan Man can be said to be the book's Gollum. I didn't see you mention what I believe to be their chief likeness, however. Both do good they do not intend, fulfilling, I think, the Plan of a higher Power.
Both books have leading toward the climax, a smaller group of persons, specially chosen to go to the land of the Enemy into what they believe to be certain death. Frodo and Sam in LOTR, and Stu, Larry, Glen, and Ralph in The Stand.
Harold Lauder, I think, could be somewhat likened to Boromir. Both, due to intrinsic flaws in their character, show themselves to be particularly vulnerable to evil impulses: Boromir is the only one of the Company to give in to the power of the Ring and attempt to wrest it from Frodo. Lauder, due to childhood experiences and his jealous hatred for Stu, consciously makes the decision to attempt to assassinate the members of the Committee.
Both repent in the end, but too late.
Overall, The Stand is not bad, for what it is. To me, it really belongs in the sci-fi genre rather than fantasy. The dialogue, characters, and plotting do not measure up to LOTR, but then again, what does?