This had to be read. It had to be known. There are three pillars in Rolands growth that occur before our time and this is the telling of one of those sections. To know him today we must know him before and although we know what we know, and know it must end in tragedy--like a trainwreck we watch and turn the page...waiting...waiting...for the moments we know must unfold.

This was a good book. Regardless of it taking a break from the trials and trivials of the journey I liked to get to know Alain, Cutherbertson and his gilly whose name for a moment escapes me..

Then to have these repeating symboloisms like Rhea of the Coos and the Wicked Witch, the Crimson King, Big Coffin Hunters--it all makes for some interesting moments to be shared.

Once done with our revivial of the past and or ka-tet stronger than ever the sojourn, but a moment in time, to the Emerald City--or was it more just a mirage? I don't know. The thinny was strong here but it's time to find the Beam again and onwards we go.