When I first finished the series, I had a "man, that SUCKS!" (for Roland to be in that position, not the ending itself). The more I think about it, the more I agree with King that it couldn't really end any other way. I originally read the first 4 books on a friends recommendation (this was just before the last books were released) and then gobbled up the last ones as they were released. Just today, I finished listening to the whole series on audiobook and during the whole last section where he's almost at the Tower I was just thinking..."dude, just stop now and RELAX!!" I wasn't insulted by King's 'stop now or you're not going to like it...' I feel that if you're insulted by it, it's more a reflection of your self-esteem than his intention. Too often we (myself included) rush through life/books/etc. instead of appreciating the journey and he was just pointing that out. When I first read the book, I guess I didn't notice that he had the horn when he had to start over, I took it as his curse is to just keep doing it and doing it and he never learns. His whole reason for existence is to reach the Tower... well actually, it seemed to me that ORIGINALLY it was to save the Tower from falling so the world wouldn't end, but at some point it became just to go there and reach the top. I mean, he looked in the first couple of rooms and then he didn't even look at any more of them, he just charged to the top, opened the door and "DOH!" If, let's say, he did it and didn't have to start over, what is he supposed to do? Let's say he goes into the final room at the top, takes a look says "cool" and puts his hands on his hips and thinks "now that THAT'S done, I can finally open up that beauty salon!" and then he mellowly trots down the stairs and starts to walk back to...??? Just doesn't work... I've been rambling for a while and I can no longer recall everything I wanted to say (if I didn't already say it all)... So, rip into me if you wish.
