Getting into the spirit of being back, I'm happy to present the newest book review I have up my sleeve! Although I finished it a little while ago, and although I took a break from King, this time I'll be reviewing Doctor Sleep by Stephen King (2011). This is the last King review I'll be posting for a while, but that by no means should take away from the awesomeness of this book!So, without further adieu, I'll get on with it!
First Impressions:
- All the hype about this continuation of The Shining (1977) is accurate. Within the first chapter, I was already taken back to The Overlook Hotel and back into the life of Danny (Dan) and Wendy Torrence. As usual Stephen King is perfectly capable of sending his readers to all kinds of places.
- The story is written in King's usual 3rd person perspective, but he also includes Dan's (and later Abra's) inner thoughts. This really connects you to the characters, and quickly. That alone was one of the main reasons I lost myself in this book.
- King changes his usual formula and gives the reader much more information about the antagonist in the beginning. This took me by surprise, and in another story it may have limited the plot, but it completely worked out. I was very impressed.
Plot:
- Doctor Sleep begins with a glimpse into the world of The True Knot, a band of supernatural creatures who require the "souls" of people to remain immortal. From the details given in the beginning, you learn that people with the Shining are most important to the Knot. Their short introduction really puts the story in a more suspenseful light, big plus.
- The bulk of Doctor Sleep is centered around Dan Torrence. He lives with his mother, still seeing the horrors from the Overlook. Dick Hollarann returns and helps a young Dan control these horrific hallucinations. But the family doesn't stay together, Wendy passes and the story continues with Dan growing up.
- Dan becomes an alcoholic, and finds himself homeless. That's when he stumbled into a well-paying job, an AA sponsor, and finally people who care about what happens to him. About what he does with his life. That's when the messages begin. Miles away, a baby named Abra begins to display supernatural abilities (telekinesis, projecting music and feelings, learning rapidly, etc.) and in some way becomes entangled with Dan. She begins to leave him notes, and visits him in his dreams.
- Abra knows of The True Knot, as she witnessed a murder committed by their leader Rose. She also knows that the Knot is seeking her out, trying to track her in her mind. Abra alone would feed them for centuries, and soon Dan figures this out as well. Eventually, Abra's parents are brought into the story and it's revealed that Dan's father was unfaithful to Wendy: Abra is his niece, her father his half-brother.
- Without giving too much away: Abra, Dan, and a few friends face off against The True Knot. With intense luck, Abra and Dan come out unscathed. I honestly can't give too much away here.
Opinion:
- This section is going to be pretty short. I love this book. I love the way it's written, the way the characters relate to each other, the plot... everything really. Doctor Sleep really is a fantastic sequel to The Shining. Five stars.
Overall, what an awesome read! I have a strong nostalgic connection to The Shining (movie and book) and Doctor Sleep definitely brought me right back to that mindset. It was scary and thrilling, interesting and heartbreaking sometimes. Will always recommend!
Thank you for reading!
As always, stay creative.
Love, Katie.
