Doctor Sleep

A Novel

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: Will Patton

Length: 18 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Winner, Fiction, 2014

Audie Award Nominee, Solo Narration - Male, 2014

Stephen King returns to the characters and territory of one of his most popular novels ever, The Shining, in this instantly riveting novel about the now middle-aged Dan Torrance (the boy protagonist of The Shining) and the very special 12-year-old girl he must save from a tribe of murderous paranormals.

On highways across America, a tribe of people called The True Knot travel in search of sustenance. They look harmless - mostly old, lots of polyester, and married to their RVs. But as Dan Torrance knows, and spunky 12-year-old Abra Stone learns, The True Knot are quasi-immortal, living off the "steam" that children with the "shining" produce when they are slowly tortured to death.

Haunted by the inhabitants of the Overlook Hotel where he spent one horrific childhood year, Dan has been drifting for decades, desperate to shed his father's legacy of despair, alcoholism, and violence. Finally, he settles in a New Hampshire town, an AA community that sustains him, and a job at a nursing home where his remnant "shining" power provides the crucial final comfort to the dying. Aided by a prescient cat, he becomes "Doctor Sleep."

Then Dan meets the evanescent Abra Stone, and it is her spectacular gift, the brightest shining ever seen, that reignites Dan's own demons and summons him to a battle for Abra's soul and survival. This is an epic war between good and evil, a gory, glorious story that will thrill the millions of hyper-devoted fans of The Shining and wildly satisfy anyone new to the territory of this icon in the King canon.

©2013 Stephen King (P)2013 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

"Will Patton's delivery enhances King's prose in ways that make King's work so much more enjoyable in audio than just reading it…Patton's narrative voice captures the rhythm of King's words. His character voices, filled with a variety of regional American accents, remain consistent. Most importantly, the sinister aspects that embody characters and moments of this novel are superbly executed and will certainly leave listeners on edge." ( AudioFile)

"King, not one given to sequels, throws fans a big, bloody bone with this long-drooled-for follow-up to The Shining." ( Booklist)

"…a gripping, taut read that provides a satisfying conclusion to Danny Torrance's story." ( Publisher’s Weekly)

Amazing Conclusion for an Amazing Story

Everything about this was phenomenal!!!!
The story itself (of course) the narrator...everything!!

Classic King. Gripping!

Would you consider the audio edition of Doctor Sleep to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version but Will Patton's narration was superb. Hearing the characters speak to one another adds a special dimension to this book. It's amazing that although the bad people in this book are truly awful, you can't help but understand their motivation. I got so connected to these characters that I didn't want the story to end. I'd love to hear more about what happens to Dan and Abra. I'd also like to know more about the backstory between Dan and MoMo.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene was when Dan realized who his "ghostie-people" assistant was at the Top of the World. King never misses a chance to grab your heart while he's tickling your spine.

If you could rename Doctor Sleep, what would you call it?

Relativity

Any additional comments?

To all current and future King fans: You have GOT to read this book!

The true King is back!!

I loved this novel! If I could have given it 10 stars, I would. A must read for any old school King fans.

Doctor Kept Me Awake

Would you listen to Doctor Sleep again? Why?

Yes, and most likely will. It's well written, well performed and very entertaining.

What did you like best about this story?

Dan's journey. Good stuff.

What does Will Patton bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I wasn't sure about Will at first but he added depth to the characters and is very good at make you feel that each voice is its own.

If you could rename Doctor Sleep, what would you call it?

Cadabra

Any additional comments?

A fun ride!!

Amazing Sequel

I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel to "The Shining". The characters are each memorable, loveable, and easy to hate when needed. The level of detail involved in this story could only be accomplished by King himself. Also, Will Patton does a wonderful job of bringing the characters off the pages, and into your mind.

Well Done!

Another great tale by Stephen King! Would definitly recommend for King fans and all those looking for another weird, scary, erie tale as only Stephen King can tell.

Excellent

If you are looking for a good "modern" Stephen King novel I think this is it. It's fun to see what happens to one of our favorite characters from the past. Although not as good as his past works, it's still a good yarn. I do hope he considers doing something like this again with other older works.

Great sequel to The Shining

What made the experience of listening to Doctor Sleep the most enjoyable?

Will Patton is great, and brings each character to life.

Any additional comments?

I loved this book, and it really shows how talented Stephen King is.

a well done follow up

This book was well handled in my opinion. I while it was not as scary to me as the shining it covers some of the questions I had and how Dan had grown up. I would recomend reading this if you loved the shining.

Incredible Sequel

Would you consider the audio edition of Doctor Sleep to be better than the print version?

Yes, Will Patton brings a rough and appropriate tone to the book.

What other book might you compare Doctor Sleep to and why?

The Shining.

Have you listened to any of Will Patton’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes and this is just as great as his other readings.

Who was the most memorable character of Doctor Sleep and why?

Danny Torrance. you see Danny at his best and worst during the book. A solid story of redemption and aftermath of suffering a traumatic event.