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)

wonderful

this was a great book. the narrator was great. the book keep my interest the whole time. I would read it again definately.

Excellent Read

this book was excellent, a great companion to the shining, also very glad that I finally know what happened to Danny 😀

Unique Story

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

I thought the performance was very good. I didn't read the book. I love audio books and I love listening to Steven King. This kept me interested throughout.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Doctor Sleep?

Uncovering some of the secrets and the showdown.

What about Will Patton’s performance did you like?

When I get visuals about the characters in the book, I know I've heard a good narration.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

If I had an enormous amount of free time, yes.

A Conlusion to a Young Boy's Story

This book, while carrying a different tone of its precursor, is very much the story of hardship one would expect of the boy who survived not only is alcoholic father's wrath, but the mysterious hell that is the iconic Overlook Hotel. I would recommend this novel to anyone curious enough to hunt for that boy now grown into a man that despite his flaws we still pray for his success. Read and join this man finding out there is more to life than suffering in the past when he discovers a young girl in need of his help. "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear."

Great follow up to The Shining.

it was great to see what had been happening in Dan Torrance's life. Hope there is more in the future.

He's Back Finally!!!

I was a huge Stephen King fan but had grown away from his work. I didn't enjoy his books the way I used to. So I was skeptical to pick up Dr. Sleep. I am so happy I did! This took me back to the Overlook Hotel and put so many questions I didn't realize I had to sleep! I hardly ever think of the aftermath and this gave me so much to think about. I loved this book. It was filled with twists and turns and surprises I didn't see coming. I'll pick up another Stephen King book now that I've remembered what I liked about him.

Amazing

The greatest horror author has outdone himself again. With The Shining being one if my favorite stories of all time (and the best movie ever) the bar was set very high. Sequels as a rule can never live up to their predecessors but Stephen King pulled it off! This us an excellently written book with full depth that you can really sink your teeth in to. Full character development all around. You really become a part of this warped story and experience the characters emotions. Well done sir, well done. The reader does an amazing job too!

An awesome story narrated by an excellent actor

The book was great, I read it when it came out right after rereading the shining.
A great follow up with no disappointments.
The narration is fantastic, Will Patton did a fantastic job, his voice is perfect throughout the story and his inflections when he changes characters and expresses their emotions is amazing.

Simply, wonderful

The story alone is incredible. And although I often like to read, using my own voice as narration, I must admit that Will Patton blew me away. I drive a lot for work, and will continue to seek out Patton narrated King novels. I truly found it hard to get out of my car, at the end of my long drives. Wanting just a few more minutes of the story.

Classic King

What did you love best about Doctor Sleep?

From very close the opening of the book, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. Not since reading It, and Pet Cemetary had I actually had to stop reading and look around for the old rotting woman from room 237.

What did you like best about this story?

Everything it was spooky and touched on addiction and co-dependance, yet had a warm family angle that balanced it nicely.

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

no

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

both I laughed and cried.

Any additional comments?

Any true King fan will love this book.