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)

Stephen King at his best

Where does Doctor Sleep rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I don't often rank books but I thoroughly enjoyed Doctor Sleep which is why I gave it 5 stars on all levels.

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

I wouldn't want to give away the most memorable moments to spoil them for those who haven't listened.

Which character – as performed by Will Patton – was your favorite?

I felt that I was really hearing Danny though Will Patton's narration. He did an outstanding job with all of the characters.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Again, I wouldn't want to reveal the particular moments but there are several happenings in the story that moved me.

Any additional comments?

I am a true Stephen King fan having read or listened to if not all at least 99% of his books; I can honestly say that there only a couple that I didn't enjoy. I anxiously awaited this book when I first heard about it over a year ago and it was worth the wait. I hope everyone who listens to Doctor Sleep experiences that same enjoyment I had.

Loved it!!!

I was very pleased with this book. always wanted to know what would have happened to Danny.

Great story that ties things together.

Loved it! Will Patton as a narrator was amazing. I love how the story ties up loose ends from "The Shining."

Good book, not a great ending

Good follow on for the character but not much tying in the original. Minor changes would've made this a standalone story.

Worthy sequel to The Shining!

Excellent follow up to the classic. Bravo Mr. Stephen King! Very well read as well. Highly recommended.

great book.

I loved learning what happened to little doc Torrence. I think it was just the right ticket, I can imagine Dan holding his 15 year sobriety chip, proud that he didn't become his father after all.

totally worth it

excellent read. definitely worth it after reading the shining. I'd highly recommend it. I loved it.

Really Loved It

Great story. Been awhile since I read one of Stevens novels. Time to catch up.

Great follow up

This book was a wonderful follow up to The Shining. It’s captivating and suspenseful. I loved it and was so happy to find out what happened the Danny Torrence after the Overlook Hotel.

This book does not disappoint

What did you love best about Doctor Sleep?

I love how we finally get to see what happens to Danny after the Shining. It's an awesome story, and at first I hated it. But I think it's because I was so incredibly disappointed in Danny and how is life was turning out. I felt like a parent disappointed in their child because they made poor decisions. The story is satisfying, suspenseful, and even funny at times. I loved listening to this book.

Which character – as performed by Will Patton – was your favorite?

All of them. Though to be honest Will Patton's voice kinda threw me off at first because he kinda sorta sounds like George Carlin. But after a while I got into his voice and the way he told the story, so it was a very enjoyable performance. All of the voices he did were very good, and helped you become immersed in the story even more.

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

I laughed, cried, and as I stated earlier, felt extreme disappointment and even pride at certain points in the book.

Any additional comments?

Read or listen to The Shining first, before you get this book. It helps you understand the main character, and even helps you to become more attached to him.