Doctor Sleep

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: Will Patton

Length: 18 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

An epic war between good and evil, a gory, glorious story that will thrill the millions of hyper-devoted readers of The Shining and wildly satisfy anyone new to the territory of this icon in the King canon.

King says he wanted to know what happened to Danny Torrance, the boy at the heart of The Shining, after his terrible experience in the Overlook Hotel. The instantly riveting Doctor Sleep picks up the story of the now middle-aged Dan, working at a hospice in rural New Hampshire, 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 tween 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....

©2013 Stephen King (P)2013 Simon & Schuster Audio

WOW! just WOW!

loved going back to Doc's life. wish I had some shine. Kings work is the best.

Better than The Shining

It's a big call, I know - but I enjoyed this book more than it predecessor The Shining. Why? I think because the evil in Doctor Sleep is more tangible; Rose the Hat and her 'True Knot' have human-like characteristics and emotions, but they must do the unspeakable in order to survive.

One thing I love about Stephen King is his ability to create interesting and complex characters, and draw us close to them. His characters are often likeable despite their flaws. Sleep Doctor is no exception. Through Dan Torrance we glimpse the world through the eyes of an alcoholic with a disturbing past and an ability to 'shine'. Through Rose we see a vicious yet alluring leader struggling to keep her family, her True Knot, alive. And through Abra, we see a typical teenager, cocky and naïve, but with powerful physic abilities and a vengeful streak.

I thoroughly enjoyed Sleep Doctor and would recommend it to those who enjoy a good Stephen King thriller/horror.

Excellent!

Any additional comments?

Excellent sequel to The Shining yet could be read / listened to as a stand alone novel. Will Patton is the best male narrator I have listened to. Often it is the case that male narration of ladies makes them all sound like Mrs Doubtfire - however with Will this is not the case. His reading is subtle yet very complelling - instantly drawing you in. I will definately be seeking other books he has narrated. Perhaps another Steven King. I have read many Steven King novels but this is the first I have listened to. Very much enjoyed.

Great stand alone book and awesome sequal

As usual King is outstanding, this tells a story of a grown Danny facing real grown up problems. This book has great pacing and a gripping story line!

A voice to DIE for!

Will Patton is undoubtedly my new best friend and greatest voice actor ever. I think I still have to decide whether Doctor Sleep is vintage King, i.e. better than his later books. However what is beyond argument is that Will Patton performs this book with breathtaking skill and craftsmanship.
He creates believable good characters and voices the evil ones in a manner that gives you cold shivers.
If Mr Patton were to read War and Peace in binary code, it would still be riveting.

A frightening visit to an old friend

Having loved the Shining when I listened to it ON Audible fir the first time this sequel was a must. A great story with actual horror like few people can get right. The performance was goid, though the narrator presented an unpleasant, jarring voice for Billy Freeman. All in all still a a stellar book

this would be great if I could play it

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

I might if I could hear it

Who was your favorite character and why?

.

What didn’t you like about Will Patton’s performance?

performance was great in part one, part two and three, who knows? They won't download!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

audible sucks

Any additional comments?

sort out your crappy software.

Gripping story. Awesome narration by Will Paton

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

Only know the audio version but the narrator was outstanding. Really brought the atmosphere to the story (and delivered great character differentiation)

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

It was a continuously gripping story. Beautifully constructed.

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

No. Regrettably not.

A fun listen but not King at his best

I listened to Dr Sleep right after listening to The Shining. Which I recommend you also do because 1. The Shining is amazing and 2. Dr Sleep relies heavily on context from The Shining in order to make it more compelling.

While this sequel tells a captivating and heartfelt story in comparison to the prequel it is a little lacklustre in the scare department. That is if you are looking to be scared.

Dr Sleep is a different kind of story from The Shining and has it’s own merits and shortcomings. I’m glad I listened to it and I would recommend it IF you are a King fan but not if it your first time reading King.

My main gripe with this book is that the villain/villains just weren’t threatening enough. They get built up throughout the course of the book but by the end they fall a little flat and come across as cartoony, ridiculous and weak.

I did appreciate the ending though. All in all a worth while listen. No regrets.

A roaring good listen!!!

Would you listen to Doctor Sleep again? Why?

Will Patton turns this book into something more than special!!! I cannot describe the range and qualities he gives to King's characters. His voice brought chills at the right moments and expressed the vulnerability of Abra and all who were concerned for her.

What did you like best about this story?

King manages to construct such a believable history behind the man that is Dan Torrance. I couldn't help but see in my mind's eye and really be convinced of what Danny had become. Brilliant

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

This being my first listening of Will Patton I will certainly pick up more

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

I absolutely wanted to spend a full 18 hrs listening to nothing but this book. ... but y'know,...life gets in the way.

Any additional comments?

If anything, this story has reawakened the love I have of Stephen King's writing.