Doctor Sleep (The Shining, #2) in Bookworm Buddies

Mar 01, 2014 Gary added it · review of another edition

Great read

This is an example of Stephen King on top of his game. The narrative flow is smooth and easy. The story follows Dan, the boy from The Shining, into adulthood as he learns to use his gift and to deal with a really nasty group that is feeding on people like him.
The story starts with King type shock scenes and moves quickly into the main storyline. The villains are well crafted as are the main characters. Without giving away spoilers, the end did become fairly obvious early on. The story ...more

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Sep 24, 2013 ✨Susan✨ rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: audible, horror, sequel

As King always does, he writes another fascinating story that I think will have reviewers on both ends of the spectrum. It was a sensational listen!!
Can the impact of "The Shining" be continued thirty some years later? Doctor Sleep definitely has the scare factor and some very gory and disturbing parts all wrapped up "King style".

Dan is a young adult still battling his demons, real and figuratively. He drinks to help block out the chilling memories of the Overlook Hotel and to dull his senses t As King always does, he writes another fascinating story that I think will have reviewers on both ends of the spectrum. It was a sensational listen!!
Can the impact of "The Shining" be continued thirty some years later? Doctor Sleep definitely has the scare factor and some very gory and disturbing parts all wrapped up "King style".

Dan is a young adult still battling his demons, real and figuratively. He drinks to help block out the chilling memories of the Overlook Hotel and to dull his senses to the new and macabre visions that haunt him daily. When he tires of drifting around he decides to settle in a small town in New Hampshire that he feels drawn to. Shortly after arriving Dan hits his mental and physical breaking point, and finally seeks some much needed help. Through time and support he starts to realize that his abilities can be useful and are appreciated more than he could have ever imagined. He takes a job at a hospice and helps the dying during their last moments to slip off without fear, hence the title, "Doctor sleep". During his recovery he becomes attached to a group of locals who become his friends and mentors. When they are asked to take a terrifying leap of faith into Dan's unbelievable and inconceivable world, they are all put to the mortal test. For years he has felt a connection to another that Shines on his level and has his abilities. Since he has been in New Hampshire it is evident that he is there for a reason,...This powerful force now desperately needs his help.

Abra is a young girl who has had an incredibly bright Shine since birth. Horrible events and their strong telepathic powers bring Dan and Ambra together. They understand that it will take both of them to stop a hideous group of Shining undead who gruesomely feed on children that have the Shine. They must push their abilities to the limit in a mind endeavor that they may not make it back from. They tap the much needed help of friends, family and even some unexpected appearances from some old acquaintances of Danny's. Important past hidden events and some long kept secrets are uncovered that may just help to save their lives.

I loved the characters in this book, King has a way of making them jump off the page and Will Patten brought them to life. Old characters are eerily salt and peppered all the way through and even the grounds of where the old Overlook stood plays a part. There is a riveting story that Dan tells Ambra that will definitely stick with me. Another powerful King classic not to be missed.
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Jun 29, 2014 Wayne Barrett rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, supernatural, 2019, horror, stephen-king, re-read, 2014, ghosts, series

Very good for a sequel. I would not say it was as good as the Shining, but it was close. i would recommend this one.

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Sep 25, 2013 Rob G. rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: my-collection

First, let me say that like many people, I have read and have loved The Shining. When I first heard that Stephen King was working on a sequel, I'll admit that I was very apprehensive.

After Finishing Doctor Sleep, I have to say that I am pleasantly surprised. I don't want to give anything away, so I'll just say that if you have ever wondered what ever became of Danny, you owe it to yourself to give this a look. I'll warn you, though, it's not a "they all lived happily ever after until the end of ...more

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Jun 05, 2014 Chantal rated it really liked it

I read The Shining (again) before reading this, the sequel. However, I did not have any intention of comparing Doctor Sleep to its prequel. I always saw it as a separate book, but from the same family. Make sense?
I am giving it 4 stars mainly because of the ending. Not that the ending was disappointing, per se, but it felt a bit scattered, pieced together and definitely lacked the flow that the first 80% of the book had. My interest waned right at the end. This book went from a page turner to a ...more

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Jan 07, 2014 Kathi rated it it was amazing

I am of the opinion that there are multiple layers to stephen king the writer, just like Sybil's multiple personalities but for real. Dr. Sleep is King at his finest layer, right up there with The Stand, Insomnia and most of the Dark Tower books. No purposeful gross outs, tight descriptions that put you right inside the story, instant access to the characters. I borrowed from library because he has let me down a time or two (Gerald's Game, Rose Madder, Everything Eventual) but I will be buying h ...more

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Aug 24, 2014 Amanda rated it liked it

Shelves: 2014

I liked Doctor Sleep but I didn't love it. I think I was expecting the same magic that I felt while reading The Shining but it fell a little flat. I did like seeing Danny as an adult and learning how he was dealing with his past issues and experiences. The story felt a bit forced and seemed to drag. ...more

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