Leo Walsh answers “I didn't read the "Shining," but in the...”

A Goodreads user asked this question about Doctor Sleep (The Shining, #2):

I didn't read the "Shining," but in the movie, Dick Hallorann is attacked by Jack Torrance's wielding ax, and I presumed he died...Does he survive in the book?

Leo Walsh Okay.. this is an old question, but I've got to reply. Read "The Shining." Just do it...

I am re-reading "The Shining" to get ready for this book. And…moreOkay.. this is an old question, but I've got to reply. Read "The Shining." Just do it...

I am re-reading "The Shining" to get ready for this book. And while the movie is good, especially Jack Nicholson who plays a man coming unhinged to the "tee," a movie is no replacement for the book. King does an excellent job getting you into the heads of these characters.

You even like Jack Torrance, and sense the creepiness of the hotel as it oozes into his psyche, leveraging his alcoholic tendencies & love of his family... but in the movie, Kubrick focuses on Nicholson's predictably evil, over-the-top portrayal of Jack. King casts a wider net and paints several ponts-of-view that had me riveted.

Wendy, who sacrifices her entire being to saving Danny. And Hallorann, the reluctant hero.

But the best is seeing life through Danny's five-year-old eyes King is amazing painting a five-year-old kid stuck in a heartless situation. Who loves his dad, even though he's falling apart. And has psychic visions...

Plus, the plot is different than the movie. Especially the end which is much less grim in King's telling. In fact, I'd call it life-affirming.

Now, I will step down from my soapbox... :-)(less)

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