Irwin Fletcher 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?

Irwin Fletcher Jack catches Dick as he's arriving somewhat similar to the movie, but he has a roque mallet instead of an axe and Dick survives. Both he and Wendy are…moreJack catches Dick as he's arriving somewhat similar to the movie, but he has a roque mallet instead of an axe and Dick survives. Both he and Wendy are badly injured but escape with Danny before the Overlook blows with Jack inside. As others have said, potential readers should do themselves a favor and read The Shining. The movie is awesome but very different from the book, and Doctor Sleep isn't a sequel to the movie. It references a lot of things that were only in the book. You not only have to read the original novel but have it pretty fresh on the mind, as even such small things as character tics and inner dialogues are referenced. Not having a good knowledge of The Shining in book form will lead to only getting half the story from Doctor Sleep. And that half of the story is probably the more enjoyable part of the book.(less)

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