"Doctor Sleep" by Stephen King (BR)

[Alex]

Buddy Read for Stephen King's Doctor Sleep, the sequel to The Shining.

[[deleted user]]

Thanks for setting this up, Alex. Looking forward to getting into the book.

[Alex]

@Matt No problem! Looks like we're the only two reading it. Maybe Stephen King isn't too popular around here?

Prologue and Chapter 1: (view spoiler)[ King always has an incredible ability to really bring his characters to life, even if their lives SUCK. I always wondered the kind of trauma would be left behind on Danny's life, and now we get to see it. It's obvious that King's own life, and battle with alcohol and drugs, has seeped into his vivid descriptions of Dan's world as an addict. I kind of wish the story would get on with itself, though. I want to know more about Rose, The True Knot, and Andrea. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Your summary of the beginning of the book mirrors what I was thinking. Love the characterization of Danny's life, which makes sense given what he experienced as a child. I also want to know more about the True Knot stuff and want the story to kick in, but overall a promising start.

[Alex]

A valve busted on the rad in my office. There is an inch of water on the floor, so most of the stuff on the floor is damaged. Due to the condensation in the room, all the resources, documents, books, etc. are wet, too. The power cord was in the water, so my computer and monitor is likely damaged as well. I have approximately 70 kids on my roster (I'm in charge of spec ed for a school), so this... this... UGH. Long story short, I may not be reading much for next few days.

[[deleted user]]

No worries at all. So sorry that happened. Best of luck with the clean up!

[Alex]

In the middle of chapter 4 -- page 141 -- and as interesting all of this is... my gawd it's depressing. Finding out more about the True Knot (and to a lesser extent, Abra) is what's keeping me reading, but there's been so little so far.

[[deleted user]]

I'm about halfway through. Things are starting to pick up a bit with some of the disparate storylines coming together. We'll see how the second half goes.

[Alex]

That's good news -- I'm on Chapter 6 now -- not quite half-way through, but I've been hoping it gets better. I mean, it's interesting in some parts, but it's been a bit of a slog in others.

[[deleted user]]

Finished the novel. Glad I read it, though it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. One note up front: I have not read the Shining. I have seen the movie three or four times, however I know that King said he believes the movie is not an accurate reflection of the book. (view spoiler)[Regarding Doctor Sleep, I was expecting more supernatural horror. Instead, much of the book is taken up with Danny's middle-aged alcoholism, an effect of the trauma he suffered at the hands of his father as a child, in addition to whatever genetic disposition he shares with him. While this was a bit slow going as a reading experience, I nevertheless found it affecting. I got a real sense for what a years-long struggle with alcohol is like. Besides Danny's story, there is the True Knot, a group of psychopaths with 'shining' psychic abilities, and Abra, a young girl with similar abilities, who is an obvious echo of Danny as a child. I found the True Knot genuinely creepy and evil which, juxtaposed with Abra's relative innocence, left me feeling uneasy for much of the book. The way in which the storylines slowly converge is more of a slow burn rather than a big reveal. Again, while this was not what I was anticipating, I appreciate the maturity and gritty wisdom the book has to offer. Ultimately, as the story resolves and Danny is able to overcome his alcoholism (one day at a time), King offers a hopeful message. That, despite whatever suffering and traumas life has to offer, you can learn from your mistakes and persevere, which is itself a kind of victory. (hide spoiler)]

[Alex]

I'll get around to finishing it, but I had to take a break. It was hitting some utterly depressing points for me. Maybe it wasn't quite what I was looking for right now.

[[deleted user]]

Hey Alex, totally fine. If you don't get to finish it no worries at all :)