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55 pages 1 hour read

Doctor Sleep

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013

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Book Brief

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Stephen King

Doctor Sleep

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013
Book Details
Pages

544

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Doctor Sleep by Stephen King is a sequel to The Shining, following an adult Dan Torrance, who struggles with alcoholism and works in a hospice while trying to recover through AA. He becomes involved with a powerful young girl named Abra Stone and must protect her from the True Knot, a cult that feeds on children's psychic energy. Their battle culminates at the former site of the Overlook Hotel. This book includes depictions of alcohol use disorder, violence, and murder, as well as the death of a child and violence towards children.

Mysterious

Dark

Suspenseful

Emotional

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.4

312,977 ratings

81%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Stephen King's Doctor Sleep delivers a gripping continuation of The Shining, praised for its intricate character development and sustained suspense. However, some critics feel it falls into familiar horror tropes and features a slower pace. Overall, it's lauded for its exploration of trauma and redemption, resonating well with fans of the original.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Doctor Sleep?

A reader who enjoys Doctor Sleep by Stephen King will likely appreciate psychological thrillers laced with supernatural elements and deep character development. Fans of The Shining or Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl will find its exploration of past traumas and dark suspense particularly captivating.

4.4

312,977 ratings

81%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Dan Torrance

A middle-aged man with the psychic ability known as "the shining," which he uses to help terminally ill patients die peacefully, earning him the nickname "Doctor Sleep." He struggles with alcoholism as a means to dull his shining and cope with trauma from his past.

The charismatic and beautiful leader of the True Knot, a group that sustains itself by preying on children with psychic abilities. She is both feared and loved by her followers.

A young girl with powerful psychic abilities, stronger than Dan's, who becomes a target for the True Knot. Her connection with Dan allows them to communicate and work together against their common enemies.

A trusted physician for Abra's family who becomes involved with Dan through Alcoholics Anonymous. He is skeptical but willing to question his understanding of reality when confronted with the supernatural.

Abra's father, who is loving and protective, but initially skeptical of the supernatural elements in his daughter's life. He becomes an ally when he realizes the truth of their situation.

An older man who also possesses the shining, though to a lesser degree than Dan and Abra. He offers support and assistance to Dan, becoming a key ally throughout their journey.

Dan's AA sponsor who supports his sobriety and personal growth through strict but caring mentorship. He facilitates Dan's employment at the hospice and helps him confront his past struggles with alcohol.

Book Details
Pages

544

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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