55 pages • 1 hour read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
544
Novel • Fiction
2010s
2013
Adult
18+ years
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
312,977 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
312,977 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Rose the Hat
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.
Abra Stone
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.
Doctor John Dalton
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.
Dave Stone
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.
Billy Freeman
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.
Casey Kingsley
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.
544
Novel • Fiction
2010s
2013
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.