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  • Doctor Sleep

  • By: Stephen King
  • Narrated by: Will Patton
  • Length: 18 hrs and 33 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (3,838 ratings)

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Doctor Sleep

By: Stephen King
Narrated by: Will Patton
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Summary

An epic war between good and evil, a gory, glorious story that will thrill the millions of hyper-devoted readers of The Shining and wildly satisfy anyone new to the territory of this icon in the King canon.

King says he wanted to know what happened to Danny Torrance, the boy at the heart of The Shining, after his terrible experience in the Overlook Hotel. The instantly riveting Doctor Sleep picks up the story of the now middle-aged Dan, working at a hospice in rural New Hampshire, and the very special 12-year old girl he must save from a tribe of murderous paranormals.

On highways across America, a tribe of people called The True Knot travel in search of sustenance. They look harmless - mostly old, lots of polyester, and married to their RVs. But as Dan Torrance knows, and tween Abra Stone learns, The True Knot are quasi-immortal, living off the 'steam' that children with the 'shining' produce when they are slowly tortured to death.

Haunted by the inhabitants of the Overlook Hotel where he spent one horrific childhood year, Dan has been drifting for decades, desperate to shed his father's legacy of despair, alcoholism, and violence. Finally, he settles in a New Hampshire town, an AA community that sustains him and a job at a nursing home where his remnant 'shining' power provides the crucial final comfort to the dying. Aided by a prescient cat, he becomes 'Doctor Sleep'. Then Dan meets the evanescent Abra Stone, and it is her spectacular gift, the brightest shining ever seen, that reignites Dan's own demons and summons him to a battle for Abra's soul and survival....

©2013 Stephen King (P)2013 Simon & Schuster Audio
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Editor reviews

Danny Torrance may have left the Overlook Hotel behind, but its demons aren’t done with him. Set decades after the events of The Shining, Doctor Sleep follows Danny — now Dan — as he navigates the constant pull of addiction, the trauma of his father’s descent into madness and a haunting power known as the shining (psychic abilities that allow him to see beyond the veil of death). And in audio, King fans will be all the more grateful to know that this listen is narrated by fan favourite Will Patton, who has previously narrated some of the author’s hits, including The Outsider and Mr. Mercedes.

Dan has made a new life for himself in a small New Hampshire town: he works in a nursing home, where he uses the shining to comfort dying patients and begins to attend AA meetings in an attempt to finally get sober. But his life is again upended when he’s telepathically contacted by Abra Stone, a young girl who shines brighter than perhaps anyone before. But Dan’s not the only one who takes notice of Abra’s gifts. The True Knot, a travelling band of near-immortal, once-human creatures who feed on the steam that escapes children with the shining as they die, are growing hungry and it’s not long before they set their sights on Abra. And Dan’s attempts to keep her safe will take him to those dark places he’s been trying desperately to avoid, resulting in a chilling climax you won’t soon forget.

What listeners say about Doctor Sleep

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Doctor Sleep the sequel I didn't know I needed.

Doctor Sleep was indeed the sequel I didn't know I wanted or needed. It grabbed me from the get go and I could not put it down until it was done.

Will Patton narrated this and gave each of the characters their own unique voices that were easy to get lost in and believe were real.

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This one Shines, too.

King has always had his ups and downs, and The Shining is one of his uppest ups. Doctor Sleep doesn't top it, because it doesn't need to; it takes you into the next chapter of a brilliantly personal story of addiction, anger, and redemption. This time, alcohol isn't the monster, but ita fallout, the desperation of those struggling to deal with their crushing need for a drink; be it spirits, or steam, and the devastation that follows when one fails, and the redemption waiting for those who don't. I intend to wait a few years and read this one again, just like I do with The Shining.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Whatever happened to Doc Torrance?

I often wondered what became of Danny, and now we know. The narration performance I wasn't sure if to begin with, but before long I got used to his style and all was well. The story is Stephen King at his finest - you are drawn in right until the bitter end. Characters are in depth and fascinating, especially the True Knot. I'll never stay at a campsite again without wondering about my neighbours...

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Easily in my top 3 Steven King novels ever now

I absolutely loved this book, I found it gripping and intense for the majority of the story, one of my favourite characters was rose the hat.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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At last, a worthwhile sequel

I first listened to this a few years ago. Then the other week I watched the new movie, so decided to listen again.
I wasn't disappointed.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great Story with great narration

Would you listen to Doctor Sleep again? Why?

First Stephen King book I have bothered with...more of a James Herbert kind of girl. Great story and was really surprised how quickly I was drawn into the story.

What did you like best about this story?

Really enjoyed the idea of finding out what happened to Danni from the Shining, when he is all grown up

Which character – as performed by Will Patton – was your favourite?

The True Knot characters kind be quite menacing..well preformed by Bill Paxton. Normally I steer away from american narrators as they just jarr my imagination following a story. But a well known american actor reading a story by a very well known american author fitted perfectly. It would have been a mismatch with an english narrator.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Really kept me on the edge of my seat at points. Its desciption of a hospice clearly come from furst hadn expereince. Found some of the scenes based these quite touching.

Any additional comments?

Good well known author and narrated by a well known talented american actor...worth a credit

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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King is on form and danny Torrance is all grown up

What made the experience of listening to Doctor Sleep the most enjoyable?

The performance by Will Patton is pretty darn good.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Doctor Sleep?

Stephen King has some pretty poignant moments that will stay with you.

Any additional comments?

I'm pleased to see that he did right by "The Shining" and the character of Danny Torrance. It was great to see him grow, make his mistakes and evolve into a more than decent human being. To become the teacher and carer that Dick Hallorann was to him when he was a nipper.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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One of the better Stephen King novels

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The extensive exposition of the characters

What other book might you compare Doctor Sleep to, and why?

The Stand; the plot almost takes second fiddle to the backstory of the main characters that typifys King'sstorytelling approach. I love these segue ways, but usually disappointed by rushed or naff endings.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Don't want to give spoilers, but one of the best bits was when the main character does something he bitterly regrets at the beginning of the book that is described in haunting detail, it made me wince and is painted and repainted throughout the book.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The scene I just de scribed

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Haunting and violent

Who was your favorite character and why?

Dan Torrence and Abra Stone are both great characters and the whole story is an epic battle between good and evil- it took a while for me to be convinced but it's just great story telling with that King ability to dispense wisdom and humour all the way through.

What does Will Patton bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I liked his 'old timer' voice and the gentleness he brought to the female characters. He sounded remarkably like Stephen King himself.

Any additional comments?

Loved the introduction by King and the dedication to Warren Zevon- very moving and personal.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Doctor Sleep

What made the experience of listening to Doctor Sleep the most enjoyable?

Pure brilliance! Perfect for all those wanting to know what ever happened to young Danny Torrance from the Shining after the Overlook was destroyed.

What other book might you compare Doctor Sleep to, and why?

I'd have to compare it to The Shining. Doctor Sleep is a brilliant, if somewhat delayed, follow up to The Shining.

Have you listened to any of Will Patton’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Yes I gave. Will Paton's performance in Doctor Sleep is yet another truly brilliant performance.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The continuing story of the life of Dan Torrance.

Any additional comments?

A thoroughly enjoyable book, brilliantly read by Will Paton. Excellent value for money.

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