Helpful Score: 7
Heh heh heh... I hardly EVER give ANYTHING five stars, but this book earned every one. The story had me from the first page, and kept drawing me in more and more. I don't want to put ANY spoilers in this review, but it's an excellent sequel to The Shining. Literary allusions are there if you want them, if you would rather gloss over those sorts of things, fine -- King doesn't hit his readers over the head with how well-read he is. Same with cultural literacy. It's an extra layer, but the book makes sense without it. Probably critics 150 years from now will write masters theses about all the allusions, though! Things come full circle in the story, and the book is so very hard to put down. Don't start on a work night.
Helpful Score: 5
Absolutely riveting! I wasn't expecting it, but I'm glad King gave us all-grown-up Dan's story, making everything come full circle. A horrifying and ultimately satisfying companion to The Shining. No question about it; Doctor Sleep deserves every one of those 5 stars!
Helpful Score: 4
Much better than I was expecting and not at all what I thought a sequel to The Shining would be about. One of King's best books in my opinion.
Helpful Score: 2
I think The Shining was my all-time favorite Stephen King novel, growing up. The book (and the movie that followed) scared the kahoots out of me, and I loved being taken on that ride. So I went into Doctor Sleep with that bias behind me, and the excellent reviews to look forward to. And was NOT disappointed! The book does not hold back on character development - every single character is so rich and well-thought-out that you feel like you've gotten to know each and every one of them. Dan Torrence (the child from the original book) has grown up, and every page gives you so much more insight as to how and why the adult Dan is who he is. There's a fair share of paranormal and a good amount of suspense. I could not put this book down.
Helpful Score: 1
I absolutely loved this book. It was everything I wanted a sequel to "The Shining" to be and more. An absolute must read for Stephen King/horror fans.