Book Talk: Doctor Sleep
I finished Doctor Sleep in a whirlwind. I COULD NOT put this book down. It was one of those reads I got so consumed with that I forgot to eat, drink, and sleep because I had to see what happened next. And, you guys, it was seriously brilliant!
But when I first started reading it, I told my husband in a surprised voice, “You know, I’m really sucked into Doctor Sleep so far.”
His response was, “Well, he is Stephen King. What did you expect?”
Touché. I’m not sure what I expected. I’ve read King’s work before and know the man can weave a tale, but whenever I approach a book that’s verging on 3 inches thick, I grow apprehensive.
How is it possible that this book can keep me entertained the entire way through? ME, the girl who gets bored in movies, 30 minutes television shows, and books far shorter than Mr. King’s tomes of text. But it totally did!
I want to discuss why this book is so brilliant, how this particular novel showcases what a masterful storyteller Stephen King is. *** Warning, there will be spoilers! ***
1) The coolest thing possible happens. My mind was totally blown in the final battle when Dan releases the ghosties that had been safely locked away in his mind. I mean, holy cow, Horace Derwent (the party ghost, and former owner of the Outlook, from The Shining) actually helped take down one of the True Knot! I just love the way that by not just facing, but embracing the demons in his past, Dan was able to conquer the steamhead creepers.
2) The story goes to unexpected places. I’ve gotten to be pretty good at predicting, usually around halfway through, where a story’s going, whodunit, or if a character’s going to kick it. In this book, I thought FOR SURE Danny was going to bite the dust, especially when he sees flies on his own face, and having heard Stephen King’s prominent advice to kill your beauties. But Danny didn’t die! Oh no, instead he became a steamhead and released Chetta on the True Knot, obliterating almost all of them. Gotta say, I *love* it when my predictions are wrong.
3) An impressively large scope. This story took place over roughly 15 years, in locations all over the country, and with a huge cast of characters. It starts with Dan hitting rock bottom and, shortly thereafter, with Abra’s birth. From there the story slowly, yet beautifully, builds upon itself to when Dan and Abra meet in person, by which point we’re thoroughly invested in both characters, have a clear idea of the world, and know what’s at stake. There was a deft hand, confidence, and patience every step of the way, which led to HUGE payoffs.
4) Characters. There were A TON of characters in this story, but I was able to keep each and every one of them straight thanks to a few well-chosen colorful details. The characters felt alive with their own histories, motivations, and moral ambiguities. But even more brilliant were all the complex relationships, which morphed throughout the story. Being a sucker for cats, I especially liked Dan’s (aka Doctor Sleep) feline companion, Azzie, who somehow knew which hospice patients were nearing death.
5) A cool and unique theme. And the theme, refreshingly, wasn’t overly obvious or shoved down our throats. It was subtly hinted at through the actions of the characters and the overarching plot, just enough so that the reader can guess at it toward the end. IMHO, this quote best embodies the theme: “Life was a wheel, its only job was to turn, and it always came back to where it started.” This idea was exemplified through Dan having to return to the Outlook, having to admit his rock bottom moment at an AA meeting, and becoming the teacher for Abra that Dick Hallorann was for him.
Now, this story isn’t perfect. I got a tad frustrated with the True Knot’s POV, which at times seemed a little bumbling, and the conversations where Dan is having to ‘catch people up’ on what’s happening with him and Abra got pretty redundant. But here’s the thing: story’s aren’t supposed to be perfect, they’re supposed to be entertaining. And, oh boy, was this entertaining!
Have you read Doctor Sleep? What did you think of it? Were there any reasons why you especially liked, or disliked, this book?
What I’m reading: In the Country of the Young by Lisa Carey
What I’m listening to: Lorde — Yellow Flicker Beat (from the Mockingjay Part 1 soundtrack!!!)
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