Those of you who follow this blog already know what a book lover I am. Be it history or fiction, I gobble ’em up. And like most readers, I do have my favorite authors. When it comes to history, I have a great love of the late William Manchester’s work. He was a fantastic contemporary historian and biographer of such historic figures as General Douglas MacArthur and Winston Churchill. And in my mind, his greatest undertaking was The Death Of A President, detailing minute by minute President Kennedy’s trip to Dallas to meet with his destiny. I could write my own book about Manchester’s life and work but I’ll save that for later down the road.
As for fiction, without a doubt my #1 most favorite is Stephen King. He will certainly go down in literary history along with the likes of Poe and Lovecraft as a master of horror and the macabre. I discovered him when a workmate gave me King’s book Night Shift, his first compilation of short stories. He had already published four novels before this book was released, and after reading Night Shift, I immediately found those four and the rest is history. In no way could I speak of all the Stephen King books I’ve read, but I do want to share my latest read, 2013’s Doctor Sleep, a sequel to King’s third book, The Shining, published in 1977.
Many readers sometimes wonder what transpired in the later lives of characters in novels they’ve read. And even King is subject to such musings. He got to thinking about Danny Torrance, the child protagonist in The Shining, wondering just what became of him after his traumatic youthful experiences. He actually did a poll to find out if his readers would be interested to know themselves, trying to decide to either write a book about Danny, or to continue his series of The Dark Tower. And the winner was…Danny.
For those not familiar with The Shining, Danny had the shine, a form of telepathy/ESP. And I’ll say no more than that for I don’t want to be a spoiler if you decide to read the book. But later on in his life, he’s bitten by the same bug that destroyed his father, alcoholism, until he finds himself in a small New Hampshire town where he decides to stay and try to clean up his act. He joins AA, gets a job in a hospice where he comes to be known as Doctor Sleep due to his ability to comfort those about to die. And it’s his ‘shine’ that helps him help those about to cross over to the next world, because after he quit drinking, the power of the ‘shine’ which had faded away due to his staying soused had returned full force. That also led him to come in contact with another of that type, a young girl named Abra, who communicated with him using her ‘shine’, which led to the two of them battling an evil group who wanted the little girl to use to their own ends, which was not a pretty picture at all.
And with that teaser, I’ll say no more. It’s an astounding tale which you can only appreciate by reading it. Though not necessary, if you choose to read it, I would suggest that you read The Shining first because they do go hand-in-hand. Once I found out the origin of Doctor Sleep, I reread The Shining before jumping into Doctor Sleep. I highly recommend both as must reads for they will certainly stir your imagination, and if they’re your introduction to Stephen King, you may just become a addict like me which, considering the number of books he’s written, will keep your reading list full for many a day to come.
This is my favorite genre. My favorite Stephen King novel is “Needful Things.” It was one of those that I couldn’t put down.
Stephen King is one of my absolute favorite authors. He has such a way of weaving a compelling story with interesting characters.
One of his strong points is his compelling characters. It’s as if you come to know them as real people.
I have yet to find a horror author as good as Stephen King. His stories are always creative, and even his characters are weird.
Definitely weird. His most devilish character is Randall Flagg, the Walkin’ Dude in ‘The Stand’, though Pennywise the Clown in ‘IT’ was terrifying.
I have to admit I’ve never read a Steven King book. I’ve always been scared that it would be too scary for me. I think I may have to check one out though – I’ll just make sure to read it during the day!
If you’re a reader, you certainly need to check one of his books out. They’re not all that creepy or scary. ‘The Dead Zone” would be a good first-read of King without all the scares and supernatural thingys.
My daughter’s favorite author is Stephen King and she has read all of his books. I think her favorite book is The Tailsman. I have read several and love them all.
I know someone who met Stephen King. I know his books are amazingly popular!
He SURE is, isn’t he! I love his books, and also his movies. He knows how to write a novel that you can’t step away from, and you need to read in one sitting even if you want to get up and walk away because you’re so scared hehe. 🙂
Stephen King has one messed up imagination! That is the only way he could have come up with so many great books! I agree he is the King of his genre
I remember reading through the Dark Tower series when I was younger. I had no idea the story of Danny Torrance form The Shining was being continued.
What beautiful images of those books! My father in-law is obsessed with Stephen King and probably has all the same books you have.
I agree that you should read The Shining first, then pick up Dr. Sleep. It’s a great continuation of the novel and while y favorite of King’s work, it’s very compelling nonetheless.
Horror books may not be for everyone, but Stephen King has proved that that won’t stand in his way! Your hints about the sequel are intriguing.
I have never read his books, but I am a huge fan of his movies. He is awesome!
In the earlier movies they didn’t do his books justice. When they made “The Shining” with Jack Nicolson”, people raved about it. King hated it, as did I, and later on there was a mini-series that captured the true essence of the book. The later movies have been much better. “The Shawshank Redemption” and “The Green Mile” were awesome and just as good as the book.
Stephen King is well known for his novels. My sister reads his books all the time.
I had no idea he was working on a follow up to The Shining. I often wondered what happened to Danny also, but it’s because I have ‘gifts’ myself, the movie came out when I was young, while I was older than Danny’s character, I had always had a fascination with the supernatural and seeing a child with gifts too wasn’t as popular and commonplace as it is now. I HAVE to read this book. This has to be the most awesome post I have read this week like anywhere, so thanks for sharing.
I have a great Stephen King Story, I literally met him when someone bumped him super hard from behind at Grand Central station causing him to knock into me with such force it set my handbag flying and the contents of my bag spilled everywhere! He was super apologetic (although it wasn’t even his fault!) and he stopped and helped me collect my things.
As we walked away, someone yelled out to me, ‘Hey Idiot! Didn’t you know who that was?’ and yelled ‘Yes asshat I do, that’s Stephen King, you get a prize!’, Stephen turned around and winked and I shared that story with all my co-workers when I got to the office!
You’re welcome, Tracy. I love to share and it pleases me that you liked the post so much. It doesn’t surprise me that you had “gifts”. Though King is considered a writer of fiction, he does his research and there are things out there in the world that go beyond understanding, which many people consider to be just myth or hoaxes. But not I. I’m a believer. If you took the time to read “About Harry’, you most likely noticed these words:
…And I do believe in magic, and it is out there, waiting to be discovered by those whose hearts and minds are open to the possibility, and those whose eyes are willing to look past the obvious and seek the realm of the mystical.
I know that’s a mouthful, but that’s who I am. And what a wonderful story about literally running into King…well, vice versa, but still. That’s what I love about NYC: you never know who’ll you run into or see. I love the city. Thanks for reading; I’m glad you enjoyed it. It pleases me to please my readers. Go well and be safe.
All these will be added to my list of must read books. I love Stephen King and I have read most of his books.
King scares me because he is so graphic. I read Delores Claiborne and even though it was excellent, I was done.
My husband loves everything Stephan King. I haven’t ever read anything. Crazy right? I will have to, my interest has been peaked!
Stephen King is a great writer! I’ve read many of his books and have enjoyed the movies that were made from his books.
Stephen King is pretty awesome, that’s for sure. The Stand was a really good book, but it took me forever to read it. I also liked Pet Sematary, although it scared me to death. I will never look at my dog the same.
“The Stand” is #1 on my top-ten list of all-time favorite books. I remember the first one was about 700 pages, but then a later version was released with 400 more pages that were left out of the original, strictly for financial reasons. The publishers figured they would have to charge too much to sell it to pay for the publishing costs. But “The Stand” seems to be the most favorite of many of his readers and the second version was absolutely awesome.
He is really good. I liked movies that are made based from his novels as well.
Never read any of Stephen’s books. I know I know, I need to catch up! I’ve heard a lot about them.
I have been reading Steven King for as long as i can remember. My favorite Steven King books id the Dark Tower series.
Without a doubt, “The Dark Tower” is his magnum opus, over 40-years in the making. That and “The Stand” are my two most favorite King works.
I am not a horror fan. However, I must admit Stephen King is really good. It’s been a while since I’ve read his books ,but I know whatever he’s doing it’s going to be great.
Stephen IS the King. I’ve been reading his books for years. He never disappoints.
Stephen King definitely owns his genre for sure. I dont read many of his books anymore because I’ve turned into a big scaredy cat! lol!
I haven’t read any of these books. They sound super interesting. I have seen a few of his movies.
Can you believe that I’ve never read any of his books before? My husband really likes his work though.
Stephen King freaks me out! I just can’t read his books. LOL Enjoy! 🙂