Journey step started: April 11, 2022
Journey step ended: May 5, 2022
Click the Google sheet to the right to see every item covered on this step of the journey.
The Book
Day 101: Apr 11, 2022
The highlight of the Stephen King Journey is the start of the next book in the plan. Normally, I’ll go in release sequence but I’ll make exceptions to direct sequels. Today I kick off my reading of “Doctor Sleep”!
I read Doctor Sleep when it first came out. I don’t recall being overly impressed with it, but then again, I was at least 30 years removed from having read The Shining. Will this reading improve after having been immersed in the Overlook Hotel for over a month?
I like that it picks up just months after the events of The Shining. It’s as if I turned the page on that Epilogue and the story continues as smooth as a stream that forever flows.
“At least one of its vengeful spirits had followed him all the way to Florida.”
That just seems so unfair. I thought it was an unwritten rule that ghosts are locked into the latitude & longitude to which they’re assigned to haunt! To travel thousands of mile, though? That’s BS!
“Listen to me, Danny. The world has a way of keeping things in balance. I believe that.”
Oh, how I so want to believe this to be the case!
“Do they die in there?” This time there was no chuckle. This time there was a coldness in Dick’s voice the boy had never heard before. “Do you care?” Danny didn’t.
—-
Oooooh. I felt the icy steel cold in that.
Day 102: Apr 12, 2022
Continuing to read “Doctor Sleep” today. As I hoped, the story is far more impactful this second time around coming out of a month immersed in “The Shining”. Indeed, I wasn’t ready to be done with the relationship between Danny and Dick!
“The bathroom was directly across a short stub of hall. The door was open, the toilet seat up. Dan lunged, fell on his knees, and spewed a great flood of brownish-yellow stuff on top of a floating turd.” Boy, that Stephen King just writes absolute poetry, ya know?
Seeing how low Dan Torrance ended up as an adult after all the suffering he went through as a child is just goddamn depressing.
Day 103: Apr 13, 2022
Poor Dan Torrance has hit rock bottom. The True Knot is a carnival of creepy people. I’m getting the feeling the two are about to collide! The novel reading continues tonight…
“It was lousy, but so much of human nature was. Of course when you were running with the bottom dogs, what you mostly saw were paws, claws, and assholes.” Does SK invent these folk-isms out of thin air? They sound so natural, like I should’ve heard them before.
Day 104: Apr 14, 2022
Things are looking up for Dan Torrance in TeenyTown. He seems to have found some locals that care for him. Meanwhile, he’s starting to get weird flashes about Rose the Hat.
The reading of “Doctor Sleep” continues.
Oh boy… A jolting reference to Sept 11, 2001. That hit a chord with me. I wonder how kids who were born after that think about it today. Just an historical piece of trivia? You really had to have lived through it to appreciate how surreal and scary it was.
Day 105: Apr 15, 2022
Abra is born & sends precognition images of 9/11 to her parents. Rose the Hat & the True Knot slurp in the poor souls of the victims of the World Trade Center collapse.
I was deeply disturbed by both things.
The reading of “Doctor Sleep” continues.
“Perhaps kids really did come into the world trailing clouds of glory, as Wordsworth had so confidently proclaimed, but they also shit in their pants until they learned better.”
Poetry and gritty realism. I love how SK is able to straddle both worlds with such ease.
“The True’s towns, with colorful names like Dry Bend, Jerusalem’s Lot, Oree, and Sidewinder, were safe havens, but they never stayed in those places for long;”
Day 106: Apr 16, 2022
I’m only a third of the way through “Doctor Sleep” but the slower pace of reading has been good. In the past, I would tear through the books racing to get to the (often disappointing) end. This time: I’m savoring every word & enjoying the ride.
“She snapped on the TV and turned it up loud. Pat Sajak was being embraced by a woman with enormous jahoobies who had just finished solving the puzzle”
OK, I forgave SK for using “jahoobies” in ‘Salem’s Lot because it was the ’70s. But for crying out lound, in 2013???
The thing about rushing through books so fast like I used to is that you enjoy them for the moment but the effect is so very temporary. Like the fact that “Doctor Sleep” was a term of affection for Danny Torrance at the hospice – you’d think I’d have remembered that. But no.
Day 107: Apr 17, 2022
The three main players (Danny, True Knot, Abra) are now starting to interact with each other psychically and I can feel the tensions rising. I like this slow burn and start today’s read of “Doctor Sleep”.
The three main players (Danny, True Knot, Abra) are now starting to interact with each other psychically and I can feel the tensions rising. I like this slow burn and start today’s read of “Doctor Sleep”.
Day 108: Apr 18, 2022
I’ve officially made it halfway through “Doctor Sleep”. I loved the first encounter between Dan Torrance and Abra. That’s exactly the type of interaction SK writes best! Soon, I feel they’re gonna run into the bad guys.
One thing’s for sure: I’ll never use the phrase “blowing off steam” without thinking of Doctor Sleep ever again!
Day 109: Apr 19, 2022
I’ve come to that fun and enjoyable part of “Doctor Sleep” where two older men go dig up the body of a murdered boy in the middle of nowhere. SK needs to write more buddy comedies like this.
“in a week or two the whole media mob will be yelling hoax at the top of its lungs. Remember Balloon Boy Dad? That’s apt to be you.”
I had a hard time recalling what “Balloon Boy” was.
Day 110: Apr 20, 2022
When Dan & Dr. John met up with Abra and her dad, it was magical. The dialog in these initial encounter scenes play out so perfectly and are my favorite parts of any SK novel. My reading of “Doctor Sleep” continues tonight!
Day 111: Apr 21, 2022
Getting toward the end of “Doctor Sleep”!
The True Knot became truly f*****d when they ran into Dan & his pals. But little Abra still got scooped up and now the tension is ratcheting waaaaay up!
OK, I just reached the “I am your father, Luke” twist in this story, and I can’t say that I like it very much. It seems so contrived and soap opera-ish.
Day 112: Apr 22, 2022
Abra’s been recovered, the Knot’s not any longer, and now they’re gonna go after the queen bitch and her stinkin’ hat.
Continuing to read “Doctor Sleep”!
Day 113: Apr 23, 2022
Just finished reading “Doctor Sleep”! I had forgotten so much about this story, it was all so fresh this second time around. Redemption, family bonding, healing, and revisiting literal skeletons in the closet. I really enjoyed it!
Day 114: Apr 24, 2022
Having completed the book “Doctor Sleep” I now settle in this morning to hear The Losers’ Club exploration of this novel. I’ve already got my mental lockbox ready to contain these guys should they get out of hand.
I most certainly didn’t expect the gang to come out of the gate mocking the book. 😂
They bring up a good point. The True Knot, even with their own diverse X-Men type of evil powers, never actually rose to the level of actual threat to Abra & gang.
And re: the measles, he’s right – after all these centuries you’d have thought they’d have encountered it already.
I’m halfway into this The Losers’ Club episode and now I’ve gone from having enjoyed “Doctor Sleep” (the novel) to thinking it’s a piece of shit. I am so damn easily influenced! I hope the next podcast I listen to about this book is a bit more favorable. 😂
The gang found the scene where Danny explains what’s going on to Abra’s parents to be redundant and dull. I have to strongly disagree there. You spend so much time in the supernatural you forget there are normal people in the story and how DO you go about explaining it to them?
Whoo boy. Came here for a book review, got a ton of movie spoilers as well.
“King used the term ‘gobbling ‘ for oral sex.
Yeah, ‘The Gobbling’”
OMG – this just slayed me. 😂
I like it that the gang over at The Losers’ Club aren’t just a bunch of King worshippers fawning over every word he delivers in print. They gave “Doctor Sleep” a good ribbing and while I didn’t agree with all criticisms, they definitely landed a few excellent points!
Next up on the “Doctor Sleep” book review list is Chat Sematary! Will their take be a bit more kind? 🤔
The question was posed: “Was Abra too powerful?”
I don’t think so. I’ve always been a sucker for the child/young adult Messiah tale. But other than age & inexperience, she didn’t have any serious weakness. Perhaps some sort of cost for using powers, like physical/emotional harm.
The final discussion of the book “Doctor Sleep” belongs to Stephen King Cast. What say you, oh Professor of all things King?
Day 388: Jan 23, 2023
***circling back***
To kick off this revisit, I tune in to Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came and their read-along review of the novel.
Most of these read-alongs are from people who are revisiting the books with a critical eye.
But it’s much more fun when you get someone who is reading this for the first time, like with Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came!
Finally for today, I’m listening to their third read-along episode.
Day 389: Jan 24, 2023
***circling back*
Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came continue with their reading of Doctor Sleep.
They wrap up the book with a similar complaint that I had upon finishing it: The “good guys” (Danny & Abra) seemed to collectively be more powerful and intelligent than the True Knot and never in actual danger. Other than that, we absolutely loved it!
Day 481: Apr 26, 2023
***circling back***
The 2019 Movie
Day 115: Apr 25, 2022
I’m excited to begin the Director’s Cut vsn of “Doctor Sleep” tonight.
I saw it when it first came out but I don’t remember much of it. It was too far removed from when I first read the book which itself was too far removed from when I read “The Shining”. Now having experienced ALL of that together, the story is having a much bigger impact!
THE OPENING MUSIC!!!
A respectful homage or fanboy pandering?
As a fanboy, I don’t mind the respectful pandering.
He is, hands-down, the least annoying of the young Danny Torrances.
Day 116: Apr 26, 2022
My 2nd day working through the Director’s Cut of “Doctor Sleep”. Of all the movies I’ve journeyed through so far, “The Shining” was the best. But the way this is headed, I feel like the sequel is going to edge it out.
Twins separated at birth?
I love this direct homage to the Jack Torrance & Overlook hotel manager scene in The Shining!
Whenever I hear The True Knot referred to as a bunch of “energy vampires”
Just learned that the actress who played Abra in “Doctor Sleep” will also appear in Mike Flanagan’s upcoming series.
Day 117: Apr 27, 2022
I’m halfway through the Director’s Cut of “Doctor Sleep”. It’s so strange to see Obi-wan Kenobi as a rock-bottom alcoholic, so lost in his own life. Hats off to Ewan McGregor!
However, this kid ought to have won ALL the Academy Awards that year.
What the ka?!!!
This was such a cool visual! I could have enjoyed 3 hours of just this!
Day 118: Apr 28, 2022
Tonight, I finish off the Director’s Cut of “Doctor Sleep”. Fantastic movie! I remember when it first came out, I didn’t think much of it. But today, in the proper context, AMAZING!
I appreciated how the movie dropped the whole measles backstory. Didn’t miss it one bit.
I am literally smiling from ear-to-ear over this scene as Danny & Abra drive to the Overlook!
The Overlook doesn’t exist in the book, but by God I’m so happy we get to revisit it in this movie!
I am swooning right now. This is fanfic at it’s peak.
I want to see more mashups! Like how would Pennywise fare at the Overlook?
Director Mike Flanagan is just showing off at this point.
Flanagan’s “Doctor Sleep” has brilliantly tidied up the flaws of both the Kubrick’s “The Shining” and King’s novel. Rose the Hat’s off to him!
Day 119: Apr 29, 2022
I’m still reeling from how good the Director’s Cut of “Doctor Sleep” was. And now to hear some other opinions of this work, starting with a fun throwback with The Losers’ Club as they got excited by the initial trailer release.
And now, I can’t believe that I get to experience this movie AGAIN but this time with The Kingcast and director Mike Flanagan providing commentary!
Learned that this is a latex suit top to bottom. Hilarious to hear she would walk around the lunch area like this. 😂😂😂
Imagine Nicole Kidman as Rose the Hat! 🤔
Day 120: Apr 30, 2022
I’m continuing tonight with Mike Flanagan & The Kingcast‘s commentary for “Doctor Sleep” – which is about the best one I’ve ever listened to (and I have listened to hundreds of movie & TV commentaries!)
I could post all of the amazing nuggets Mike Flanagan shared that I never would have noticed otherwise. But honestly, I can’t keep up!
Most jaw-dropping so far? The actual Playgirl magazine Jack Nicholson flipped through in the lobby of the Overlook makes an appearance here.
Mind-boggling to think that Sony owned the rights to the word “Ka” at some point because of “The Dark Tower” movie.
Day 121: May 1, 2022
Just finished the commentary of “Doctor Sleep” (Director’s Ed) with Mike Flanagan & The Kingcast. Now THIS is how commentary’s ought to be done! Every minute was interesting.
Day 122: May 2, 2022
The Losers’ Club had a very positive review of the theatrical release of “Doctor Sleep”. I wonder if they’ll regroup to discuss the 3-hour director’s cut?
The ending interview with the Newton Brothers (who composed the soundtrack for “Doctor Sleep” made me feel terrible for not noticing all the hard work and intricate details they put into it!)
Day 123: May 3, 2022
I kicked off this morning with The Kingcast and their review of the film adaptation of “Doctor Sleep”. “We’re not here to give daily BJs to Stephen King,” was the key line of this episode! 😂
Day 124: May 4, 2022
Coming close to the end of my time with “Doctor Sleep”! This morning, I enjoyed a rather raucous episode of Chat Sematary where they raved about the movie even while poking some fun at some of the decisions characters made.
Day 125: May 5, 2022
Another morning & another enjoyable exploration of the movie “Doctor Sleep” w/ Kingslingers. I particularly enjoyed the bit of confusion as one of the hosts only saw the theatrical version & the other the Director’s Cut.
The last podcast about the “Doctor Sleep” movie is with Stephen King Cast who argues this movie is the “absolute inverse” of “The Shining”. I have to say, he makes a compelling argument!
And finally, to wrap up this step of the journey, is an article by Zach Dionne about the move “Doctor Sleep”.
“Three–time SK actor John Cusack…”
Three-time? I can only name two: “1408” and “Cell”.
Don’t tell me the third one. Let it come as a surprise.
That side-by-side supercut indeed was something to behold!
Day 126: May 6, 2022
Doctor Sleep: Final Thoughts
16 pieces of media consumed.
29 hours spent on this step of the journey
21 days to complete
Step rankings (based on entire experience):
1. Doctor Sleep
2. The Shining
3. ‘Salem’s Lot
4. Carrie
Current estimated completion of my Stephen King journey:
June 2026.
🏆Best episode about Doctor Sleep goes to The Kingcast‘s commentary on the Director’s Cut with Mike Flanagan. Fastest 3 hours I ever experienced.
☑️The book was very good, if not great. But the movie elevated the story and was an absolute work of genius.
☑️I’m glad I chose to take on “Doctor Sleep” immediately after finishing “The Shining”. The first story needs to be fresh in your mind to properly experience the sequel.
☑️Hot take: There needs to be a third book, a conclusion to the trilogy, with Danny Torrance now on the other side of death using his Shining to solve mysteries, take down bad guys, and give stock tips to the deserving living.
☑️Jacob Tremblay gave the best performance of any movie or TV series I’ve seen so far. I’m still haunted by his scene.
☑️We need an origin story about Rose’s hat.
Tomorrow, I start “Night Shift”. I full expect this step to take me the rest of the year, given the 27 Children of the Corns (or is it Childrens of the Corn?) and the uncountable various TV series, movie sequels, audio dramas, and podcasts.
OK, they are countable. There’s 178.
Day 262: Sep 19, 2022
*** circling back ***
The final book to catch up on is “Doctor Sleep”. I start off today with Kingslingers and their review of the amazing Mike Flanagan movie.
Now I turn to Dark Tower Radio for their initial review of the theatrical release of “Doctor Sleep”. They are big fans – as was everyone else!
In that episode, Dark Tower Radio hinted at a rumor of a Dick Hallorann focused feature film in this Shining universe. Literally, minutes later, I saw this tweet:
Day 263: Sep 20, 2022
*** circling back ***
Today, I finally finished clearing out my backlog with Dark Tower Radio‘s review of the Director’s Cut of Mike Flanagan’s “Doctor Sleep”.
Tomorrow – I begin my first steps reading “The Stand”! I’m so freakin’ excited!
Day 390: Jan 25, 2023
***circling back***
My short revisit to Doctor Sleep ends with Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came reviewing the movie adaptation.
Day 489: May 4, 2023
***circling back***
Day 596: Aug 19, 2023
***circling back***
Next, the Stephen King Cast recently published a quick discussion of the ending of Doctor Sleep. Does he think King nailed or failed the conclusion of that story?
Day 702: Dec 03, 2023
***circling back***
If anyone has not read the books already, I highly recommend reading The Shining, watching the Kubrick film, reading Doctor Sleep and then watching the Mike Flanagan film – all of them one right after another. That experience elevated each story for me!
Here’s Tower Junkies.
Day 703: Dec 04, 2023
***circling back***
I wake up this morning to Kingsize‘s episode about Doctor Sleep.
Day 825: Apr 04, 2024
Circling back to podcast episodes that have released covering books I’ve already completed:
I finish the Tower Junkies trilogy as they cover Doctor Sleep after having covered The Shining book & movie.
Interestingly, they recorded this during the early days of the COVID pandemic and are talking about “flattening the curve” and mandatory temperature checks at various facilities. Good times, good times.
I couldn’t help but smile as the two Tower Junkies hosts were just gushing with love over Flanagan’s Doctor Sleep film.
All the praise heaped on this film was well deserved.
Day 826: Apr 05, 2025
Circling back to podcast episodes that have released covering books I’ve already completed:
The Year of Underrated Stephen King has a mega-episode about Doctor Sleep that’ll take me a couple of days to get through.
Day 1007: Oct 3, 2024
**circling back**
Enjoyed this episode about one of the best, if not THE best, adaptation of a Stephen King novel.
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