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Doctor Sleep was a fun read. It wasn't sublime or life-changing but it was an intriguing spectacle all the same. King himself notes the obvious contrast between the original novel and its sequel, largely because the author he was then and the author he is now are two different breeds but with one same purpose: telling a scary story. And it is scary. It's entertaining too. The middle sags a bit but the final pages satisfy. In some bizarre way there seems to be an element of universal truth in this novel. I think it's connected to the whole idea of stolen innocence in childhood, a reoccurring aspect that seems to pop up a lot in the literature I read and study. After co-directing Peter Pan, I novel/play that I have a soft spot for, I am probably more sensitive to this aspect. King is exceptionally adept at writing about childhood and its complex social construction. I enjoy reading Abra's connections with Dan. There's not much else to say. It's a fun read and I'd recommend it to all King fans. My biggest regret is not reading a signed copy of the novel. My mom got that one as we left the New England church on a warm September evening. I remember opening my novel as I walked outside to find my blank white page on the inside cover. My heart sank five notches. My mother opened hers. The sharp signature smiled up at us and we began hopping on the steps like a pair of Annie Wilkes wannabes. I guess I'm a big "Ga Ga" for King after all but don't tell anyone, you dirty bird.