Every year, I make a point to read old SK books that I have never read before. This year, I read Rage and Firestarter, as well as his newest, The Institute. Once the 2020 PopSugar Challenge comes out, I will see which of his books fit into more categories. It’s been a lot of fun going back and reading the old stuff. And although, I read The Shining decades ago, I think I’m going to reread and then read Doctor Sleep after, which is one I haven’t read.
The Dead Zone follows a young man, Johnny Smith, through an accident. He is in a coma for four years and wakes up with psychic powers. He touches someone and gets flashes of information about their past, but he can also see the future. For example, he sees that someone’s house is on fire and alerts her to call the fire department, which saves her life.
Johnny struggles with his “fame.” He’s a humble, kind man who just wants to be a teacher and fall in love. However, he also feels an obligation to do the right thing. He catches a murderer, tries to tell people about terrible events (most don’t believe him, because, well, he’s a psychic, which is hooey), but he knows his most important job is to stop a dangerous man.
This book was one of the slower ones. I fully expected to love this one and to think Firestarter was going to be a bit dull, but it was the opposite. Although I didn’t review Firestarter, I loved it and was really surprised at how well he captured the psyche of a young girl. But, of course, his books are great. I’m sure there are some that aren’t as great as others, but I have yet to find one that I didn’t enjoy.
Pleasant Nights 