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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Shining summary
Brief summary
The Shining by Stephen King is a gripping horror novel that follows the story of the Torrance family as they stay in the haunted Overlook Hotel. With eerie supernatural occurrences and psychological terror, it will keep you on the edge of your seat.
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The Shining
Summary of key ideas
Exploring the Haunted Overlook Hotel
In The Shining by Stephen King, we are introduced to Jack Torrance, a struggling writer who takes a job as the off-season caretaker at the isolated Overlook Hotel in Colorado. Jack sees this as an opportunity to work on his writing and reconnect with his family, his wife Wendy and their son Danny.
As the story unfolds, we learn that the hotel has a dark and violent past, which is amplified by its remote location and the harsh winter climate. Danny, who possesses psychic abilities he calls 'the shining,' is able to see the hotel's horrific history and its malevolent spirits, including the ghost of a former caretaker who murdered his family and then committed suicide.
Dark Forces and a Haunting Past
As winter sets in, the hotel's isolation begins to take a toll on the Torrance family. Jack, who is a recovering alcoholic, is influenced by the hotel's malevolent forces and becomes increasingly volatile and aggressive. Meanwhile, Danny's psychic abilities continue to reveal terrifying visions and he begins to have disturbing encounters with the hotel's ghosts.
Wendy, increasingly worried about Jack's behavior and the safety of her son, tries to keep things together. She even tries to escape the hotel with Danny, but the spirits and the hotel itself seem to conspire against them, making it impossible for them to leave.
A Fight for Survival
As Jack becomes more and more possessed by the hotel, he becomes determined to 'correct' his family. He sabotages their only means of communication with the outside world and sets out to kill them. Wendy and Danny are forced to fight for their lives against a man who was once their protector, but who is now a terrifying and malevolent force.
The climax of The Shining takes place during a violent snowstorm, adding to the sense of isolation and desperation. Wendy and Danny finally manage to escape the hotel, but not before a final, terrifying showdown with Jack, who is consumed by the malevolent forces of the Overlook Hotel.
The Aftermath
In the end, Jack dies in the snow, a victim of the hotel's evil influence. Wendy and Danny survive, but are left deeply scarred by their traumatic experience. The novel ends with the hotel's malevolent forces seemingly vanquished, but with the suggestion that its dark history will continue to haunt it.
In conclusion, The Shining is a chilling and psychological horror story that explores the themes of isolation, addiction, and the destructive power of the past. It's a tale of a family torn apart by the malevolent forces of a haunted hotel, and the terrifying lengths they must go to in order to survive. Stephen King's masterful storytelling keeps the reader on edge until the very end.
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What is The Shining about?
The Shining is a chilling novel by Stephen King that tells the story of the Torrance family as they become the winter caretakers of the Overlook Hotel. As the hotel becomes snowbound, eerie and malevolent forces begin to influence the father, Jack Torrance, driving him to madness. His psychic son, Danny, must confront the terrifying visions and powers that the hotel unleashes.
The Shining Review
The Shining (1977) is a gripping horror novel that explores a family's descent into madness while isolated in a haunted hotel. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With its intense psychological terror and supernatural elements, the story keeps readers on edge, ensuring a thrilling and unsettling experience.
- The complex characters and exploration of human darkness add depth to the narrative, making it not just a scary tale but a thought-provoking study of the human psyche.
- Through its suspenseful plot twists and turns, the book maintains a high level of intrigue, guaranteeing that boredom is never a concern for readers.
Who should read The Shining?
Readers who enjoy psychological horror and suspense
Fans of Stephen King's writing style and storytelling
Those interested in exploring the darker aspects of human nature and the supernatural
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The Shining FAQs
What is the main message of The Shining?
The main message of The Shining is the descent into madness in a haunted hotel.
How long does it take to read The Shining?
Reading The Shining takes a few hours, while the Blinkist summary can be read in under 15 minutes.
Is The Shining a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Shining is a compelling read, blending horror and psychological suspense. Worth reading for its iconic status.
Who is the author of The Shining?
The author of The Shining is Stephen King.
What to read after The Shining?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Shining, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James
- The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis by Jose Saramago
- Life and Times of Michael K by J. M. Coetzee
- The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing
- One of Ours by Willa Cather
- Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann
- A Bell for Adano by John Hersey
- Tales of the South Pacific by James A. Michener
- The High Tide Club by Mary Kay Andrews
- Alanna by Tamora Pierce