The Dead Zone (by Stephen King)
I reread Stephen King’s The Dead Zone, our February selection for the Constant Reader book club. I’ve watched the original 1983 movie adaptation multiple times and first read the book in 2015. The first time I listened to the audiobook, I wasn’t particularly impressed. I’m sure it was me; sometimes I just can’t connect with an audiobook and need to read it in print. However, when our book club voted to read it, I decided to give my physical copy a try, hoping for a more enjoyable experience. I’m glad I did, as I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Dead Zone this time.
Johnny Smith is just a regular guy. He enjoys being a teacher and recently began dating Sarah, a fellow teacher. On Halloween, they go on a date to the carnival where Johnny encounters great luck playing The Wheel of Fortune. Later that night, Johnny is in a tragic car accident that leaves him in a coma for four and a half years. Upon waking, he grapples with the profound loss of his career, Sarah, and time. Now, he has a unique gift: he can see and know things about others and the future just by touching them. This gift is both a blessing and a curse. His mother advises him to embrace this gift rather than flee from it, emphasizing that he has a purpose. He meets an up-and-coming politician, and when they shake hands, Johnny sees a terrifying future for the world. He’s the only one who can stop it.
At first, I found it challenging to get into this story. The prologue was quite intense, and I couldn’t help but wonder if that contributed to my initial disinterest. Despite this, I decided to persevere and read the first chapter. Once I introduced myself to Johnny and Sarah, and their date at the carnival unfolded, I began to enjoy the narrative. Johnny is an exceptionally likable character—he lacks any significant flaws. He’s a passionate teacher, deeply in love with Sarah, close to his parents, and driven by a genuine desire to do the right thing. Moreover, he’s humble and caring towards others.
I thoroughly enjoyed following Johnny’s journey. Despite facing some incredibly challenging circumstances and being mistreated and misunderstood by others, he remained steadfast in his perseverance and dedication. The book also delves into profound emotional themes, particularly his relationship with Sarah. It explores the idea of how life events could have unfolded differently if people had made alternative choices. Overall, this book evokes a strong range of emotions.
As I had mentioned earlier, I’ve watched the movie adaptation multiple times and have always enjoyed it. However, I recently watched the movie trailer and have noticed some differences between the book and the movie that might influence my opinion of the movie now that I’ve thoroughly read the book. I’m certain it’s still a good movie, but I’m likely to prefer the book. Below is the movie trailer for your enjoyment.
Feel free to explore my reviews of other Stephen King books below!
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