A John Smith was horrified to discover that he had been in a coma for over four years. But what horrified him even more was the realization that he could know things in advance. He knew that that evil man was going to become the president of the United States and destroy the world. And that's why he had to kill him…

"Black Ice. I won't skip it again."

A new rereading and another 5-star novel by the master King. In this case, one of his most spine-chilling yet also most reflective, most human, and most tender novels. Here, we enjoy the great variety (and peculiarity) of characters who traverse the "fetish" cities of King: Bangor, Castle Rock, and others belonging to Maine and New Hampshire (in fact, this will be the first of many novels in which the nerve center is located in Castle Rock).

It is one of the novels that I usually recommend for those not initiated in the narrative of Stephen King. Although it has that somewhat spine-chilling touch of psychological and supernatural horror (but by no means as much terror nor the complexity of some of his other works), it is also very accessible and its reading is very agile (and addictive, no doubt) due to the large number of stories and mini-stories that make it up. Moreover, we can feel firsthand the great skill of the master King in creating incredible characters, especially the most peculiar ones.

"What if you could travel back in time to 1932 and kill Hitler, would you do it?"

The main plot follows a young John Smith from when he has an accident while playing in the snow in his childhood, until he grows up and spends 4 years in a coma after a traffic accident and how this will lead him to have a gift (and a "dead zone" in his brain), which in the end for him is like a curse. Or is it a gift? What would you do if suddenly you were clairvoyant and by touching people you could see their future?

These and other questions are the ones we will ask ourselves throughout the entire novel, generating in us a series of philosophical, ethical, and moral questions. But beyond the main plot in which an adult Johnny (a high school teacher in Claves Mills, Maine) tries to end the villain of the book (a young seller of Bibles and anti-Semitic texts whom in one of his visions he has seen that will reach the White House and lead the country and the world to a nuclear war. What would you do in this situation?), we will enjoy a large number of very powerful and colorful subplots, with moments for love and heartbreak through his love relationship with Sarah, with the story of his parents and the religious fanaticism of his mother; like the outcome of the serial killer in Castle Rock called "the raincoat killer", whose real name is Frank; like the hilarious scene of the roulette wheel of fortune; like his relationship as a teacher and personal instructor with Chuck (the son of a rich businessman and whom John saves); like the harassment he will suffer from a good part of the journalists of the time; or how his "participation" in the general elections for the presidency of the United States, in which he gets to know a young presidential candidate named Jimmy Carter.

"This is a ruthless world. Sometimes you just have to do what you can and try to come to terms with it."

The novel was first published in 1979 and was adapted to film in 1983 and also to TV during the years 2002 to 2007. The truth is that I haven't seen any of these adaptations but I will try to look for one of them on the Internet.

In summary, a 100% recommendable novel both for those who like the fine narrative of King and for those who want to start in it, as its reading turns out to be very entertaining, agile, and at times, vibrant.

Johnny Smith is an ordinary guy who has everything: a loving family, a job he loves, and a girlfriend with whom he imagines spending the rest of his life.

However, everything changes after a night at the amusement park with his girlfriend. He takes a taxi home but won't return for four and a half years because he becomes the victim of a serious car accident that leaves him in a coma.

After almost five years, Johnny discovers that due to the head trauma, he has developed paranormal abilities. He can know the past, present, and future of the people he comes into physical contact with.

After coming into contact with an emerging politician, Johnny discovers an alarming future and must decide how to act.

In "The Dead Zone," King refers to other themes addressed in some of his previous books and even makes explicit references to his already published works. For example, like in "Carrie" and "The Shining," the protagonist has paranormal powers. The religious theme also returns. Carrie's mother was very religious, even bigoted. In "The Dead Zone," Johnny's mother, when her son goes into a coma, becomes a religious fanatic and later, when Johnny wakes up from the coma, believes that his ability is a gift from God and that Johnny must use it for the better.

As if that weren't enough, King makes explicit references to "Carrie" and also to "Salem's Lot," another book in which the religious component is important.

What I liked most about "The Dead Zone" was the final part of the novel, which begins when Johnny poses a fundamental question to himself and to others, a question that also makes the reader think: if we had known Hitler's plans and what his rise to power would entail, would we have done something to stop him? In extreme cases, would we have had the strength to kill him?

Isn't it interesting?

The reasons why people answer this question posed by Johnny are also interesting. It's easy to say yes, we would have done anything to stop Hitler, but are we sure that at the moment of action, we wouldn't have backed down? After all, trying to stop Hitler would surely have meant our death, sacrificing our lives, and based on what? On a premonition? And what if the premonition in that case was wrong?

It's a great dilemma.

"The Dead Zone," the title refers to a part of Johnny's brain that prevents him from remembering events of his life or seeing things related to the lives of the people he comes into contact with. It's also a political book. King, like the protagonist, seems to see into the future. The politician Johnny comes into contact with is essentially a violent buffoon who hides behind likable and populist behaviors. He was nobody, had never done anything in life, but has risen, thanks to the people, to the heights of American politics.

I won't name names, but the references to some politicians (American and otherwise) seem obvious. However, I should note that Stephen King first published this book in 1979. Isn't it crazy?

"The Dead Zone" was a book that I read willingly and didn't disappoint me. King has described the characters very well, even the secondary ones. There are some dull moments (ok, bad pun, I know), where you get lost, but overall it's a book that you can read quickly and that I feel like recommending to you.

I've delved into some of Stephen King's works, but it's nowhere near sufficient. So, I've set a personal objective to read gradually until I'm all caught up, if that's even feasible. This remarkable man has penned an abundance of books!

I selected The Dead Zone as my next King novel solely due to the recently released audiobook. It's narrated by James Franco!! I have an absolute adoration for him. Seriously, he could do a Pepsi commercial and I would record that thing! Not only did he perform superbly in his narration of this audiobook, but King also did an outstanding job in writing it. I adored this book, and not just because of Franco. I found King's storytelling to be utterly intoxicating.

I've always relished the books I've read by King, but I never felt as invested in a main character until The Dead Zone. Johnny is a well-crafted and complex character. The numerous integrated situations he gets involved in are engaging, mysterious, and thrilling. Moreover, this fictional character, written in the 70's, who can foresee the future, seems to have predicted America's current political dynamic, almost 40 years later. I don't discuss politics on social media and will always respect and support whoever holds the office of president, but I must admit this aspect was more than a little eerie.

If you're a fan of King, Franco, the existing adaptations of this book, or simply want to see what all the fuss is about (politically speaking), I highly recommend checking out The Dead Zone!

Note: If you're interested, you can listen to an online interview clip with James Franco about the audiobook experience HERE.

My favorite quote:
“Ninety-five percent of people who walk the earth are simply inert. One percent are saints, and one percent are assholes. The other three percent are people who do what they say they can do.”

WOW! There is no horror or gore in this story. Instead, it presents well-crafted paranormal elements and an extremely excellent plot!

Meet John Smith. He is a great guy, and you are sure to like him. He has a wonderful sense of humor and loves his parents (even his crazy mother) and Sarah. Despite facing a devastating blow in life with recurring consequences and difficult challenges, Johnny still persists.

Visit a carnival and spin the wheel of fortune. Peer into the mind of a sick serial killer and witness a dangerously radical politician hopeful in action with his deadly threats and evil intentions.

Oh, and don't be disappointed. "The Wheel of Fortune," "The Laughing Tiger," and "Notes from The Dead Zone" are all stories related to Johnny, just different stages of his life as he experiences The Dead Zone.

For those who are cautious about reading King's works, don't be. For those who oppose animal cruelty (like me), there is a brief incident, but just wait until you see what happens to the evildoer and discover his identity. AND for those who enjoy song lyrics and current events of the time interwoven into their stories, you will find that here too!

\\n  THE DEAD ZONE......a super favorite in 2016!\\n

Johnny Smith is truly a man plagued by misfortune.

He begins as a kind-hearted individual with a natural talent for teaching and is in the early stages of a promising relationship with Sarah. However, a devastating car accident leaves him in a coma that no one expects him to recover from. Miraculously, after four long years, he wakes up only to discover that Sarah has married someone else, his mother has become a religious fanatic, he has a long and painful rehabilitation ahead of him, and he is burdened with a mountain of debt from his hospital bills. Oh, and to top it off, he now has psychic abilities that allow him to learn details about a person by touching them or their personal objects and sometimes even see their futures. While this might seem like a gift, Johnny quickly realizes that it is actually a curse that will eventually lead him into a dangerous encounter with a politician named Greg Stillson.

I have always considered this one of King's better books, although I hadn't read it in years. A new audio version narrated by James Franco, who does a great job, motivated me to give it another try, and I'm happy to report that it mostly lives up to my memory.

The obvious parallel in this story is that, despite being published in 1979, the Stillson plot mirrors the rise of a populist demagogue who manages to gain political power despite being a crazy and corrupt individual. He has a talent for making people believe that he is a maverick who tells it like it is, even as they ignore the obvious warning signs. It's easy to say that King was a prophet, but there are plenty of other writers who have explored the theme of shady politicians.

What I found more interesting in this book is King's portrayal of Johnny's mother, Vera. She starts off with strong fundamental religious beliefs, but Johnny's accident sends her over the edge and into a world of crazy tabloid stories. She becomes completely immune to facts and logic and would rather rely on prayer than medication to treat her high blood pressure.

It's fascinating to read about a character like this in a 1970s setting, where tabloids and poorly printed tracts are her sources of information. Even then, she uses these to create her own view of the world because reality doesn't suit her. Fast forward to the 21st century, and we see that some people still pick their news sources based on what they want to believe and spread rumors on social media without any regard for the truth. King really tapped into something that was already on the rise back then.

Leaving aside the eerie similarities to modern America, what makes this book stand out from King's other novels is the way he focuses on John Smith and makes his story a true tragedy. Johnny just wants to resume a normal life, but he can't help but use his powers to help people, which puts him in the media spotlight and eventually leads to his downfall. It's a slow-burning story that is not really a horror novel, although it can be creepy at times. The bigger plot involving Johnny and Stillson is easy to see coming, but King still makes the journey worth taking. Johnny is one of King's most memorable characters, and his story will stay with you long after you've finished reading.

“We all do what we can, and it has to be good enough, and if it isn’t good enough, it has to do…”

-\\tStephen King, The Dead Zone



Stephen King's The Dead Zone has the makings of a great short story or novella. A man survives a car accident, slips into a coma, and wakes up five years later with the ability to see a person's future by touching them. He encounters a rising politician and realizes the man poses a mortal danger to the nation, leading him to take action. The climax builds anticipation and then delivers a surprise. Boom. The End.


As I mentioned, this would have been a fine short story or even an episode of The Twilight Zone. The concept of an apparent blessing that is actually a curse is a common trope, but King overlays it onto a clean and effective story arc. In his adaptation, Cronenberg boiled the plot down to its essence, and his sleek hour-and-forty-three-minute film doesn't miss a beat.


But this is Stephen King we're talking about. While he is a solid short-story writer, he is best known for his ability to write long and entertaining doorstoppers. At 426 hardcover pages, The Dead Zone may not be as massive as The Stand, It, or Under the Dome, but it is expansive enough to provide an epic character study of Johnny Smith. Johnny, an ordinary man, flies through a windshield, falls into a five-year slumber, and awakes with the terrible gift of prophecy.


By the end, I only wished the story was longer. In many ways, this doesn't feel like a typical Stephen King novel. It's a psychological thriller without a hint of horror, and it has a certain seriousness of purpose. Many of King's literary trademarks, such as the careful curation of pop cultural trivia, the garrulous characters, and the fetishization of rock-and-roll, are absent. Instead, he sets his story firmly in Nixon's America, riffing on the governmental mistrust and paranoid politics of the era. The shadow of Vietnam and the specter of Watergate loom large, and King delivers a pointed critique along with the usual twists and turns.


The novel also features a brief cameo by Jimmy Carter! I've found that King is at his best when his focus is tightest. My favorite King novels, like Pet Sematary, Christine, and The Shining, have a limited number of characters, powerful themes, and the emotional impact that comes from an author who knows exactly what he wants to convey. The Dead Zone falls into this category to some extent.


Johnny Smith is the star of the show, and while he is prone to bouts of self-pity, he is genuinely compelling. King allows his third-person viewpoint to roam, but most of the novel is devoted to Johnny's experiences. As the years pass and the aftershocks of his car accident take their toll, Johnny becomes even more interesting. Despite his lackluster name, he is well-drawn, and his actions and words always ring true to his character.


The supporting cast, however, is a bit of a mixed bag. Some characters, like Roger Chatsworth and Dr. Sam Weizak, are complex and multifaceted, while others, like Johnny's onetime girlfriend Sarah and his mother, are underwritten or cliched. The subplot featuring a Castle Rock sheriff and a serial killer feels rushed and half-baked.


Then there's Gregory Ammas Stillson, the big-bad of The Dead Zone. He is completely evil, with no hint of gray or shading. When we first meet him, he stomps a dog to death. In a sense, he is one step away from being a cartoon villain, and cartoon villains can be boring. On the other hand, King's portrayal of an insurgent political candidate, a maverick gone rogue, is captivating.


My main criticism of The Dead Zone is that it was too short. King convinced me that there was more to explore with this idea, but he seemed to abandon it partway through and settled for something less ambitious. The Castle Rock serial killer subplot could have been developed further or cut entirely, and the other characters could have used more depth. Towards the end, it felt like King was taking shortcuts, using cheap epistolary techniques to advance the story. This left me with a lot of unanswered questions, especially regarding Johnny's decision-making in the final act.


These shortcomings may keep The Dead Zone out of my personal pantheon of King masterpieces, but when the worst thing I can say about a book is that I wanted more, it's a testament to its quality. Overall, The Dead Zone is a compelling and thought-provoking read that showcases King's talent as a storyteller.

Wow!

Here we have a potential top 10 SK that is being read right at this moment.

The anticipation is palpable as we consider the possibilities that this SK holds.

Could it be the next big thing that takes the market by storm?

Perhaps it has unique features or qualities that set it apart from the rest.

As we look at it, we can't help but imagine the impact it could have on various industries.

It might revolutionize the way we do business, communicate, or even live our daily lives.

The potential of this SK is truly exciting, and we can't wait to see how it develops and unfolds in the future.

Stay tuned as we follow its progress and see if it indeed reaches the top 10 status that it so potentially deserves.

I think this is probably one of my least favourite King books that I’ve read.

And that’s a real bummer because it was the very last new-to-me King book I had left to read, and I so badly wanted to love it.

The idea seemed so promising at first, and I was really into it. I was picturing another winner like 11/22/63, that’s how it was being set up.

But now, in hindsight, I kind of feel like 11/22/63 was King redoing this idea but better.

The stories felt eerily similar to me, and I think if I had read this one first, I’d have enjoyed it more.

It’s not that I hated it; it was still a decent story, but it just lacked King’s usual oomph for me.

The beginning was so good, and then things just petered out from there.

A few left turns were made when they should have been right turns, and the final destination was totally lacklustre.

Maybe when I revisit it in a few years, I’ll enjoy it more with my expectations not riding so high, but for my first read-through, it was incredibly mediocre.

This book may not be a thrilling page-turner, nor does it strictly fall into the realm of science fiction or horror. However, it is an outstanding exploration of the character of a psychic man who endured a five-year coma.

Every subplot within the book is engaging, and the character of Johnny Smith is truly captivating. Over the years, my perspective has shifted, and I now consider this one of my favorite works by King, primarily due to its remarkable character study.

The fact that there is a serial killer involved in the story only adds to its allure. It provides an additional layer of mystery and danger, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.

Despite its lack of traditional genre elements, this book manages to draw the reader in with its complex and well-developed characters. It makes you think about the nature of consciousness, the power of the mind, and the impact that a single person can have on the world around them.

In conclusion, while it may not be a typical King novel, it is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good character study and a bit of mystery and suspense.

Probably the best of King's early works, and it may even represent a turning point in his writing.

The novel is a work of genius due to its unique structure. I don't believe King had a preconceived plan; rather, the story simply evolved organically. The result is a series of vignettes, with different stories centered around the same character. In today's commercial fiction world, this would likely have been developed into several books of a series. This is precisely why it was so adaptable as a television series. The seamless flow of stories into each other is what makes this novel truly stand out.

Each story serves as a moral tale, where our tragic hero utilizes his clairvoyant gifts to assist those around him. Whether it's helping them navigate through troubled waters or, in some cases, ensuring they are brought to justice for the greater good.

However, the most significant story lurks in the background from the very beginning and only comes to fruition in the last part of the book. It is a controversial one, justifying a political assassination. To quote King, “Johnny is different from other violent, paranoid mystics in only one way: he really can see the future. Only don’t they all say that?”

The ending is superb and, to me, it is the mark of a master writer.

One aspect that I didn't particularly like was King's change in voice throughout the various parts.

The Dead Zone has a bit of everything: emotion, psychological horror, the paranormal, suspense, and tension. It even has a hint of literary quality, although some might argue that I'm stretching it.

Poignantly told, raising important ethical and moral questions, and engaging your emotions, what more could you ask of a novel? Truly, it is a great work by a great author.

This is precisely the Stephen King that I don't like...

Those who know me know that I am a fan of this author. Many of his books are incredible, unfortunately, this is not the case. Let me just explain a little bit about my problem with this particular one.

To start with, we clearly read in the synopsis that it is about a guy who starts having some kind of visions about the future after coming out of a coma and soon discovers that he has to kill someone who will cause a kind of end of the world.

Stephen King wanted to make this story a kind of chronicle, delving into the details that are superfluous for me. I mean, he goes into a coma in one-third of the book, his first vision is after the middle, and when the action begins to kill the man who is going to destroy the world is in the last 100 pages... I mean, seriously?

Yes, I fell into reading this book precisely because of how exciting that synopsis sounded. Being SK, one expects that he will go for it and give us one of his raw and heartbreaking stories. But this is not the case.

Moreover, the ups and downs of this story are frankly boring. Just when it starts to get good, there is an interruption that cuts off all the fun.

I'm sorry, I didn't enjoy reading this much. I think this facet of King that explores the social consequences of some event is not one of my favorites. Something similar happened to me with 22/11/63.

2/5 because it is a story with an incredible potential that didn't amount to much.

A paranormal thriller from Stephen King was published in 1979.

It has received 4-star excellence.

This is a book that has been sitting around my place for years. I promised myself that I would get around to reading it one of these days. Then, after reading some glowing reviews on GR, I thought now was the time.

It turned out to be a great read.

On this occasion, SK delves into one of his favorite topics, the latent power of the human brain.

After two accidents, one minor and the other serious, Johnny Smith ends up in a coma that lasts five years. Doctors never expected Johnny to regain consciousness, but much to everyone's astonishment, he does.

Along with consciousness, Johnny discovers he has an unwelcome guest inside his head.

At times, when Johnny has physical contact with someone, he has a flash view into that person's future. This is all well and good when the outcome is to that person's advantage. But on one occasion, when Johnny shakes the hand of a man who is standing for election in the House of Representatives, Johnny knows this man is pure evil and needs to be stopped before his career progresses any further.

Watching Johnny Smith's life unravel as he comes to terms with what he needs to do makes for mesmerizing reading.

SK does this extremely well, getting the reader to climb inside the character's head to the point where you feel like you live there. You experience the remorse, the anxiety, the yearning to be understood, but above all, the desire to be normal.

This was a truly fantastic read.