This was truly SO GREAT!

I absolutely loved it and simply couldn't put it down. It is easily one of my favorite works by King.

I suspect that no matter how many more of his books I read, this one will remain firmly among my favorites.

The story was just captivating from start to finish.

It had all the elements that make a King novel so engaging - the vivid characters, the thrilling plot twists, and the atmospheric setting.

Every page seemed to draw me deeper into the story, and I found myself completely immersed in the world that King had created.

It's rare to come across a book that has such a powerful impact on you, but this one definitely did.

I would highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of King's work or who simply enjoys a great story.

It's a must-read that you won't soon forget.

This was my second encounter with The Dead Zone. I recall the first time with great fondness, as it is one of only two Stephen King books that I devoured in a single sitting (the other being Pet Sematary). That initial reading took place in the late 1990s at an all-night coffee shop in Cincinnati. I read until the sun rose, fueled by caffeine and the captivating words of the Master of Horror himself.

I suppose the fact that I read it in one sitting speaks volumes about my thoughts on it – I adored it! It completely blew me away. It was creepy, heart-wrenching, introspective, speculative, terrifying, and thought-provoking – the list goes on and on. I just knew I had to read it again to see if my feelings remained the same. And indeed, they do! I most definitely still love it.

I think many people recommend Carrie or The Shining to those just beginning their journey with King. However, I rarely hear The Dead Zone being mentioned. But, in my opinion, this would be an excellent place to start. It is not overly long and intimidating like It or The Stand. It doesn't involve the potential commitment of a series like The Dark Tower or the Hodges Trilogy. I believe the story is relatively straightforward and would be easily accessible to many. Additionally, without giving too much away, I think this story is particularly terrifying in the current political climate of the world.

This time around, I opted for the audio version. I was initially skeptical because it was narrated by James Franco, who usually seems rather silly to me (most of my memories of him are from Seth Rogan stoner movies). I'm guessing he may have been invited to do this audio version due to his involvement in King's 11/22/63 mini-series – which I still need to watch (Update 1/8/2020 - I just noticed I said I still needed to watch this, but I actually did in 2019. It was great!). I think he did an outstanding job narrating this book, and I would gladly listen to other books narrated by him in the future.

When you ask me which King book I recommend, this is it! If you haven't read it yet, why not?

A book sadder than I imagined. The story of John is actually neither horror nor thriller, although the book is classified as such. The feeling that pervades the entire novel is sadness: the certainty that something will go wrong, seeing that other people's lives move forward while yours is stuck at a single point, understanding that you are a kind of Cassandra, telling the truth and not being listened to, trying to survive in a world where everything is corrupt.

I thought I wouldn't like this book because of the plot on the back cover: an unfortunate choice to tell certain things and not others, the focus on an event that occurs less than a hundred pages from the end (and so the reader waits to see that scene for most of the book). Instead, I was surprised by how much I was taken by the characters, while the psychic and supernatural abilities didn't attract me that much.

I don't know if it will be a three or four-star book: rationally I would say it's a three because of the somewhat muddled plot, while emotionally I would say it's a four. For now, I'm settling on 3.75 (reason: a single tear after the ending).

I have had this book on my to-read list for an extremely long time. Finally, I made up my mind to take the plunge and start reading it. I had watched the film adaptation many years ago. Perhaps that was the very reason why the book didn't quite grip me in the same powerful way that the film did.

The premise of the book is truly fascinating. It tells the story of a man who wakes up from a five-year coma and discovers that he has the extraordinary ability to see the future and past of people he touches. This unique concept opens up a plethora of avenues for the author to explore and develop the story.

The story is laid out in a relatively good manner, and there are some well-developed characters. However, the book didn't hold my attention in the same intense way that 11/22/63 did. As I mentioned previously, since I had already seen the film, there were no real surprises left for me. Some of the magic that the book might have otherwise had was probably lost because of this prior knowledge.

I have recently acquired a significant number of Stephen King's books as I do thoroughly enjoy his writing style. I fully intend to read a few more of his works throughout the year. Although this particular book was slightly disappointing, much of it can be attributed to my own overly high expectations. Nevertheless, it is still a good book and certainly deserves a rating in the range of 3 to 4 stars.

The Dead Zone is a truly remarkable novel within Stephen King's extensive body of work. What sets it apart is that the entire narrative predominantly centers around the protagonist, Johnny Smith. He isn't like Ben Mears dealing with vampires in Salem's Lot or Jack Torrance succumbing to the possession of The Overlook Hotel. Johnny Smith is the essence of the story, which is particularly unusual given the unexpected twist that occurs in the novel's final pages.

The novel commences with Johnny taking his date, Sarah Bracknell, to the local carnival. Their relationship is still in its early stages, yet both sense that it could potentially develop into something more profound. However, their budding romance is abruptly interrupted when Johnny is involved in a car accident after dropping Sarah home, leaving him in a coma for four and a half years. When he awakens, he discovers a world that has moved on without him. Sarah is now married and has a child. His mother, Vera, has been consumed by religious mania, while his father, Herb, candidly admits to him that although he loves him, he wishes he had died. Additionally, Johnny wakes up to find that the small intuition he had prior to his coma has now evolved into a power that allows him to sense people's past or future by touching them or an object associated with them. It's an intriguing power, but throughout the story, it never overshadows Johnny as a character.

Johnny is a kind-hearted and relatable everyman, yet he is far from being dull or uninteresting. The Dead Zone features an outstanding cast of characters, ranging from the doctors and physiotherapists who assist Johnny in his recovery from the coma to those who can be regarded as villains. Vera, in particular, is a fascinating character. She constantly imposes her religious beliefs on everyone, which initially makes us despise her. However, we also feel pity for her as her beliefs serve as a coping mechanism for a grieving mother whose son has been in a vegetative state for four and a half years. George Bannerman makes his first appearance, and with just a few lines about his love for chili, he becomes instantly likable. This showcases King's remarkable talent for creating memorable characters. On the villainous side, we have Frank Dodd and Greg Stillson. I've always found Frank and his detestable mother to be far more menacing than Greg, who kicks a dog to death in his first appearance. We know from the outset that Greg is a nasty character, but we don't know who Frank Dodd is until Johnny discovers it, which makes him all the more creepy and sinister.

Another interesting aspect of this novel is that it isn't a traditional horror novel. It can best be described as a suspense novel with elements of fantasy and even mainstream literature. The Dead Zone was published at the conclusion of King's highly successful 70s horror run, during which he reimagined certain archetypes. While some might argue that this book is about magical powers, it's not. It's about a man who simply happens to have a special ability. And its true uniqueness isn't fully grasped until the final pages. Johnny Smith, that kind-hearted and ordinary guy, becomes known to everyone outside of his inner circle as a would-be assassin as he attempts to prevent Stillson from winning an election. In other words, he's seen as the bad guy. Yes, King has managed to deceive us throughout, getting us to sympathize with what could be considered a terrorist. However, the reader knows that this isn't the case, and one can't help but wonder what it would be like if we didn't believe in Johnny's visions.

Finally, Stephen King often faces criticism for his endings. However, I've always been satisfied with his finales, and the one in The Dead Zone will surely bring you to tears.

Continuing my journey of reading all of SK's books in publication order, The Dead Zone was the next one on the list. I have to say that I feel this book is a little underrated. It is a really creepy read that is extremely hard to put down. Moreover, it is very relevant in 2020. I hadn't really considered The Dead Zone as one of SK's great works as it is often overshadowed by IT, The Shining, Carrie, and many others. However, this book truly stood out for me and could potentially be a great introduction to King's works. It wasn't as gory or'scary' as some of the others, but it was disturbing and thought-provoking.

The characters in this book are incredibly believable, even though the circumstances seem impossible. I really loved Johnny and rooted for him throughout the entire book. This book is 100% worth reading and is just the right length at just shy of 500 pages. The quotes, such as "We all do what we can, and it has to be good enough, and if it isn't good enough, it has to do." and "The Question was this: If you could jump into a time machine and go back to 1932, would you kill Hitler?" add depth and interest to the story. This is my second read of this book, and I enjoyed it just as much, if not more. I also watched the film straight after, which is also really worth a watch.

2016 read: This book, originally penned in 1979, remains astonishingly potent and topical even today. The story follows Johnny Smith, who, after suffering a head trauma, discovers some highly unlikely talents within himself. These newfound abilities then compel him to make some truly critical decisions that have the power to save lives. What makes this book truly special is the fact that at any given moment, you simply can't accurately determine where the plot is headed. This element of unpredictability, in turn, significantly enhances its readability and makes it an incredibly compelling read. It's like a Castle Rock jam, exuding a definite old skool King feel. :) I would rate it 8 out of 12.

Stephen King's "The Dead Zone" is an Espectacular libro.

It is one of my favorites of his. The story is very humano, filled with emotions that can truly conmovedor. It delves deep into various themes, and although it might be a bit pesado in some parts, it is highly adictivo.

In "The Dead Zone", King touches upon temas such as religion, the sense of desencuentro, the feeling of soledad, and the concept of poder in a mature and concisa manner.

This book is truly a obra maestra. It showcases King's remarkable storytelling ability and his talent for creating engaging and thought-provoking narratives. The characters are well-developed, and the plot keeps the reader hooked from start to finish.

"The Dead Zone" is a must-read for any fan of King's work or for those who enjoy exploring complex themes in literature.

Johnny Smith wakes from a coma with an extraordinary psychic ability. When he touches a person, he can read their thoughts and see their future. This newfound power presents him with a moral dilemma. Will he use it for the greater good, to help others and make the world a better place? Or will he be tempted by selfish desires and use it for personal gain?

Adding to the intrigue is the character of Greg Stillson, who is rapidly ascending the political ladder and becoming a major force. What role will he play in Johnny's life, and how will Johnny's ability affect Stillson's ambitions?

In early 2013, I decided to catch up on some of Stephen King's books that I had missed during my reading spree around the turn of the century. Alongside "The Shining" and "It," "The Dead Zone" was a book I was surprised I hadn't read years ago.

The premise of "The Dead Zone" is simple yet captivating. Johnny Smith returns from a coma with clairvoyance, and King explores the consequences of this ability as Johnny grapples with the decision of how to use it. King does a remarkable job of turning this into a thought-provoking story about a man facing a moral crossroads.

Some of King's books can be overly wordy, but "The Dead Zone" is a refreshing exception. It's King at his most concise and intense, harking back to his earlier influences like Richard Matheson and John D. MacDonald. The book reads more like a crime thriller than some of King's later works, with a tight plot and a sense of urgency that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

From reading "On Writing," I had expected the book to focus primarily on the conflict between Johnny Smith and Stillson, but this only becomes a major plot point in the final 20% of the story. Instead, it's more about Johnny trying to come to terms with his ability and figure out how to use it in a world that doesn't always understand or accept it.

Overall, "The Dead Zone" is a gripping read, although it's not one of my absolute favorite King books. I enjoyed the story, but I felt a stronger connection to only a few of the characters, namely Johnny and his father. The ending was a surprise, but perhaps it shouldn't have been, considering King's penchant for shocking his readers.

One aspect that left me pondering was the mention of a book called "Carrie" within the story. In the context of the Dark Tower series, does this mean that "The Dead Zone" takes place in the same Keystone world where King is writing the saga? It seems possible, but then there's also the mention of Castle Rock. Does this mean that "Carrie" doesn't take place in the same universe as most of King's other books? These are interesting questions that add an extra layer of depth to the story.

In conclusion, "The Dead Zone" is a solid early work by Stephen King and a great example of his ability to tell a compelling and thought-provoking story. It's definitely worth a read, especially if you're a fan of King's earlier works or enjoy psychological thrillers. I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars.

I have reread this classic by King and once again I am amazed by the exquisite simplicity with which the storytelling unfolds in his relatively early years.

There is also no criticism in the newer books for a relatively weaker finale. It has its own gradation, tempo, and it holds you throughout, even when it doesn't shine.

The translation in this oldest Bulgarian edition of his seems to age, but even that has its own charm.

King's early works often possess a certain allure that draws readers in with their straightforward yet engaging narratives. The lack of a strong criticism regarding the finale in the newer books might suggest that his writing style has evolved over time. However, the translation in the old Bulgarian edition, despite showing signs of aging, adds a unique flavor to the reading experience. It gives the impression that the story has stood the test of time and has its own character and charm. Overall, King's works continue to captivate readers, whether it's the simplicity of his early storytelling or the evolving nature of his later works.

Some things were better lost than found.

3.5⭐ - I have a rather complex feeling towards The Dead Zone. To be honest, I liked most of it. However, as the story progressed, it seemed to take a strange turn, which left me a bit perplexed.

I chose to listen to the audiobook version. At times, I got confused, but perhaps that was due to the fact that I was listening instead of reading.

Looking back, I found that I enjoyed the first half of the book more than the second. Given the title, I was kind of expecting a horror story. But in reality, this book leans more towards the genre of drama.

Johnny's story is truly tragic. It's heartbreaking to see how everything got so messed up for him when he didn't really do anything wrong.

Overall, I do wish there would have been a bit more action in the book. But still, it's not a bad book at all. It's just that it didn't become one of my all-time favorites.

Nevertheless, I always appreciate King's remarkable ability to create controversial protagonists that you still end up rooting for. It's one of the things that makes his writing so engaging and unique.

I have a few of Stephen King's earlier books that I have never read, so I am going back and filling in some of the gaps. This particular book was released in 1979. It is truly more eye-openingly unsettling now than it was back then.

Johnny has a unique ability. He can see a person's future just by touching them. And when he shakes the hand of an upcoming politician, he catches a horrifying glimpse into the future. The big dilemma here is what to do. Will what he does make a difference?

This book is probably up there with his best. Even though it has 460 pages in the mass market edition, it felt like a quick read. I didn't give it a 5-star rating, and that is purely because I already knew the story and outcome beforehand. However, it is still a great book that keeps you on the edge of your seat. King's writing is as captivating as ever, and the characters are well-developed. I would highly recommend this book to any Stephen King fan or anyone who enjoys a good thriller.