The Shining

The Shining is a 1977 horror novel by American author Stephen King. It is King's third published novel and first hardback bestseller; its success firmly established King as a preeminent author in the horror genre. The setting and characters are influenced by King's personal experiences, including both his visit to The Stanley Hotel in 1974 and his struggle with alcoholism. The book was followed by a sequel, Doctor Sleep, published in 2013. The Shining centers on the life of Jack Torrance, a struggling writer and recovering alcoholic who accepts a position as the off-season caretaker of the historic Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies. His family accompanies him on this job, including his young son Danny Torrance, who possesses "the shining", an array of psychic abilities that allow Danny to see the hotel's horrific past. Soon, after a winter storm leaves them snowbound, the supernatural forces inhabiting the hotel influence Jack's sanity, leaving his wife and son in incredible danger. ---------- Also contained in: - [Carrie / Night Shift / 'Salem's Lot / Shining](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL14917547W) - [Works (Danse Macabre / Salem's Lot / Shining)](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL24233994W)

Set in

• ★
  Stanley Hotel · United States

  Overlook Hotel real inspiration
  ★ primary
• ★
  Boulder, Colorado · United States

  Torrance family home before taking the Overlook caretaker job
  ★ primary
• ★
  Estes Park, Colorado · United States

  Nearest town to the Overlook; forest rangers Wendy radios during the siege
  ★ primary
• ★
  Berlin, New Hampshire · United States

  Jack Torrance's childhood hometown; site of his father's violent abuse flashback
  ★ primary
• Vermont · United States

  Stovington Preparatory School, where Jack taught before losing his job and taking the Overlook caretaker position