A harrowing, compact novel that traces the life of a boy raised in a cramped, violent household under the obsessive, possessive devotion of his mother; as he grows he must confront the legacy of abuse, social exile and the conflicting impulses of hatred and dependence, while spare, often lyrical prose interrogates how familial love can become corrosive and shape a life.

The novel follows Dan Torrance, the traumatized son of Jack Torrance from "The Shining," as he struggles with alcoholism and his psychic abilities. Now an adult, Dan finds solace working at a hospice where he uses his powers to comfort dying patients, earning the nickname "Doctor Sleep." His life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters Abra Stone, a young girl with powerful psychic abilities, who becomes the target of a sinister group called the True Knot. This group feeds on the "steam" produced by children with the shining as they are tortured to death. Dan must confront his past and embrace his abilities to protect Abra and defeat the True Knot, leading to a climactic showdown that tests his courage and resilience.

This book delves into the complex world of child psychiatry through a series of poignant case studies, each shedding light on the impact of trauma on the developing brain. The narrative explores the remarkable resilience of children and the ability of the right therapeutic interventions to heal psychological wounds. Through the lens of a seasoned child psychiatrist, readers gain insights into the science of human experience, the importance of nurturing relationships, and the transformative power of empathy and understanding in overcoming the most harrowing childhood experiences.