The Dead Zone
The Dead Zone by Stephen King was published in 1979, making it one of King’s oldest stories. It is a classic, thrilling tale including plotlines of supernatural abilities, car accidents, true love, and crime solving. Though it is one of King’s oldest books, it is also one of his most enticing thanks to loveable characters, and intense crime drama.
The book takes place in eastern Maine, (A Stephen King book taking place in Maine? Shocking!) where Johnny Smith, a young, male teacher, is involved in a life-altering car accident. Johnny is in love with his girlfriend Sarah and is heading home from a date with her when his taxi crashes. Johnny is then in a coma for over four years.
When Johnny wakes up, nothing is the same. His family thought he would never wake up, and his mother has gone completely mentally ill. She fell into a state of religion-oriented insanity. Johnny’s girlfriend, Sarah, also moved on after years of waiting for him to wake up. Also, most absurdly, Johnny has gained a new ability; He can see into people’s pasts and futures when he touches them.
Heartbroken, jobless, and in terrible physical condition, Johnny must find his new purpose in life. He gets involved in crime solving, though it is not initially what he wants to do with his second chance at life, and ends up cracking cases from some of the most bizarre crimes. In the end, Johnny is faced with one of the most Earth-altering decisions in regards to how to handle a destructive future he foresees. Johnny must choose to save the world from what it is about to unknowingly face, even if it means risking it all.
The Dead Zone is well worth a read for anyone interested in drama, horror, and the supernatural. King was nominated for both Best Novel and Best Fantasy Novel for it. This book has since been made into both a film and a television series, both of which I would also recommend.
