The Shining, written by horror master Stephen King, follows the story of Jack Torrance, a struggling writer and recovering alcoholic who becomes the winter caretaker of the Overlook Hotel, a massive and luxurious resort nestled in the Rocky Mountains.
At the beginning of the novel, we are introduced to Jack and his family, including his wife Wendy and young son Danny. The family has recently moved from Florida to Colorado, where Jack has accepted the caretaker position at the Overlook Hotel. Despite the promise of a peaceful and quiet winter in the secluded mountain resort, Jack is plagued by his own personal demons and a history of violent outbursts.
As the family settles into their new home at the Overlook, they begin to uncover the hotel's dark history. In the past, the Overlook has been the site of several gruesome murders and suicides, and it is rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of its former guests. Despite these ominous warnings, Jack remains determined to make the best of his new job and provide for his family.
As the winter wears on and the snow begins to pile up, Jack becomes increasingly isolated and paranoid, haunted by disturbing visions and premonitions. Wendy and Danny, meanwhile, struggle to adapt to their new surroundings and the looming presence of their troubled father. As the tension and fear within the family grows, it becomes clear that something sinister is at work within the walls of the Overlook Hotel, and that Jack's own inner demons may be the greatest threat of all.
The first chapter of The Shining sets the stage for the horror and psychological suspense that will unfold throughout the rest of the novel. With its eerie setting, troubled characters, and hints of the supernatural, The Shining is a classic of the horror genre and a must-read for fans of Stephen King's work.