The Dead Zone is the story of Johnny Smith, an ordinary high school teacher who gets in a terrible car accident and spends four years in a coma. When Johnny wakes up, he discovers that he is blessed-or perhaps cursed-with the power to see into peoples' minds. Johnny doesn't like to use his power, but when he meets aspiring politician Greg Stillson and sees a horrifying vision of the future, he knows that something must be done. This novel explores the themes of moral responsibility and fate.