Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
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Book Reviews of Something Wicked This Way Comes
Book Review: A creepy look at our deepest desires
Summary: 4 Stars
Best friends Will Holloway and Jim Nightshade were born 2 minutes apart, Will one minute before midnight on Oct 30 and Jim one minute after midnight on Oct 31, and their different personalities reflect that well. And each is tested in different ways when Cooger & Dark's Pandemonium Shadow Show comes to Green Town, IL shortly before their 14th birthday. Characters from the carnival compliment the overall creepy atmostphere, from the Dust Witch to the Illustrated Man, Mr. Dark himself.
Bradbury's unique writing style perfectly sets the tone for this spooky tale of boyhood and wishes. While reading it, I was reminded of other characters from newer books, especially Mr. Leland Gaunt, the proprietor of Needful Things, from Stephen King's book. And while some passages near the end of the book are a bit long-winded, it didn't detract much from a great spooky story, and one with a lot of insight into what it's like to be 13.
Book Review: typical bradbury
Summary: 4 Stars
this was a great book, quick and full of imagery. i had to buy this for a school assignment but i enjoyed reading it so, score! :o)Book Review: Received incorrect book
Summary: 4 Stars
I received the wrong book, so I had to take the time to mail it back. I did receive the correct book finally.Book Review: Did seeing the movie first smear my objectivity?
Summary: 3 Stars
Ray Bradbury'
s book was something that I've wanted to read for quite some time. Unfortunately, I had already seen the film so I had a plot in mind as well as a mood. Bradbury as always strings metaphores together like we do popcorn on the Christmas tree. It's his main setup for atmosphere and that is the books great strength. Unfortunately for me, the characters of Will, Jim and Will's Dad are flat, underdeveloped and dull. Without a back story, I really don't have a sense of caring for the characters and as hard as I tried that didn't change. This was typical of Dickens at times. He created characters and then threw them into the story for development. I never found this technique particularly inviting for me.
The story is simple enough -- a carnival comes to town creating strange and bizarre situations that invite temptation. Jim wants to be older -- but we aren't given a good enough reason why. Will's Dad wants to be younger and the idea feels more universal than centered on the character in question and it falls short. The carnival can do this of course but at a price. That alone feels as rundown an idea as I've ever read. Everyone has that statement. The ending feels more of a fable than anything else and perhaps that's what Ray wanted out of the story. Perhaps he would have put 'once upon a time' and 'happily ever after' were it a different time.
The message -- don't fall into temptation and don't let misery eat away your soul. I don't know, the book has great mood and atmosphere but had the same feel for me as 'Tale of Two Cities' -- I couldn't want to finish it and move on to something else.
Book Review: Enjoy Life
Summary: 3 Stars
"Don't look back on happiness, or dream of it in the future. You are only sure of today; do not let yourself be cheated out of it." ~Henry Ward Beecher
This is the book that all 10 year old boys dare each other to read. This is the first time I have read this book, I will blame it on laziness rather than lack of courage...
It's the classic tale of good versus evil. A dark carnival comes to town led by Mr. Dark, The Illustrated Man. This is no ordinary carnival. Mr. Dark is out to recruit people to a life of misery in his sideshow traveling tour. Two boys discover his secret and will be forced to decide if they are "autumn people" or "summer people". They will discover that sometimes you don't want your wishes to come true.
The book reminds you to enjoy your life regardless of your age or circumstances and that it's important to laugh every once in a while.