Members Reviews
From Changeling Venue
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Member Reviews for Something Wicked This Way Comes
D. Scott McQuiston
OK, I sucked at book reports in school and now is no exception, but dammit I want a chance at fabulous free swag!
I've never read the book before, nor seen the movie. I know, plebeian that I am. I relished the chance to read something new and was not disappointed. In fact, it was one of those cases that I almost dreaded reading the last chapter cuz I didn't want the book to end, so entrancing it was to me.
It's a classic story of battles. Good vs. Evil, youth vs. age, dreams vs. realty. It works on so many levels and is full of ripe descriptive phrases and wisdom sprinkled throughout. Now, I'll admit some elements are touched on, but not fully explored, but overall it's very concise. There's some great moments, especially towards the end with the boys hiding out, discovery of the nature of the carnival and it's ultimate downfall. The death of the Dust Witch alone was brilliant and spellbinding to read.
The movie, in comparison, highlights and expands, yet misses several elements at the same time. Characters, such as Jim's mom are given more depth. New characters such as the bar owner are added for better justification of the carnivals dark influence and motivations, such as Wills fathers regret and added and explored more. However, other elements that I looked forward to, the dust witchs destruction in particular and the carousels music were ignored completely.
All I could think of when watching the movie was how brilliant it is for the time it was made and could only imagine what would happen if it was made with todays technology.
I wish I could draw parallels to the new Changeling game, but sadly, without any teasers, it's hard to know what elements will be drawn from it. Maybe the dark power of fae to corrupt a mortals dreams?
I want to thank Leslie and all for the chance to catch up on some reading and introduce me to such a great book.
D. Scott McQuiston - US2002021187
Member Reviews for Forests of the Heart
Member Reviews for War of Oaks
Member Reviews for Anasai Boys
Christopher Williams
I've actually read this story three times since picking it up early last year, so if it seems I'm quick to jump on the ball, consider it merely that I'm talking about a familiar friend.
Neil Gaiman is a consummate storyteller, and his work "Anansi Boys" shows this to be more true than ever. A modern exploration and interpretation of a mythic tale that has seeds across the world, Gaiman's writing and weaving of this not-quite sequel to his popular favorite "American Gods" again shows his talent for showing how stories never truly fade they grow and evolve just like the peoples who share them. "Anansi Boys" has a myriad of elements, a hero's journey, a love story, and the conflict between a man and his destiny.
And yet even these are not delivered in a style that one is accustomed, Gaiman's unique way of revealing a world like ours but just different enough to be magical is as enjoyable as it is enchanted. Anansi Boys is a story about families, about living and denying one's dreams, but most of all it's a story about stories. So take it from this reviewer, when he says that if you give this book a chapter's worth of attention, you'd best set aside time to take all 350+ pages.
Other recommendations of similar flavor:
- "American Gods", Neil Gaiman
- "Fragile Things", Neil Gaiman
- "Smoke & Mirrors", Neil Gaiman
Cheers,
Christopher Jaison Williams - US2002021540 - 9608-034
