Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Charlie Bucket, #1) in Never too Late to Read Classics

Feb 07, 2012 midnightfaerie rated it really liked it

Shelves: childrens, classics

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl is an obvious classic in my book. Besides the fact its been around for awhile already, it definitely has that magic factor that pulls you in. Anyone with even a remnant left of their kid's heart in them, will love this book. I believe this story, not the book, but at least the story has a huge following, due in part to the movie starring Gene Wilder. I love Johnny Depp, but he lacks the whimsical weirdness of the previous Wonka and is just weird. H Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl is an obvious classic in my book. Besides the fact its been around for awhile already, it definitely has that magic factor that pulls you in. Anyone with even a remnant left of their kid's heart in them, will love this book. I believe this story, not the book, but at least the story has a huge following, due in part to the movie starring Gene Wilder. I love Johnny Depp, but he lacks the whimsical weirdness of the previous Wonka and is just weird. However, the Depp version is a little more book accurate, but not by much. Once again I'm amazed at how much liberty the writers took with the book, and wonder why? No Slugworth, except a brief mention, and Charlie wins at the end only because he's the last kid standing. Some extra rooms and candy are in the book that were never mentioned in the movie like the "Square candy that looks round". And it's a shame, but I understand that they can't put everything into the movies. I'm not sure if the everything's edible scenery is an original concept or not, but it is surely the most well known of children's stories. I was also impressed with the similarity between the book and movie on the poem in the boat, which is probably the most celebrated part of the story.

I must also mention here the book is absolutely worth reading even if you've seen the movie mostly because I think the movie glossed over the main theme of the book. Obviously there's the imagination aspect but in the book, the Oompa Loompa's sing a song that is three pages long when little Mike Teavee gets sucked into the TV. It's all about how TV will rot your brain and if you take away the blasted contraption, and replace it with books, within a few weeks, the child will be reading and loving the books. I whole heartedly agree, and find the "irony" funny that a book about getting kids to read more was made into a movie that is better known than the book. I put irony in quotes here, because lately a vast majority of literary figures have debated the incorrect use of the word, ever since Alanis Morisette's song came out. I think it applies here, but I could be wrong.

In any case, the book is a classic, and highly recommended. I also recommend the Wilder version of the movie, but not in place of the book. I also think this is a great story to read to children, as my 5 yr old can attest.

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Feb 03, 2018 Nancy rated it it was amazing

I read this book to my oldest son many years ago, and we both enjoyed it very much. I have read it again with enjoyment.

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Nov 03, 2015 Library Nymph rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: classics, fantasy

A sweet book (no pun intended). I've always thought the movie with Gene Wilder was trippy, and the one with Johnny Depp was just weird. But the book was adorable. ...more

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