Something Wicked This Way Comes - Ray Bradbury

[Frances]

May I join you for this read?

[Terry]

Frances wrote: "May I join you for this read?"

Absolutely, please do! We’ve really just started.

[Ginger]

Frances wrote: "May I join you for this read?"

Welcome Frances!

[Terry]

I stopped in the middle of ch24. (view spoiler)[ I’m worried for Jim! He’s falling for the temptation. (hide spoiler)] Once you get used to the way Mr. Bradbury writes, it really does go along pretty quickly.

[Ginger]

Terry wrote: "I stopped in the middle of ch24. [spoilers removed] Once you get used to the way Mr. Bradbury writes, it really does go along pretty quickly."

I should be able to get there tonight. I had to finish up a library book last night because I had another waiting for me.
The library forces my hand again! hahaha!

[Terry]

Ginger wrote: "Terry wrote: "I stopped in the middle of ch24. [spoilers removed] Once you get used to the way Mr. Bradbury writes, it really does go along pretty quickly."

I should be able to get there tonight. ..."

Darn libraries! 😁

[Ginger]

Terry wrote: "Darn libraries! 😁"

I can't get too mad though because the copies are FREE. ;) hahaha!

[Terry]

Ginger wrote: "Terry wrote: "Darn libraries! 😁"

I can't get too mad though because the copies are FREE. ;) hahaha!"

Well, there is that, haha.

[Ginger]

Terry wrote: "I stopped in the middle of ch24. [spoilers removed] Once you get used to the way Mr. Bradbury writes, it really does go along pretty quickly."

Yes!! Me too! (view spoiler)[He's frustrating me and if it wasn't for Will, he would be a goner. I really like Will! (hide spoiler)]

I got to the beginning of Ch 32 last night. I like how (view spoiler)[Mr. Dark sent the Dust Witch after the kids. I loved that whole part of her in the balloon and Will popping the balloon.
I also like the description of Mr. Dark with all of his tattoos and how they seem like they are coming alive.
That merry-go-round sounds crazy! LOL (hide spoiler)]

[Vickie]

Loving reading these comments. I felt the same way while reading.😊 And yes, Ginger, I loved that part too!

[Ginger]

Vickie wrote: "Loving reading these comments. I felt the same way while reading.😊 And yes, Ginger, I loved that part too!"

I'm glad you are enjoying the comments Vickie! :D
I'm really enjoying this so far. Once you get use to Bradbury's writing like Terry said above, it's easy to lose yourself in the story!

[Renee]

I love Bradbury. I am sorry I was unable to participate more in this discussion.

I love the way he captures the feel of my parents lifestyle. I know their are fantastic elements in the stories. Yet you can feel the way life was like. This book reminds me of the times when my friends and I thought we were invincible. It brought back memories of adventures we had. Luckily all our monsters were imaginary

[Ginger]

Renee wrote: "I love Bradbury. I am sorry I was unable to participate more in this discussion.

I love the way he captures the feel of my parents lifestyle. I know their are fantastic elements in the stories. Y..."

Renee, I'm glad you are still participating in the discussion!

I also like the feel of the book. The old carnival feel and spookiness to the story.
The invincibility as a kid. It's very nostalgic for me.
Jim and Will with their adventures while exploring the town and countryside. I also would sneak out of the house when I was growing up so I was laughing when (view spoiler)[Will's Dad found the iron rungs going up the side of the house. hahaha! (hide spoiler)]

[Terry]

I’m up to the same spot, the start of ch32. I agree, that was a great scene! All of the (view spoiler)[ carnival characters seem so dark and evil, not a good one in the whole bunch it seems. (hide spoiler)]

[Ginger]

Terry wrote: "I’m up to the same spot, the start of ch32. I agree, that was a great scene! All of the [spoilers removed]"

That's what I'm getting too! Do you think the (view spoiler)[dwarf is the missing salesman like Will thinks?
What a weird carnival. I would also be like Jim. It would be hard not to go to check it out because it's so strange and unique.
My curiosity would get the better of me! LOL! (hide spoiler)]

[Vickie]

LOL, Ginger! And I'd be the friend grabbing your arm saying, "Don't you dare!"😂

[Ginger]

Vickie wrote: "LOL, Ginger! And I'd be the friend grabbing your arm saying, "Don't you dare!"😂"

Thank God I have friends like you Vickie that will keep me in line. :D
I would be a goner for sure! hahaha!!

[Terry]

Ginger wrote: "Terry wrote: "I’m up to the same spot, the start of ch32. I agree, that was a great scene! All of the [spoilers removed]"

That's what I'm getting too! Do you think..."

As crazy as it is, I do think it’s him. (view spoiler)[ He’s a goner! (hide spoiler)]

So, this spoiler is for Stephen King’s Needful Things. (view spoiler)[ Does Mr. Dark seem a little similar to Mr. Gaunt, in that he’s pure evil and praying on the vanity or neediness of his prey? They’re certainly different characters with different personalities, but the MO seems similar to me. (hide spoiler)]

Like Vickie, I think I’m much more likely to be a Will than a Jim if it were me - but I wouldn’t promise that I could resist either, lol.

[Ginger]

Terry wrote: "So, this spoiler is for Stephen King’s Needful Things. (view spoiler)

Like Vickie, I think I’m much more likely to be a Will than a Jim if it were me - but I wouldn’t promise that I could resist either, lol."

It is weird with the similarities and it's cool that you bring this up with Needful Things!

I'm sure SK took a lot of inspiration from Bradbury at times with his writing? Maybe. I'm just taking a guess on that.
I can see the similarities in strange things being afoot, especially with clowns, carnival themes and supernatural evil. :D

Ha! Well, thank goodness you'll also be there to bring me from the brink of destruction! hahaha!

[Frances]

Hi everyone! Thank you for letting me join in with your buddy read. 🤗 I'm going really slowly as I'm struggling with the style of writing. Fahrenheit 451 is among my top 5 favorite books, and I've been wanting to read this book for a very long time.

Ray Bradbury's writing style here is so beautiful that I don't want to rush my reading -although I'm already so far behind everyone else. And also because I want to know what's going to happen next in the story!

For those who like this writing style and want more, I've recently read This Is How You Lose the Time War which won several awards.

[Terry]

Frances wrote: "Hi everyone! Thank you for letting me join in with your buddy read. 🤗 I'm going really slowly as I'm struggling with the style of writing. Fahrenheit 451 is among my top 5 favorite ..."

Glad you’re joining Frances! I couldn’t agree more about the writing. It is truly different than anything else I’ve read. I thought I was going to read it slower than I have, but once I got caught up in the story and got used to it, I found myself going faster. I’ll have to check out that book you mention.

[Ginger]

I completely agree Terry and Frances!
I start reading and then find myself absorbed in his writing. He mesmerizes me and I've realized that I've read for an hour. 🤣😂

I can see how Bradbury's writing is not for everyone.
Personally, I love it! It's so beautiful, descriptive and just pulls me into the plot.
I'm going to have to read The Illustrated Man soon. I've meant to read that collection of stories as well for years.
Reading SWTWC's reminds me that I need to get to it!

Thanks for the recommendation Frances! I'll check that one as well.

[Ginger]

I just got to the beginning of Ch 45. I loved how (view spoiler)[Charles Halloway's laughter is what faught the Dust Witch and won! I'm wondering if that's the trick. You laugh at the carnival or the people of the carnival. You don't think they are scary and just ridiculous. It takes their power away? I'm not sure but that would be a cool way to fight Mr. Dark and crew.

Boy, that part about the Witch making Will and Jim not being able to see, hear, think or speak. Super creepy!! (hide spoiler)]

[Ginger]

Also, I think you are right Terry. I feel like Mr. Dark is very (view spoiler)[similar to Leland Gaunt from Needful Things. They give people what they think they want not knowing that they are taking the soul, life, etc.
Creepy and good stuff here! :D (hide spoiler)]

[Robert]

Just discovered this thread. I love this book, though it's been a while since I've read it. Bradbury has a marvelous poetic style to his prose and he deftly weaves creepiness with a morality tale.

[Renee]

Terry wrote: "Ginger wrote: "Terry wrote: "I’m up to the same spot, the start of ch32. I agree, that was a great scene! All of the [spoilers removed]"

That's what I'm getting too! Do you think..."

As crazy as ..."

(view spoiler)[ i actually think Stepen King's needful things was inspired by this book (hide spoiler)]

[Ginger]

Robert wrote: "Just discovered this thread. I love this book, though it's been a while since I've read it. Bradbury has a marvelous poetic style to his prose and he deftly weaves creepiness with a morality tale."

Glad you can join us Robert! Welcome and glad you enjoyed his one. I’ve really loved this book so far!

[Ginger]

Renee wrote: "Terry wrote: "Ginger wrote: "Terry wrote: "I’m up to the same spot, the start of ch32. I agree, that was a great scene! All of the [spoilers removed]"

That's what I'm getting too! Do you think..."..."

Totally makes sense Renee after reading this!

[Terry]

Ginger wrote: "Renee wrote: "Terry wrote: "Ginger wrote: "Terry wrote: "I’m up to the same spot, the start of ch32. I agree, that was a great scene! All of the [spoilers removed]"

That's what I'm getting too! Do..."

I agree too.

[Frances]

I finished the book last night. (view spoiler)[ Despite it being categorized as having horror as a theme, I think it would be a wonderful book for young fathers of boys, or even fathers of boys who are older. It speaks wonderfully of friendship as well. I know I sound cliche pointing this out. But despite circumstances that were horrifying like what Will was experiencing over several day, as soon as he was out of his trance, it was Jim who he thought of. And he could literally not let go of his best friend, while risking himself. (hide spoiler)]

[Terry]

Excellent Frances. I’m up to ch47 and hope to be finished tomorrow so I can read your spoiler.

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥]

I hope I get to read something with you guys soonish 😊

[Terry]

Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ wrote: "I hope I get to read something with you guys soonish 😊"

That would be great, Melissa!

[Matthew]

Anyone read the first book in the series - Dandelion Wine? It is fantastic - love both of them.

And there are still two others I need to get to: Farewell Summer and Summer Morning, Summer Night.

Here is my review of Something Wicked This Way Comes:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥]

Terry wrote: "Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ wrote: "I hope I get to read something with you guys soonish 😊"

That would be great, Melissa!"

Fingers crossed!!

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥]

I didn’t like Dandelion Wine which upset me so much as I just felt I would. Most of my friends loved it. Some didn’t. I’m hung to jade to try all of his stuff again someday to make sure it’s not just me 😳

[Terry]

Matthew wrote: "Anyone read the first book in the series - Dandelion Wine? It is fantastic - love both of them.

And there are still two others I need to get to: Farewell Summer and [book..."

I haven’t read any of those. I do want to try Dandelion Wine at some point though. I want to try [book:The Illustrated Man|24830] also.

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥]

I want to try The Illustrated Man too because it was in another book or movie I watched recently. Geez, I can’t remember 🙄

[Matthew]

Illustrated Man is SOOOOO good! I love Bradbury!

[Terry]

Matthew wrote: "Illustrated Man is SOOOOO good! I love Bradbury!"

Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ wrote: "I want to try The Illustrated Man too because it was in another book or movie I watched recently. Geez, I can’t remember 🙄"

I’m definitely excited to get to it.

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥]

I need to see if the library has it. And it’s driving me crazy that I can’t remember what book etc he was referenced in! Uggg

[Frances]

Terry wrote: "Ginger wrote: "Terry wrote: "I’m up to the same spot, the start of ch32. I agree, that was a great scene! All of the [spoilers removed]"

That's what I'm getting too! Do you think..."

As crazy as ..."

I read Needful Things when I was very young, and I thought at the time that SK had written it as a homage to RB. Did he ever admit to doing so?

[Ginger]

I finished up last night! I really loved this and so glad to read Bradbury again. I'll try and get up a review today at some point.

And that's a yes for me on Dandelion Wine & The Illustrated Man! I plan on reading them next year. I've got to get to both of them. :D

[Ginger]

Matthew wrote: "Illustrated Man is SOOOOO good! I love Bradbury!"

That's so awesome to hear. I can't wait to read it!

[Ginger]

Frances wrote: "Terry wrote: "Ginger wrote: "Terry wrote: "I’m up to the same spot, the start of ch32. I agree, that was a great scene! All of the [spoilers removed]"

That's what I'm getting too! Do you think..."..."

I don't know if he did Frances but you can see some of the similarities between (view spoiler)[Mr. Dark and Leland in this. :D (hide spoiler)]

[Ginger]

Matthew wrote: "And there are still two others I need to get to: Farewell Summer and Summer Morning, Summer Night.

Here is my review of Something Wicked This Way Comes:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

Two more that I need to read! I'm adding them now. Great review by the way Matthew!

[Ginger]

I'm going to watch the movie soon if I can find it on one of our streaming services. I've never seen it!

[Ginger]

Frances wrote: "I finished the book last night. [spoilers removed]"

I really loved that part Frances! When (view spoiler)[Will would not let go of Jim's hand when he was on the merry-go-round. Such great friendship!
I agree with you. There are lots of elements in this that's more then just spookiness and the theme of good vs evil. (hide spoiler)]
I think that's why I enjoyed it so much! I'm so glad you were able to join the BR!

[Vickie]

Ginger wrote: "I finished up last night! I really loved this and so glad to read Bradbury again. I'll try and get up a review today at some point.

And that's a yes for me on Dandelion Wine & [book:T..."

I'm all for that too!

Glad you enjoyed this one, Ginger.😊

[Ginger]

Vickie wrote: "I'm all for that too!
Glad you enjoyed this one, Ginger.😊"

Sweet! We need to figure out when to get to more of his books. I'm definitely on-board after reading this. I forgot how much I love his writing and need to read more of his books. 😊

Thanks Vickie!