Reading List Completists discussion

Winner of the "I Had So Many Extra Words My Title is Huge" Poll - March 2017. Discuss here!

Until this won and I added it, I did not realize that this is the second book in a series! If you want to read the first one first, check out Dandelion Wine

It is?! I had no clue either. This is one of the few books I've listened to the audio book of, so I'd like to actually read the print version of it. I never would have guessed it was a part of a series.

If anyone here is interested in the audio book version, though, there's a really good radio play recording done by the Colonial Radio Theater. That's the version I listened to, it was really good with all of the sound effects and different actors and such. It really ruined other audio books for me lol.

It really was an excellent listen. The best first ten minutes I think I've ever come across. The start is so strong, at any point you find your interest faltering, you can just remind yourself, "No, wait, don't stop. Remember how excellent it was?"

I just got the audiobook and I'm excited to participate this month. I feel like it's been a year since I've been able to join in on the discussions.

I remember having seen the movie years ago. Sometimes I say to myself that it's better to go into the book without reading any reviews/summaries/etc. but I've noticed that I kind of like reading books that I saw a movie version of in the past. I usually forget enough of the movie that it doesn't spoil it, and then it helps me visualize the characters.

How do you guys visualize characters (if at all)? Do you go with the book description and then "cast an actor" for the part, maybe someone from your own life or someone famous? I find if I try to mentally put a face I know to a character, I remember them better.

Just started listening to the audiobook today. Finished the "prequel" Dandelion Wine over the weekend - it was great!

I do tend to picture the actors that have the roles in the movies, even if I haven't see the movie but I am aware of what actor had the role. Also, my view of characters is skewed by the time period. I have "typical Victorian woman", "50's greaser", etc. in my head to reference as needed. I will say that usually if I see fan art after I read it does not reflect how I pictured the character.

This was a quick and enjoyable read. It did not blow me quite as away as Dandelion Wine, but it was still very good!

Click here for my review

I liked it a lot. I think the character I liked best was Charles Halloway (who may be an autobiographical character??). He is the aged parent of a young boy, and sweeps the halls of the library deep in thoughts, nostalgia, and reveries. In the end he finally relates to his son, and is perhaps the hero of the story.

I can see why Disney would pick it up for a movie--it can be viewed from the children's perspective or the adult. I was curious why this dark carnival had one evil plot: tempt people with their age. Do you want to be younger? older? Well, we've got the cure for you, step right up! I think there are a lot of temptations that a dark carnival could bring, but I suppose that's why it was magical. Anyone can offer you sex, drugs, and rock and roll (or the refined version: wine, women, and song). But who can offer you the chance to change your age, let you relive your teen years, or let you skip them?

The idea of the recurring carnival that comes every 40 or 50 years reminded me of Stephen King's It, where the creepy alien/clown/spider thing comes to life every few decades.