Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Tuesday Intro: Something Wicked This Way Comes

Prologue 
First of all, it was October, a rare month for boys. Not that all months aren't rare. But there be bad and good, as pirates say. Take September, a bad month: school starts. Consider August, a good month: school hasn't begun yet. July, well, July's really fine: there's no chance in the world for school. June, no doubting it, June's best of all for the school doors spring wide and September's a billion years away. 
But you take October, now. School's been on a month and you're riding easier in the reins, jogging along.  You got time to think of the garbage you'll dump on old man Prickett's porch, or the hairy-ape costume you'll wear to the YMCA the last night of the month. And if it's around October twentieth and everything smoky-smelling and the sky orange and ash gray at twilight, it seems Halloween will never come in a fall of broomsticks and a soft flap of bed-sheets around corners. 
But one strange wild dark long year, Halloween came early.
Something Wicked This Way Comes
by Ray Bradbury

I haven't read Ray Bradbury since high school - Fahrenheit 451, I think. Back then, I wasn't much of a fan, but it's high time to try again and Ti and Sandy's readalong is the perfect motivation. I read the first four chapters Sunday evening and was pleasantly surprised.


The goodreads summary provides a few more clues about what is to come:
A masterpiece of modern Gothic literature, Something Wicked This Way Comes is the memorable story of two boys, James Nightshade and William Halloway, and the evil that grips their small Midwestern town with the arrival of a “dark carnival” one Autumn midnight. How these two innocents, both age 13, save the souls of the town (as well as their own), makes for compelling reading on timeless themes. What would you do if your secret wishes could be granted by the mysterious ringmaster Mr. Dark? Bradbury excels in revealing the dark side that exists in us all, teaching us ultimately to celebrate the shadows rather than fear them. In many ways, this is a companion piece to his joyful, nostalgia-drenched Dandelion Wine, in which Bradbury presented us with one perfect summer as seen through the eyes of a 12-year-old. In Something Wicked This Way Comes, he deftly explores the fearsome delights of one perfectly terrifying, unforgettable autumn.
What do you think of the opening? Would you keep reading? It's not too late to join the readalong, you know.


Every Tuesday, Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea posts the opening paragraph (sometime two) of a book she decided to read based on the opening. Feel free to grab the banner and play along.

47 comments:

  1. I've never read Bradbury and "gothic" literature doesn't really appeal to me, but I really liked the intro! Will be interested to hear your thoughts!

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    1. Sarah - This does;t really seem gothic so far. We'll see...

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  2. I haven't read this author since Fahrenheit 451 either....but I love the title...it gives me the shivers. And I like the opening lines. Thanks!

    Here's mine: “THE BOOKSELLER”

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    1. Laurel-Rain Snow - The writing seems quite poetic, so far... something I don't remember with Fahrenheit 451.

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  3. I've always wanted to read this one...for its title alone.

    My Tuesday post: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2014/10/first-chapter-first-paragraph-78-and.html

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  4. I am not familiar with this author, but the intro and description is interesting. I would keep reading.

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    1. Pat - I always thought of Bradbury as a sci-fi author, but not sure this fits into that category.

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  5. I positively LOVE Ray Bradbury!!! (Fahrenheit 451 is my least favorite of his books that I've read.) This is one of my favorites, and I think I've read three times in the last handful of years. Not even sure why I love it so much, but I do. :) I so hope you'll find it enjoyable all the way through!

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    1. Debi - I'm so glad to know that! I've been avoiding Bradbury all these years based on Fahrenheit 451.

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  6. interesting opening. hope you'll enjoy it! thanks for sharing :)

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    1. Deasy Yolanda - It's off to a great start.

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  7. I don't think I've read this one, but I have read a few Bradbury books. Like that opener.

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    1. Beth F - Hope I end up liking Bradbury more than I did in high school!

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  8. I've never read this, but I have seen the movie (it's a classic) which was well done. My book this week is Don't Let Go

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    1. Suzie Quint - Didn't know this was a movie. Will look for it when I'm done.

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  9. I like the idea of coming of age stories with boys of that age 12-13, before they turn into typical teen boys. Usually makes for good reading (or watching). I would probably like to read this sometime. Glad you reminded me of it.

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    1. Rita - I don't read many coming of age stories, but have high hopes for this!

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  10. Oh, I'm so glad you shared the prologue! It reminds me of Dandelion Wine, which is also by Bradbury, and one of my favorite books from my youth. I can't wait to get to SWTWC!

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    1. Les - I may be adding Dandelion Wine to my list after reading this!

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    2. Let me know when you do. I need a push to read it again! I think I read it in 1975!

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  11. It's been a long time since I've read anything by this author -- time to revisit him! Thanks for the reminder and for visiting my blog.
    Sandy @Texas Twang

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    1. Sandra Nachlinger - Hope this experience with Bradbury is better than my last ;-)

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  12. I read this one a few years ago and enjoyed it. I don't remember much about it so I'm looking forward to the re-read (listen). Glad you're liking it so far!

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    1. Trish - I considered this on audio and may still make it a read/listen combo... will be curious to hear whether you like the audio production.

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  13. This is my favorite title for a book, although the book itself hasn't interested me enough to actually read it. I like the intro though. Just not sure though after reading the synopsis.

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    1. Literary Feline - This is practically the best title, ever!

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  14. I love that opening! I haven't read Ray Bradbury yet.

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  15. wow, you're making me want to join in!

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  16. I need to try this author again - I wasn't a huge fan of Fahrenheit 451 when I read it years ago.

    The intro is pretty good JoAnn - hope you enjoy it.

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    1. Diane - I didn't get on well with Fahrenheit 451 either. Hoping for better this time.

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  17. This really sounds like a good book.

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  18. I just finished it today. I'm not quite sure how I feel yet. I'm thinking that maybe the audio was NOT the way to go. The prose bothered me too. But it is atmospheric, and is actually more coming of age than it is anything. Have to sleep on it...

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    1. Sandy - Definitely atmospheric! Not much reading time so far this week... hope to be on track by Friday.

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  19. I don't care much for Ray Bradbury, but I love that first paragraph. I like how he sets up that last line. Enjoy, JoAnn.

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    1. Margot - I didn't think I liked him either...

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  20. Absolutely! Watched the movie by Disney ion's ago when my boys were little. Very good!

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    1. Peggy Ann - Will have to watch it after I've finished!

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  21. It took me a few chapters before I could settle into the rhythm of it. I am confident that Ray Bradbury was a little high when he wrote this...!

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  22. The more I hear about this book the more I want to read it. I like the opening, especially the last line! Also, the Goodreads summary makes it sound quite interesting--I like "carnival comes to town" stories.

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    1. JaneGS - The goodreads summary finally sold me. I'm enjoying Bradbury's writing!

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  23. I liked the beginning but I think I'd have to read a bit more before deciding. Thanks for stopping by. Have a nice week! kelley—the road goes ever ever on

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  24. Funny how the writing seems so modern. I love the opening

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