What an exciting and touching story! A story that works just as well for teenagers as it does for adults. It offers breathtaking entertainment while also being full of thoughts and triggering various associations.

Set in an American small town in the 1930s, there are two thirteen-year-old boys who are best friends yet completely different. One grows up without a father and is drawn to all things dark and dangerous. The other is more cautious and rational. Their names alone: Jim Nightshade and Will Halloway!

With Jim, it's as if he always has the world in front of his eyes and can never look away. If you never look away your whole life, then at thirteen you've already seen as much as others at twenty. Will Halloway, on the other hand, is young and looks over or past things. At thirteen, he has only six years of looking behind him.

Age is also a factor with Will's father, who feels infinitely old and alien to his own son. He brings a very peculiar and wonderful melancholy to the story, especially when he sits in the library at night and Will can see him from the window of his room, across a long distance, in the illuminated library.

And with that, two important keywords immediately come to mind: There are scenes in the library here that form a wonderful homage to books, to storytelling, to this special place. And then there are the observations that often occur from a certain distance: Looks in and out of windows, into shop windows, into mirrors... These scenes are often connected with a longing for another world, for something mysterious, for another stage of life. And together with the melancholy that always sounds between the lines, one is often reminded of the paintings of Edward Hopper.

The story really gets going when a fairground company arrives in town, including the mysterious Mr Dark, whose entire body is covered in very lifelike tattoos. Or does the misfortune not already begin when the lightning rod salesman appears? Besides the breathtaking plot (the two boys are mostly out at night), there is room for beautiful and intelligent thoughts, such as the constant longing for another life, another age; the difficulty of distinguishing between good and evil and leading a good life; the power of laughter...

And as atmospheric as the story is, associations constantly bubble to the surface, also to works created much later. So I'm more than sure that a scene in the mirror cabinet inspired a similar scene in Stephen King's It. My reading buddy Michael pointed me to Nick Cave's song Carny, which gets stuck in your head while reading. If the book were to be filmed, this would be an inevitable part of the soundtrack. Speaking of film: The novel cries out for a great, modern film adaptation. The setting, the characters, the tension... But there was already a film adaptation in 1982. Only it's hardly possible to find anymore and the trailer seems a bit old-fashioned and too staid to me. So please a new film adaptation!

Twisted and poetic, this unique combination creates a captivating allure.

It is as if the words themselves have been delicately contorted, yet still manage to flow with a certain grace and beauty.

The twisted nature adds an element of mystery and intrigue, making the reader eager to uncover the hidden meanings within.

Meanwhile, the poetic aspect infuses the piece with a sense of artistry and emotion, tugging at the heartstrings and leaving a lasting impression.

Together, these two qualities form a powerful synergy that elevates the writing to a whole new level.

Whether it's a story, a poem, or an article, the use of twisted and poetic language can transport the reader to another world, filled with vivid imagery and profound thoughts.

It allows for a deeper exploration of the human experience, uncovering the complex emotions and desires that lie beneath the surface.

In a world where ordinary language often fails to capture the true essence of our thoughts and feelings, the twisted and poetic offers a refreshing and alternative way of expressing ourselves.

It is a medium through which we can break free from the constraints of convention and unleash our creativity, painting a vivid picture in the minds of our readers.

So, embrace the twisted and poetic, and let your words dance and sing, carrying your readers on a journey they will never forget.

2.75 stars

\\n  “Beware the autumn people”\\n

This is my initial encounter with a Ray Bradbury book. I had no precise expectations, but what I got was definitely not what I anticipated. Something Wicked This Way Comes presents one of the most distinct reading experiences I have ever had, and I'm still rather uncertain about how to fully interpret it. We follow two boys, Will Halloway and Jim Nightshade. Will is youthful and full of light, while Jim desires to grow older and harbors a certain darkness within. One day, the Cooger and Dark's Pandemonium Shadow Show arrives, and suddenly people start vanishing from the town. It falls upon the boys and Will's father, Charles, to figure out what's happening and defeat the novel's sinister forces in Green Town.

The main reason I'm so conflicted about this novel is that I wasn't sure of its purpose. It was beautiful, indeed, yet sometimes to the extent of being confusing. There's a passage near the beginning where Bradbury employs a metaphor to describe the boys running down the street while simultaneously showing a similarity between them:

\\n  “The wind flew Jim away.
A similar kite, Will swooped to follow.”\\n

It took me several minutes just to understand this. This style of prose persists throughout the entire novel. Although it sets a mystical and eerie tone, I found it slightly distracting at times. Fortunately, when I switched to the audiobook, it wasn't as perplexing anymore. I would recommend this book to Stephen King fans, as the style is quite similar. I felt that this style was a deliberate choice, aiming at something greater than just setting the tone. The problem is, I'm not sure what that "thing" was.

There's a great deal of juxtaposition of imagery and symbolism in this book: Jim vs Will = dark vs light, Will vs Charles = youth vs maturity, circus vs library = perceived happiness vs real happiness. Again, it was interesting to contemplate, but I wasn't sure of the point. What I did gather were the themes of age and "what is happiness". The last passage was wonderful and left me with a very happy/hopeful feeling. The part I'm referring to is Charles running at the same speed as his son, overcoming his mental barriers and accepting his age for what it is and finding happiness in it because your "true age" is your "mental age". I adored it, especially since he kept mentioning how sad he is that he's no longer a boy and "can't" run through the fields like he did in the past. Charles was probably my favorite character, and finishing with him was nice. This was great, but my question is why? I think that if I knew more about the context of this novel, I'd enjoy it more, or if it were required reading that you'd discuss in class.

Overall, I relished the reading experience. The concept of an evil circus was executed extremely well, and I did enjoy observing how the different themes would interconnect with the imagery/juxtaposition. Unfortunately, I can't claim to have gained a great deal from the reading as it seemed rather pointless.

If there's a common element in readers' thoughts on this book, I firmly believe it would center around Bradbury's remarkable phrasing and prose.

It flows beautifully, enchanting the reader and even bordering on the poetic. This is truly something special considering that it is one of his few books classified within the horror genre.

I deliberately saved it for October this year, but to label it strictly as horror would be inaccurate. Are there themes that are scary? Absolutely. The entity that descends upon Green Town, Illinois on one fateful Fall day is undeniably evil.

However, the truly terrifying aspects lie in the thoughts of losing a friendship, a son's precious bond with his father, or the paralyzing fear of separation due to age.

Occasionally, the story may seem to get a bit lost in the elaborate prose, but despite that, I still adored every moment of reading it.

It's a book that lingers in the mind, leaving a lasting impression with its unique blend of horror and profound human emotions.

In his 1981 non-fiction book Danse Macabre, Stephen King describes this book as one "that adults should take down once in a while...not just to give to their own children, but in order to touch base again themselves with childhood's brighter perspectives and darker dreams."

There is a timeless quality to this story, similar to the adventure books you read as a child. It has the power to enchant and ensnare you, even as an adult, in its machinations. It allows you to escape, if only for a moment, the real world around you.

Jim Nightshade and Will Halloway are two 13-year-old boys growing up in a small Illinois town, presumably in the 1930s or 40s. One late October evening, a carnival arrives in town. However, this carnival is unlike any other, with sinister intent and full of deleterious inhabitants. Along with Will's librarian father, Charles, the boys begin to uncover the unsavory aspects of life, growing up, and facing fears.

The writing in this novel can be described as purple prose, to say the least. Bradbury often chooses five or six words where one would suffice. This can sometimes be a hindrance to the reading experience. However, I believe it would translate well through an audiobook or when read aloud. It feels like a quintessential bedtime story to share with an older child who enjoys dark fairytales.

I absolutely adored the message of this book, as told through the story of Charles Halloway. I appreciate that, even though the book seems aimed at children, Bradbury included a central figure in his 50s who serves as a foil to the young boys. This provides a wider range of perspectives within the story and emphasizes the themes of aging, wisdom, and laughing in the face of death.

If you had asked me at the 50% mark how I felt about this book, my answer would have been very different from what it was at the end. The climax of this book was truly fantastic, keeping me on the edge of my seat and eager to turn the pages. It has that quality of resolution that older books possess, with a nice storybook ending that feels just right.

I can understand why Stephen King might have been inspired by this for his own stories that center on young protagonists learning the harsh realities of adulthood and the real world through a mystical or magical presence.

This is a story that I envision revisiting in the future, perhaps being able to overlook some of the issues in the prose due to the impact the story has. If you were fortunate enough to read this as a child, I highly recommend revisiting it as an adult. I believe it is a story that you can gain more from each time and that will only grow more beloved in your memory.

Jim Nightshade and Will Holloway are neighbors who were born just hours apart. They are the best of friends and completely inseparable. Their lives are filled with mischief and adventure that they share together. One of them leans towards the shadows, while the other gravitates towards the light. They balance each other out in a push-pull dynamic that has endured through the years. Their corner of the world serves as a playground, well-trodden and thoroughly explored.

Until... SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES.

The Carnival arrives, bringing with it an unsettling change. Late in the year, it seems more than a little unusual. But it calls, calls to the boys... and the townspeople.

Evil lurks within the Carnival's mysterious offerings.

Bradbury's prose is filled with fantastical descriptions that are rich, evocative, and have a tangible quality. It has been some time since I last read his work, and I had forgotten the power of his words, their ability to vividly illustrate the scene. I highly recommend this as a fall selection read.

Resilience and being tested, tempted, is an inherent part of life. Two boys on the cusp of becoming teenagers, this book marks the moment when childhood falls away and the mantle of adulthood is donned. I adored the story of their friendship and the newly formed understanding between a father and son. In such a dark book, these relationships serve as beacons of light, guiding the way out. I found the devotion in both relationships to be emotionally touching and hopeful. For as horrible as life can get, there are always a few things that we can look to and count on.

Remember: the wolf is always at the door, waiting to test our courage and resolve.

Catching Up…

A perfect month to talk about this classic. It's truly a remarkable piece of literature that has stood the test of time.

And how wonderful that it should also have been a donation to my Little Free Library Shed. It's like a little treasure waiting to be discovered by others.

So, it's time to write. I am not one for haunted stories. They usually give me the creeps.

And Ray Bradbury always had a way of making me think. Especially when I read this as a teenager. I also remember reading The Illustrated Man in high school and then a few years later, Fahrenheit 451. Review here for Fahrenheit 451: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

But there was something about this story that was a bit dark. It had an air of mystery and danger that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Well, of course. A carnival rolls into a small Midwestern town on the heels of a thunderstorm, led by a man named Mr. Dark. He is a mysterious figure, full of charm and yet also a hint of menace.

And he bears gifts and promises. Restored youth. Second chances. Fulfilled dreams. But for a price, of course. Your souls.

After all, he is Mr. Dark. By this point, I am shaking in my blankets. Because I am usually reading in bed. I am not comfortable, at all.

Because Bradbury’s carnival is everything to be feared. Age. Death. Failure. It's like a virus that has just come to town. And we’ve lost control. And there is no cure.

Still, reading this in my teens, I realized that the true horror wasn't the carnival or its soul-swallowing ringmaster, Mr. Dark. It was realizing that our parents weren't going to be the heroes we needed them to be. And that truly scared me.

Bradbury did a great job of creating adults that were weak with temptation. They were really real, and that truly was a horror in itself.

So, the power of Bradbury’s writing? Plan to be terrified. Frightened. Haunted. And don't read this in the dark.

Did Not Finish, Stopped Reading at 35 Percent.


This was also for the November Horror Aficionados group read. However, I will not be counting that towards my goal since I did not finish this. I cringed about not finishing this book. But seriously, it was just too much. There was an overabundance of purple prose and long-winded paragraphs. I truly don't know what was going on and have now refused to care anymore. After reaching a part in the book about why men/boys wake up at 3 am and women don't due to their ability to give life (or whatever that tortured metaphor was), I simply tapped out.


The book centers around two boys, Jim Nightshade and William Halloway, and what occurs after they visit a traveling carnival in October. I'm aware that we originally cited this book for Halloween book bingo. But now, I'm realizing there might have been a reason many people didn't use this book to count towards their goal. I think there were some interesting ideas here and there. Both Jim and William are 13 years old (and I don't need to tell you the significance of the number 13), and they are about to turn 14. They and some of the people in their town sense something approaching them (the so-called wicked). Then the book just jumps around a lot, and I honestly couldn't get a sense of anything. I just think the writing style was too challenging for me to overcome.

This book truly merits a 5/5 rating. It is an incredibly fantastic story, brimming with wonderful writing and an excellent message. It encompasses everything one could hope for in a great read.

This classic, which revolves around the traveling dark carnival and the autumn people, requires no introduction. It has had a profound and lasting influence on countless horror and fantasy writers, and continues to do so to this very day. It combines elements of coming of age, horror, humor, and features a great ending. The influence can be clearly seen in books such as Needful Things and Fairy Tale by King, which is one of the reasons why this novel remains in print.

The writing in this book is truly outstanding. It flows with a frantic energy, chapter by chapter, leading up to the thrilling finale. I can envision Ray Bradbury writing parts of this book in a sort of mad, half-conscious trance, with the angels guiding his pen. The prose is simply beautiful, effortlessly conjuring up vivid pictures and powerful feelings in the reader, just as a good book should. It is an impressive piece of writing that, at times, reminds me of the more vivid lyrics of Bob Dylan or Robert Hunter. The meaning is not always explicitly stated but is instead passed on to the reader through osmosis or some other means. It is poetic, yet vivid, and the meaning is always clear.

I read this book over 20 years ago, but this time around, it was a whole new experience. While I still loved reading about Will and Jim, the character that I really focused on and connected with was Charles. His journey of redemption and rebirth is written with such love and no doubt contains elements that we can all relate to. His role throughout the story, and especially in the end, cannot be overemphasized. While Mr. Dark is still a terrifying villain, this time I felt that the real villains in this tale were not so tangible. They could be the people you encounter, who "may be here this very minute", or even time itself.

So, if on a cold autumn night, a strange carnival shows up in your town, do not get on the carousel, and for goodness sake, do not go near the house of mirrors. Instead, go home and read this book. It will transport you to a world of mystery, horror, and wonder.

Somehow I found myself reading this particular book around Christmas time, even though it is truly a quintessential Halloween book.

To my pleasant surprise, it was a lot more enjoyable than I had recalled. The language used in the book is delightfully excessive and overly dramatic, which added a certain charm to the reading experience. I couldn't help but read quite a bit of it out loud, and I discovered that the book was significantly better when experienced in that way.

Of course, like any classic, this book has its flaws. One should expect sudden and random moments that may seem thoughtless at times. However, this doesn't detract from the overall appeal of the story.

The concept of a small town being tested by an evil carnival is truly brilliant. There is something refreshing about a story that presents such a clear contrast between good and evil, with some enticing temptations thrown in along the way.

In conclusion, this is a fun read that I highly recommend. And don't forget to read it out loud for an even more immersive experience.

Once upon a time, a creepy carnival came to town.

The father, his son, and the son's best friend were intrigued and decided to check it out.

As they walked through the carnival, they were met with strange and spooky attractions.

There were fortune tellers with crystal balls that seemed to hold secrets, and rides that moved in ways that defied logic.

The magic of the carnival was starting to get to them, making them feel a little bit scared and a lot disoriented.

But then, the son's best friend cracked a joke, and they all burst out laughing.

The power of their laughter cut through the magic like a knife, and they suddenly felt much braver.

They continued through the carnival, facing each new challenge with a smile and a sense of humor.

By the time they left, they had not only overcome the magic of the creepy carnival but also had a great time doing it.

And they learned an important lesson: never underestimate the power of laughter.

Shadows in the night,

the mists may lift, yet things remain in never-ending darkness, for evil is always around the next corner, hidden but there.

Green Town (Waukegan, Illinois), the writer's birthplace, a small, unimportant, quiet burg outside of Chicago.

Dull, in perpetual slumber, the townspeople walk slowly as nothing ever happens to excite. Life just goes on and on until it doesn't...

October weather, Halloween nears. A strange, sinister, touring carnival sneaks in the gloom to a nearby vacant field. Why? The wrong season, the summer sunshine long gone and the cold Fall isn't a proper time for festivities...

Two boys, Will (William) Halloway and Jim (James) Nightshade, 13, born a few hours apart, living next door to each other, close as twins. Well, not a surprise that Will and Jim creep from home at night to visit the lonely sideshow areas of the carnival. Curious and brave lads indeed, nevertheless unwise.

Alone, watching figures that aren't human, vague, vile, menacing. Drifting freaks enter and leave the eerie tents with the panicky kids lying down on the dirt lot nearby. Shakespeare's words fit perfectly here: "Something Wicked this Way Comes" from the three witches of Macbeth, very appropriate certainly though.

Mysterious Mr. Dark, owner of the show, even joins the other freaks in exhibits as the weird "Illustrated Man", his tattooed skin covering him from head to toe in chilling images, but the crowds come.

Charles Halloway, Will's father, a lowly janitor in the local library, feels old at 54, unsure if he could be a good parent to his only child. They aren't cozy anyway, no communications as an unseen barrier blocks the two. Truth be told, Will is not happy, secretly ashamed of him. However, underneath the surface, the quiet dad had strength he didn't realize, which will be required to survive future troubles.

A magic carousel has unique powers unknown. The merry-go-round causes good and bad either going clockwise or the contrary fashion, counterclockwise the top fatal attraction. The petrifying Mirror Maze brings terror to all and dazzles the brain too.

This classic horror fantasy can be fun though with a plethora of words, the smorgasbord hiding some of the narrative. The nostalgia is thick, the atmosphere even thicker. A story of what was but is no more, some of the author's childhood memories needed to be revealed to the public, though gone but never forgotten. An ultimate mix of the bitter and the sweet, yet a pleasure for everyone.