'Something Wicked This Way Comes' is an absolute delight to read. It is a seamless blend of poetic prose that is so beautifully crafted that it's like biting into a delicious honey-filled buttery scone. The story is not only a glorious celebration of a small-town childhood but also a touching ode to male bonding. It had me in tears at several points, as it explores the deep and complex relationship between a father and his son.

Oh, how I wish more fathers could understand the beauty and rewards of familial sentiment, especially between a father and his son. Age should not be a barrier, but rather a bridge that connects them. If a father remembers and encourages the explorations and thrills of discovery for a boy reaching out into the world, while also being there to catch him when he stumbles, then a special bond can be formed.

The novel is actually a 1962 tale of Halloween horror. It tells the story of a traveling carnival that sets up tents and rides in early October next to a little town where 13-year-old William Halloway and James Nightshade live. Born one minute apart, one on the night before Halloween and the other on Halloween, the two boys have spent every spare moment of their lives together, exploring the mysteries hidden in the town.

A whiff of cotton candy foretells the arrival of Cooger & Dark's Pandemonium Shadow Show, a circus and carnival in one. The boys are eager to see the show arrive by train, but things start off very strangely. The circus arrives in the dead of night, and the tents seem to set themselves up almost without human agency. There are men moving about, but in total silence. An eerie wind blows, and then disappears, along with the men and a creepy balloon. As the boys meet the peculiar people in the carnival, they soon realize that it is evil.

Who can they tell? Who will believe them? Frantic, they finally turn to Will's father, Charles Halloway. He is a wise and kind man, and he believes them. But can the three of them rescue the missing townspeople and save themselves? As the threats become more and more dangerous, they search for answers in books about ancient magic and black witchcraft. Will they find a way to stop the evil carnival?

Bradbury's writing is truly miraculous. His use of words is like a master painter using colors to create a vivid and unforgettable picture. The examples of his wordplay are simply breathtaking. For example, \\"Why are some people all grasshopper fiddlings, scrapings, all antennae shivering, one big ganglion eternally knotting, slip-knotting, square-knotting themselves?\\" and \\"Yet this train's whistle! The wails of a lifetime were gathered in it from other nights in other slumbering years; the howl of moon-drenched dogs, the seep of river-cold winds through January porch screens which stopped the blood, a thousand fire sirens weeping, or worse!\\" Such exquisite writing makes this novel a must-read for any lover of literature.

A disturbing novel with a confusing, poetic prose, full of mirages, symbolisms, metaphors and deceptions.

For me, it is not a story that has worked as well as 'The Wine of Summer'. The text sometimes seemed exhausting to me due to its repetitions and jumps, but at the same time, I cannot help but admire Bradbury's way of immersing us in the life and feelings of the two child protagonists.

Above all, I am left with that reflection that hovers throughout the story about maturity (about choosing the right path and that eternal war of good and evil full of nuances...), but I am also amazed by the nostalgia that impregnates everything and the terrifying atmosphere that the author creates (with things as seemingly little terrifying as a carousel).

While reading this book, it gives the impression that it has supposed a before and an after in the literature of terror. And it seems to me a perfect reading for Halloween, to relive those childhood terrors but for real, feeling like a child again with all the consequences.

That said, it has not been one of the books that I have most enjoyed by the author, nor one of those that have most reached me.

My second Bradbury of the year, and I found this one even more enjoyable than Fahrenheit 451.

It's a captivating coming-of-age tale that follows friends Jim and Will as they approach their 14th birthdays. Set in a small town in October, a sinister traveling show is about to unleash chaos.

It's as if all my favorite stories have been combined into one!

Originally published in 1962, I have a sense that this book had a massive impact on some of my favorite authors, influencing their work as well.

There are so many creepy concepts, such as the approaching thunderstorm and the eerie carousel that Bradbury vividly brings to life.

The writing style can be a bit overly complicated at times, but the short chapters quickly make up for it.

Bradbury's concepts are truly enchanting, and I'm definitely planning to return to Green Town soon!

I can't wait to explore more of the mysteries and wonders that Bradbury has created in this remarkable book.

His ability to paint such vivid pictures in the reader's mind is truly a gift, and I'm eager to see what other treasures await me in his works.

Overall, this was a thoroughly engaging and enjoyable read that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a good story.

Something Wicked This Way Comes is a captivating dark fantasy.

It tells of a strange carnival that arrives in an unnamed small town, bringing upheaval. The carnival, run by Coogar and Dark, preys on humans' negative emotions. Our main characters, 13-year-old friends Jim and Will, face challenges as Jim struggles to resist the carnival's allure. Their lives are in danger when they discover the threat of the merry-go-round.

The story teaches valuable lessons. It emphasizes the importance of treasuring the present, as seen through Jim's father, Charles Halloway, who longs for lost youth, and Jim, who wants to be older. They must confront their desires to survive the carnival's threat.

Other lessons include loyalty and the power of family and friendship. Jim and Will's enduring bond helps them fight Mr. Dark, and they rely on Will's father for protection.

However, the audiobook experience wasn't as good as hoped. The excessive use of imagery, simile, and metaphor felt overwritten. Extended descriptions that didn't advance the plot quickly enough were tedious.

Despite this, Bradbury's use of words is beautiful, sparking the imagination. The story has spooky moments and explores the darker side of human nature. The message about not focusing too much on age and enjoying the present is excellent.

I'm a Bradbury fan, but I now know to read his works when in the mood for expansive language and allusion. His short stories are more to my liking. I'll read another of his novels one day, but probably not on audio.

My recommendation is to read this book on paper if you don't like overly descriptive and flowery language. It's best experienced that way.

I don't do horror, I just don't.

I used to be a big fan of Stephen King novels. However, everything changed when I read Misery. After that, I had to give up reading his works for the sake of my peace of mind.

At this stage of my life, I am well aware that there is already an abundance of real horror in the world. There is no need for me to deliberately explore that particular realm. I am trying my best to stay positive. In fact, I don't even like Halloween.

BUT, and this is a significant but, I have a deep love for Ray Bradbury. This particular book has been calling out to me for years. So, I decided to read it in honor of Halloween, even though I don't like that holiday.

The plot is rather simple. Two 12-year-old boys, Will and Jim, accidentally come across a carnival of evil. This carnival is bent on destroying the souls of those who are not satisfied with their lives by luring them with false promises of what they think they desire.

In the end, they have to flee for their lives. Fortunately, they are helped by Will's father, who also has his own share of regrets.

Good prevails in the end, but does it really?

"Dad, will they ever come back?"

"No, and yes. No, not them. But yes, other people like them. Not in a carnival. God knows what form they'll take next. But sunrise, noon, or at the latest, sunset tomorrow they'll show. They're on the road."

"Oh no," said Will.

"Oh yes," said Dad. "We've got to watch out for the rest of our lives. The fight's just begun."

"What will they look like, how will we know them?"

"Why," said Dad quietly, "maybe they're already here."

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is precisely what makes this a great book.

“Have a drink?”
“I don’t need it,” said Halloway. “But someone inside me does.”
“Who?”
The boy I once was, thought Halloway, who runs like the leaves down the sidewalk autumn nights.

When Ray Bradbury was a boy of 12, he paid a visit to a carnival in his home town. It was there that he saw a performer, Mr. Electrico, sitting in an electric chair where he was charged with fifty thousand volts of pure electricity. Bradbury, seated in the front row, watched as the man’s hair stood on end; he held a sword full of electricity, tapped Bradbury on both shoulders and said, “Live, forever!”

The day following this event, Bradbury returned to the carnival where he again saw Mr. Electrico, who was certain that Bradbury was his old friend reincarnated. It was then that Bradbury was introduced to all of the fantastical carnival creatures: the illustrated man, the fat lady, the dwarf and the skeleton, and most importantly, it was then that Bradbury was inspired to write. And what came from that writing was nothing short of pure magic.

Cooger and Dark’s Pandemonium Shadow Show! I can’t think of a cooler name for a shady, sinister carnival act than that, can you? I can almost taste the cotton candy, smell the bonfire burning and hear the whirling of autumn leaves rustling in the wind.

How f*cking creepy would it be to wake up at three in the morning, see a train coming into town with a calliope playing THIS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hgw_RD...? I have the shivers going up my spine just thinking about it.

Bradbury took me back to a place and time that I had completely forgotten, or maybe it never existed at all, but somewhere in the recesses of my mind I remember it. I remember the wonder and awe I felt as a child going to the carnival, seeing the exotic performers, longing to follow them and learn their secrets. I remember sneaking peeks into the dusty tents and trailers, imagining what strange and spectacular lives these people must live. Of course the grand menagerie of my imagination was no match to the horror of Bradbury’s band of nefarious freaks.

I have so much I want to say about this book, but the words are hiding from me so I'll leave you with this:

The sun rose yellow as a lemon.
The sky was round and blue.
The birds looped clear water songs in the air.
Will and Jim leaned from their windows.
Nothing had changed.
Except the look in Jim's eyes.
“Last night. . .” said Will. “Did or didn't it happen?”

Come on,

everyone has to read at least one Ray Bradbury book at some point. And let me tell you, this one right here is truly the best. It's not your ordinary book. It's like a magical blend of homework and a fantastical adventure. Imagine a world where there are witches flying around on their broomsticks, hot air balloons soaring through the sky, and lightning rods crackling with energy. That's the kind of world that Bradbury creates in this amazing book. It's a world that will capture your imagination and take you on a wild ride. So don't wait any longer. Pick up this book and let the magic begin!

This is the book that I truly fell in love with, the very book that kindled within me the desire to write.

Bradbury's work has such a magical charm. His words have the power to reach deep into the hearts of readers and stir emotions that are otherwise dormant.

If only I could achieve even a fraction of what Bradbury did, if I could touch the hearts of readers in the same profound way, that would mean everything to me.

I will always be filled with gratitude for the inspiration that this book has given me. And at the same time, there is a little bit of awe in my heart when I think about the genius of Bradbury.

His writing is like a shining star in the literary sky, guiding and inspiring generations of writers to come. I hope that one day, I can also leave my mark on the world of literature, just like he did.

Jim and Will are ordinary 13-year-old boys. They are not only the best of friends but also next-door neighbors, born just a day apart.

To engage in some additional harmless mischief, they have each constructed secret ladders outside their bedroom windows. This mischief remained harmless until one September evening. The air was filled with the overwhelming scent of licorice and cotton candy, indicating that a carnival was coming to town.

Little did the boys know that when they sneaked out at midnight and discovered Cooger & Dark’s Pandemonium Shadow Show, they were about to embark on a journey to save their souls.

This story took approximately one hot minute to read. I constantly found myself asking, “Why have I not read this before????” I have no clue how this particular work managed to elude me for so many years. However, I am extremely glad to have finally discovered it. It is a true horror classic that reads like pure poetry. Bradbury is truly a wizard with words, able to create a vivid and captivating world that draws the reader in and keeps them on the edge of their seat.

His descriptions are so detailed and evocative that one can almost smell the licorice and cotton candy, and feel the excitement and fear that the boys experience. This is a must-read for any fan of horror or literature in general.

One thing that has caught my attention regarding many young adult books and coming-of-age movies is a particular generational disconnect between the protagonist and their forebears. In many aspects, it's like noticing the lack of Indian food in a French cuisine cookbook. After all, why would one expect otherwise? If a story is centered around the youth perspective, it logically follows that the parents' thoughts, ideas, and motivations would only be peripherally involved in the story. Right, Mikey? However, in Something Wicked This Way Comes, that gap is bridged to a truly fascinating end.

Something Wicked tells the story of two kids eager to be a day, a month, or a year older, and an aging parent reflecting on the nostalgia of their youth and perhaps longing to shave a few years off their own accumulated age. The desire of the former to be older and the latter to be younger drives the characters' behavior but at the expense of sound judgment. This desire, similar to Macbeth's ambition to become king, is shown to be closely linked to a sense of malevolence due to the clouded judgment. In fact, the very title of this novel harks back to the opening scene of Macbeth, where a witch (yes, a witch!) hints at the evil nature within the main character. I believe this line subsequently draws attention to the potential for evil within each of us, provided we allow it.

Another aspect I liked about this novel was Bradbury's writing, which is almost entirely atmospheric and metaphorical.

  Deep forests, dark caves, dim churches, half-lit libraries were all the same, they tuned you down, they dampened your ardour, they brought you to murmurs and soft cries for fear of raising up phantom twins of your voice which might haunt corridors long after your passage.
  

The imagery of the phantom twin as a metaphor for an echo is truly brilliant here, and Bradbury repeats this feat throughout the book. It might also have been timely that I read this book in October, as the story takes place in the same month, as the descriptive voice seemed to add an extra layer of reality to the story.

However, there was one thing I did not care for, which was a scene at the end where Will's dad essentially beats the crap out of his son in an attempt to get him to “laugh” (in order to destroy the curse of the Illustrated Man). I don't know about you, but I get annoyed when someone simply tells me, “Lighten up, dude.” Because, don't fucking tell me to lighten up. I couldn't imagine someone hitting me over the head, boxing my ears, and slapping my face as a forceful way to make me smile. I bet you wouldn't be very happy if someone did that to you, right? And what's good enough for you is good enough for me.

Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah.

I shouldn't be shocked by how much I adored this, considering it's a classic.

However, I truly had no expectations going in. I've mentioned before that I don't have a great love for reading from children's perspectives. So, I was extremely glad that so much of the story was told from Charle's point of view.

The plot itself isn't the kind that I would typically be drawn to. But, oh my, the descriptions of autumn and Halloween were just perfect! They couldn't have put me in a better headspace for this wonderful time of year.

The way the author painted the scenes of falling leaves, the crisp air, and the spooky yet exciting atmosphere of Halloween was truly captivating. It made me feel as if I was right there, experiencing it all along with the characters.

Despite my initial reservations, this book has truly won me over with its charming narrative and vivid descriptions.

An atmospheric and classic tale awaits, masterfully blending a small town America setting with a coming-of-age story and a spine-chilling horror. The charm lies in its unique combination of elements. What could be more enticing when one of the main characters is a librarian? Libraries are often associated with knowledge and quiet, but here, they become the backdrop for a key suspense scene. The story is superbly written, transporting readers to a simpler time while simultaneously evoking childhood fears and sending shivers down their spines. It manages to create a world that is both familiar and yet filled with unexpected terrors. The author's skill in painting this vivid picture is truly remarkable, making it a must-read for those who enjoy a good mix of genres and a story that will keep them on the edge of their seats.