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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
I enjoy story collections like this and Ray Bradbury writes in a style that is simple and easy to understand while also not patronizing the readers. Some stories are creepy while others are bright and whimsical. In a sense you never know what the ending will be to each one and I find that enjoyable. The Crowd and the Scythe especially stood out to me.
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The first two stories I guessed right away what the ending would be and when I got to the third I just didn't have the will to be disappointed again with a predictable story. I know Bradbury is supposed to be this amazing writer and I think I was expected something more unique from this collection.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
One of the things that struck me about this book was the introduction. Bradbury talks about how words or things catch his attention and he writes down a word, phrase, idea or sketches an image in his mind with a few spare words that stick with him and from that, develops a story. This method struck me because I've had similar experience and reading the stories in this volume like "Skeleton," and "Jack in the Box" really spoke to me and showed me how the simple bare-bones idea developed into a vivid story. The two that have stuck with me and randomly pop up to give me chills are "The Small Assassin" and "Next in Line." The most disturbing aspect of "Next in Line" was that it was based on something real, and utterly chilling.
i'm convinced bradbury came up with the titles for his short stories mere seconds before sending them out for publication
This book was A-OK. It was my first from Ray Bradbury and I decided to read it solely because it's October and I quite enjoy spooky stories. These were a bit too... off for me. More sci-fi then I had anticipated.
It’s been a while since I’ve read any Bradbury but my thoughts on his work haven’t changed: he’s sentimental, kind of a dweeb, and writes really evocative descriptions of the seasons and the American countryside. The two that stood out to me the most are “The Lake” and “The Emissary”. Those two play to the aspects I like most about Bradbury, his descriptions of the seasons and his occasional melancholy streak. They’re both really sad in a good way! Also the EC Comics-type ending of “The Emissary” is particularly ghoulish compared to the rest of the collection so it gets extra points for that.