The Skook

by J.P. Miller

Fleeing from a motorcycle gang, alienated, middle-aged Spanish Barrman escapes into a hidden cave and finds himself entombed in an underground labyrinth inhabited by the wondrous Skook

Genres: Fiction, Horror, Fantasy, Paranormal, Magical Realism

307 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

James Pinckney Miller (December 18, 1919, San Antonio, Texas - November 1, 2001, Flemington, New Jersey), known to friends and associates by the nickname Pappy, wrote under the name JP Miller. He was a leading playwright during the Golden Age of Television, receiving three Emmy nominations. A novelist and screenwriter, he was best known for Days of Wine and Roses, directed by John Frankenheimer for Playhouse 90 (1958) and later a motion picture (1962) directed by Blake Edwards.

Reviews

[Molly Mix · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend of mine loaned me this book in high school and for some reason it really stuck with me all of these years. I couldn't remember why exactly, just had a vague impression that it was special. I finally picked up a used copy from Better World Books (no shipping, yay!) and revisited it. It wasn't exactly as I remembered it - it seemed a little deeper and more profound as a teenager, but, especially since it was a quick read, still well worth the effort. It was entertaining, interesting and still thought provoking. I would have always felt unsatisfied if I hadn't taken another crack at it. Interestingly, of the small handful of reviews across a few different sites, more than half of the reviewers mention having read it as young adults and feeling compelled to revisit it at a later date. It's so odd, considering it's not, nor was it advertised as, a young adult novel. It's complex and bizarre. It's a mix of drama, comedy, mystery, thriller and philosophic exploration. The characters are well drawn and fascinating, the story unique.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of those rare books whose protagonist is so extraordinary you find yourself thinking of him at the most unsuspecting moments.

[Jennifer Tem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little known book but a pleasure to read. This book is very close to my heart and makes me feel something that I don't often feel when reading.

[Laura Belgrave · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t even look at any other reviews before I posted this, afraid that I might be influenced and not say what I simply thought: What a great and imaginative read! I’d read this book moons and moons ago, but only recently picked up my battered, yellowed paperback copy to read again. I’m glad I did.

Essentially, this is the story of a man who winds up trapped in a cave after being pursued by a gang of drugged-up hooligans. He expects he’ll die and he has every reason to think so. But by his wits -- and the help of the Skook -- he overcomes desperate circumstances and in the process rediscovers strengths he never knew he had. So what is the Skook? Well, if I told you, I’d spoil it all. Not only that, you really ought to be free to form your own interpretation. All I can say is that I wish I had a Skook in my life.

JP Miller didn’t write a lot of novels. Indeed, this may be his only one. (Days of Wine and Roses, I think, was a screenplay.) Anyway, he’s down to earth, imaginative, and builds character in a way that lets you believe you know, really know, the character. Now, you’ll probably find a few things to quibble with in the story. Like perhaps the girlfriend. But never mind that. In my mind, the mark of a good read is whether you felt satisfied afterward. If it sticks with you, as this one did for me, then you’re really onto something.

Now go get your own Skook. You’ll be glad you did.

[Mary Slowik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bahaha, oh my god, this book. Pronounced boo-ook. I give out a lot of points for originality (that's what 'novel' means, don't you know!) but this one is so surprising, so good. It sat on the floor of my bedroom for years, the bottom of a stack, sadly neglected, although I was very intrigued by the weird title and holographic cover image. Needless to say it delivers on the promise of both.

The domestic side to the conflict-- false widowhood, unwitting adultery, strange reconciliations-- reminded me a bit of that recent best-seller, Gone Girl. This book only has 55 ratings on here now, though.

Find it! Enjoy it!

[Andy Smerdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book as a 19 year old. I was in the Army at the time and I was reading it out in the bush, I couldn't put it down. It made me think about life, relationships, what I was doing and all the big questions. I have read it a couple of times since (about every ten years) and I enjoy it every time. It does not move my world anymore but it does make me think and I think that some of my attitudes to stuff come from this book.

[Robert Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one snuck up on me a little, grabbed me by my brain and sucked me in. The Skook stayed in my thoughts long after I put the book down, and I have faith he is still waiting somewhere to push me to greater heights.

[Laurel]

NEVER GIVE UP!! THERE IS STILL MUCH TO BE DISCOVERED IN OUR WORLD.

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always felt this book would make a great movie.

[Ava Bava · Rating 3 out of 5]

wow. okay. first of all— this book had some REALLY REALLY cool parts. awesome for sure! it really held my attention and interest and what not.

however. we must talk about yovi.

WHAT. her entire character was so ridiculous. total sex object, when there really could have been something interesting there! total waste of potential. i mean. there was this one part when miller literally revealed that she was GROOMED? and then said nothing else about it. he made it seem like she was hyper sexual not because she was a human with depth and a history and a reason behind her actions— but rather because she was some creature. instead of a HUMAN WOMAN.

also, the fact that i FORGOT that span had TWO DAUGHTERS says a lot. ESPECIALLY WHEN THE SKOOK (hey massive plot point) LITERALLY WAS CREATED FOR THEM. and then at the end he and yovi just had like a gazillion more kids. cool!

whatever. this book was fine. it had its moments. it had its terrible flaws. worth a read though!

[Gloria Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Except for Spanish Barrman's name, there's nothing remarkable about him. Span runs a roofing business, has a beautiful wife who cheats on him, and spends his Sunday's fishing. Until a mountain falls on him. Trapped in a cave, he awakens to question his sanity. For one thing, the Skook, an imaginary character he invented years ago to entertain his children, appears before him. The Skook's aim is to rescue those who are pure of heart. Span doesn't consider himself as such and finds the Skook annoying. Nevertheless in his struggle to survive, Span begins to view the world and his life with new eyes.

This adventure was copyrighted in 1984. With its humor, its surprising twists, it's just as entertaining now as it must have been when first published.

[Andy2302 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Skook by JP Miller
I kept reading only because GoodReads rated it 4 stars & there were no slow chapters. The main characters are not very likeable and there are some spelunking horrors. But I wanted to know what happened.
The Skook is an imaginary figure the lead man wrote into stories for his children.
From 1984, how lost souls find themselves. Recommended. 3.8 stars.

[Maggie Wolfe Riley]

Read this a LONG time ago, but I remember liking it - was just reminded of it by a conversation on A Way with Words on NPR about the word Skookum, which is common in Alaska.

[Julie D. Goin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpectedly wonderful. This book stays with you. I find I come back to it again and again. And, oh...that Cave Bear.

[Jessany Alaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interestng read. It changes genres and ends up being a beautiful love story.

[L · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this when it was new and adored it. I almost gave up half-way through the book. Spanish Barrman was in the cave. He'd been there longer than should have been possible and the Skook was with him. This second time around, for some reason, the book really wasn't grabbing me as it once did, not sure why. Perhaps I just was not in the appropriate frame of mind. I putting it aside for a couple of days, mostly because I didn't have time to read. Finished it yesterday. It really was not as charming the second time through, but still charming enough that I'm glad I reread it. Thank you, Laura!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quirky little book, but I loved that it took place in Hunterdon County (talkes about the Medical Center, the courthouse, local towns). About a man that gets trapped underground and hallucinates (maybe). Also has a bit of drama at the end. Recommended to New Jersey natives.

[David Camilleri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do yourself a favour and read this short book.

One of the more touching books I've read in my life which made me terribly sad...only because I knew the book was coming to and end.

You won't know whether to love or kill the Skook...

Beautifully written story you won't forget.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

read it a long time ago- it left a lasting impression on me.

[Jennifer Matchett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting and entertaining read!