Gumpisms: The Wit and Wisdom of Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump #2.5

by Winston Groom

Gathers sayings by the main character of "Forrest Gump," a retarded man who manages to find success

Genres: Fiction, Humor, Comedy, Pop Culture, Media Tie In, Classics

88 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1994

About the author

Winston Francis Groom Jr. was an American novelist and non-fiction writer, best known for his book Forrest Gump, which was adapted into a film in 1994. Groom was born in Washington, D.C., but grew up in Mobile, Alabama where he attended University Military School (now known as UMS-Wright Preparatory School). He attended the University of Alabama, where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta and the Army ROTC, and graduated in 1965. He served in the Army from 1965 to 1969, including a tour in Vietnam. Groom devoted his time to writing history books about American wars. More recently he had lived in Point Clear, Alabama, and Long Island, New York.

Reviews

[Kristy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Who doesn't love Forest Gump?!?!?!?

"Bein' an idiot is a lot of fun when ain't nobody lookin'"

"Always be nice to your mama."

"if you got to pee, do not talk about it. Just do it. Might not be time later."

"Some people like me, are born idiots, but many become stupider as they go along."

"only laugh when something is funny."

eh, not the best book in the world... but short and silly.

[Lesa Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

wise words from a wise man.

[Louis Barbier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a book that gives one a boost every time one reads it. The author Winston Groom does a fabulous job projecting Forrest Gump as almost human with his wit and wisdom throughout the book. In fact I have met Forrest Gump over the years time and time again. He is fun and comes out with stuff that has you laughing your head off. There are memorable saying in the book and my favorite is where Forrest Gump says, "Always be able to look back and say, 'at least I didn't lead no humdrum life.'" If you have seen the movie you will recall that that Tom Hanks did an outstanding job portraying Forrest Gump. Both should be part of your library and will bring you great moments of entertainment for many years to come. I strongly recommend both to all who want to enjoy a great laugh and feel better about themselves.

[Rick Fifield · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book seems to me to be an extension of the movie. Most of these Gumpisms are probably what Forrest would think or say, I just don't think these were in the movie. Some are just common sense sayings.

[Dipika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth it

[Adam Bricker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of them are funny, some cute, some poignant and some just plain dumb.

[Lisa Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, easy read from a pocket book with simple, motivating reality checks you can think about toward yourself when you are having one of those rough days.

[Stephen · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's short, it's sweet, ok. But it absolutely reeks of an author shoveling out works to capitalize on success.

The "Gumpisms" aren't from the movie. Well, that's fine, you say, because there were two novels, too - but the quotes aren't from there either. They're completely original, and kinda meaningless without context. Kind of like ideas to be splattered within a third book - but where's the book? The absence of any meaning damns this mini-book to be used as a silly birthday present for fans of the novel (or more likely, fans of the movie), to be read once and never touched again.

[Shourya Sarcar · Rating 2 out of 5]

A poor cousin of the movie/novel. A thin book, a nice ego-add to the bookshelf. I picked it up from a library sale. There are about 80 quotes. Maybe 8 strike a chord or evoke a memory of the movie. If someone did not tell you this is from that "famous Forrest Gump movie", you would probably not even read some of these twice.

A sampler: "Do not eat anything you do not know what it is".

[Theresa F.]

I might have appreciated this book more if I'd actually read the original novel, instead of just watching the movie version.
Did I like it? No.
Would I reread it? No.
Would I recommend it? I bought this book for a friend who's a die-hard Forrest Gump fan, and I'm still going to give it to her. So I guess that's a recommendation.

[St-Michel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Um, half this stuff doesn't even sound like something Gump would say and on top of that, a lot of it is just stupid. I suppose in the hype of any movie, pretty much anything is possible though. Whatever.

[Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

ok, what's more embarrassing, that I got this book as a christmas present or that I actually read it? Ya, it was funny and kind of a thought provoking for about the five minutes it takes to read it. Please, you know who you are, don't you dare buy me the t-shirt for christmas next year.

[Campingbekki · Rating 5 out of 5]

just as good if not better than the first

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I SAW THE MOVIE TO ITS A GOOD STORY

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short & funny & so true!

[Faithann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just a short little book with quote of wisdom from the movie/book Forrest Gump. Quick and Easy read.

[Robert Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Hero!

[Jackie Gammon]

I caint wait to read this book

[Chhun · Rating 2 out of 5]

Always be ready to take a chance: look what it did for Rocky.

[Codey · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was really stupid, really dumb quotes, and a waste of time to read but I read in like 10 minutes so got it over quickly.

[Ellie Dynek · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly sweet and endearing list of guidelines and suggestions for how to live your life according to the profoundly simple standards of Forrest Gump.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting book filled with entertaining quotes.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you liked the movie Forrest Gump, you will enjoy reading this little book of wit.

[Mary Tuley · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's not the movie! It's not Tom Hanks! It's not -- pleasant.

[Laxly Colen · Rating 4 out of 5]

inspirational and good for students like me