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Crazy: Library Edition
"It's okay to love me, Joey. But don't be in love with me." New York, 1941. Joey El Bueno is just a smart-aleck kid, confounding the nuns and bullies at St. Stephen's School on East 28th Street, when he first meets Jane Bent, a freckle-faced girl with red pigtails and yellow smiley-face barrettes, who seems to know him better than he knows himself. A magical afternoon at the movies, watching Carey Grant in Gunga Din, is the beginning of a puzzling friendship that soon leaves Joey baffled and bewildered. Jane is like nobody he has ever met. She comes and goes at will, nobody else seems to have heard of her, and is it true that she once levitated six feet off the ground at the refreshment counter of the old Superior movie house on Third Avenue? Joey, an avid reader of pulp magazines and comic books, is no stranger to amazing stories, but Jane is a bewitching enigma that keeps him guessing for the rest of his life-until, finally, it all makes sense. Rich with the warmth of a bygone era, Crazy captures both the giddy craziness of youth and the sublime possibilities of existence.
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First published January 1, 2010
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About the author
William Peter Blatty
41 books1,384 followersWilliam Peter Blatty was an American writer and filmmaker. He wrote the novel The Exorcist (1971) and the subsequent screenplay version for which he won an Academy Award. Born and raised in New York City, Blatty received his bachelor's degree in English from the Georgetown University in 1950, and his master's degree in English literature from the George Washington University in 1954. He also wrote and directed the sequel "The Exorcist III". Some of his other notable works are the novels Elsewhere (2009), Dimiter (2010) and Crazy (2010).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
June 4, 2019
Although it shares some themes with his magnum opus, William Peter Blatty's "Crazy" is about getting possessed by the spirit of goodness, not Evil. It is the exact antithesis to "The Exorcist"... quaint, colorful, concise, but very VERY sarcastic. I had not read a narrator this sarcastic in a long while; perhaps this is why the novella feels somewhat too unimportant until it all comes together amazingly in the last twelve pages or so, when all is revealed. In so short a text, we have time warps, pearly idylls, racism, historical artifact, Americana... it's a love story, a book where emblems of goodness transcend time & last forever. A strange concoction from the writer of THE scariest novel of the twentieth century...
October 6, 2024
I don’t write reviews.
Blatty explores the nature of goodness. This is part comedy, part childhood nostalgia, part magical realism, all about love. It’s a quick read and I feel nice for having read it. What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon?
Blatty explores the nature of goodness. This is part comedy, part childhood nostalgia, part magical realism, all about love. It’s a quick read and I feel nice for having read it. What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon?
June 9, 2017
Blatty is a master of similes and metaphors in this novel. If the run on sentences lose you, then you were skimming and missed a wonderful story in your haste. Beautifully written, beautifully crafted, a really superb book. The low rating is so misleading. I promise that this is a Goodread.
September 4, 2015
With this book, acclaimed horror author William Peter Blatty has told a story uncharacteristically bright and sentimental.
Coming from the guy who wrote the infamous novel, The Exorcist, as well as its uniquely unsettling sequel, Legion, this simple story of a boy who meets a charmingly mysterious young girl and, through his rare and extraordinary encounters with her, falls in love, sounded interesting enough on its own. The fact that Blatty wrote it made me very keen to read it.
Those who haven't actually experienced the work of this author would be forgiven for typecasting him as just another fucked up horror writer. But Blatty is nothing of the sort. Even reading The Exorcist, I was amazed, and most pleasantly surprised, with how strongly faith and the goodness of God, plays a part in his writing. He always seems to challenge his, and the reader's, optional faith, that there could really be a God, and "that He could possibly still love us" ... only to reaffirm it with brutal, poetic force, at the end of the story.
But aside from the fact that his writing was much deeper and more "philosophical" than I had ever expected, I was also just stunned by how beautifully he writes. Of all the writers I have enjoyed reading - King, Bierce, Ellis, M.R. James, being the more prominent ones - I still always cite Blatty as my favourite writer. Not necessarily my favourite author, as I haven't enjoyed every one of his books; and have, in fact, hated one of them. But he's easily my favourite writer, in that his style of writing I find the most beautiful and engaging to read. Generally, I try to mimic his style in my own writing. (That's not to say I write like him. My stuff always accidentally leans more towards the tropes of Stephen King, though with a devastatingly evident lack of that man's talent).
But having, not too long ago, read his abysmal take on the Haunted House genre - (that being Elsewhere) - my fondness of him was becoming a little disillusioned. But fortunately, when it came time to selecting my next book from the sizeable collection I have, this one called out to me much stronger than usual.
And, I am pleased to say, it was really a wonderful book. It was quite different from his usual fare, but I enjoyed every page of it. Blatty infuses a great amount of humour into the story, and even though there were many references to historical figures I didn't know, I still was able to keep up with it for the most part.
And aside from being funny, it's also pretty moving, inasmuch as it's basically about the importance of kindness and generosity, and how these and other good acts will help pave the way for the next life, if indeed there is one.
To be honest, I actually wasn't that thrilled with the ending. It led to some confusing points I thought didn't actually make much sense. But overall, the ending was still fine, and it didn't detract from the story that much.
I'm pretty sure this book wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea. Going off the general reaction readers seem to have on Goodreads, I think that's a fair statement. But I personally loved it, and it makes me feel sad that Blatty never exactly got the recognition he deserved. Even his most famous novel is nowadays completely overshadowed by the film.
Coming from the guy who wrote the infamous novel, The Exorcist, as well as its uniquely unsettling sequel, Legion, this simple story of a boy who meets a charmingly mysterious young girl and, through his rare and extraordinary encounters with her, falls in love, sounded interesting enough on its own. The fact that Blatty wrote it made me very keen to read it.
Those who haven't actually experienced the work of this author would be forgiven for typecasting him as just another fucked up horror writer. But Blatty is nothing of the sort. Even reading The Exorcist, I was amazed, and most pleasantly surprised, with how strongly faith and the goodness of God, plays a part in his writing. He always seems to challenge his, and the reader's, optional faith, that there could really be a God, and "that He could possibly still love us" ... only to reaffirm it with brutal, poetic force, at the end of the story.
But aside from the fact that his writing was much deeper and more "philosophical" than I had ever expected, I was also just stunned by how beautifully he writes. Of all the writers I have enjoyed reading - King, Bierce, Ellis, M.R. James, being the more prominent ones - I still always cite Blatty as my favourite writer. Not necessarily my favourite author, as I haven't enjoyed every one of his books; and have, in fact, hated one of them. But he's easily my favourite writer, in that his style of writing I find the most beautiful and engaging to read. Generally, I try to mimic his style in my own writing. (That's not to say I write like him. My stuff always accidentally leans more towards the tropes of Stephen King, though with a devastatingly evident lack of that man's talent).
But having, not too long ago, read his abysmal take on the Haunted House genre - (that being Elsewhere) - my fondness of him was becoming a little disillusioned. But fortunately, when it came time to selecting my next book from the sizeable collection I have, this one called out to me much stronger than usual.
And, I am pleased to say, it was really a wonderful book. It was quite different from his usual fare, but I enjoyed every page of it. Blatty infuses a great amount of humour into the story, and even though there were many references to historical figures I didn't know, I still was able to keep up with it for the most part.
And aside from being funny, it's also pretty moving, inasmuch as it's basically about the importance of kindness and generosity, and how these and other good acts will help pave the way for the next life, if indeed there is one.
To be honest, I actually wasn't that thrilled with the ending. It led to some confusing points I thought didn't actually make much sense. But overall, the ending was still fine, and it didn't detract from the story that much.
I'm pretty sure this book wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea. Going off the general reaction readers seem to have on Goodreads, I think that's a fair statement. But I personally loved it, and it makes me feel sad that Blatty never exactly got the recognition he deserved. Even his most famous novel is nowadays completely overshadowed by the film.
December 7, 2010
While reading this book I wasn't sure I liked it, but come the end I loved it. It is a story about love, but you don't realize it until the end. The first half of the book is a fun story about a boy growing up. You may have to plow through the third quarter of the book, but stick with it--it is a short book. I found the father a bit undeveloped/unbelievable. It is written from Joseph's point of view, so the father is seen through his eyes and he is influenced by Jane. Maybe Joseph just isn't as cynical as I am. I really liked how Blatty explains how a dead man's story is told by the dead man.
March 15, 2011
"Mr. Blatty, sir? You still have to write us another novel... you know... to fulfill the terms of your contract."
"Oh, yes, of course. Now, what's the most popular topic these days?"
"We're always up for a bit of nostalgia, sir."
"Brux! What else? What's the demographic on readers? Anyone still reading out there?"
"Ah... that would be those aging Baby Boomers, William. I mean Peter. Mr. Blatty. Sir."
"I got it! Nostalgia. Baby Boomers! A bit of the Time Traveler's Wife thrown in for fun. And I'll even give you a levitating girl! What do you think?"
"Did you just wink at me, sir?"
"You may go, Plebe. And don't forget to say your prayers!"
"Give it a rest, sir."
"Oh, yes, of course. Now, what's the most popular topic these days?"
"We're always up for a bit of nostalgia, sir."
"Brux! What else? What's the demographic on readers? Anyone still reading out there?"
"Ah... that would be those aging Baby Boomers, William. I mean Peter. Mr. Blatty. Sir."
"I got it! Nostalgia. Baby Boomers! A bit of the Time Traveler's Wife thrown in for fun. And I'll even give you a levitating girl! What do you think?"
"Did you just wink at me, sir?"
"You may go, Plebe. And don't forget to say your prayers!"
"Give it a rest, sir."
September 11, 2014
Jane asks El Bueno somewhere in the novel,"Past,present and future.. What's the difference.?" Well.. It might not have any difference in the ultimate sense,but it does in the world of writing. All these tenses were mixed in a very disturbing format that at most places,it became difficult to comprehend. And as for the twist the author brought at the end,it was the worst kick anyone could've given a reader. I guess I should give it one more star because Vonnegut says and this book professes,"for fucks sake,be kind.."
April 14, 2017
rip, william peter blatty;
life is hard but then you die
life is hard but then you die
February 1, 2024
I wanted to read this strictly for William Peter Blatty’s writing, which is usually outstanding but here is overwrought and confused. Occasionally I will find it entertaining when an author will let their sentences flow on for almost an entire page, indulging in metaphors and similes, but it can also be obnoxious like in Chabon’s Telegraph Avenue. At least this was a breezy, light read and I’m glad it was just a borrow from the library.
September 20, 2011
The title says it all - this book is just plain crazy and quite frankly, I don't even understand how it got published. It is just all over the place and doesn't make a lot of sense. I kind of guessed the main character is not all together mentally but still.........crazy. One might argue that I read the book too quickly and didn't dig for the deeper meaning and missed all the symbolism and hidden messages. One might even argue that I am intellectually not capable of reading this book despite my masters degree in reading........or one might just say this book is full of a bunch of crap.........yep..........I am going with crap on this one!
December 23, 2017
Crazy was a cute little story. It's all in the title. Crazy. At times I was confused as to what was actually happening. The writting jumped around a bit. But the story itself was nostalgic and quirky and the ending made me smile. When I picked up the book, it was because I rather enjoyed Blatty's other works (The Exorcist, Legion, etc.) and I thought to myself, Why not? It was nowhere near what I was expecting, but that isn't a bad thing. Cray is a nice little book that can be easily read in a single sitting. It's something to save for a rainy day.
June 13, 2011
I've been trying to stretch outside my normal limits of what types of books I read.
This one was a curious find.
Once I learned to skim the run-on sentences really fast, looking for the few funny parts, it started to read a bit quicker. One of those books I "just had to get through" for most of it. It felt forced, but a slight twist at the end made up for some of that.
This one was a curious find.
Once I learned to skim the run-on sentences really fast, looking for the few funny parts, it started to read a bit quicker. One of those books I "just had to get through" for most of it. It felt forced, but a slight twist at the end made up for some of that.
February 19, 2024
Bumped this up to five stars on my second read. Very touching and laugh out loud funny!
January 24, 2012
I have not read the Exorcist or any other Blatty works, nor did I realize this is the same author. That said...wow. This book is nostalgic, funny and maybe a little drug induced. I'm only about half way through, so I suppose it could still take a turn for the disturbing...I suspect there will be some sort of mental break/revelation, but thus far, main character Joey is just goofy and likeable even if he is prone to bizarre stream of consciousness ramblings* that are without punctuation or, for that matter, a map. Mostly it’s about this kid making his way through adolescence, loving a strange girl and going to Catholic school in 1941. Thing is, the girl is even stranger than he, and nobody else really knows who she is … some even deny her existence. Hmmm. The only thing that’s bothersome is it’s not just Joey who’s prone to eccentric ramblings, but many other characters as well, and that makes the story a lot less believable. You find yourself wondering how it could be possible that so many hormonal self-absorbed adolescents in this school could be so empathic, poetic, weird, and articulate. But still, it’s a fun read. Hopefully there won't be any pea soup forthcoming.
*Page 65 is a good example:
Head lowered, arms folded across my chest, I pondered the mystery enfolding Jane like an aura with ever-changing colors – on the one hand anxious for Monday to come when I’d be seeing her again and could get to the bottom of some things, and on the other already dreading the approaching end of the weekend and returning to the drabness of school, most especially with winter coming on when in the morning instead of walking five blocks in the freezing rain with cardboard in my shoes to plug the holes, I’d want to fake a bad cold so I could stay snug and warm in my bed while endlessly polishing my vast collection of secret decoder rings and badges and listening to grown-up radio serials like Pretty Kitty Kelly and The Romance of Helen Trent, although never The Romance of Consuelo Chavez, I noticed, or Pretty Sandra Shapiro. Only summer seemed livable to me then, and I even welcomed chubby old Sister Louise’s constant warnings of the dreaded June Regents exams in her husky, sandpaper voice, “In the merry of month of June you’ll be sweating,” a threat she invariably personalized by always turning to glare at Bill Choirelli and adding a heartfelt “You fat tub of guts!” – which today might bring a lawsuit and find Sister Louise in an orange hood and jumpsuit doing the perp walk into some courthouse croaking loudly, “On the merry Day of Judgment all you ACLU scumbags will be sweating!” This followed by Foley, Balequi and a few other bystanders quietly applauding and murmuring, “Hear, now! Hear! Hear, hear!” Foley idolized Sister Louise. Her position on torture would have never been in doubt.
*Page 65 is a good example:
Head lowered, arms folded across my chest, I pondered the mystery enfolding Jane like an aura with ever-changing colors – on the one hand anxious for Monday to come when I’d be seeing her again and could get to the bottom of some things, and on the other already dreading the approaching end of the weekend and returning to the drabness of school, most especially with winter coming on when in the morning instead of walking five blocks in the freezing rain with cardboard in my shoes to plug the holes, I’d want to fake a bad cold so I could stay snug and warm in my bed while endlessly polishing my vast collection of secret decoder rings and badges and listening to grown-up radio serials like Pretty Kitty Kelly and The Romance of Helen Trent, although never The Romance of Consuelo Chavez, I noticed, or Pretty Sandra Shapiro. Only summer seemed livable to me then, and I even welcomed chubby old Sister Louise’s constant warnings of the dreaded June Regents exams in her husky, sandpaper voice, “In the merry of month of June you’ll be sweating,” a threat she invariably personalized by always turning to glare at Bill Choirelli and adding a heartfelt “You fat tub of guts!” – which today might bring a lawsuit and find Sister Louise in an orange hood and jumpsuit doing the perp walk into some courthouse croaking loudly, “On the merry Day of Judgment all you ACLU scumbags will be sweating!” This followed by Foley, Balequi and a few other bystanders quietly applauding and murmuring, “Hear, now! Hear! Hear, hear!” Foley idolized Sister Louise. Her position on torture would have never been in doubt.
March 16, 2014
I'm not entirely sure how to go about reviewing this book seeing as (to me) it wasn't a great read.
The one good thing I can say about it is that the plot was very interesting.
The problem though is that the story wasn't written very well. I could barely follow what I was reading. Every time I reached a run-on sentence (which was a lot) I had to skim it just to get to the next sentence, therefore missing out on a lot of the book.
Another thing is that it wasn't very memorable - I finished it about half an hour ago and I already forget most of what happened. This was happening while reading as well. I found myself going back and re-reading things to see if I could understand what was happening. (I couldn't.) This may be due to the fact that I had to skip so many parts because I was getting lost halfway through all of the extremely long sentences.
None of the characters were really written in a lot of detail. I couldn't get myself to relate to any of them and none of them felt real to me. I'm used to reading a book and falling in love with at least one of the characters (for instance, Sirius Black and Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter) but that didn't happen to any extent with the characters here.
The only reason I read the whole thing is because it's a short book, and I thought maybe at some point it would get better and I'd stop feeling so lost. Overall it just feels like if the story was edited more (and I mean quite a bit more) it would have been pretty good.
While I didn't absolutely hate it, I still wouldn't recommend it.
The one good thing I can say about it is that the plot was very interesting.
The problem though is that the story wasn't written very well. I could barely follow what I was reading. Every time I reached a run-on sentence (which was a lot) I had to skim it just to get to the next sentence, therefore missing out on a lot of the book.
Another thing is that it wasn't very memorable - I finished it about half an hour ago and I already forget most of what happened. This was happening while reading as well. I found myself going back and re-reading things to see if I could understand what was happening. (I couldn't.) This may be due to the fact that I had to skip so many parts because I was getting lost halfway through all of the extremely long sentences.
None of the characters were really written in a lot of detail. I couldn't get myself to relate to any of them and none of them felt real to me. I'm used to reading a book and falling in love with at least one of the characters (for instance, Sirius Black and Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter) but that didn't happen to any extent with the characters here.
The only reason I read the whole thing is because it's a short book, and I thought maybe at some point it would get better and I'd stop feeling so lost. Overall it just feels like if the story was edited more (and I mean quite a bit more) it would have been pretty good.
While I didn't absolutely hate it, I still wouldn't recommend it.
March 28, 2015
I have enjoyed a number of Mr. Blatty's books and when I saw a copy of Crazy at the Dollar Store, I though I'd be crazy not to buy it (first edition hard cover).
Now I can say I was crazy for reading it. First, it took me exactly 2 months to read this 188 book - it took me less time to read War and Peace.
Reading it was like having to choke down a spoonful of Castor oil after each page. Blatty take loquacious to a whole new level with this book - with one sentence almost 24 lines long! I found myself completely lost at times, and more than once so utterly confused that I closed the book and had to lay my head down.
The only reason for the 2 stars is the last 1/8th of the book. It actually tied everything together and made sense of the rest of the pablum.
Also note, this is not - by any stretch of the imagination - a horror book. Not that I thought it was after reading the dust jacket. I just mention it since that is what he is known for writing (in case you decide to ignore my warnings and want to read it for yourself).
Skip this one. I wish I did.
Now I can say I was crazy for reading it. First, it took me exactly 2 months to read this 188 book - it took me less time to read War and Peace.
Reading it was like having to choke down a spoonful of Castor oil after each page. Blatty take loquacious to a whole new level with this book - with one sentence almost 24 lines long! I found myself completely lost at times, and more than once so utterly confused that I closed the book and had to lay my head down.
The only reason for the 2 stars is the last 1/8th of the book. It actually tied everything together and made sense of the rest of the pablum.
Also note, this is not - by any stretch of the imagination - a horror book. Not that I thought it was after reading the dust jacket. I just mention it since that is what he is known for writing (in case you decide to ignore my warnings and want to read it for yourself).
Skip this one. I wish I did.
December 1, 2016
Have you ever gotten stuck in a conversation with a slightly (or not so slightly) senile relative that doesn't know when to shut up and will literally keep talking until you walk away and even then might still keep talking? This book sort of felt like that. Eventually it started making more sense and there was a rhythm, but it definitely took some time to get there too much time. Maybe skip to a 3rd of the book? Or just not read it maybe. It wasn't that long of a read. I think the problem is that the character is jumping time lines and doesn’t know where he is and as a result the reader doesn’t know either and that can make people feel off kilter. Of course, he may just actually be crazy.
This would definitely be a book version of the TV show you put on but don't really pay attention to it, it's just in the background and you'll catch glimpses of it, but it's so episodic that if you aren't paying attention you don't really miss anything.I did enjoy the ending, though. That was cute.
This would definitely be a book version of the TV show you put on but don't really pay attention to it, it's just in the background and you'll catch glimpses of it, but it's so episodic that if you aren't paying attention you don't really miss anything.I did enjoy the ending, though. That was cute.
December 12, 2010
If you are looking for a truly unique read, Crazy by William Peter Blatty is the book for you! Joey El Bruno, the narrator and now resident of Bellevue Hospital takes the reader back to the New York of 1941, when he first meets an exceptional girl named Jane, and begins to experience time shifts. Throughout the slim novel Joey explains his unusual encounters with Jane, who has an uncanny ability to show up during Joey’s most morally trying times. She always brings with her cryptic advice and knowledge of the future. At times the reader will speculate about Joey’s grasp on reality, until at last, as an old man revisiting his past, the riddle of Jane is solved. While it might not seem like a “Christmas Read,” Crazy is in fact a perfect story for the holiday season, one that will most likely be revisited by readers time and again.
May 17, 2013
Crazy is a pretty decent read. At first, it is rather confusing in terms of sentence structure and it is confusing trying to figure out what is going on. In this book, one sentence can take almost a whole paragraph to complete which takes a little adjustment. But once you do get adjusted to that style of writing, the book tends to flow pretty easily. The confusing nature of the story lends credibility to the fact that the main character is seen as "crazy." Of you stick with the story though, it will all come together at the end and make sense.
October 7, 2017
This is such a warm and charming and funny book that it is hard to believe the author is the same man who wrote THE EXORCIST. A young boy growing up in 1940s NYC encounters a young girl whose identity becomes very mysterious especially when she disappears and pops back into his life, with all of his schoolmates (and teachers) claiming to never have seen her. You will NEVER guess the twist to this but it will tickle your heart--it did mine anyway. It is a quick read but well worth it. HIGHLY RECOMMEND (don't worry--no spinning heads or blasphemous scenes in this one! :) )
February 1, 2011
Crazy is a book that I wasn't really sure I liked but ended up loving. At points it was like one long run on sentence, so I had to really concentrate. The main character Joey El Bruno, takes the reader on a journey of his life, experiencing time shifts back & forth. The story goes back to the New York of 1941, when he first meets an exceptional girl named Jane, who always seems to show an uncanny ability to show up during Joey’s most morally trying times to guide him along.
February 7, 2011
I had high hopes for this book and found myself let down a bit. I thought it would be about the adventures of a young boy growing up and though it has some of that, it is really a bit of a ghost-story/mystery that finds itself perhaps biting off more than it could chew considering the short length. It does have a bit of a twist at the end, but not one that blows you away. Likable, but not terrific.
February 25, 2011
Very, very unlike "The Exorcist" or "Legion". This is a tale about choices and where they lead. It is a tale of redemption. It is funny and amusing. It is a story about family and friends and love. It is about a life well lived. There is a twist: a child shows up mysteriously. who is she and why does she appear? hint in the book: the character tells the hero "love me but don't fall in love with me."
September 30, 2011
I kind of had a feeling this book might be really good, since it was written by the author who penned The Exorcist! Well... it lost it's luster about 2-3 chapters into it. I could not follow it even if the girl levetated and then put bandaids on her artifical Christmas tree as decorations. I'm lost....
June 13, 2013
I cannot get through this book. The story is alright but the long, winding, never-ending sentences are too difficult to read. I'm getting lost in the sentences, skipping ahead to the next sentence, and missing parts of the story. The story is also not very memorable-- I couldn't remember the story or the characters after putting the book down for less than 24 hours.
February 19, 2017
One of the strangest books I've ever read. I don't really know what to make of it. Parts of it were touching, other parts just blather. I had to skim some of it because it made absolutely no sense at all. The ending helped a bit but it was still too weird for me.
March 13, 2017
I didn't realize how good this story was the first time I read it.
August 1, 2019
The devil made me buy it! At least that's my story. A convoluted time travel bio of fictional screenwriter Joseph El Bueno. the most interesting element is the female girl he meets at times. Is she real, his imagination, a ghost?
Blatty is famous for . . . well, you know, THE EXORCIST. However, as a writer and screenwriter he's worked on some fine projects. I expected much better writing and coherence. It was published in 2010, when he was in his early eighties, and he made it to 89. Maybe he can be forgiven for this exploration into time travel, whether ghosts, Heaven and Hell really exist. The mulligan stew of thoughts and asides in the character's life are, I suppose, a reflection of how he looked back on his own life. Tho a novel, elements ring true. I only wish this had been a better book. Blatty and readers deserve better. He may well know if there's an afterlife now. We the living can guess, and hope...or not depending on how we've lived up to the goal of human kindness.
Blatty is famous for . . . well, you know, THE EXORCIST. However, as a writer and screenwriter he's worked on some fine projects. I expected much better writing and coherence. It was published in 2010, when he was in his early eighties, and he made it to 89. Maybe he can be forgiven for this exploration into time travel, whether ghosts, Heaven and Hell really exist. The mulligan stew of thoughts and asides in the character's life are, I suppose, a reflection of how he looked back on his own life. Tho a novel, elements ring true. I only wish this had been a better book. Blatty and readers deserve better. He may well know if there's an afterlife now. We the living can guess, and hope...or not depending on how we've lived up to the goal of human kindness.
May 14, 2024
Grandpa Simpson lived in my head while trying to read this book, so here is how to sum up this book:
There's probably a good story in here, but it is really hard to find under the meandering way of storytelling. And the ending could not have made me eyeroll any harder.
"We can't bust heads like we used to. But we have our ways. One trick is to tell stories that don't go anywhere. Like the time I caught the ferry to Shelbyville. I needed a new heel for m' shoe. So I decided to go to Morganville, which is what they called Shelbyville in those days. So I tied an onion to my belt, which was the style at the time. Now, to take the ferry cost a nickel, and in those days, nickels had pictures of bumblebees on 'em. "Gimme five bees for a quarter," you'd say. Now where were we... oh yeah. The important thing was that I had an onion on my belt, which was the style at the time. I didn't have any white onions, because of the war. The only thing you could get was those big yellow ones..."
There's probably a good story in here, but it is really hard to find under the meandering way of storytelling. And the ending could not have made me eyeroll any harder.
September 30, 2022
3.5 Stars
I rounded up because I feel like it deserves better than the current 2.8 average it has. I listened to the audiobook and didn't have the trouble so many negative reviewers seemed to have. I found it easy to follow (not too many "time jumps" and they were all very clear) and the run on sentences weren't very noticeable with a narrator. The message of the book is sweet and simple (do good), but told in a sarcastic and urban style. I found the juxtaposition interesting and engaging. I wasn't going to write a review, but I feel Blatty isn't beeing given proper credit. The writing style is purposeful, IMO it adds to the story, and is a risk that is hard to pull off. I think he did pull it off, but so many others seem to dismiss it as "crazy" or just bad writing. I guess it is a polarizing book if nothing else. I would not recommend if you are new(ish) to english or not into sarcasm.
I rounded up because I feel like it deserves better than the current 2.8 average it has. I listened to the audiobook and didn't have the trouble so many negative reviewers seemed to have. I found it easy to follow (not too many "time jumps" and they were all very clear) and the run on sentences weren't very noticeable with a narrator. The message of the book is sweet and simple (do good), but told in a sarcastic and urban style. I found the juxtaposition interesting and engaging. I wasn't going to write a review, but I feel Blatty isn't beeing given proper credit. The writing style is purposeful, IMO it adds to the story, and is a risk that is hard to pull off. I think he did pull it off, but so many others seem to dismiss it as "crazy" or just bad writing. I guess it is a polarizing book if nothing else. I would not recommend if you are new(ish) to english or not into sarcasm.
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