Customer Reviews

Forrest Gump (Movie Tie in)

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

This book has been one of my favorites for years. I bought the first edition hardback back in '86 when it came out, at, of all places, the grocery store. I just picked it up by chance and read the first paragraph, and I was instantly hooked. It's alternately heart-touching and hilarious, but never shmaltzy or sentimental. "Forrest Gump" is first and foremost a satire, and always retains an underlying current of cynicism, not surprising since the book is actually modeled after Voltaire's "Candide". Pick up a copy of "Candide" from the literature section of your local bookstore and you'll see what I mean. It's funny, but after reading and re-reading it, for years I said that it should be made into a movie. I never really believed that it would happen, but it was something I always hoped for. You know that old saying, "Be careful what you ask for, you just might get it?" Well, that sums up my feelings for "Forrest Gump", the movie. I found it to be a big disappointment. Not that it's a bad movie, it's just lacking something, mainly, an edge. It's the biting satire that makes the novel so much better than the movie. The movie has a little bit of a satirical edge to it, but it's too sentimental--and sentimentality and satire do not go well together. Of course, if I hadn't read the book before I saw the movie, I probably would've enjoyed the movie much more. But them's the breaks, and I'll take Forrest in print over Forrest on celluloid anyday.

I first read Forest Gump when I was in the 6th grade! And now that I'm in the 10th grade it is still one of the most memorable books I've ever experienced. I read it after seeing the movie and the book surpasses it by far. Forest is a guy who when growing up didn't get it easy, he was considered stupid by almost everyone, except his lovin mama. Winston Groom writes the book hilariously! I found myself laughing out loud on numerous occasions and I still giggle every now and then at the embarrassing, goffy, and out of this world situations Forest got himself into. Now this book is more than a barrel of laughs, throught the book you will experience every emotion. From running through a torpedo of bullets in the war, to just kicking back and playing the harmonica. It's told from Gump's point of view and Groom never breaks character. At the end of this book you will have experienced a lifetime of memories, and you'll still be yearning for more!

"Let me say this: Bein a idiot is no box of chocolates." These are the opening lines of Forrest Gump. This is a great book in every aspect imaginable. From college football, to the Vietnam War, and even the game of Ping-Pong, this book has everything to offer. From the introduction of the book till the end, I was laughing. My favorite part of the book would have to be in the beginning when Forrest's father is mentioned. Because his father is killed by a large load of bananas, which fell upon him, this starts the nonsense. The story uses the first person point of view through Forrest's eyes, which lets you see how he views the world. Although he is considered an idiot by his IQ of seventy, his thoughts make you think of who the really idiots are. Forrest is a great character because he does not really care what people think about him. Even if he knew that a person did not like him, it would not really bother him. Another original trait of Forrest is that he acts on instinct instead of reason, which leads to a few embarrassments. For example, when he was honored as being one of colleges' best football players, his first words were that he had to pee. Forrest is also an excellent character because you see him advance in life from a boy into a man. His life is full of barriers, which society has placed upon him and he is able to surpass them all. Forrest also experiences ups and downs of true love through his best friend Jenny. Jenny was the only girl Forrest's age who gave him a chance. Since they both needed a good friend, they were meant for each other. The movie Forest Gump does not compare to the novel. I feel that the book is a lot more detailed and it even adds a few more scenes. The book is also more humorous than the movie because you have to use your own imagination to visualize what is really going on. This is probably the funniest book I have ever read. I have never experienced a book like this in which every other page creates an amusing venture. I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone who likes a book that will keep them reading and have them strive to get to the next page.

Winston Groom, the author of the book Forrest Gump has a great mind to think up all of the conflicts Forrest encountered throughout his journey. This book contains much adult material but it all makes the story come together in the end. This book made me laugh almost every chapter even though some of it shouldn't have been funny. From the army to going to space Forrest Gump is an amazing man who wasn't that smart, which tells you that you can do anything that you put you mind to.

This book is written from the point of view of an idiot savant, a person of limited intelligence who is yet extremely smart in specific areas. To capture this point of view, the author writes in a semi-literate first person. Here is a sample sentence. "My daddy, he got kilt just after I's born, so I never known him." A whole novel in this format is difficult to read. Yet once the reader adjusts to the style, the story is a very touching one of true values. The book is different from the movie in details but not in theme and both have their own charm.

Forrest Gump by Winston Groom was an outstanding book. It portrays that with inner strength as strong as Forrest's anyone can accomplish great things. There was so much going on in this book that it always kept me on its constant adventure. Although at first it slowed me down to translate his words, but, after more reading it was just another facet to his intricate character. This book shows that everyone can be interesting if taken the time to be understood. I would read this book again if Winston Groom did not have as many other novels and sequels. In conclusion, I recommend this unique and laughter-filled story to anyone who craves a great book that touches on every human emotion.

I read "Forrest Gump" right after I saw the film. The film was great and I really enjoyed it calling it one of my favorites. I was surprised what happened in the book, though I did really love it. The book is a lot funnier than the movie but I think the movie was made very well. The only thing better about the movie was the ending. They bot are kind of downers but the movie's ending is better. The book was great! I laughed many times and I have begun reading it again. A first for me. I recommend this book, but remember it's not like the movie.

This book was excellent to read. I laughed many times because of the exaggerated Gump actions and events. This book is far different than the movie and much better. Don't get me wrong, the movie was good but this has no comparison. If you thought Forrest was funny in the movie you will love this book. I consequently read this book in one day because I didn't want to stop laughing. If you want humor read this book.

This book was excellent to read. I laughed many times because of the exaggerated Gump actions and events. This book is far different than the movie and much better. Don't get me wrong, the movie was good but this has no comparison. If you thought Forrest was funny in the movie you will love this book. I consequently read this book in one day because I didn't want to stop laughing. If you want humor read this book.

Forrest Gump is a man who has been called a "certified idiot" and in this hilarious novel by Winston Groom, you can see why. The 1994 smash hit movie was based on this book, but this great novel is very different from the movie. The movie is a more dramatic approach to Forrest, while the book is a non-stop laugh-a-thon. From start to finish you will love Forrest and his antics. From his experiences as a "rassler" to his time with NASA in the space program you will not be able to put this one down. Forrest is a man who seems to get himself into more trouble than anyone else. He has caused and been to many historic things but he doesn't see what the big deal is. He is a man who likes to speak his mind. Forrest may be an idiot but he sure can play chess, and he has to or he will be eaten by cannibals! Forrest does get himself into some big disasters that cause big time laughter. Winston Groom should be commended on this magnificient book that everyone will love. Anyone who is looking for a good time and a great read should pick up Forrest Gump. Review by Matt Crandall