dereadergal's review against another edition
3.0
I've read this book quite a while ago, but I do remember it being mostly silly and a bit ridiculous at times but a generally sweet read, like the movie.
bekkajmills's review against another edition
4.0
This book was delightful. I listened to the audiobook and I absolutely loved that the man who read it actually read it in character as Forrest Gump. Many people have said that they thought the movie was better than the book, but I'm going to stick with the old adage that the book is always better than the movie. I love Tom Hanks' portrayal of this in the author's words "idiot" but there was something about knowing more of his back story and just more about his life that made the character even more likable. I do have to say that Hollywood took a lot of artistic liberties because the book is very different than the movie. For instance Forrest goes to outer space and lives as the prisoner of a tribe of cannibals for a while in the book, neither of those things happen in the movie. There are similarities, too, it's just interesting to see how different they were. I would recommend it. It was a great read, although it had quite a bit of language if that is bothersome to you then I'd skip this one.
cbhags's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
finalefile's review against another edition
2.0
I only read the first third of this book. I intend to finish it later but it's going back to the library for now. It's not bad, but it's not the most interesting book either--and it's almost entirely written in dialect, which makes it a bit slower to read. As many other reviewers have said, it's a lot different from the movie.
callmejo's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
kandicez's review against another edition
3.0
The first time I read this I really disliked it. I read it after seeing and loving the movie. This time I decided to purposely NOT think of it in relation to the movie, but hear it for it's own value as a story. I audio-ed and the reader was at turns perfect, and maddeningly slow. I usually listen at regular speed, but have never been so tempted to try 1.5. I resisted, but I can see the appeal!
If you can get over the language, and I don't mean swear words, but labels and slurs, this story is pretty funny. You also have to realize that it's not meant to be taken seriously. This can't all happen to one person, but it's a fun way to see all the different variations of family, employment, society and walks of life.
Despite being silly, far-fetched, and at times uncomfortable to listen to, I was mostly entertained, so it's a middle of the roader for me.
If you can get over the language, and I don't mean swear words, but labels and slurs, this story is pretty funny. You also have to realize that it's not meant to be taken seriously. This can't all happen to one person, but it's a fun way to see all the different variations of family, employment, society and walks of life.
Despite being silly, far-fetched, and at times uncomfortable to listen to, I was mostly entertained, so it's a middle of the roader for me.
maddieden's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
loveathena98's review against another edition
5.0
It was so good getting into Forrest's head and realizing that he wasn't just a simpleton. I also liked all of the additional adventures he went on and some of the other characters he met. I personally like this ending rather than the one in the movie but it was a pretty good adaptation still.Would recommend to most of my friends.