Forest Gump (original 1986; edition 1999)

Alright. Before I say anything about the book, I have to tell you that I never saw the movie. Never. In fact, before my boyfriend lent me this book I was simply under the impression that this book is about a southern man who likes ping pong and thinks that life is like a box of chocolates. So, no comparisons to the movie here.

To sum things up, this book follows the life of Forrest Gump, a lovable idiot with a few remarkable skills. A bunch of crazy stuff happens, including Forrest becoming a Vietnam war hero, going to space, being stranded on an island with cannibals, and a whole lot more. One of the best things about this novel is that every bizarre thing that happens to Forrest is actually explained in a somewhat believable manner, and every event connects seamlessly. The plot is (obviously) unrealistic, but that is one thing that is to be expected when you start reading this book.

This was one of the funniest books I've ever read. The way Forrest reacts to his different situations is priceless, and a satire element is definitely present. My favorite thing about this book is that Winston Groom gives every character a unique voice, especially Forrest himself, which is probably one of the reasons that this book is so popular. It's difficult not to love the dumb oaf by the end of the book, so I know I have to pick up copies of the sequel and movie soon to get my Forrest fix. ( )

This is one of those few books for which I liked the movie better than the book. What can I say? Tom Hanks is that awesome. The writing in the literal form of Gump's speech couldn't quite hold my attention. :",",",",",",0,,,,,
6065930,Stream of Consciousness" ( )

This 1986 novel bears no rsemblance to the movie. In the book Gump does all the stuff the movie character fantasizes about--is a football hero, wins the Medal of Honor, does space travel, is successful pro wreestler(as "the Dunce"), plays cahmpionship chess, becomes a millionaire. At first it was funny but after about 50 pages it was fantasy and I have seldom had much longing for fantasy. So, the movie is better. ( )

Forest Gump is about a man who starts out as a young boy who got made fun of because he had braces on his legs. The boys who made fun of him called him stupid and threw rocks at Forest. But Forest ran through his childhood with his only friend Jenny. Forest's mom teached him the way of life and leaves him for his destiny. AS Forest Gump grew up he joined the army and had to serve in Vietnam. In Vietnam Forest found new friends, Dan and Bubba. He won the medal of honor (for saving peoples lives), creates a famous shrimp fishing fleet, inspires people to jog, starts a ping-pong craze, create the smiley (a shirt), write bumper stickers and songs, donating to people and meeting the president several times. However he doesn't care about any of that, but Forest can only think of his childhood sweetheart Jenny. Although in the end all he wants to prove is that anyone can love whoever they want to.

Forest gump is definitly one of my favorite books. Forest Gumps is interesting and is a little different than from regular books, it was like a biography although it is fictional. I absolutly loved the part when Forest was in Vietnam and the army troops were at war. Forest was trying to get out of the shooting going on and when he finally did he realize that Bubba wasn't with him. So Forest ran back to try to save Bubba but on the way other people needed help so Forest helped them. When Forest finally found Bubba he carried him out to safety but when everyone Forest carried out was still alive Forest witnessed Bubba dying right infront of him. That was when Forest got the metal of honor but didn't care about the metal, all he wanted to do was see Bubba. ( )

I first read this book back when it came out back in 1986 and have re-read it several times since. I always said they should make a movie out of it, and when they did I was very excited...until I saw it. Movie adaptations are almost always inferior to their source material, so I won't belabor the "book vs. movie" argument. So, moving on...Like Mark Twain via Voltaire, the book is essentially a very funny satirical adventure, borrowing the structure of Candide, lampooning the modern world as seen through the eyes of an "idiot." It's politically incorrect and laugh-out-loud funny. My first-edition copy is still a prized possession. ( )