The Color of Light

This book is fascinating reading for anyone interested in the writing profession. Mr. Goldman's ability to bring characters to life with such eloquence is unmatched. The only other author I can think of to touch me so deeply is Don Robertson, and possibly John Irving . You feel for the characters, you ache for them, you laugh with them, and cry with them. I especially enjoyed it because of the references to Oberlin College (a stones throw away from me). But this book fascinated me from the first time I read it, and I continue to read every couple of years and it still moves me. Mr. Goldman is undoubtedly one of the greatest screenwiters and storytellers of our time. Princess Bride is one of my favorite movies, but that's another review. On to the next...

After reading the ratings and reviews of this novel, I was anticipating another excellent book by Goldman, and there was little dissapointment. Goldman in recent years has become an outspoken critic on what good screenwriting is, and his recent own has been lukewarm to awful. The voice that Goldman brings to the reader is always wonderful and unusual, and this book is in a different vein than The Princess Bride and even Marathon Man. I hate saying too much about the plot about a book, and then spoiling it for a few interested readers, so I will leave the plot alone. But all aspiring writers and average readers will get more out of this book that an enjoyable read. It leaves a strong aftertaste, and will inspire you to at least recollect your life, if not motivate you to do more with it.

William Goldman is one of my favourite writers. He can hardly write a bad book but this exploration of young people's problems and angst was certainly one of his best if not the very best. Goldman's style is just out of this world. Once you start this book, you cannot put it down. His characters are wacky but so empathetic. I wish he would write more books instead of screen plays.

Read it! Color of Light has become one of my favorite books, and by reading it, William Goldman was elevated from one of my favorite authors to one of the people I most respect and love in the world. I am changed every time I read it, discovering each time new precious details I missed the last time, adding new depth and meaning to every single word (which, for me, has always been the mark of excellent work). I am sorely disappointed to find that the book is out-of-print, and will now hold on to my lucky copy as tightly as I can. If you have ever been interested in writing fiction, this book (and also the Princess Bride) will touch and inspire you like no other author can. Find a copy, somehow, and read it now!

Started with Marathon Man. Then came Magic. Then The Princess Bride (keep 'em coming, man). At this time, my addiction long since complete, I quickly obtained and absorbed all of the early stuff I could find (Boys and Girls Together, Soldier in the Rain, No Way to Treat a Lady, etc). Then...what...there was nothing left! I spent a morbid hiatus. Then I discovered The Color of Light. Perfect: in pace, in length, in individuality, and in what I needed. If you're a Goldman fan and haven't read it, this book could end up being your favorite.