The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

I read this story before seeing the movie starring Brad Pitt. The story is great and worth reading. It is only 20+ pages, but really interesting. I saw the movie yesterday, and highly recommend the movie. The movie has taken some liberties from the book, but still excellent. Movies are always a little different from the book. I recommend you read this story before seeing the movie. I gave the book to my 19 year old son to read, and he enjoyed it too. We went to the movie together, and both enjoyed the movie. It was a nice mother/son date. I am an avid reader, but my son normally only reads for school or Harry Potter books, so it was nice that he enjoyed this story too, and wanted to see the movie with his mother. Pick up the book and share it with your family, you might be surprised how much they enjoy reading it too.

Normally I don't re-read books, but I've read this one about 4 times now, and I liked it more each time. And it's short, so it's a pretty fast read, and keeps your attention focused from beginning to end. Fitzgerald has such an amazing mastery of imagery and dialogue - reading this book is like watching a mini movie in your head. It's also a unique story in that it's very humorous, but also kind of sad. The two don't normally go together so well. I can't wait to see the movie they're making based on it! It will be interesting to compare their similarities and differences. This copy (clock on cover & ISBN 1603550836) is a nice trade paperback sized book, not the smaller mass market paperback size you see in romance novels and cheaper paperbacks. It is thin, since it's a short story, but I was very pleased with the quality, and think it will make a great little present/stocking stuffer for my friends. I feel more confident giving a small book like this than a 500 page novel because I've always felt that with people being so busy, they may be hesitant to start a large novel. I also think since the movie opens on Christmas, they will love having a copy of the book to read around the same time.

This is a short story, set in huge type, and will only take an hour or two to read. So don't spend $9 on this book. Instead, read it sitting in Barnes and Noble (like I did), or buy a book of Fitzgerald's works that includes this story. But DO read this story! It is an incredible short story, a cynical tale (a fairy tale?) with some remarkable, gem-like sentences. If you've read "The Great Gatsby," then you know Fitzgerald can really write. And he proves his skill, again, with this short story. The story is wonderful, and many of its scenes have stuck with me - in particular, the descriptions connected to the lead character's first love. Also, the tale it tells is fairly odd and striking, and, even if the writing weren't wonderful (as it is), its boldness might, alone, make it worth a read. Again, while you shouldn't buy this book - it's way overpriced - you should read this story!