# Something Wicked this Way Comes **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 4, 2012, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-wicked-this-way-comes/611800 "2012-02-04T23:31:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2012, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-wicked-this-way-comes/611800/1 "2012-02-04T23:31:11Z")
The New and Improved Mrs. Plant hasn’t read it! I bought her a copy, but I may re read it first. ---
**Author:** ![JimNightshade](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jimnightshade/32/3354_2.png) [@JimNightshade](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JimNightshade)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2012, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-wicked-this-way-comes/611800/2 "2012-02-05T00:06:08Z")
Good book. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2012, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-wicked-this-way-comes/611800/3 "2012-02-05T02:02:21Z")
You obviously like it. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![scratch\_llll](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9fc348/32.png) [@scratch\_llll](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scratch_llll)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2012, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-wicked-this-way-comes/611800/4 "2012-02-05T02:21:34Z")
I love Bradbury. The part where he discribes the contents of his fathers pockets breaks my heart because that was the sort of stuff my Dad had in his. You never knew what a little boy he was at heart until he emptied his pockets. I need to reread this one now that I’m older and can relate to the sacrifice of years better. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2012, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-wicked-this-way-comes/611800/5 "2012-02-05T02:40:09Z")
I’d always thought of this as a “Young Adult” book, or a “Science Fiction” book, or an “Old Fart” book. I know I read it as a kid, and saw a couple of minutes of the movie. But really didn’t remember it. Just recently, though, I stumbled on an audiobook version. And was blown away by the depth, the intimate feel, and the lyricism of the language. I “rewound” and listened a couple of times to the scene where the circus steals into town and sets up. And did the same with the scenes in the library. Deliciously moody. Now I’m working my way though Bradbury’s short stories. Can anyone recommend another author that uses language the way Bradbury does? I’m wondering if Neil Gaiman would count. I’m listening to him read one of his books, and it has a little of that poetic feel to it. Anyone else? ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2012, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-wicked-this-way-comes/611800/6 "2012-02-05T03:46:06Z")
> [@scratch\_llll](#): > > I need to reread this one now that I’m older and can relate to the sacrifice of years better. Jason Robards did very well in the film. ---
**Author:** ![Idle\_Thoughts](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/838e76/32.png) [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2012, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-wicked-this-way-comes/611800/7 "2012-02-05T05:31:50Z")
Moving over to Cafe Society. ---
**Author:** ![Misnomer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misnomer/32/14897_2.png) [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2012, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-wicked-this-way-comes/611800/8 "2012-02-06T19:05:54Z")
Never read it but I love the movie. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2012, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-wicked-this-way-comes/611800/9 "2012-02-06T19:30:30Z")
My autographed copy is a prized possession. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2012, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-wicked-this-way-comes/611800/10 "2012-02-06T20:03:05Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > My autographed copy is a prized possession. I hate you. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2012, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-wicked-this-way-comes/611800/11 "2012-02-06T20:08:35Z")
I forgot to add that it is personalized, too. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Archergal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c89c15/32.png) [@Archergal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Archergal)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2012, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-wicked-this-way-comes/611800/12 "2012-02-06T20:18:16Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > Jason Robards did very well in the film. And Jonathan Pryce was amazing as Mr. Dark. I like the movie a lot. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2012, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-wicked-this-way-comes/611800/13 "2012-02-06T23:35:18Z")
> [@Archergal](#): > > And Jonathan Pryce was amazing as Mr. Dark. I like the movie a lot. Ooh, that I’ve gotta see! [Here’s the link to the audiobook](http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAudiobook?id=187147728&s=143441) on iTunes. I just realized where I know the reader’s voice from: Stefan Rudniki also reads a number of the Ender’s Game books, esp. the Ender’s Shadow series… Hey! Latest one’s finally out: [Shadows in Flight](http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAudiobook?id=491027897&s=143441), read by Rudniki, Scott Brick and others. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-wicked-this-way-comes/611800/14 "2012-02-07T00:01:19Z")
> [@digs](#): > > Ooh, that I’ve gotta see! It is an outstanding movie. And I really, really, hate Silence, Sinus, whatshisname. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Satchmo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/satchmo/32/4223_2.png) [@Satchmo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Satchmo)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-wicked-this-way-comes/611800/15 "2012-02-07T01:21:42Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > Jason Robards did very well in the film. Oh yes! I was only 25 when that came out. I thought I understood that scene, but watching it now, words fail me. No young person understands what that cost the old man. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-wicked-this-way-comes/611800/16 "2012-02-07T01:33:19Z")
> [@Satchmo](#): > > Oh yes! I was only 25 when that came out. I thought I understood that scene, but watching it now, words fail me. No young person understands what that cost the old man. Yeah, but he came through. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/f04885/32.png) [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-wicked-this-way-comes/611800/17 "2012-02-07T03:33:15Z")
I tried reading it a few weeks ago, but the book was very bizarre with WTF inducing digressions although I do like other stuff by Bradbury. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-wicked-this-way-comes/611800/18 "2012-02-07T03:44:57Z")
> [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](#): > > I tried reading it a few weeks ago, but the book was very bizarre with WTF inducing digressions although I do like other stuff by Bradbury. Your Mother dresses you funny, and nobody likes you. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-wicked-this-way-comes/611800/19 "2012-02-07T05:45:26Z")
> [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](#): > > I tried reading it a few weeks ago, but the book was very bizarre with WTF inducing digressions although I do like other stuff by Bradbury. Seriously, how old are you? You might want to try it again when you’re older. ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-wicked-this-way-comes/611800/20 "2012-02-07T05:55:25Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > My autographed copy is a prized possession. I once held a copy of _Dark Carnival_ in my very own hands, a signed, first edition. It was like holding the crown jewels and I was sweaty and nervous until I gave it back. When I first got on line, I went looking for that book. I see “Dark Carnival $25” on eBay and I’m all excited until I see that the actual item for sale is a photocopy of the dust jacket. Great book. I don’t have a copy of Something Wicked anymore. Loaned, not returned. _Blind Voices_ by Tom Reamy has close to the same feel. ETA: Oh, and you suck. 😉 [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-wicked-this-way-comes/611800.md?page=2)