Forrest Gump

I kind of enjoyed reading this book but it gets so silly and over the top by the middle half of the book. Like another reviewer said it feels like the last half of the book is written by a different person. Anyway, if you liked the Forrest in the movie a lot you might not enjoy the book. In the book Forrest is a bit of a pervert. He's also a very large man in the book. Also the line from the movie, "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." is not in the book. Instead the very first line of the book is, "Let me say this. Bein' a idiot is no box of chocolates." Yeah. The whole book is to Forrest's point of view and he constantly talks in improper English. This might not be your kind of book if you don't like people talking in improper English. Anyway you ought to check it out but if you really liked the movie you might not appreciate the book so much.

Definitely NOT like the movie. I would say there is a 98% difference between the two.

I did enjoy taking the journey with Forrest in this book. His character portrayal reminded me of Lennie and what might have been had he not met his fate in Of Mice and Men.

The hero audiences have to come love and admire from the movie is not the same Forrest you will read in this book; therefore, think carefully before reading.

I found this hard to read at first because of the vernacular. Groom used first person narration from Forrest, and obviously his spelling is not so grand. For instance, it took me a page or two to realize the word "axe" meant "asked."

I first read Forest Gump when I was in the 6th grade! And now that I'm in the 10th grade it is still one of the most memorable books I've ever experienced. I read it after seeing the movie and the book surpasses it by far. Forest is a guy who when growing up didn't get it easy, he was considered stupid by almost everyone, except his lovin mama. Winston Groom writes the book hilariously! I found myself laughing out loud on numerous occasions and I still giggle every now and then at the embarrassing, goffy, and out of this world situations Forest got himself into. Now this book is more than a barrel of laughs, throught the book you will experience every emotion. From running through a torpedo of bullets in the war, to just kicking back and playing the harmonica. It's told from Gump's point of view and Groom never breaks character. At the end of this book you will have experienced a lifetime of memories, and you'll still be yearning for more!

This book is definately not like the movie, but both seem to have their high points. The movie is more philosophical, and the book is way more funny. At first, the amazing adventures of Forrest Gump seem unbelievable, like something put in a children's book. But after reading about so many adventures, you get to love this Gump for his own merits - even though he's a lot rougher character than the movie.
The character of Gump in the book is still pretty good, even though he may be more crude. Gump's outstanding trust in everyone shines through all in the book, and it stands out as his one heroic trait.
I guess you might say the book is also more cynical, which is probably why a lot of people who believe in the idealistic, hero Gump of the movie are dissapointed. The Gump here seems more realistic. He has lots more trials that are related to things he does, and the series of 'ups and downs' are almost like a roller coaster - from one extreme to another.
The book is less philosophical. No cute little sayings like "mama always says...", "stupid is as stupid does ...", "life is like a box of chocolates". Gump is there, and he says things as he sees them. He seems to float from place to place, from adventure to adventure. I think it's a good book, but as you can see, there are a lot of people who disagree. It depends on what your mood is when you read it, I guess. It also depends on how much you hold up the "movie-book" similar story lines.

Ok, the title is from the movie which isn't at all as good as the book. In the movie they leave out a lot of conflicts that Forrest has to face before finally making his shrimp company for his friend Bubba. This book is hard to put down, especially after you get through the first couple chapters. Gump's personality keeps you reading because he has no clue what to say and he says whatever comes to his mind (I gots to pee) changing many courses of his life. Throughout this book Gump has many adventures from starting a shrimp business to going to space for a mission. There are some inappropriate parts in this book but it all ties together in the end. This is a good book to spend 5 hours of your life reading, and it is worth it. There are some good examples that Forrest had set, and some bad ones too. The good ones are the examples that are imporant though.

I am one of the handful of people on this earth not to have seen the movie, but after reading the book I have no desire to do so. The book is just so funny that the movie could only be a disappointment. My favourite favourite scene is the chess match in which Forrest and his opponent try to outwit one another by endless set moves, but I found a number of scenes funny enough to laugh out loud, which I hardly ever do when reading a book.
I also liked the portrayal of Forrest as someone who realises that he is not normal, and who is bothered by being different. Certainly not the happy-go-lucky idiot of the movie (I have, inevitably, seen some snippets). Actually, I have a confession to make: My main reason for not wanting to see the movie is that I hate Tom Hanks. But I digress, read the book and try not to spoil it for yourself by picturing TH as Forrest.

Forrest Gump is a superb novel, and it is unfortunate that most people are more familiar with the movie, and think of Forrest Gump mainly as a "movie character." This is very unfortunate, just as if "Tom Sawyer" or "Gulliver's Travels" were widely known as just "good movies" while the original books were confined to obscurity.

The movie was good, and deserving of the awards and accolades it received. However, it is not by any stretch a substitute for the book. Forrest Gump is a somewhat different character in the book than in the movie, and the Forrest Gump of the novel experiences numerous adventures that the movie does not even hint at. To do the book justice, perhaps it should have been adapted into four or five separate movies.

Then again, another way to do the book justice is to just read it.

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> > > SPOILERS AHEAD < < <

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It's been about a year since I read "Forrest Gump", and about 6 years since I saw the film version. However, here is a list of some of the key differences between the book and the movie:

BOOK ONLY:
* Forrest described as being 6 1/2 feet tall, and extremely strong and muscular
* Forest's experiences attending a school he calls a "nut school"
* Forrest causing calamitous cooking accident in the army
* Explosion of commodes in Viet Nam, causing whole platoon to be covered with feces (Although amusing in the book, it's probably best that this is omitted from the movie.)
* Forest accidentally ripping off Jenny's dress at the movies
* Forrest joining Jenny in a political demonstration and accidentally wounding a government official by throwing one of his army medals
* Forrest getting committed to psychiatric hospital
* Forrest becoming an astronaut
* Forrest living for several years on remote island populated by cannibals
* The character of Sue the orangutan
* Forrest becoming a champion wrestler under the name "The Dunce"
* Forrest playing harmonica in a band called The Cracked Eggs
* Forrest starring in sci fi film with Raquel Welch
* Forrest mastering chess
* Forrest running for senate using "I've got to pee" as campaign slogan
* Forrest retaliates against his mother's boss by throwing him into a washing machine and turning it on

(Unlike the Forrest Gump of the Tom Hanks movie, the Forrest Gump of the novel is pretty aggressive if provoked, although still a basically sweet-natured person.)

MOVIE ONLY:
* Forrest wearing leg braces, and eventually magically breaking out of them
* The phrase, "Life is like a box of chocolates."
* The word "buttocks" (In the book, Forrest uses the word "ass" like anyone else.)
* Forrest inspiring Elvis Presley's dance style
* Forrest meeting John Lennon
* Death of Jenny
* Death of Forrest's mother

There are just a few things I remember being in both the book and the movie:
* Forrest becoming a football player
* Forrest going to Viet Nam and rescuing his friend Dan in combat
* Forrest becoming a world-renowned ping pong champion
* Forrest becoming a successful tycoon in the "srimping" business

Winston Groom's book holds numerous surprises and huge laughs regardless of whether you saw the movie or not. I particularly appreciated the author's lightning-fast pacing. One thing happens after another, and there is not a single wasted word.

When you finish the first book, I suggest getting the sequel, "Gump and Company", which is every bit as good, and covers Forest's odyssey from the early 1970's through the 1990's.

Forrest Gump by Winston Groom was an outstanding book. It portrays that with inner strength as strong as Forrest's anyone can accomplish great things. There was so much going on in this book that it always kept me on its constant adventure. Although at first it slowed me down to translate his words, but, after more reading it was just another facet to his intricate character. This book shows that everyone can be interesting if taken the time to be understood. I would read this book again if Winston Groom did not have as many other novels and sequels. In conclusion, I recommend this unique and laughter-filled story to anyone who craves a great book that touches on every human emotion.

What was Larry King thinking when he said it was the funniest novel he ever read? I read it about a year ago and thought it a faith tester to get through the whole thing! This novel has no literary quality, no message(except maybe that idiot people don't have to live a hum-drum life)and stands as an isult to the world of literature. The story is about Forrest Gump, an idiot-savant who goes on to become fame and fourtune overnight. I think Winston Groom is adicted to swearing, displayed well in this book. It didn't teach me anything, and the only reaction after finishing it was to throw it away. I could have written a better novel, and I'm only thirteen! (Sorry if I offended anyone out there who enjoyed the book, after all, you are entiled to your opinion.

I read this book once before, at its release in 1986, when it was just a low-profile "quirky" book. The subsequent smash-hit "warm and fuzzy" movie version superceded my recollections of it. Now over ten years later I re-visited "Gump" via Mark Hammer's audio rendition and found it as rich and satisfying as authentic, down-home southern cooking -- not the bland version some try to foist off as southern food. For the most part Groom succeeds at being weird and wonderful, but the "do you want to buy a watch?" scene, and Forrest's movie screen test fell very flat, and the ending, while avoiding predictability, didn't resonate for me. But I laughed (hard) aloud several times at Hammer's narrative, so all's forgiven.

I originally read this book when it was first released (my father worked for the publishing company and I got a uncorrected proof). I instantly fell in love with the book, which was even easy for me to read (I was in grade school at the time). I had high hopes for a movie version, but ended up being extremely dissapointed in the result Hollywood gave it. If you thought the best parts of the movie were the situations Gump got into, versus all the romance/character building stuff, then read this book! There are far more situations that Gump managed to be involved in than the movie let on. He goes into space, ends up in Africa, you name it. An outstanding book I would recommend to everyone, even those who hated the movie "version".

I was looking for a quick and easy book and decided to read Forrest Gump by Winston Groom. I didn't realize the movie was based on a book. For the most part, the movie followed the book. It was an enjoyable read.

I could not disagree more with those who prefer the movie over the book, especially the audio version acted out by Mark Hammer. I found it to be delightfully poignant. I laughed till my gut hurt. If you listen to o oh one audio book this year, make it Forrest Gump, read by the wonderfully talented Mark Hammer.

I read "Forrest Gump" several year before it was ever made into a movie, and this is one of the only books in my entire life that has made me laugh out loud to the point of tears. The visual imagery, disregard for social convention, and utter creativity, innocence, and naivety of Forrest really presents a view of our society, our history, and the circumstances of our lives into a light heretofore unexperienced.

When I heard they were making a movie of the book, I immediately cringed because Hollywood revision is legendary--and in this department, Hollywood did not fail to live up to its reputation. The movie is hardly representative of the book. [In my mind, the actor I had in mind to play Forrest was a kinder, gentler, dumber version of Gary Bussey] As one reviewer mentioned, the movie somewhat follows the book until about halfway through, and then diverges off into something else entirely.

In the end, for all its beautiful complexities and commentary on the human condition, the movie was a huge disappointment (for me, at least). That isn't necessarily meant as a derogatory statement about the movie--it's meant to illustrate what an achievement the book really is.

Do yourself a favor: read the book and forget the movie. You'll be the better for it.

A great book and a great movie, too, though the book and the movie have extremely little in common. The movie is more realistic, but the book is so funny and really changes the way you think about things.
The story is simple and care-free, but at the same time it is profound.
It creates an instantly lovable main character, Forrest Gump, who has you laughing out loud from the very beginning.
The book shows us the life and adventures of an autistic savant and his love for Jenny Curran.
I would recommend that you should definately read the book first, but if you have already seen the movie, then just don't expect the book to be anything like the movie--because it's not.

The book as well as the movie pokes fun of our institutions as well as ourselves. Forrest's language in the book is very salty and coarse compared to the pure Forrest of the movie. This I believe is to show how language gets started to show people's way of including it in our own life's vocabularies, most likely because we are drawn to humor to make our language more entertaining to others. So, the book is much more funny, and shows what's meaningful for ourselves as the author portrayed through Forrest. Nothing more funny to use self-depricating humor at oneself to turn around apply to a dumber entity. What a hoot! Of course the author makes Forrest's adventures quite intellectual and perceptive at times to draw some hilarity and poignancy into his characters and situations. Hard to put this one down, as it does give some great insights and a great walk through our history as well.

This is a really great book in every aspect. From college football,to the Vietnam War, and even the game of Ping-Pong, this book has everything to offer. From the introduction of the book till the end. My favorite part of the book would have to be when he hit the guy in the guy in head with his medal. The story uses the first persons point of view through Forrest's eyes, which lets you see how he views the world. Although he is considered an idiot by his IQ of seventy, his thoughts make you think of who the real idiots are. Forrest is a great character because he does not really care what people think about him. Even if he knew that a person did not like him, it would not really bother him. Another original trait of Forrest is that he acts on instinct instead of reason, which leads to a few embarrassments. For example, when he was honored as being one of colleges' best football players, his first words were that he had to pee. Forrest is also an excellent character because you see him change in life from a boy into a man. His life is full of suprises. Forrest also experiences ups and downs of true love through his best friend Jenny. Jenny was the only girl Forrest's age who gave him a chance. Since they both needed a good friend, they were meant for each other. The movie Forest Gump does not compare to the novel. I feel that the book puts a lot of different scenes in it than does the movie. The book is also more humorous than the movie because you have to use your own imagination to visualize what is really going on. This is probably the funniest book I have ever read. I have never experienced a book like this in which every other page creates an amusing adventure. I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone who likes a book that makes get a good laugh out of it By:Chris Thompson

This was a book about a movie.I think that you should read the book and see the movie, because the book goes into the same details as the movie but you the reader can picture the story the way you want. Forset Gump is a storie about a man telling his life story.He talks about the girl thyat he is in love with Jenny.He also talks about when he was in the war where he met Bubba,and Lutent Dan. He also talks about his mother. He is what you could call a "mamas boy". He love to talk about his mother to others. I recommend that people read this book. It is a good book and it is fun to read!!

This book is written from the point of view of an idiot savant, a person of limited intelligence who is yet extremely smart in specific areas. To capture this point of view, the author writes in a semi-literate first person. Here is a sample sentence. "My daddy, he got kilt just after I's born, so I never known him." A whole novel in this format is difficult to read. Yet once the reader adjusts to the style, the story is a very touching one of true values. The book is different from the movie in details but not in theme and both have their own charm.

I realize that it's a mortal sin to compare a book and a screenplay. With that said, I couldn't help it!! Forrest Gump, the Movie is, without question, one of the 5 or so movies that I'll take with me when i'm stranded on a deserted island (along with electricity and a DVD player, of course).

Most movies that begin as novels or books usually leave me disapointed. There are very few movies that can deliver a story better than a book can. Noteable exceptions off the top of my head are The Shining, The Godfather and now, Forrest Gump.

Forrest Gump, The Movie, is philosophical, thought provoking. Although the Book did provide the writers of the screenplay with a jumping off point, it provided little else. It failed to touch my emotions the way the Movie/Tom Hanks did. In fact, as endearing and innocent and as drawn to Movie Forrest as I was, I was equally as indifferent toward Book Forrest and at times even a little creeped out by him.

Like other reviewers, I would suggest the reading of this book BEFORE watching the movie. I probably would have enjoyed it more had I done the same...

Forrest Gump the novel falls so far short of Forrest Gump the film that I hardly think it is worth reading. I am grateful that it was written, because the film is beautiful.
The novel, however, is lacking all of the sincerity and heart of the film. It is entertaining and fun, but it is also forced and unbelievable in a way that tops even the film.

I say, if you think about reading this book, save yourself the time and watch the movie again. You'll get everything you would get from the book and more. Unless you really like orangutans...In that case read the book.

Let me tell you one thing. The story about Forrest is great in general, but some details in this book just show that the author didn't want to write an "oscar-winning-story" at first. There are so many scenes which just don't fit together and make the plot seem to be unreal. Forrest as a Wrestler, Musician, Astronaut, Businessman and Sportsman is ridicolous! Especially the NASA story annoyed me, as this organisation was described so badly and incorrect. The movie does a better job in overall. My conclusion: Head over to the DVD store and buy the movie! It's for one time more intelligent to hang out in front of the TV than to read. Pack the chance!

Winston Groom has written some great books, including one of the best novels on the Viet Nam War, "Better Times Than These" and several excellent histories.
50 years from now, these books will be footnotes at best.
However, Forrest Gump will still be on book store shelves, Tom Hanks did a great job in the movie but the book brings home the times as nothing else can.
This is a book that will help you remember or help you learn but it will always touch you.

This book was excellent to read. I laughed many times because of the exaggerated Gump actions and events. This book is far different than the movie and much better. Don't get me wrong, the movie was good but this has no comparison. If you thought Forrest was funny in the movie you will love this book. I consequently read this book in one day because I didn't want to stop laughing. If you want humor read this book.

I read the book before the movie was released. People who saw me reading it had never heard of it. I made the mistake of lending it out and I never saw it again. Pity. I really want to read it again.
I am amazed at the negative comments about this book, especially those who thought that the story line was too improbable. Of course it was improbable. The book is a fable. It was intended to be outrageous and unbelievable. No one complains that Star Wars was improbable. Let it go.
Gump is a football star, an astronaut, a politician, a rock star, a chess master, and a scholar. He is also a self-described idiot. The story is completely outlandish and unbelievable. Groom does not want you to believe that these events could have ever happened. It is pure escapism and fun. It is like reading your nuttiest dream.
As an extra bonus, Hollywood took the story and made an excellent movie. How many times have you enjoyed a movie as much as the book? That's rare!
Still, the book is much different from the movie. So if you haven't read it, you're missing out.

There are very few books that are not as good as the movie. In the past decade, only A Christmas Story: The Book That Inspired the Hilarious Classic Film was significantly improved in it's movie adaptation. Until today. For me, Forrest Gump is a meandering, theme-less series of vignettes, where Gump falls from one crisis into another.

Often, reading the books a movie is based on, such as The Lord of the Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia, significantly adds to a movie and allows one to gain insights into the plot by elaborating on details that were left out of the movie for time or pacing constraints. Forrest Gump (Two-Disc Special Collector's Edition) has become a favorite of mine only after the second or third viewing, and I was hoping the book would add to the movie in this same way. However, instead of elaborating on the character of Gump, it was like reading about the madcap antics of Movie Forrest's cousin "Richard Gump". If this book didn't have a movie to compare with, it could merit three stars. But there is a movie, and compared to that, two stars is as high as I can go.

Epic. A perfect fit to describe the incredible novel written by Winston Groom. Winston flawlessly tells an epic adventure through the eyes of his creation, Forrest Gump. This novel not only includes the reader into Forrests’ personal thoughts and emotions but the reader has a hands on feel with what is going on in forests life .Forrest Gump is an amazing read that takes the reader on a grand adventure which is comprised of Forrests life.
If you liked the motion picture, you will love the book. Forrest has an amazing, fast paced, and adventurous life. Some of the many stories told throughout the novel mentioned are Forrest’s great athletic ability leading him to an all-state high school football game where he blows away scouts and is recruited to play at the college level. Forrest is also enrolled in the army and is awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his brave, courageous, and lifesaving actions. However the reader is also able to see forest in a different light. In the motion picture forest appears innocent doing no wrong, however in the book the reader is discovers his psychedelic trips when using marijuana. This along with many other jaw dropping stories are entailed in the incredible novel.

The reader also is allowed greater insight into Forrest’s life due to no restrictions on words or actions. It gives the novel a more grungy and realistic aspect to life. Forrest is not shown in a lime light as he is in the motion picture. In fact it is opposite, Forrest uses bad language, cheats on jenny with groupies. Forrest’s lack of intelligence is immensely more apparent, Forrest is taken advantage of by a neighbor who “teaches” Forrest by telling him to close his eyes, however he is not completely taken advantage of because he goes on tell how good it felt even though he hadn’t a clue what was going on.

In conclusion I highly recommend this incredible novel to anyone who has enjoyed the movie to experience this unique tale with vast adventures told with more grunginess and realism.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. Unfortunately, when I tell people I loved it, they say "I love that movie!". They are 2 very different things, let me tell you. If you're looking for the happy, hollywooded up version of a crazy story about a lovable doof, go for the movie. But as a person who read it before they saw it, I 100% recommend this book.

Forrest Gump is a superb novel, and it is unfortunate that most people are more familiar with the movie, and think of Forrest Gump mainly as a "movie character." This is very unfortunate, just as if "Tom Sawyer" or "Gulliver's Travels" were widely known as just "good movies" while the original books were confined to obscurity.

The movie was good, and deserving of the awards and accolades it received. However, it is not by any stretch a substitute for the book. Forrest Gump is a somewhat different character in the book than in the movie, and the Forrest Gump of the novel experiences numerous adventures that the movie does not even hint at. To do the book justice, perhaps it should have been adapted into four or five separate movies.

Then again, another way to do the book justice is to just read it.

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> > > SPOILERS AHEAD < < <

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-------------------------------------
-------------------------------------

It's been about a year since I read "Forrest Gump", and about 6 years since I saw the film version. However, here is a list of some of the key differences between the book and the movie:

BOOK ONLY:
* Forrest described as being 6 1/2 feet tall, and extremely strong and muscular
* Forest's experiences attending a school he calls a "nut school"
* Forrest causing calamitous cooking accident in the army
* Explosion of commodes in Viet Nam, causing whole platoon to be covered with feces (Although amusing in the book, it's probably best that this is omitted from the movie.)
* Forest accidentally ripping off Jenny's dress at the movies
* Forrest joining Jenny in a political demonstration and accidentally wounding a government official by throwing one of his army medals
* Forrest getting committed to psychiatric hospital
* Forrest becoming an astronaut
* Forrest living for several years on remote island populated by cannibals
* The character of Sue the orangutan
* Forrest becoming a champion wrestler under the name "The Dunce"
* Forrest playing harmonica in a band called The Cracked Eggs
* Forrest starring in sci fi film with Raquel Welch
* Forrest mastering chess
* Forrest running for senate using "I've got to pee" as campaign slogan
* Forrest retaliates against his mother's boss by throwing him into a washing machine and turning it on

(Unlike the Forrest Gump of the Tom Hanks movie, the Forrest Gump of the novel is pretty aggressive if provoked, although still a basically sweet-natured person.)

MOVIE ONLY:
* Forrest wearing leg braces, and eventually magically breaking out of them
* The phrase, "Life is like a box of chocolates."
* The word "buttocks" (In the book, Forrest uses the word "ass" like anyone else.)
* Forrest inspiring Elvis Presley's dance style
* Forrest meeting John Lennon
* Death of Jenny
* Death of Forrest's mother

There are just a few things I remember being in both the book and the movie:
* Forrest becoming a football player
* Forrest going to Viet Nam and rescuing his friend Dan in combat
* Forrest becoming a world-renowned ping pong champion
* Forrest becoming a successful tycoon in the "srimping" business

Winston Groom's book holds numerous surprises and huge laughs regardless of whether you saw the movie or not. I particularly appreciated the author's lightning-fast pacing. One thing happens after another, and there is not a single wasted word.

When you finish the first book, I suggest getting the sequel, "Gump and Company", which is every bit as good, and covers Forest's odyssey from the early 1970's through the 1990's.

This book was excellent to read. I laughed many times because of the exaggerated Gump actions and events. This book is far different than the movie and much better. Don't get me wrong, the movie was good but this has no comparison. If you thought Forrest was funny in the movie you will love this book. I consequently read this book in one day because I didn't want to stop laughing. If you want humor read this book.

Yet another example of how a movie will have a tough go of giving a book true representation. Winston Groom is masterful at creating our sympathetic protagonist and you feel for him at every step of the way. But, the best part, and maybe the most important part, of the book is that you can't help but be right inside Gump's head. You're not just reading Gump, you begin to feel Gump when you turn each and every page. You're living Gump.

Do yourself a favor and try to forget the movie before you start reading this. But know that if you don't, Tom Hanks at least did Gump justice and having him in mind while you read isn't such a bad thing.

Ok, I've studied english for 5 years. I saw the movie, that I got in DVD because it is really good, and then I discovered that it was based in the book by Winston Groom. I bought it, and that was my first ennglish novel- and it was awesome. I understanded almost all things (but Gump's narration is really bad-written, with ortography mistakes, but it makes it funnier), and I laughed a lot- its a really hilarious novel.
Forrest Gump is an idiot with a IQ of 70, and he tells us his amazing life- he becames to be a football player, a Vietnam-war veteran, a musician, a table tennis professional player,an astronaut, a wrestler, a chess player, a shrimp-bussiness tycoon....! It can sound impossible, but the book makes it real, and its a lot better (and different!) that the film. Read it!

It's a very unusually live story about a idiot who hasn't a normal life and who makes a lot of different experiences. He does things which are sometimes not believable for us. It's more a biography of Forrest Gump.
I must say that I find this book very good and interesting. It isn't like other books because it is so special. I find it was also amusing, extraordinary, exciting and thrilling. But I have to say too that's sometimes hard to read it because the author uses words which don't exist.
I want to say that the book isn't like the film, which is very bad.

I didn't know what to expect - but I found myself laughing so hard that tears were running down my face and I had to put the book down for a minute and just let myself laugh. I didn't want to put the book down though - it was really that good. The movie character of Forrest was a little sweeter perhaps but I really enjoyed the book character of Forrest and I have been happy to discover that there really was a lot more to Forrest's tale than the movie displayed. Forrest is introduced from the first paragraph as having a low IQ but he finds himself in many situations where he has more wisdom than the so-called smart people. This book not only made me laugh - it made me think of deeper issues and so I can not think of a more enjoyable book.

This book is just incredible. At first, it's a bit difficult to the spelling and grammar of Winston Groom (AKA Forrest Gump), but as soon as you adjust to it, this book will make you laugh out loud. If I had to give it a movie-type appropriateness rating, it would probably be PG-13, the same as the movie's, because while any person young or old could enjoy it, there is some launguage and content that the young 'uns don't need to hear just yet. A very funny trip through history--too bad we can't read this in our history class instead of the dreary and boring text books that are forced upon us.
Even within the first 20 pages, I was laughing out as Forrest Gump describes his day out with Jenny Curran at a movie theater, and his experiences with his all-state football team.
An amazing book. I will soon start reading the sequel--Gump & Co--can't wait. Hope Groom writes a third book.

As a whole, I felt this book was much better than the movie. With the exception of one experience, the reader could buy in to each of the situations in which Forrest finds himself. If not for that one situation, which was absolutely ridiculous, I would have given this book 5 stars.

I was somewhat disappointed in this book. I watched the movie years ago and about all that I remember about it was that it was really funny. This book is funny, but not as funny as I expected it to be. Also, a large portion of the humor is sick humor, and while I have read worse, it was disappointing. I felt that a another good book was being ruined by the excess sick humor.

Most of the happenings in his life were pretty much believable, but some of it was almost ridiculous. The part about being given the choice of ten years of prison or going into space is kind of stupid in itself. Then to have them crash in New Guinea, be captured by cannibals, and live in captivity for years makes it completely ridiculous. The part where the woman astronaut stays with the New Guinean native is also kind of stupid. It sounds almost like a kids story: "She walked off with him into the jungle, and they lived happily ever after". See what I mean? Even though it wasn't said that way, that's the feeling that I got when I read it. Ridiculous.

Otherwise, if you don't mind the sick humor and strange happenings, this is a great, must-read book. Even if you do mind, I would recommend it because it is a good book. It makes you think aout whether the people who seem retarded might not be as stupid as we think. Definitely thought provoking as well as funny. Read, laugh, and enjoy

The movie was absolutely great, I have no idea how the makers of the film got such a great story out a trashy novel like this, but thank god they did.
I was one of those who saw the movie first, then got the novel out of interest. I was severely disappointed. It's just horrible.
You'll definitely have to see the movie again, to get the bad taste this novel leaves, out of your mouth.

Winston Groom depicts the adventures of a dim-witted country boy in his novel, "Forrest Gump." Groom writes the novel in a first person perspective, as if Forest is reminiscing on his past. He even uses the poor grammar and broken language of such a dense narrator. He recounts all of his life achievements and failures. He describes everything from his fame of being a football and wrestling star, to his struggles with the love of his life, Jenny Curran.
The thing that impressed me the most was the point of view. The entire book is written in the dialect of this easy speaking wholesome character. The language connects you to Forrest and puts you in his shoes. You can see how Forrest experienced these events and the reactions of the people he comes in contact with. He naively explains these reactions and events, which is a subtle way that the author relates to the reader without sacrificing Forrest's stupidity.
The novel is lined up with story after story that all intertwine together. Every amazing adventure is followed by another. And Forrest's genuine and innocent narration of these events never leads the reader to question the character's honesty. As a side note to movie patrons, don't disregard this book because you have seen the movie, there are many differences between the two. And seeing all the events through Forrest's eyes allows an even greater connection to the character. I enjoyed every page of this book and I hope you do too.

THis is a wonderfully delightful book. It is a lot of fun to read and it's pretty funny. Although, sometimes it got a little too far fetched for my taste, especially the part where he goes into space and with the cannibals. But besides that, it's great. Although, I can't truthfully say it's better than the movie. It's about the same. Both are very good. Both are worth your time.

The first half of this book is brilliant, even better than the movie. I believed the character and the situations he got himself into, and I loved the point of view of this idiot savant. It brought my world into sharper focus.

But then the author seemed to get bored of his own story. He seemed to quit crafting his thoughts in favor of free writing. The story transformed from fascinating into unbelievable, from profound into ridiculous. I began to wonder if two different people had written the book, that maybe someone was finishing off a story that another person started.

Hats off the the producers of the movie who selected the very best of the book and finished the story off the way it would have gone if the writing had remained consistent.

While I was reading it (I had seen the movie prior), I thought that the movie followed the book about one third or even one half of the way but then the book just took off in a ninety degree turn and it was one incredible adventure after another - and I mean incredible literally. It has to have been one of the funniest things I have ever read. At the time, I thought it was as if the author thought mid-way through the book 'Heck, I'm the author - I can do whatever I want' ... and did. The unbridled imagination is thoroughbred. Best thing to do is get the movie and the book and compare them. The movie is first rate but the book is exquisitely funny - much more than the movie.

I am probably the only person in the world who hasn't seen Forrest Gump the movie, owing to the fact that I've spent the past ten years in a cave in Siberia. This, I believe, makes me particularly eligible to objectively review the novel.

At first, Forrest Gump appears to be simply another novel in the tradition of such masterpieces as `Catcher In The Rye' three decades before it and Willy Russell's `The Wrong Boy', almost two decades after it. And in many ways it is: a narrator telling his story in his own, unique voice, someone you can empathize with; someone you can grow to love and think of as a friend made out of words who is there for you whenever you open the book.

Forrest Gump is all this, but it is much more than just a straight story. It starts off as an endearing tale about a mentally handicapped boy who is jeered at and made fun of at school, and who then grows into a man and `sets off to seek his fortune.' However, just when you think you have it sussed, it will whisk you off into an insane whirlwind of completely impossible, improbable events. Let me not concern you with the `plot', but you will find yourself with Forrest playing pro-football, fighting in the Vietnam War, meeting with American presidents, playing ping-pong in China, and shooting off into space on the most bizarre NASA mission ever. And that's not even the half of it.

In the hands of any other author, and with any other character in the lead role, all this might have very easily spun out of control. However, Forrest is such a wonderful character that he manages to hold it all together. And the narration, in his uneducated, Deep South style is delivered with such blatant honesty that you almost do believe everything that happens.

Forrest Gump is a bittersweet romance; it is a social-political commentary, it is a biting satire on practically everything; it is the story of a man who struggles to be normal and understood in society, and at the same time couldn't stand such a thing. But mostly it is exuberant: it makes you feel good to be alive. You will find yourself laughing aloud, not necessarily because it is funny, although it is certainly that, but out of sheer delight at the absurdity of it all. It is fantastic, it is inventive, and frankly I don't know if I have ever had such fun reading a book. As one reviewer succinctly commented, `Anyone who doesn't read this book deserves to spend the winter in North Dakota.' And I'm afraid I would have to agree with him there.

And now I must leave you, for, as Forrest Gump would say, `I got to pee.'

Groom's original work of 'Forrest Gump' is an all time, epic humor classic. The film, although entertaining, does not approach or even parallel the book. Once picked up, you will not be able to put it down. To give an example of what this book can do to you, I was in a bookstore with a dear friend of mine, found the paperback edition and flipped to the passage where our hero Forrest enters a professional wrestling match. Right there, in the midst of a busy bookstore, my friend fell down, laughing hysterically, with tears rolling down his face. The only advice I give to anyone reading this is to go to the bathroom before starting it - otherwise you may laugh so hard you have an "accident". Please enjoy.

Jus done read "Forrest Gump" an its much betteren the movie an if theyz axed me to review it I done give it five star. I figger folks weez think is idiots is realy smarteren us or weez all idiots jus tryen live an do best we can an somesuch, you know what I mean? Winston Groom done good job of writin. But the peachade I done med didnt test good. It testd like socks. Mebbe I shoudnt done straind em with my socks. Now, I got to pee.

My friends have read this book and said it was okay, but it was very different from and not as good as the movie. Very seldom is a movie better than or even an improvement on the book. So I decided to obtain a copy and read it to see. The first day I started reading it I oddly couldn't put it down. I read over half of the book the first day, and then finished reading it the very next day. I loved it and I think everyone that has seen the movie should read it. It was hysterical, interesting, and imaginative, but diverse from the movie. I'm glad I chose this book as one of the last books to read this year.

This is a really good book, but... The author used a style of grammar that I have never seen before. Since Forrest is a little mentally challenged he says things slightly different. And since Forrest is the narrator, the author writes the book in the way that Forrest talks. This is difficult because it is kind of hard to read and comprehend. I had to read some sentences two or three times to get it. I would recommend this book to everyone because it is a great book, but some may not like it more than the movie.

For me I enjoyed the book and I enjoyed the movie. Which is better is hard to say because they are so different. I'm glad I experienced them both.

Gwen Paddington

This is one of the few times where I beleive the movie is way better than the book. This book is nothing like the movie! I liked the movie, I thought it was entertaining, it captured a range of experiences and emotions. Good movie, great story! The book was not like that at all! The book was terribly silly, even more far fetched than the movie. Usually the book is better than the movie, but not this time.

this book is one of the best. Winston Groom has one of the best imagination i have ever known. I saw the movie first...but i realized that my passion for the adventures of Forrest Gump was never ending, so i needed to buy the book. if i could, it would get 10 stars

This book, is by far, the funniest book I have ever read. It is hilarious. From the very first page - when he first says "I gotta pee" to the end, I was laughing out loud. Even though Forrest, a six foot six brute of a man with the intelligence of an eight year old, experiences a sequence of somewhat unrealistic adventures, I still couldn't put it down. I wanted to find out what happened to him next, and also I wanted to keep laughing. I don't know if I can say the book is better than the movie, both the movie and book are excellent. But the book has far more detail, and I think is possibley a little funnier than the movie. The movie is much shorter and realistic; it would be impossible to make a movie which includes everything from the book. Overall, the book is awesome; one of my favorites.

Forrest Gumpis a character who lacks any negative qualities. He is a genuine, honest and caring man who experiences three remarkable centuries in American history, leaving his mark on them. Forrest was born in Greenbow, Alabama, to his mother who earns a living running a boarding house. He is a truly extraordinary character who faces each obstacle in his life with an open mind even though his I.Q. is a minimal seventy-five. Throughout Forrest's life, he embarks on numerous journeys, all the while looking at the positive aspect and never judges or makes an enemy along the way. He becomes a University of Alabama football player, a Vietnam War hero, a ping-pong champion, a successful shrimping boat captain, a cross-country runner, and a loving father. This book as well as the film do an absolutely marvelous job of describing the life of a man who lives each day as it comes, and never takes anything for granted. Forrest Gump is a character who will never be forgotten.

This was a great book and was so completely different than the movie. Great use of poetic license used for the movie. The book involves Forrest in so many different acts: Vietnam, Space Exploration, Sue the Ape, Shrimping, love, Presidents, and professional wrestling. Very funny and very enjoyable!

I think this book was awesome, Winston Groom made naivette look like intelligence and taught people a lot about repect, and life. He showed us how we all have to act like Forrest sometime, we all need to step back from looking at things analytically and look at them naively.

I enjoyed this book until the adventures became more and more outrageous. I powered through it even though I kept saying, "Come ON!" out loud over and over and over again. He's still a pretty likeable character and, I have to admit, I will probably read the sequel... :)

Honestly, I can't believe I am the first to review this. It was really done well. Mr. Groom is quite gifted in taking the reader on a fun ride with Gump. wheeeeeeeeeeee. written through Gump's eyes and language. Ithink this could convince a nonreader how fun it can be.

Books are always better than the movie,right? Hardly, at least in this case. Groom's version of Gump has none of the charm that Tom Hanks added to the movie portrayal of the idiot everyman. Throughout the book (which is actually a fairly brief read considering the mileage covered), I was constanting waiting for some glimmer of the magic that was the hallmark of the movie adaptation. Unfortunately, the entire book was a disappointment. If you have some perverse desire to learn about an "alternate reality" Gump who smokes pot, carouses, and believe it or not is even somewhat racist, then this is the book for you. Also, if the movie isn't fantastic enough for you, then you will probably enjoy tales of the idiot hero beating international chess champions, mastering physics, getting a record contract, being captured for years by cannibals, and (tad-dum!) becoming an astronaut. And while the over-the-top reality stretching the movie induldged in was criticised by a few, Winston Groom pulls out all the stops, which at least in my opinion results in a very disappointing read.

Without a doubt the funniest novel I have ever read. This book won't change your life or mess with your emotions, but if you could read a book as funny as this one you would live a very long a happy life. I would recommend it to anyone(over the age of 15-harsh language)

I have to admit it.
I first bought "Forrest Gump" years before it became a Hollywood 'Icon' and Tom Hanks vehicle.
And I loved it.

Racicist. Politically-incorrect. Mean-spirited.
Forrest Gump.
The movie that you watched and cried over was a travesty of what was originally a hilarious and irreverant comedy.
Try to imagine Tom Hanks at his most endearing and heartfelt best talking about opposing football teams 'cheating' because they employed the skills of corn-fed n**gers.

"Forrest Gump" is an irreverant COMEDY not a heart-warming tale best told by "Lifetime" (the channel for women)
Trivia: "Forrest" Gump (in the original novel) was named for a Civil War hero, and the founder of the KKK.
'Life is like a box of chocolates...", you never know just who you hate....
A must read novel, but not because you saw the movie.
Read this book only if you are amused by racist jokes, attacks on the retarded and handicapped, vice versa, hate women, children, old people, and puppies.

I finished reading Forrest Gump, and the book was a lot better than the movie. In some ways the two are very similiar in other ways they are very different. It was a very funny book, and the whole time I was reading it, I had a picture of Tom Hanks in my head even though, in the book Forrest Gump is a very big man. It is a very unique story about an "IDIOT" as he is called so many times throughout the book, and his life and how he accomplishes so much during is life time, but because Forrest is such a loving person people use him and take advantage of him. Forrest throughout the book is always pushed around and always takes advice from other people, and it always turns out bad for him. I found myself not wanting to put the book down it was so exciting.

I first saw the book at O'Hare airport in 1986, and purchased it. I read it in about 4 hour could not put the book down. My stomach hurt so much the next day from laughing. The movie was good, but the book is 100x's better. Everyone should read this book!!!

This is the only time I have ever believed a movie to be better than the book on which it was based. Groom's Forrest Gump is a big redneck with a foul mouth -- not the endearing, lovable character Tom Hanks played. I remember when the movie Forrest Gump came out, and I heard that Winston Groom was suing because he never got all the money he was promised. If he got five dollars, it was more than he deserved.

If you thought that in the movie Forrest's life was crammed with once-in-a-lifetime events, you should try reading the book. While not as touching, the novel delivers quite a few more laughs than the movie. The main difference is that Forrest is a little rougher around the edges; however, he is just as likable.

Forrest is a young boy with a whole lot of character and considers himself an idiot because he doesn't know as much as the other kids. Forrest does have special abilities though. He goes to a handicap school where a bunch of weird kids go as Forrest would say. The football coach from the regular school comes and talks to him about playing football for him. Forrest agrees and plays football for him. Forrest ends up getting a full ride to college where he meets his best friend Bubba. The two flunk out of college and are drafted into the army. Forrest goes through many wild events such as playing ping pong in the Olympics, Playing in a world wide chess tournament, playing in a band, starting a wrestling career, being launched into space, getting lost in Africa, and trying to find the love of his life Jenny Curran. Jenny is the girl Forrest has known since he was a little boy. Jenny always took care of him but she moves away and Forrest tries to find her. Will he end up finding her? Read this excellent book to find out.

I liked a lot of things about this book. It had a very good ending that will make you want to read the second one to see what happens with his life. It is overall a very good book because it has a lot of action that will not let you want to take your hands off of it. There were a couple of bad things about the book too. It talked in Forrest Gump's language a lot through out the book which is a lot of slang and misspelled words.

Somebody that would like this book is someone who likes action books because it has a lot of action in it. Forrest goes through so many events that are dramatic to his life. If you like love stories you might like this book because Forrest is always trying to find the love of his life. They always lose each other but Forrest comes back for her every single time.

I had to read a book for my highschool for a grade and i chose Forrest Gump. My friends have read it and said it was great but that it was very different then the movie. I loved it. The first day i started it i read 67 pages and then the next day i read the rest of it through out the day. I oddly couldn't put the book down. I think everyone should read it. It was hysterical, interesting, and imaginative. I ain't to smart and i related with this character a thousand times. I am so glad i chose this book as the last book to read for the year. I will read it again. I hope whomever read this book also laughs and learns a few lessons about life!

I have just seen the movie Forrest Gump. Yes it is the year 2003 and I am a bit late seeing it, but I must say that altought it is a great film, it varies greatly from the novel by Winston Grooms. I enjoyed both the movie and novel greatly, but I am still very attached to the book, which I read for the first time at the age of 25. At the age of 25 the book touched me in ways I could never have imagined. The book is on a difficulty level that would be best suited for the high school to college student. Any intellectual student from 12 grade to college should know this book is a definite must read. Hopefully it would touch your life as it did mine.

Its a good thing the movie didn't exactly follow the book because 'Forrest Gump' was even more ridiulous than the film. In the book, he goes out into outer space and is some kind of ... savant who can play a master game of chess and and solve complex equations. Along the way, there is an ape that follows him around. Yes, you read that correctly.
It is funny at times, but the overall story is so silly that I wonder why so many people have fell in love with it. I shouldn't take it too seriously though. I guess its just entertainment.

After watching the movie, I have always wanted to read the book. My conclusion is that the movie is much better and after reading the book, I am more appreciative of the skills of the writers of the film version. In the book, Gump is pretty much amoral. He reacts, on almost all occassions, entirely on an instinctive basis. Yeah, Gump shows his emotions here and there, but at least in the movie he had a clear sense of what right action was. In the book, he doesn't really know right from wrong.
Another difference between the book and the film is that the book is really goofy and nothing can really be taken seriously by the reader. The film, on the other hand, is pretty much a straight drama with elements of comedy. The film is rooted in reality, the book is absurd. It feels like Winston Groom just typed the damn thing.
On its own merits, the book is just not well written. There's too much happening.
So basically, the book is too goofy, too much happening, and poorly written.

This book has very little to do with the movie, it is much better. I loved the movie, so I felt compelled to read the book, and I was surprised! Forest does many different things and and they are all funny!

''Forrest Gump'', the movie, was magical, funny, touching, and great. The novel was a piece of trash. The character in the book was a brute who had a fascination with the s-word. Throw the book in the fireplace. See the movie.

I'm truly amazed that anyone read this book and saw movie potential in it. (The movie's pretty good) The story line is absurd, the narrative is annoying, the main character isn't the least bit believable, and the whole section on him becoming an astronaut - not only unbelievable, but brutally racist in a way that made me almost physically ill.

I kept reading in hopes that was a brief tangent into the absurd, but the book just kept getting worse. Like another reviewer here, I'm a person who generally finishes a book once begun, and now wish I hadn't. I completely wasted 3 hours of my time. Please don't waste yours on this horrid book.

Winston Groom, the author of the book Forrest Gump has a great mind to think up all of the conflicts Forrest encountered throughout his journey. This book contains much adult material but it all makes the story come together in the end. This book made me laugh almost every chapter even though some of it shouldn't have been funny. From the army to going to space Forrest Gump is an amazing man who wasn't that smart, which tells you that you can do anything that you put you mind to.

Maybe I should have read the book prior to seeing the movie but I didn't and let me tell you I was as disappointed reading this book as I've ever been.

Forrest Gump is a hero in the movie that is very fortunate but still has a good soul and deserves the good fortune that always seems to find him. In the book, Forrest's moral compass is all over the place and at times he even seems like a - dare I say - bad guy who doesn't deserve good fortune.

He is a bumbling, babbling idiot in this book and doesn't seem to care one bit about friends, family, etc. He doesn't really even seem to care that much about Jenny who he ends up foresaking for professional wrestling.

My advice would be if you love the movie don't read the book. You aren't missing much.

The screen writers definitely took the best pieces of this book and added stuff that really made the movie a wonderful story that I have seen many times.

I don't want to come off unsophisticated or basic in my understanding of satire, sarcasm, and the like. If liking this book is key to seeming all of those things then color me a moron because I just didn't get it.

This remains the only book I have ever read that is worse than the movie. The adventures were less believable (albeit, his life in the movie is pretty out there too!) and the book, surprisingly, doesn't allow the reader to love Forrest as much as the movie does.

recently I have read Forrest Gump. A story about a giant of a man. Unfortunately he has no brains. I loved this book because even though his own mother didnt even believe him, Forrest pressed on to be an astronaut, chanpoin chess player, war hero, and own a millionare shimping business. All the time he is trying to do what is right. I really liked this book because there are so many twists and turns around every corner. I think that everyone should read Forrest Gump because it will keep you laughing and interested from cover to cover.

Could this book be any worse? To think that Robert Zemeckis fashioned such a wonderful movie out of this dreadful sludge is a true testament to his filmmaking ability. This novel feels like it would never end and it stretches credibility to the upmost (a monkey and a retard in space? a veteran throwing away his medals? ... gimme a friggin' break). Do yourself a favor, don't buy this drivel ... rent the movie instead. Too bad the store doesn't let you choose "zero stars" because that is what this drivel deserves.

I read the book after I saw the movie, still the book outperforms the movie undoubtedly. The book could really take you to somewhere you'd never imagined, through the eyes of Forrest Gump, everything is possible. It was hysterical, cynical, well-written and an ultimate satire of American history, a must-read book that you have to keep in your collections.

If you have seen the movie and are contemplating reading the book, my advice to you is DO IT! While the movie was excellent, the book is truly a masterpiece. For those of you who don't quite buy the niave Forrest of the movie, he is portrayed as less inexperienced in the book. Winston Groom ranks right up there with Vonnegut as a critic of modern life and a great satirist.

This book had to be one of the funniest books that I have ever read. When I picked this book to do a report on I thought to myself that this would be easy. I would just watch the movie and call it good but I was wrong! I'm glad that I went ahead and read the book anyway because I got to experience the true meaning. This book was great. From the football to outerspace this book definately diserves best book award in my world. Trust me. If you read this book you will not regret it!

Dont get me wrong, this is a good book. But the movie was great. Maybe its cause I saw the movie first, but the movie seemed to capture the essence of Forrest Gump with a realistic plot and a few crazy and unbelievable circumstances, while the book was filled with crazy impossible situations that just made me laugh instead of getting to know the charecters.

I would recomend this book to anyone, but hopefully before you see the movie so that you can take a different look at it and learn about Forrest Gump that way instead of letting him take on the persona of Tom Hanks.

My expectations were raised due to the quality of the film that this book inspired, and I was let down. If I had never seen the film, I would have rated the story with another star because it was "OK", but if you are expecting to enjoy the book becasue you love the simple love story and innocence in the film, you will not like the lustful, pot-smoking Forrest Gump who befriends a gorilla for most of this novel.

Forrest Gump is the only example I know of in which the movie is a vast improvement on the book. The movie was funny, touching, coherent...three things the book was not. I can see why Winston Groom was snubbed at the Oscars (he was never thanked when Tom Hanks won), because the screenplay took a piece of tripe and transformed it 100%. He should count himself lucky he sold the rights to this otherwise worthless novel.

It there were a Nobel Peace Prize for comedy then the author of this book would deserve to win it. I'm just adding this review to offset the one star reviewers who clearly just didn't get the humor. I almost soiled my pants laughing. Okay, I did soil my pants.

This book brought such comfort to my life that I carried it in my briefcase for about a year and read passages like people read the bible. Forrest practices self-pursuit in a similar way to John Galt (Atlas Shrugged - Ayn Rand) but without conceit. Forrest lives in the moment, pursuing simple goals without greed, social restraints, or artificial motivations. Where stories of Jesus may have illustrated life by suffering, Forrest illustrates life by living.

Forrest Gump, as movie (and probably as novel) are excellent, dense, powerful works presenting the sometimes very self-critical history of the USA. This is made as an allegory, where a few individual characters attempt to give easily identifiable bodies for millions of Americans.

Forrest Gump, as character, "represents" the American people through history, in its most typical way, e.g. having the opinion of the majority of voters, in an allegory fashion. Jenny represents a significant alternate opinion, shared by an important minority of American people.

To give a very few examples: origins are briefly sketched (behind the name of Forrest we are supposed to think of Amerigo Vespucci, the house of Forrest Gump's mother is an image for the New land receiving immigrants, the young Forrest is initially walking with the help of leg braces - England - than is forced to grow independant); ... much later we see progress develop gradually, with contributions from other countries; Vietnam-war outcome for USA is shown to Pres. Johnson in a crude way, with relatively minor damages; ... at the end AIDS appear, Eastern, communist countries fail (Joe's house destroyed), people is shown to have become shareholder, some computer enterprizes successfully appear (Apple), and future opens (re. child of "all" America, Forrest Gump's and Jenny's child).

In addition, great samples of representative American landscapes and music are provided.

The feather flying at the beginning and at the end of the movie, at the beginning touching Forrest Gump and at the end passing to his son, is obviously meant to represent American spirit.

JDD

I am one of those people who cry everytime Jenny dies in the movie.. but the book on the other hand is nothing of the sort! When my aunt encouraged me to read the book that it was 'lol' funny... I gave it a shot but really didn't believe it could be so. But this isn't the Forrest we have all come to love and know... this is a completely different Forrest.. a funny, awesome Forrest. If your expecting the movie you won't get what you want.. but if your looking for something great that is a great mood-picker-uper get this!

We're all idiots after all!

"Forrest Gump" the movie does this great book no justice. Winston Groom takes us deeply into the idiot mind of our gifted Forrest Gump. He perseveres through unimaginable challenges. Hillarious and profoundly moving. A strong message to all readers; never give up. While the movie is largely all about victimhood.

This idiot recommends d' book!

This book is the novel of the movie, "Forrest Gump". If you love the movie, then you will love this book. The story in this book is completely different from what you have seen in the movie, and you may find it difficult to believe what Mr. Gump have encountered in his life. But eventually, you will believe it. That is a good book.

I got to know Winston Groom when I researched my upcoming book, "The Turning of the Tide", the true story of how the 1970 USC-Alabama football game helped end segregation once and for all. Groom is also the author of a definitive history of 'Bama football, and knew Bear Bryant well.

What I discovered, interviewing Groom, other former Crimson Tide players and coaches (black and white), and in reading "Forrest Gump", is a totally different South than the caricatured portrayal provided by the media and Hollywood. It is to USC Film School grad Robert Zemeckis' credit that he captures this well in the film.

Groom loves his state and his alma mater, which play a big role in the life of Forrest, who runs back kicks for Bear Bryant. I think Southerners like Groom are the ones who tell their stories best. In writing about the 1970 USC-Alabama game, I hope I give it a fair portrayal, since it involves a team from the West and a team from the South. At this point in history, Alabamians deserve that!

STEVEN TRAVERS

[email protected]

Steven Travers is the author of "Barry Bonds: Baseball's Superman" and "The Turning of the Tide", the true story of how the 1970 USC-Alabama football game ended segregation in the South once and for all. It is due out in fall, 2005.

I finally got around to reading this book. I enjoyed the book because it was a parody of life and "far out" in it's reach. The screenplay was great due to the editing. I enjoyed the movie because it was sincere if a bit naive.

This book is very different from the movie and it's very fictional. The movie is very sad and dramatic and stuff, but the book is so hilarious!! Literally laughed my a$$ off in some parts. And unlike the movie, death is not an important part of the book really. If you want a good laugh, go ahead and read it. Short and sweet!

This is a good book. It varies greatly from the movie, but most books do. Forrest Gump, by Winston Groom, is a novel that portrays the different paths chosen, or in some cases not chosen, of the main character Forrest Gump. The narrarator of this novel is Gump himself. He is repeatidly put in situations where he is almost certain to fail, but yet he always succeeds. Gump is repeatidly ridiculed and says he is unable to achieve his goals but always does.

The book is not the movie. It's better. I enjoyed the movie, but I wish that they had made it a more faithful adaptation. The travels and travails of Forrest are much grittier and down to earth (if that is possible in a fantasy such as this). Anyway, give it a read, I believe that you'll enjoy it, too.

As a person who usually enjoys a book much more than the movie, this was the exception to my rule. What a flavorless, racist character Forest was in this book. I had very little empathy for his situations. I was disappointed in the portrayal of his relationship with Jenny. The movie warms your soul. The book makes you ask - they made a movie out of this?????

One of the best books for laughs, it far outshines the movie (which was done very well, as far as that goes) There is so much more in this story than in the movie and you will not be disappointed unless you are one of those kind of people.
Be careful when reading or listening to this book, laughter might cause your bladder to release unexpectedly.
AUDIO is best!

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.

I've read this book at least 6 times. I am fourteen and thought this novel the best I've read. That means I haven't read much but even if I had I still would put this on top. It is much different then the movie for he gets into so much more. Like for example everything ties together in the end. READ THIS BOOK!!!

I read this after the movie and I can't recommend that order to anyone else. The director of the movie knew when to hold back and not be so silly and unbelievable in Forrest's adventures. Still, it was an Ok book.

Like most folks, I have seen the movie but never took the time to read this book. In my opinion, the movie simply does not hold a candle to this book. The character, although highly predictable, has a lovable and uncanny way of falling into history's most significant characters. This made for an enjoyable and ver¥ fast read.

A few months back I watched the movie again and was well underwhelmed by my memory of how magical it was. The book didn't do much to bolster my opinion. The plot is similar even if it differs in many places. Forrest is very much the idiot sevant, but his adventures are mostly different. The book is funny in many places, and several times I laughed out loud. However, it fell short in trying to make me care about the characters or in its attempt at satire.

(...)

Winston Groom's novel differs greatly from the beloved movie it spawned, but is still a wonderful journey. Forrest is less innocent, Jenny more likable, and Lieutenant Dan is split into several characters. There is more outrageous adventure here, less sentimentality. Overall, if you enjoyed the film, you will likely be entertained here, too. If you didn't, this is different enough to give a shot. You won't hear "stupid is as stupid does," "life is like a box of chocolates," or all of the magical shrimp cuisine options, but you'll probably laugh and enjoy yourself anyway!

Very entertaining story. I decided to read the book after watching the movie for like the 40th time. I actually liked this more than the movie. The story was much more entertaining with some of the scenarios that Forest finds himself in.

I think this book was awesome, Winston Groom made naivette look like intelligence and taught people a lot about repect, and life. He showed us how we all have to act like Forrest sometime, we all need to step back from looking at things analytically and look at them naively.

The genius behind the success of Forrest Gump certainly lies within the screen writers of Hollywood and not the author of this book. Hats off to them....that they could take this gibberish and make a GREAT movie from it.

What a waste of time.

If a book is different from its film adaptation, fine, no problem. But a poorly written, completely ill-planned story is another matter. I am not sure if the author was attempting humor or what? What exactly was the purpose of publishing this book?

The movie was great. Not sure how the filmmakers could get the idea for Forrest Gump the movie from this book.

I should have known better than to have expected it to be like the movie. This book was terrible, and seemed to make fun of people who are mentally challenged. To be more exact, it read like a Curious George story but with a human in the place of a monkey. I was barely able to finish reading the story.

I understand many of you loved the movie. However, this listing should have posted reviews of the BOOK!!!! Would someone please post a review of the BOOK to let us know if it's worthwhile, or just like the movie. Thanks.

This is one of the few times I have enjoyed the movie more than the book. I think everyone fell in love w/ Tom Hanks character and he did such a wonderful job (as usual). Even with that vision in my mind as I read the book, Forrest was not as lovable of a character. Being captured by the cannibals and then having the monkey as his companion for the rest of the story was just a bit too much even though I realize the story was fiction. I found myself laughing AT the story. The movie, while a bit of a stretch, was still done in a way that somehow made it believable...made the audience WANT to believe in the magic of the story. I was curious about the book so was still glad I read it but it was kind of disappointing. I think I'll pass on the sequel (Gump & Co.)

Forrest Gump was a complete different character than what we saw in the movie. The book moves way too fast and doesn't let you hold on to every word like the movie. So glad I watched the movie first or I never would have even wanted to watch the preview.

After reading this one afternoon into evening, it was with the anticipation of a story that was more expansive than the movie. It was more. I am for the first time glad I watched the movie years ago or I would have been disappointed. The book has a richer dynamic that I cannot explain. Read it.

The basic elements are there: Forrest, Jenny, Bubba, Dan... Vietnam and Forrest being an "idiot". But if you're looking to read the movie, forget it. This is a completely different plot, like a modern Baron of Munchaussen. I am still wondering why they decided and how they managed to make a fantastic movie from this so-so book. Sure, it has its moments. The last page is probably the best and probably only great moment literally speaking. Ah, and the letter that Lt. Dan sends to Forrest in the middle part of the book, but that's all. I wonder what this book is trying to say. Maybe that life should be lived at its fullest no matter what, and in the ends what matters is how much fun and adventure you had. My greatest disappointment was not finding any reference to the great music that is in the movie.

Worst. Book. Ever. My husband got this book for me for Christmas because I LOVE the movie and I'm a compulsive reader (3-4 books a week). I went into this expecting it to be a bit different from the movie....BOY, was I in for the shock of a lifetime. To say it was merely "different" is the biggest understatement in history. The Forrest in this book is NOTHING like the wise, lovable Forrest of the movie. This Forrest is crude, combative, and a freaking pervert. Sex in books doesn't bother me. I'll read pretty much anything. But, in this book, he's basically a sex freak who's a mathematical and musical genius but has no common sense whatsoever. All the characters you loved in the movie? Mrs. Gump (his mother), Bubba, Jenny, Lt. Dan...? They're fleeting, secondary characters in the book. Mama is a pathetic cry-baby who can't seem to make it on her own. Jenny is just average/normal. Bubba's death in Vietnam was anti-climatic. And Lt. Dan was a philosophical weirdo who can't get his crap together and ends up depending on Forrest to pull him out of the gutter, literally. And where was Bubba's mama???

The plot surpassed ridiculous when Forrest was forced into becoming an astronaut for NASA on a top secret mission, then crash landed into a jungle full of cannibals where he is held in captivity for 4 years. The whole story is so far fetched and unbelievable. It's a whole new side of Forrest that you never want to see.

Who loved the movie Forest Gump? Just about everyone. This is the original book. The book is nothing like the movie. It is 8 discs and it has a different plot and twists. It's well done and the narration just brings everything to life! Delightful and a must have.