Most people only know of the movie based on this book and its sequel. There is no way that I was going to spend $250+ to buy a used copy of this book, so I decided to try to get an inter-system loan of the book from my local library. Last week, the book came in to the library, and I picked it up.
Unlike most books withdrawn from the local library, inter-system loans are not renewable. Inter-system loans MUST be returned to the library from which they were borrowed. A $2.00/day late charge is charged for any book not returned on time. So I made it my highest priority to read this book as soon as I got it, and did just that. I might just reread it before I return it, as I doubt that I will ever have a hard copy of this book in my hands again.
The movie follows the basic theme of the book without the setup for a possible sequel. However, the book is much darker, as Eddie is known to be dead, and vultures are circling to find Eddie's lost recordings. Unlike the movie, the "Wordman" character is always front and center throughout the book, save for when people are relating their stories about Eddie. All of the important descriptions of Eddie and his band have been carried from the book to the film.
Luckily, I saw the movie before reading the book. If I had read the book first, I'd have been disappointed in how the story was adapted to allow for a sequel. But, having seen the movie, I can appreciate the book even more, as I separate out all the chaff from the story in my mind as I read the book. If you get a chance to read this book - do so. It is worth the time and effort.
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