Rating: 
Summary: Mister, I Was Made for It
Review: The excellent movie with Tyrone Power isn't currently available -- too bad. It was written by the greatest Hollywood writer, Jules Furthman, who trimmed away some of Gresham's more baroque touches and flatulent moralizing (and gave it a great last line, until Darryl Zanuck softened the ending). As for the book itself, it's a blistering portrait of hubris and its consequences, and some of the writing (the early description of the geek at work) is as tough and uncompromising as any American writing ever. An unforgettable experience.
Rating:
Summary: The End of Faith
Review: This is an amazing little book, written in the saucy vernacular of the time. If for no other reason "Nightmare Alley" is famous for introducing the term "geek" to American culture.Having been raised a backwoods fundamentalist, this book struck close to home with sophisticated cons consisting of pregnant promises, and hope deferred. I credit the book with providing one of the last nails in the coffin of my faith. Ah, the freedom and relief! If you liked this book, you might also like "Don't Call Me Brother : A Ringmaster's Escape from the Pentecostal Church," by Austin Miles. Miles' (named after the man who wrote 'I Come to the Garden Alone') story is similar but true. The contradiction in Nightmare Alley, and all other cons, is that to execute a successful con you have to believe your own story to at least a minimal degree, and once you do that you'll fall for anything.
Rating:
Summary: A slice of American carnival life in the thirties
Review: This is the book upon which the 1937 film of the same name, starring Tyrone Power, was based. It is a slice of American carnival life in the late 1930's. Anyone who enjoyed the movie "Freaks" will enjoy this book. The lingo of the era is fascinating. It also delves into the show business aspect of mentalists. Brilliant
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