Rating: 
Summary: Read the book, see the movie...
Review: Actually, I would give this three and a half stars because I found the writing a little stilted...but the story is really good. The movie, though set in the present day (the book is early sixties-ish) keeps the atmoshphere of the book, and Kevin Bacon is awesome!
Rating: 
Summary: A PLEA FROM THE GRAVE WILL NOT BE DENIED...
Review: Although not one of Matheson's best efforts, it nevertheless makes for a page turning, good read. Written nearly half a century ago, the book still has a contemporary feel to it. There are just a few issues which remind one how long ago it was written. Its central themes, however, are as fresh today, as when the book was first published.The main character in the book is Tom Wallace, a working stiff with a house and family, who goes to a local gathering of friends and family. There he allows himself to be hypnotized by a relative who is an amateur hypnotist. A doubting Thomas, he agrees to undergo hypnosis in the belief that he would not be susceptible to it. Much to his chagrin and the amusement of others, he is, indeed, put under. Shortly after coming out of his trance, he finds that life, as he knew it, had irrevocably changed. What he had thought was a cheap parlor trick, turned out to be the catalyst that changed his immediate reality. His existence began to be punctuated by visions, telepathic intrusions, psychic impressions, and other paranormal experiences. The effect that this has on him, his life, and those whom he loves is what gives the book its substance. It is this altered reality, however, that makes his new life more meaningful than the one he had been leading prior to his being hypnotized. The book barrels on to a climactic ending, as events from the past intrude on the present, demanding a resolution. The realization that things or people are not always what they seem are brought home here with great impact. Do yourself a favor, read the book and skip the movie. They bear little resemblance to one another.
Rating: 
Summary: How do we say.. Amazing?
Review: Awesome Awesome Awesome! Richard Matheson has got to be one of the coolest writers of all time! This book is in one word. Amazing! I like stories like these, suspense, no horror please. Kmart isn't famous for providing best sellers but I loved it!
Rating:
Summary: Read it from start to finish in 3 hours!
Review: Couldn't put it down! This book has a timeless appeal. I didn't notice it was originally published in 1958 until I read Stephen King's quote regarding the importance of Matheson's influence from the inside cover. (Which set me to wondering, "When was this written, anyway?") As amazing as the subject matter was, I was able suspend my disbelief deliciously as I slid into the world of "What if?" What if a man suddenly had the ability to know what his wife, child, co-workers, neighbors thought? And what if he started seeing ghosts? I was WITH Tom, as every page turned! I give it five-stars, and my loyalty to its author.
Rating:
Summary: OH Matheson, you've done it again!
Review: Echoes of the past are brought through the main character, Tom Wallace, after his brother-in-law places him under hypnosis at a party neighbor's party. The hypnotic event surfaces the gift that Tom didn't realize he had. Now his life has changed. Things happen to him that could have been a little more skin crawling. All of the premonitions, mind reading, visions, and dreams Tom has will lead to the inevitable conclusion. This was not Matheson's best, but I enjoyed it. I hope that you have 2-4 hours...I couldn't put it down and neither will you.
Rating:
Summary: Tension filled book
Review: Great book. A quick read with a good "what if" situation. The characters could have been more developed, but that's a small flaw.
Rating: 
Summary: A Stir of Echoes.... a waste of time
Review: I found this book to be a complete letdown after reading some of the rave reviews on it. There was very little suspense in it and at times the author brushed lightly over any paranormal phenomena. I was left wondering what the main character Tom Holland had actually seen in some of his "dreams". The book seemed to go off in no real direction leaving me totally confused. If you are after a suspense story then i wouldn't waste your time reding this book. I can only hope the movie isn't as big a flop as i found this book to be.
Rating:
Summary: A great, thrilling, intriguing story-line and movie.
Review: I love the way Kevin Bacon plays the role of Tom; He somehow seems perfect for this part. The story interested me to the point where I'm ready to buy the book, posters of the movie, subscribe to all kinds of magazines on hypnosis, etc. I'm definitely going to buy the book.
Rating:
Summary: disappointing
Review: I read this book hoping it would be scary, but it wasn't at all! There were no chilling moments and the ending was somewhat of a letdown, although unexpected. Despite this, I didn't feel reading the book was too much of a waste of time. It was okay but not great.
Rating:
Summary: A psychic murder mystery with a twist...
Review: If you've seen the movie, forget it. While a good movie, "A Stir of Echoes" by Richard Matheson resembles it only tangentally. Character names are the same, but that's about it. In the book, the protagonist Tom is a white collar businessman, and the story itself unfolds completely differently: who is murdered, why, and by whom is different from the movie version of this book.
I had read the book first, and let me tell you, it's a remarkable read. The psychic abilities of the protagonist are written in a new and fresh perspective. As Tom navigates the mystery of the ghostly figure that is appearing and, apparently, begging him to solve her murder, the story that unfolds is challenging, thrilling, and certainly a fresh take on psychic mysteries.
If you liked "The Dead Zone," by Stephen King, or you've read Beth Amos' "Second Sight," you're in for a great ride with this book. Snap it up, and prepare stay awake at night...
'Nathan
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