Rating: 
Summary: Storyteller's Tale...
Review: Although it doesn't feel like a "novel", it most certainly is story of "mythic proportions." If you enjoy reading for a pure "storytelling" aspect (similar to fables, tall tales, etc.), then this is certainly the book. It's a quick read which seems like, above all, an Ode to Fathers. I really enjoyed the development of certain jokes (all of which were very PG and had a GREAT "granfather-like" feel to them). A very nice tale all together.Say, did you hear the one about... : )
Rating:
Summary: A fool and a hero to his son's eyes
Review: The world is full of mother and daughter books, such as 'The Joy Luck Club', 'Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood' to name a few, it was high time we had found a good book about fathers and sons. And here it is. Daniel Wallace's 'Big Fish' does not disappoint when it comes to explore this universe. It is not a novel, but a episodic book, nevertheless, it must be read in the order, because they chronologically tell the story of Edward Bloom, through the eyes of his son, William Bloom. Edward is dying and in order to reconstitute his life, his son starts telling his (Edward's) stories --somehow, he believes that telling this father's adventures is a form of keep him alive. Like his father advises to him once: 'Remembering a man's stories makes him immortal'. Of course, that to William's eyes his father is a hero, more than that sort of a mythological figure-- hence the subtitle of the book 'A Novel of Mythic Proportions'. From time to time, a chapter called 'My father's death' pops up, and this is the bitter side of this bittersweet book. While most of Edward's stories are sort of expanded jokes, these chapters are much more serious --even being funny when Edward shows up-- and sad, because that's when William has to come to terms with that his father is dying. When commenting a hard fishing, William states 'Only a fool or a hero would try to catch a fish that size, and my father, well -- I guess he was a little of both'. The love that William has to his father is touching. More a dreamer, like a Don Quixote, it is hard to tell how Edward really was, because his stories a very fantastic --he fights against giants, meets fantastic creatures etc. As a book of episodes, it is undeniable that they don't share the same level, some are much better and more developed that the others. It seems that Wallace put a lot of effort in some particular chapters --which ended up being very good, by the way -- and working in others segments in a hurry. It is clear that 'The Day He Left Ashland' and 'In Which he Buys the Town, and More' were much more crafted than the rest of the book. It is not a majot flaw, because the writer's style is light and he keeps it most of the book, but when comparing these two particular chapters to the rest of 'Big Fish', one notes the difference and wonders why it happened. As a whole, the book is fairly good, whit funny and sad moments, that will certainly touch many hearts. Nevertheless I wonder about its gender appeal. I'm not sure women will enjoy 'Big Fish' as much as man. Of course, the girls can like it, but maybe not for the same reasons boys do.
Rating:
Summary: Great Story
Review: This is a fantastic, sad story about the mythicaL giant a boy's mind can make of his father, regardless of the shortcomings and inattention of that father. I see SONY is making a movie of this story. I'm glad if for no other reason than to make Daniel Wallace lots of money. Read this book and then go on to read his other books. "Big Fish" is not hhis best. See if you agree.
Rating: 
Summary: Read the book before you see the film
Review: My first review of this book said to read it before you see the film. That is because that is how I always feel about books in general because I am more of a reader than a film addict....although I passionately love both. When I saw this film, it made me wish that I had not been expecting all the quirky images that were in the story. Sometimes things are better left to the eye rather than the page. And seeing as Tim Burton did the story telling, you know you are in excellant hands. So I retract my statement about reading this book before you see the film. I was PAINFULLY wrong. See the film, be enchanted and then read the book to really get the rhythm and backround of the characters. I stand corrected and I am sorry. Whoops.
Rating:
Summary: A quick-moving, provocative page-turner.
Review: I didn't necessarily personally identify with the father-son relationship in this novel, but that didn't detract from how great a story I think it is. Wallace writes with wit and intelligence that is very convincing. The novel is truly "a novel of mythical proportions" because it ranks alongside many male American myths such as Horatio Alger books, Catcher in the Rye, Huck Finn, and Peace Like a River in my opinion. There is much to think about in these pages and the characters are lovable as well as the story itself. Finally, for those who don't have a lot of time for reading, this book is perfect. I read it in a day, mostly on the airplane. It's short, but very effective, encompassing many dear ideals of America. I recommend this book to everyone.
Rating: 
Summary: fasinating
Review: it is full of surprises and is very interesting and unique
Rating:
Summary: fasinating
Review: it is a good book full of surprises and is very interesting and unique
Rating:
Summary: A Brilliant Southern Pen
Review: I had the pleasure to meet Daniel a few years ago during my own book tour. At that time I received a copy of Big Fish as well as a few other authors' books. Only recently I picked up Big Fish to read and wished that I had done so much sooner. His writing is fresh (no pun intended) quirky, and possessed of emotional subtleties that can only be described as brilliance. His chapter on leaving Ashland and his metaphor of 'dog' was nothing short of genius. I savored this book like a box of fine southern chocolates, sampling them slowly lest I run out before I was ready to be done. Bravo, Daniel.
Rating:
Summary: clever is the word
Review: Daniel Wallace invented a new, very clever technique for telling his story of father-son relationships. I can't think of any first novel that I have enjoyed more. It is gloriously funny and touching at the same time. I couldn't believe the fitting ending -- what a surprise! Definitely do not flip to the last chapter first, you'll spoil the big ending. Wallace joins other great authors from Alabama. I can't wait for something new from him. Watch for the movie, too, It is being filmed in Wetumpka, Alabama by Tim Burton, a fitting film for Burton to make, I think.
Rating:
Summary: A bundle of humor and a pinch of tears
Review: Not for a long time has a book made me well-up and laugh outloud within the same chapter. Big Fish is a fantastic quick read that is sure to leave even the most sucessful 'end guesser' breathless and chuckling. What makes this book the best though is the way that it pulls you in with amazing tales that include qualities of could-be-truth with tall-tales and little bits of an ever expanding story of a son's love for a practically unknown father. The ending is a special ending that doesn't leave you empty, nor wanting more, but rather quiet and content in the resolve of this special relationship.
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