The Neverending Story

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Summary: Classic "fantastical" tale
Review: I first read this book as a teenager, and it should be required reading for anyone with an imagination. I was so glad to see an edition with the original two-color text incorporated. I'd contemplated buying the book for a long time, but could never find a copy with the red and green text. I'm very pleased to add it to my collection now.

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Summary: Once Upon a Time...
Review: Micheal Ende wrote a fantastic book. (Taking place in the land of "Fantastica" no less.) It's no wonder this book was made into THREE (poorly done) movies. It's not only great for children, but I reread recently, and it's still great. The story is richly told, with plenty of detail for the imaginative and the "believers" in miracles. Great book!

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Summary: Absolutely astounding; it will win you over
Review: I'm actually the '17-year old gamer', but I love to read books, too. This book made a huge impact on me. I honestly believe it changed me completely...in a good way, of course. Never before have I read a book so detailed, engrossing, and wonderful. It's way better than the movies. The movies are good, but not as good as the book. As soon as I picked up this book, I was hooked. Really, I couldn't put it down for a second. It's a great and imaginative story about a friendless boy who escapes into a fantasy world via an old book. Michael Ende is one of the best writers ever. He conveys his messages well, and writes even better. This book is wonderful, and I think you'd enjoy it very much.

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Summary: This is a WONDERFUL BOOK!!!
Review: I just finished this book, and the end of it gave me chills up and down my spine! The plot is everything I look for in a story, and I recommmend it for people of all ages. Although I just finished it 5 minutes ago, I am inclined to pick it up and start reading it all over again! The author uses such detail on things that I can picture them perfectly in my mind. I hope you get the chance to read this book.

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Summary: Wonerfull!!
Review: i have absolutely never been as devoted to a book, than I was when reading "The Neverending Story" I warmly reccomment it to anyone interrested in good stories. ENJOY!!

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Summary: The Neverending Story - I Love It!!
Review: The Neverending Story by Michael Ende is a wonderful book. The fantastic images and elaborate detail portrays real life in a very surreal manner. The book has many levels of meaning, and is a pleasure to read. The determination of Atreyu, the main character and hero, is inspiring and entertaining. Though the events are usually unrealistic, they are symbolic of the obstacles we face in our everyday lives. I recommend anyone needing a break from reality to read this book; it is a fun way to reflect on your life.

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Summary: I'm reading it again!
Review: This was the first every fantasy book I read and I loved it. Much more than i did the movies. It allows the readers' imagination to build their own Fantasia ( that's what the neverending story is all about anyway)and places them in the shoes of Bastian. I didn't watch the movie until I was 14 and I only read the book three years later. I bet the original (German) version of it would be much nicer (but i can't read German). I'm reading it again, definitely. I just got myself a copy ( after searching high and low for it ) eventhough the book cost a bomb.

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Summary: MIXED FEELINGS
Review: Let me start by first saying this: The book is a lot different from the movie. As a matter of fact, the book covers BOTH movies, although it covers the first one almost exactly. In some ways I liked the movies better, and in some ways I liked the book better. If the best of both were to be combined, this book would have been really great. The first 200 pages of this book tells how Atreyu goes on his quest, how Bastian enters Fantastica. That part was really well written and moved quickly. But from page 200 or so to around page 300, the storyline seemed to get a little bit weak. Bastain is just romping around Fantastica without really knowing what he's doing or where he's going. If he wants to go to real world, why doesn't he just wish himself there? But then from page 300 or so to the end, the storyline picks up again--for the most part. The ending explains a lot of things that I've been wondering about earlier, but it doesn't explain everything. At least not in cut-and-dry language. Ende beats around the bush a little bit. What is the Neverending story? I think it's any story you read or something like that, but I'm not sure. Young children will probably love this book. Personally, my favorites are Robert Jordan and Robert E. Howard since I'm not a kid any more--I'm 20. Bastian is a really interesting character. At first you like him, then you hate his guts because he's so goody-two-shoesy, then you REALLY hate him because he becomes quite a brat. One final point, take note that there are 26 chapters and that each chapter starts with the next letter of the alphabet. Overall this was a good book, but mostly for younger people. Older people can still enjoy it, but don't expect bloody battles, hot romance, or anything like that.

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Summary: one of the best books I ever read as a child
Review: I read this book when I was about 10 years old ( In the german version) Now, being 32 I just ordered it for my Goddaughter. Just reading the other reviews made old memories come back to me: Nights spent with the flashlight under the blanket, being up way past bedtime and not being able to stop reading... I would say that besides Tolkiens "Lord of the Rings" this book was one of my favorites fantasie books when I grew up. I would definetely reccomend it to anyone.

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Summary: Do What You Wish
Review: If you're like me, you've seen the movie The Neverending Story long ago and loved it, but never bothered with the sequels. Maybe you didn't realize that the movie was based off Michael Ende's novel by the same name, first published in Germany in 1979. The English version hit the United States at the same time as the movie in 1983, the movie overshadowing the book. I choose to read it on a friend's recommendation. So, for a week I was carrying it around with me and while reading at my local café, was approached by two strangers who both asked me the same question: "So, what DID Bastian name the Childlike Empress anyway?" I smugly told them to go read the book. The movie only portrays a portion of the story, there's so much more adventure to be had in the land Fantastica (or Fantasia, or Fantasiana depending on the translation). The Neverending Story is a book within a book that contains another world, Fantastica. It is the story of a great quest. The Childlike Empress is dying and the mysterious "Nothing" is rapidly invading Fantastica. Soon there will be nothing left. Atreyu, a young hunter from the Grassy Ocean is chosen to find the savior of Fantastica, the only person who can heal the Empress. With the help of his luck dragon, Falkor, Atreyu discovers that only a child from the Outer World can save Fantasia. Atreyu also learns from the werewolf Gmork the evil significance of the "Nothing." Bastian Balthazar Bux is a timid boy who has a passion for stories. He steals the Neverending Story and soon learns that this book is special. Hiding out in the cold attic of his school while he reads, Bastian feels a special connection to Atreyu, who endures many hardships on his quest. As he reads on, Bastian is amazed and terrified to discover that he is only person who can save Fantastica from perishing. Once in Fantastica, Bastian is transformed into a handsome prince who's every wish comes true and only Atreyu can save Bastian from forgetting himself forever. The Neverending Story is a perfect bedtime story book for reading out loud to kids. The chapters are short and distinct. Adults too will enjoy the story and although the characterization is shallow, the book is rife with symbolism and vivid accounts of the incomparable uniqueness of Fantastica and its inhabitants. It's a satisfying feast for the imagination. The book themes explore the importance of imagination in our lives as a tool of self-discovery, but also cautions against losing yourself in fantasy.