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Summary: still memorable 15 years later
Review: I vividly remember discovering this book, with its illuminated letters, green and red ink, and fascinating plot. Good reading for an introverted kid...
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Summary: This book will always be my favorite...
Review: I absolutely fell in love with this book the first time I read it and I've read it several times since. It is one of the best imaginary childrens books ever written. It really does give you an escape and it involves you in the book as much as it involves Bastian. I've read it to my brothers and sisters a couple of times as well and it is the perfect book to read to children. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a cozy escape to a land full of magic and wonderful things.
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Summary: The Neverending Story: An allegorical masterpiece!
Review: When I asked one of my German friends about their classical literature, she pointed me to "Die unendliche Geschichte" by Michael Ende. First of all, I would recommend anyone fluent in German to read "The Neverending Story" in its original German version. The story revolves around a young boy, Bastian, who feels himself an outcast of the real world. He steals a book -- surprise, surprise -- called "The Neverending Story." What Bastian discovers is a land created through the power of imagination and fantasy. To save Fantasia from destruction by the Nothing, Bastian must enter the world of his own fantasy. The price of creation, however, is high. For each wish grants Fantasia new life and takes from Bastian his memories of reality. Bastian is reluctant to seek a way back home but must travel through Fantasia in search of the Child Empress. Along the way, Bastian must learn to bridge the gap between reality and Fantasia or risk losing all of his memories forever. Only by bridging this gap is Bastian able to make reality and Fantasia fit for human compassion, dreams, and hope. Humanity is indeed defined by man's ability to perceive with idealism and practicality.
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Summary: fantastica - the alternate universe
Review: Bastian is the dreamer drawn into the enchanted world of Fantastica which is built on the dreams of humans. The evil is simply known as the "Nothing" a symbolic metaphor of the emptiness that eats away everything.Replete with human emotions and sensitivity the story is fascinating and immensely original. Atreyu the warrior from the plains,Falkor his luck dragon, Ortex,the child-like empress, the evil ygremal and gmork every character weaves a story of astounding complexity but at the same time retains an almost child -like innocence. The places are a visual treat . The howling Forest,swamps of sadness,Desert of Shattered Hopes,the ivory tower, the southern oracle..... The Never ending story is a powerful book which will leave you no better than a child with a smile on your face and a twinkle in your eye
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Summary: Incredible!!
Review: An imaginitive tale of a young boy who enters the world of the Neverending Story and becomes everything he wants to be and nothing that he ever was. One of my favourite books that should be named a classic. It is not merely fantasy, it is a rather moralistic book that helps us to take a look at ourselves and where we are going in our own Neverending Story. It is wonderful that it is still in print and still beloved by people everywhere. If you have seen only the movie, you have seen nothing, it only covers some of the beginning of the book. It is very hard to put down and one of the best books ever written. Read it to-day!
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Summary: If I could, I'd rate this book one hundred stars!
Review: This is my favorite book. If you liked the movie, you'll love the book. The movie only goes through the first nine chapters of the four hundred and forty five page book. It starts with chapter one (Or A) and goes to chapter twenty six (Or Z). Going through the destruction of Fantastica (pronounced Fantistic-a, not fantasia!) to the end of Bastion's adventures (boy I hope I spelled that right!). A breath taking story about friendship and humility, and how one little fat boy can save an entire world of imagination.
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Summary: Touches your soul deeply
Review: This is one of the books everyone should read once in a life. however I strongly disagree with the 'age: 9-12' thing. Made up as a tale it's full of serious stuff, not likely understood by small children. I'd suggest reading it after 14 years. (Btw my 10 year old daughter asked for this book just yesterday, I told her to wait some years.)For those who have seen the movie I must say it was spoiled in many ways comparing to the book. (Yes, I liked the movie very well, and read the book only years after...)
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Summary: My #1 favorite book! Absolutely spell-binding!
Review: The Neverending Story provides for its main character exactly what it provides for its readers; an escape from reality in order to take a look at their lives. There lives inside the most timid of all human beings a strong and corageous warrior. Every failing student has the right answer. Every bully has a soft spot. Michael Endes fantasy is targeted towards young adult readers, but young and old alike respond to the most incredible story ever told. Bastian Balthazar Bux, the main character, feels his life is not worth living. His mother is dead, his father is disconnected from reality, his fellow students hate him, he's not happy with his appearance and it seems that his only escape is through literature. Only when he is at his lowest point does fate step in to point him in the right direction. He steals a book called the Neverending Story from a back alley book shop for some unexplained reason. All he knows is that he is compelled and meant to read the book. Hiding in the attic of his school, he reads the story as if he is a character himself... until at last he finally is. His life will never be the same again.
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Summary: a true classic
Review: This remains one of the best boks I have ever read. I have never read anything like it - it is simply amazing how you as a reader are actually pulled into the story and experience it at first hand - you are actually a part of the story. The magic is alive, it really changes you as you read. The book has An INCREDIBLE depth to it; if you read betwen the lines it contains some of the deepest spiritual secrets - it has truly mystical dimensions. There are very few books of this calibre. (And, by the way, forget the film!) ALso, do yourself a favour and buy the hardcover. This is printed in two colours, green for the real world and red for when you are in Fantasia. It makes a big difference!
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Summary: Long before Harry Potter...
Review: Okay, Okay I know Harry Potter is all the rage these days. I also read the first Harry Potter book and definitly enjoyed it. However, it is nowhere near the caliber of The Neverending Story. If you are an adult and enjoy children's stories then read this book!We are introduced to a sad and lonely boy named Bastian who escapes from his reality by reading. While running away from some bullies he happens into a book shop, where he steals a book that isn't very ordinary. From there the lines of reality and fanasty start to merge as Bastian can't help feeling that he is somehow part of the story. As a reader I also felt pulled into the story and found myself feeling attached to both Bastian and his better half Atreyu. This book does what a book is suppose to do...it makes you feel as though anything is possible.
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