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Summary: One of the funniest, smartest, most touching books I've read
Review: I discovered this book in my college bookstore after it came out in paperback and I must have read it a dozen times since. It's definitely one of those books that get funnier and more impressive with each read. Interestingly, I work in Hollywood and had the good fortune to have breakfast with the brilliant author of this book, Jeremy Leven, who has since left the world of literature to make his fortune in the world of Hollywood. He wrote and directed the Johnny Depp film, "Don Juan DeMarco", and did some early work on "The Preacher's Wife". At this breakfast, Jeremy told me that he had an idea for a follow-up to "Satan", which he called, "The Christ and the Electric Singing Machine". Apparently, he planned a trilogy -- "Creator", his first book (and also bloody brilliant -- turned into a 1984 film with Peter O'Toole), was the first book in the trilogy, followed by "Satan" (in fact, the hero of "Creator" is pretty much the same character in "Satan"). Alas, with Jeremy making a fortune in Hollywood, I doubt very seriously we'll ever see the long anticipated third installment in this trilogy. Oh well. Guess I'll just have to read "Satan" again.
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Summary: Indescribable.
Review: I don't know where to begin describing Leven's creation. I have to admit the title caught my eye and drew me in. From page one I was hooked. Slightly disturbing, "Hell-aciously" funny, this tongue-in-cheek analysis of ole' Scratch himself by poor Sy Kassler will leave you with a slightly different view of life in general than you had before.
Addictive at the very least, brillant at the very most, the only negative about this book is its convuluted plot while traveling through the strange realm of the human psyche. But I loved it and couldn't put it down. It's worth sticking with 'til the very end -- if you can get a copy of it.
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Summary: simply awesome!
Review: I just read this book for my first time, and plan on reading it many more times to eventually get the full grasp on it. Just about any and every philisophical question is taken on, and all while being quite humorous...a great read for anybody!
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Summary: One of my all time favorites
Review: I just want to throw my voice into the chorus of enthusiasm surrounding this book, one of my favorites. If only Mr. Leven would abandon Hollywood (and his other endeavors) and return to writing fiction. And, of course, if they'd just reprint this gem. Until then, keep your eyes peeled at those garage sales.
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Summary: The 20th century's "Letters from the Earth"
Review: I read this book ten years ago as a college freshman and I found it a deeply moving, and somewhat cautionary tale. Leven's use of the Devil to critique Judeo Christian morality and culture is not new. Anyone who's read Sam Clemen's "Letters from the Earth" or William Blake's "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell" will recognize familiar themes. What makes this book stand out is it's conveyance of those themes in a more accesible modern voice and it's invoking of psychotherapeutic principals in the telling. The emphasis on hope (true evil in the book being revealed as hopelesness) in the face of arbitrary, impersonal hardship illustrates a cornerstone of psychological maturity and mental health. Levin is a worthy successor to the tradition of Clemens and Blake, but he won't likely make it into the Norton Antholgies. The plot is a little too convoluted and, as other reviewers have noted, there is not one sympathetic female character anywhere in the book. At the time I read this book, it was life changing. Years latter, it's less so, but still worth reading. Very cool that it's been published again.
Rating:
Summary: The 20th century's "Letters from the Earth"
Review: I read this book ten years ago as a college freshman and I found it a deeply moving, and somewhat cautionary tale. Leven's use of the Devil to critique Judeo Christian morality and culture is not new. Anyone who's read Sam Clemen's "Letters from the Earth" or William Blake's "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell" will recognize familiar themes. What makes this book stand out is it's conveyance of those themes in a more accesible modern voice and it's invoking of psychotherapeutic principals in the telling. The emphasis on hope (true evil in the book being revealed as hopelesness) in the face of arbitrary, impersonal hardship illustrates a cornerstone of psychological maturity and mental health. Levin is a worthy successor to the tradition of Clemens and Blake, but he won't likely make it into the Norton Antholgies. The plot is a little too convoluted and, as other reviewers have noted, there is not one sympathetic female character anywhere in the book. At the time I read this book, it was life changing. Years latter, it's less so, but still worth reading. Very cool that it's been published again.
Rating:
Summary: Why Isn't This Back In Print???
Review: I stupidly put my copy in an over-enthusiastic yard sale 10 years ago, and now wish I hadn't. This exciting and original book (and, yes, funny!!) is about as strange a story as I've ever read. Sort of a twist on "2001," the computer in this sci-fi/humor/fantasy/thriller goes a step farther than HAL! Terrific book, hope I can find it again...
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Summary: *sob*
Review: I think enough has been said about the virtues of this book, instead, I ask you to share my pain at discovering that this book is out of print. I foolishly loaned my copy to a friend who moved Zurick, and he seems to have lost it in the move. Thinking I would have little trouble replacing it, I didn't let it bother me until I discovered that the book was not easy to replace. Two years later I stand before you a broken and bitter man. My God, my god, why have you foresaken me?!
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Summary: Some Books You Just Never Forget...
Review: I was an 8th grader in a Catholic school when I found a copy of this lying on a teacher's desk, no doubt confiscated so as to protect some young, impressionable mind... Well, Satan called to me, apparently, and I was compelled to help myself to the book before the teacher returned to the classroom. I started reading it at lunch, and by the time school let out, I was hooked! Even at my young age, I recognized that this was one of the best stories I'd ever read. A great appreciator of sarcasm and dry wit, I often found myself sympathizing more with Satan than that "Poor Schmuck," Jeffrey. (If I were his wife, I would have left him, too!) I must have read it about 10 times. Unfortunately, my dad decided to save me from myself, and the book perished in the fireplace at his hands. Now, at the semi-seasoned age of 26, I want desperately to read it again. I've tried for years to find another copy, to no avail. If anyone can steer me in the right direction (I realize it's out of print, but would gladly accept a used donation!), I'd be immensely grateful!
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Summary: Sorely missed...
Review: I, too, lent this book to dear friends who promptly left the country. I've seen neither them nor the book in over seventeen years. I can't decide which--the book or the friends--left a bigger impression on me. I suppose the book is a bit "guy-centric" who whatever term the reviewer below uses, but I seem to remember a few women I knew who loved it. Losing this book is one of my few regrets in life.
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