Paperback version: The Short Forever
349554
The book starts out in a fascinating manner but two thirds of the way through the book it seems to end up being the same ole, same ole and the ending is in my opinion a let down. Perhaps this is done so that the reader will read the next in this series of tales; if this is what the author is doing with this Stone Barrington series. Having said that you are right in assuming that I have not read anymore of this series of the infamous Stone Barrington, cop turned lawyer. I do not spend a great deal of time reading fiction but happened upon this author by chance and it was an easy read. Please do not misunderstand me I am not criticizing fiction and it is a good way to spend an afternoon, cheaper than a movie at a theater (paid $.50 for the book) I would not buy this book new and spend the money for a new book, it is not that good a read. In all fairness to the author it measure up to a quick, no thought, no stress kind of read that is just entertainment. I gave it a three because I feel the author is poping out books to pop out books and he could have embellished this story much more than he did, 44 books and counting, I guess. I for one will not be jumping on the band wagon and reading them all.
4116238
I read this somewhat as a prelude to "Posession", more as an  introduction to Byatt's style than as an undertaking of itself. I was  pleasantly surprised.
In all I've read spanning the ages from classical  philosophies to post-modernist contemporary fiction, I found this novella  higly satisfying. It is brief, concise, yet wants for nothing in either  style or quality of thematic content. Using controversial impressionist  paintings as a backdrop for finely-crafted fictional shorts is a grand idea  and it has been executed in a true literary artist's fashion here.
I must  strongly suggest this book to almost any reader of literature or fiction.
360885
This 550-page anthology provides the best introduction to modern short fiction writing available to readers.  This is "the textbook" for short story writing.
3525418
i did not buy it yet but i read a couple of chapters and ia really good ... the thing is that i don't know if this is the short version or the one that i want.
2086084
This is a wonderful book and should be available to anyone who wants to read it. However, the paperback version of the book is bulky and the print is too small.  Everyone who loves this book: Please petition the publisher for a Kindle version!
4650957
I almost ordered the much cheaper paperback edition, but so many reviewers said that the print was "microscopic", that I knew I'd have to go with the Centennial Hardcover edition.  I'm so glad I did.  The typeface is only "slightly" small, but it IS acceptable.  I was shocked that NO ONE had mentioned the number of pages in the book.  I couldn't find that little tidbit of information ANYWHERE!  No website, no nothing.  So I submitted it and hope it gets posted.  The Centennial Edition Hardcover is 1168 pages.  I ordered from AZ_fulfillment and got the book within three days.  Great job, guys.  All I can say is that if this were a paperback, then yes, the print would be VERY hard on the eyes.  This IS the edition to buy!  The amazon.com audio edition seems true to this edition, but I do like reading.
1000602
The Paperback is the "Original" version. Highly recommended. An amazing true story.
2375874
These worlds could support longer books for the price asked. But we are being asked to pay the full price we would pay for a regular book for what is a 74 page or shorter short story.
2657641
This book is a throwback in format to penny dreadful sort of bizarre stories and horror. It was essentially a short story in a single bound volume. The story drew from an interesting character in Nikola Tesla which I'd never seen in fiction, and although the story was short, the character development was deeper than I'd expected. The story didn't break new ground on vampire stories, only in the foe who opposes them. I think what I liked most about the book however, was the short format. It was perfect for a flight or a few hours over a car ride. It looks like their are more to come from the author and the publisher in this short format. I'll be watching for them eagerly.
774995
A quick and fun trip down memory lane with Don Rickels.  Chronicles his entire career, which is at 60+ years and counting.  No bombshells or celebrity dirt.

It's also the shortest 256 page book you'll ever read.  There's about 100 chapters, with a blank page in between many of them and half blank pages where the chapters begin and end.  And some pictures.  The legnth makes it over priced at $24.95, makes a more sensible buy at 40% off.
973061
I had seen a copy of this book prior to purchase in an older edition. I liked it very much. It contains a lot of useful information laid out in a very readable fashion; however, I purchased a paperback copy. That was a big mistake! The type in the paperback edition is tiny. Reading this edition is difficult, and a lot of the impact of the creative layout is lost with the small pages. In retrospect, I would seek a larger format than the edition that measures 8.9 x 7.3 x 0.7 inches.
108868
I love the movies and I just purchased the book. I'm just wondering if anyone could send me pictures of what the hardcover pocket edition looks like on the outside and inside?
3850407
It seemed a little short, but it was a really good book!  I'd love to read more of them. I would actually like to re-read this one, but it appears to have been removed/replaced with an excerpt(?) from another book?

Ah well.... guess that would be an argument for the real paperback version... can't get it back like that!  :-)

Thanks for the great read!
4788418
I loved the movie and was surprised to see that the Kindle eBook is BOTH the original short story that inspired the movie and the full shooting movie script with even the stuff edited out of the movie released to the public. A great deal more than I expected!
3335253
Love the writing, A+ story.

I did not understand that the Paperback version was a TRADE paperback version, or what entirely that meant. What it means is that it's taller and wider than the standard paperback, not quite as big as the hardcover, but lacking the support of the hardcover or the holdability of a regular "pocket" paperback. In short: I stopped reading 1/3 of the way through as it kept flopping on my face without being held in a very specific (and painful) way, and will await the release of the normal paperback size to finish reading and add to my collection.
2369005
This story is much longer than the paperback books. Sometimes I hide it at night lol. It's a daytime book. And we read it LOTS!
1086838
Length: 608 pages.

What follows is my critique of a new concept as executed by this matter.

In choosing the format they did, I respect Random House for taking such a gamble.

I realize I am older, some might declare me as a senior citizen but I don't think of myself as such. Well, not unless I try running...

The format selected for the paperback is annoying in at least two ways.

1 - the number of trees used to publish this is enormous. Most pages are set in double space to resemble government reports or transcripts, etc. further, some pages included are to represent confidential data and, hence, are more like illustrations except that there is not even that quality. Then, there are illustrations that are of space as one might view it while in a space ship or whatever. I'm thinking this book could have been consolidated into 240 to 280 pages, had they published in a conventional manner.

2 - More challenging from a reader's viewpoint, many of the pages have artsy impressions akin to that found in stationery in hotel rooms. This interferes with the legibility for the reader. Well, for me, anyway.

Now don't get me wrong. I think the writers have put together a great story with a good plot. Well, a decent plot, anyway. I know that I was intrigued by the description. I just can't read it in its present format.

Having stated the pros and cons of the print format, I do hasten to note there is planned a cd and a Kindle format. Perhaps the Kindle version will omit some of my misgivings regarding legibility. Certainly it will eliminate my concerns for wasting so many trees. Also, it will be easier to fit into a backpack...

I suspect, though, that the cd is going to be a massive success. Certainly, in an audio or video format, this will be eminently successful and will eliminate all my negative impressions. In fact, I intend to by the CD immediately after it is released

Although I have faith that the CD will be great, and although I feel the Kindle version could be much better for me, I have to rate this according to what was presented to me for review.

My honest opinion of the print version is four stars after re-evaluation.