My husband and I were watching the movie version of Something Wicked This Way Comes last night and I had a revelation: Ray Bradbury has had massive influence in my life, more than I've ever realised! I first read a Ray Bradbury story in 5th grade and I have to admit it scarred me forever (it was All Summer In A Day). I remember very distinctly throwing my book down and bursting into tears. It was the first time literature had moved me to crying. 25 years and dozens of tales later, I almost feel like Ray Bradbury is my own Uncle Einar - a spooky yet benevolent force in my life, also a very comforting one. No other single writer's work has ever touched me the way Mr. Bradbury's has. His work is utterly unique, and I treasure it. I don't know if you read these message boards, Mr. Bradbury, but if you do, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your wonderful stories!

dust*witch,

Welcome Aboard,

It's amazing to realize "The Bradbury Effect".

And then to find there are others similarily affected.

I've thought of him almost everyday for the last 25 years. Next to my mom he's probably the biggest influence in my life.

"The Bradbury Effect"--What a cool concept, grasstains, and oh so true for almost everbody on this board. I like the sound of it!

As much as I'd like to take credit for it, I can't. "The Bradbury Effect" was a really neat thread we had going a year or so ago.

Bradbury had the same effect on me. I read F451 in 9th grade and it blew me away. It literally changed my life. His influence on me is felt every single day. I'm a different person becuase of his influence in my life.

Sometimes I wonder what I'd be like if I had done a book report on THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE instead of SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES.

A pacifist?

I started my 7th grade book report on THE RED BADGE, but couldn't take it anymore after about halfway thru so I had to find something else in a hurry. I just stumbled upon SOMETHING WICKED.

Good stumble, huh?

Thanks for your post, dust*witch. I found the movie to be much better than is generally thought by the so-called critics. "Wicked" and "Dandelion Wine" were both highly influential for me. (it helps if one's middle name is Doug).