Shhhh Shhhh Shhhhh Shark!!!!! Not the Finest Book I’ve Read, but Significant to my Career.
Posted: Tuesday, October 11, 2011
by Ken McCreless
RMS1437
Greetings Fellow Travelers …
How are you guys? Wow, do you hit the gym EVERY day?
Books. Anyone who knows me at all knows that I love them. And, even though my all-time favorite book is the one I read every day, the Bible, I have decided to write about a book that broke through a barrier and sent me on my way- Jaws.
Some folks out there may not even realize that the 1975 Steven Spielberg classic was first a novel by Peter Benchley. It was significant to me, holding the title of the “First Book I Ever Read from Cover to Cover in One Sitting.” It was also the first book-into-a-movie, and the first-GOOD-book-into-a-movie. I have since read many others.
When a visionary like Spielberg takes on a book, the outcome is incredible. Others, not so much. AN example; one of the best books I've read is “The Ruins,” by Scott Smith, which was made into a hideous movie. Back to Jaws.
I still remember that day in 1975. It was a beautiful day, clear, cool and inviting for any outdoor activity. Yet, there I was, plastered to a paperback like it was an extension of my face, barely taking bathroom breaks. The words just reached out and grabbed me. The action was great, the characters memorable and unique, and the setting exotic enough to intrigue and small-townish enough to hide the underlying dangers of ignorance.
It wasn’t until years later that I actually saw the movie. It was years after that that I fully realized why so much of the book had to be left out- the quintessential screenplay couldn’t possibly bring the entire book to life. Still, being a writer, there are things I would have done differently with some of the books made into films, but not Jaws.
It was perfect…
How are you guys? Wow, do you hit the gym EVERY day?
Books. Anyone who knows me at all knows that I love them. And, even though my all-time favorite book is the one I read every day, the Bible, I have decided to write about a book that broke through a barrier and sent me on my way- Jaws.
When a visionary like Spielberg takes on a book, the outcome is incredible. Others, not so much. AN example; one of the best books I've read is “The Ruins,” by Scott Smith, which was made into a hideous movie. Back to Jaws.
I still remember that day in 1975. It was a beautiful day, clear, cool and inviting for any outdoor activity. Yet, there I was, plastered to a paperback like it was an extension of my face, barely taking bathroom breaks. The words just reached out and grabbed me. The action was great, the characters memorable and unique, and the setting exotic enough to intrigue and small-townish enough to hide the underlying dangers of ignorance.
It wasn’t until years later that I actually saw the movie. It was years after that that I fully realized why so much of the book had to be left out- the quintessential screenplay couldn’t possibly bring the entire book to life. Still, being a writer, there are things I would have done differently with some of the books made into films, but not Jaws.
It was perfect…
Ken McCreless is just a guy who loves to write, and was born to do so. He is a freelance writer with several projects ongoing, including books and magazines. A huge fan of both irony and history, Ken has dedicated his life and his writing to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
This Article has been viewed 552 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)Great article, Ken. Jaws -- a frightening classic. I saw it with my brother in 1975 and, to this day, he will not go back in the ocean!
I did Stephen King's Misery in one sitting but the movie couldn't equal the book. King's description of the mental and physical torture the nurse inflicted on her 'patient' just couldn't be captured in film.
Thanks for a great topic. (You know, you do come up some real 'goodies' in that department.)I agree about "Misery." The same is true for "Christine," although I really enjoyed the film."The Stand" wasn't too bad, film-wise.
You got me blushing here! Thank you so much!!
I can think of another great book filled with great stories, a few that I could see turned into a great movie :-)Is the author anybody I know?
Thanks, Sis. I could not have done it without you.
Yep, read it. It's conducive to a straight through read, as are most of Benchley's"Jaws" is the only Benchley I read, and that was because my sisters boyfriend left it at the house- at least I think that's where it came from!!
I remember the music but don't think I ever saw the movie, only trailers??Wow, you really missed out. It would certainly be worth renting.Well.... we don't have a DVD player or TV....
Did not read the book, loved the movie--singing part on the boat was great--the crazy captain, the water fearing chief and the rich shark expert all made for a great movie--oh yeah, the shark, he was cool too..
Who could forget "farewell and adieu!" And of course, a classic I still use today- "We're gonna need a bigger boat!"
Great, great story!!
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.