JULY 2012 - AudioFile
Weller’s lengthy introduction to these 26 stories fully justifies the tribute being made to the late Ray Bradbury and the diverse reach of his work. Narrators match the tone and atmosphere of each story, with writers including rare bits of insight about the craft and art of storytelling. Contributing authors include John McNally, Margaret Atwood, Charles Yu, and Audry Niffenegger, to name a few, and narrators include F. Murray Abraham, Robert Petkoff, and Neil Gaiman. Gaiman wrote and delivers “The Man Who Forgot Ray Bradbury,” giving a cool, relaxed performance in a low, confiding voice. George Takei gives an outstanding and loud performance of Atwood’s “Headlife.” “A Second Homecoming,” written by Bradbury, is read by his friend Abraham, who mines its meaning, irony, and wit. “The Phone Call,” by John McNally, is read by Petkoff with empathy as its protagonist talks to his dead mother and his younger self over their old rotary telephone. This production features an array of measured yet expressive readings. S.C.A. 2013 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine
Publishers Weekly
Ray Bradbury’s recent death renders this loving tribute anthology—a “homecoming” of “fantastic brethren from all over the world,” as Bradbury writes in the introduction—all the more poignant. The nameless narrator of Neil Gaiman’s “The Man Who Forgot Ray Bradbury” has forgotten Bradbury’s name, but not his stories. The heroine of Alice Hoffman’s “Conjure” has her destiny and her closest friendship changed by Something Wicked This Way Comes. Bonnie Jo Campbell tells the origin story of an illustrated man in “The Tattoo,” and Bayo Ojikutu’s “Reservation” describes a dystopia that is a near cousin to that of Fahrenheit 451. Some of the best stories pay tribute in their evocation of Bradburyian themes: the vast possibilities and indescribable melancholy of childhood in Joe Hill’s “By the Silver Water of Lake Champlain,” the profundity of loss in John McNally’s “The Phone Call,” and the renewing power of storytelling in Robert McCammon’s “Children of the Bedtime Machine.” Bradbury biographer Weller and horror doyen Castle have produced a fine remembrance of a great writer, a deeply moving testament to his enduring appeal. (July)
From the Publisher
Ray Bradbury is without a doubt, one of this, or any century’s greatest and most imaginative writers. SHADOW SHOW, a book of truly great stories, is the perfect tribute to America’s master storyteller.” — Stan Lee, legendary comic book writer and former president and chairman of Marvel Comics
“Great new tales of imagination in the Bradbury tradition.” — Hugh Hefner, publisher and founder of Playboy Enterprises
“SHADOW SHOW is a treasure-trove for Ray Bradbury enthusiasts as for all readers who are drawn to richly imaginative, deftly plotted, startlingly original and unsettling short fiction.” — —Joyce Carol Oates, New York Times bestselling author
“This anthology reflects the high imagination, visionary ideas, and fantastic writing that Ray is loved and known for around the world.” — Former public school teacher, librarian, and First Lady Laura Bush
“Editorial interest and experience converge here to produce an exciting book.” — Booklist (starred review)
Former public school teacher
This anthology reflects the high imagination, visionary ideas, and fantastic writing that Ray is loved and known for around the world.
Joyce Carol Oates
SHADOW SHOW is a treasure-trove for Ray Bradbury enthusiasts as for all readers who are drawn to richly imaginative, deftly plotted, startlingly original and unsettling short fiction.
Booklist (starred review)
Editorial interest and experience converge here to produce an exciting book.
Stan Lee
Ray Bradbury is without a doubt, one of this, or any century’s greatest and most imaginative writers. SHADOW SHOW, a book of truly great stories, is the perfect tribute to America’s master storyteller.
Hugh Hefner
Great new tales of imagination in the Bradbury tradition.
Booklist
"Editorial interest and experience converge here to produce an exciting book."
JULY 2012 - AudioFile
Weller’s lengthy introduction to these 26 stories fully justifies the tribute being made to the late Ray Bradbury and the diverse reach of his work. Narrators match the tone and atmosphere of each story, with writers including rare bits of insight about the craft and art of storytelling. Contributing authors include John McNally, Margaret Atwood, Charles Yu, and Audry Niffenegger, to name a few, and narrators include F. Murray Abraham, Robert Petkoff, and Neil Gaiman. Gaiman wrote and delivers “The Man Who Forgot Ray Bradbury,” giving a cool, relaxed performance in a low, confiding voice. George Takei gives an outstanding and loud performance of Atwood’s “Headlife.” “A Second Homecoming,” written by Bradbury, is read by his friend Abraham, who mines its meaning, irony, and wit. “The Phone Call,” by John McNally, is read by Petkoff with empathy as its protagonist talks to his dead mother and his younger self over their old rotary telephone. This production features an array of measured yet expressive readings. S.C.A. 2013 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine
