I Am Legend by Richard Matheson Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of I Am Legend
Book Review: Classic Convergence of Science Fiction and Vampires
Summary: 5 Stars
This haunting and original 1955 science fiction novel started the modern post-apocalyptic vampire genre. It is called the first modern vampire novel and influenced the zombie genre as well. However, the movie with Will Smith is at best loosely inspired by it. I fear many people will not read the book because they have seen this or one of the other movies inspired by the novel. That would be a shame.
The novel has roots in science fiction and has spawned dozens of other books and movies. Three movie adaptations were directly inspired by it, The Last Man on Earth, The Omega Man, and now I Am Legend. In all three movies very little of the original novel remains.
Richard Matheson wrote a number of episodes for the Twilight Zone including "Nightmare at 20,000 feet" and "Steel." Stephen King listed him as a creative influence and once said, "without Richard Matheson I wouldn't be around." The 1957 movie the Incredible Shrinking Man is based on his story. There is even a character named "Senator Richard Matheson," who appears in several episodes of the X-Files as a tribute to his influence. I could go on, but you get the idea, his influence has been great.
Within the vampire and zombie genre this is a superior story. If you want to know the plot of this superior novel, you can find it online. I won't be the spoiler. I will say that if you enjoy this kind of story this is a novel you should read.
Recommendation: Don't judge this book by any of the movies inspired by it. They are at best passing entertainment. This novel remains original and haunting. I found myself mulling it over in my mind days afterward. I recommend it. Five stars.
Kyle Pratt
Book Review: Classic sci-fi/horror!
Summary: 5 Stars
If you have never read this book you are missing out! It's well-written, intelligent, and will grab you until the end. Definitely worth buying for your own library!Book Review: Creepy and Fun
Summary: 4 Stars
What a fantastically bleak tale. I decided to read this after seeing previews for the movie. Of course, the book is always better than the movie, so why not read what all the hype is about before seeing Will Smith present it. Just from seeing previews, I could discern a number of differences between the movie and the book, but that didn't stop me from enjoying this great story.
Robert Neville is a survivor, the last human among a world of plague-ridden vampires. You probably know the story already, so let me emphasize the mood. Matheson creates circumstances that are so believable and an atmosphere that is so gripping that I felt like I was surviving right along with Neville. As I watched Neville evolve in his situation, I wanted to cheer him on and encourage him not to give up. This book was so masterfully written, it's no wonder it inspired the likes of Stephen King.
Book Review: Definately not worth full price...
Summary: 3 Stars
I purchased this book on sale...Thank God! I have plans to see "I Am Legend" once released on DVD. I decided to read the book before the movie (I enjoy seeing the differences between the book and movie). Half way through the book , the outcome for the main character became evident, and it was a logical conclusion. The book continued on, and so did I. I hoped that there would be some logical explanation for what followed. I tried to force my own explanation into the book to make sense of it all. It just never happened. I gave this book three stars because the beginning of the book is quite good. The second half, however, is horrible.Book Review: Do not buy if you expect the book to be the same as the movie
Summary: 4 Stars
In fact the book was out before the movie, by some 60 years! I am Legend is a short story of classic horror from the 50's. So short in fact to say much of the story will give away lots of the novella.
The current cover showing Will Smith from the movie I am Legend does this book a disservice. The two stories are not the same beyond the basic survivalist premise, and the movie ending is nothing like the book ending - I love the book's ending MUCH more, such a great hook.
The novella is well worth the reading if you want a little horror thrill from the 50's and can be read in a single sitting. Also when you pick this book up you are actually getting two stories; so when I say short, I am Legend is short, make no mistake.