Gone for Good

by Mark Childress

Book Overview

By the time Newsweek dubs thirty-four-year-old Ben (Superman) Willis "The New Super-Poet of Pop," he has millions of adoring fans, piles of money, a beautiful family--and a secret desire to chuck it... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375400214
• ISBN13: 9780375400216
• Release Date: June 1998
• Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
• Length: 369 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.6" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

An excellent magical story

Gone for Good combines the elements of fantasy and fiction in this thrilling novel about a rock star who crash lands on an uncharted island and is made part of a mysterious community, from which he is not permitted to leave. The license Childress takes with his real characters makes this among the most unusual, and most satisfying books I have read in a long time. It is different, but in a good way from most of the best selling garbage put out there. If you are looking for the next John Grisham book, don't buy this book, but if you are looking for something that challenges conventions without the pretensions of many unique authors, put it in your shopping cart NOW. Despite the fantastic elements to the story, Childress keeps the story grounded in his kooky reality because the characters are above all, very human.

I agree, it's a real classic - and timely too

Have to say that I agree with the reviewer below - this book has taken a really unfair slam from some critics. It's brilliant and, in light of recent events, rather prescient too. I mean -- a famous guy disappears in his light plane and the media go nuts? Sound familiar? Read it and you'll have to enjoy it...

The critics don't get it, but it's brilliant

I don't know why this book didn't get raves and leap to the top of bestseller lists. It's a brilliant combination of the Southern Gothic and the Latin American magic realist tradition. Twenty years from now people will look back in wonder at the lack of attention for this wonderful book.

Sheer escapism fun. Another great book from Mark!

Mark Childress has never failed to entertain me. His latest effort is another fine addition to his catalog. His use of prose continually amazes me. A farce and satire,this book made me laugh out loud a couple of times and kept me entertained until the end.

How much fun can you really have?

Read it, love it, savor it. This book is really fun to read.