Forrest Gump

The modern classic that inspired the beloved movie starring Tom Hanks. Six foot six, 242 pounds, and possessed of a scant IQ of 70, Forrest Gump is the lovable, surprisingly savvy hero of this classic comic tale. His early life may seem inauspicious, but when the University of Alabama’s football team drafts Forrest and makes him a star, it sets him on an unbelievable path that will transform him from Vietnam hero to world-class Ping-Pong player, from wrestler to entrepreneur. With a voice all his own, Forrest is telling all in a madcap romp through three decades of American history.

With an Introduction by P.J. O'Rourke THE WORLD WILL NEVER BE THE SAME ONCE YOU'VE SEEN IT THROUGH THE EYES OF FORREST GUMP America's most lovable new hero is winning smiles and hearts everywhere these days - in the Paramount motion picture, Forrest Gump, starring Tom Hanks, and in the novel by Winston Groom (available in Black Swan paperback), hailed by critics as one of the funniest books they've ever read.Now the fun continues in this delightful confection of wit and wisdom from the world according to Gump... 'ALWAYS BE ABLE TO LOOK BACK AND SAY "AT LEAST I DIDN'TLEAD NO HUMDRUM LIFE"'

Forrest Gump always said that the most wonderful scent there ever was comin' from the kitchen was somethin' chocolate cookin' in the oven. He said it from the time he was a small boy in braces, "'cause I knew I was gonna get to lick the spoon". The smell of chocolate cookin' puts Forrest in mind of his Mama. And nothin' is as important to Forrest as his Mama and what she taught him about life and love. You can take a chocolate, Forrest learned, and when you bite down, it may not be the one you wanted. But it's yours from then on. And you need to remember to enjoy it. "Life ain't so much different", says Forrest. And his Mama never let him forget it. If Forrest wasn't lovin' his Mama's shrimp, he was lovin' her chocolate. Forrest already said grace over The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Cookbook. So now he's takin' time to give his blessing to his Mama's chocolate recipes. His Mama always knew the place to go for great recipes was her favorite magazine, Southern Living, which practically invented the best-ever chocolate desserts. Each one of these recipes was tested in their own kitchens for extra goodness. You talk about chocolates! Wait'll you taste Forrest's Fudge Cake or Real Good Chocolate Caramels or Mighty Nice Chocolate Pastry Cake or Chocolate-Pecan Torte or (if you're gonna get fancy) Chocolate-Mint Truffles or plain old Candy Bar Brownies or Alabama Ice Cream Squares or, oh goodness!, an Almond-Macaroon Tart. You may have to put this book down and go cook somethin' before you get a faintin' spell. Just remember what Forrest learned from his Mama: You never know what you're gonna get when you pick up a chocolate. But you do know this - if it comes from this book, it's gonna be plentygood.

Take my word for it - don't never let nobody make a movie of your life's story...' Forrest Gump is back! The lovable man for all ages captured America's heart in the No.1 bestselling novel Forrest Gump and in the blockbuster film, winner of six Academy Awards® including Best Picture and Best Actor. Now he returns in the long-awaited sequel to the book hailed by Larry King as 'the funniest novel I have ever read'. A little older, and wiser in his own unique way, he is still running through the kaleidoscopic events of our times - and straight into the age of greed and instant gratification known as the 1980s. Whenever I really get stumped, I go visit Jenny's grave. She tells me she's always rooting for me. The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. has gone bust and Forrest is flat broke, sweeping floors in a New Orleans strip joint when Gump & Co. begins. As always in Forrest's easy-come-easy-go life, a change in the weather is never far off...and when the opportunity to play championship football comes his way once more, Forrest is back in the limelight and in the money. But fate is a fickle lady, and he's soon out on the road selling phony encyclopedias and trying to raise his son, little Forrest, who needs his father more than ever. Forrest's remarkable, touching, and utterly comic odyssey has just begun: in store for him is an explosive attempt at hog farming; his own dubious recipe for adding life to New Coke; an encounter with Ollie North; and a chance yet again to unwittingly twist the nose of history. One of the most phenomenally successful books of our time, Forrest Gump was praised as 'a wacky and funny nuthouse of a book' (George Plimpton) and 'superbly controlled satire' (Florence King, Washington Post Book World); Forrest himself 'should enter the annals of fiction as a great American hero' (Rima Firrone, Ocala Star-Banner). Winston Groom continues to delight us with Gump's hilarious and heartwarming adventures. 'At least,' Forrest would agree, 'I ain't led no humdrum life'.

Discover the moving, entertaining, never-before-told story of how one man found his calling: to see that those who defend this country and its freedoms are never forgotten. As a kid in suburban Chicago, Gary Sinise was more interested in sports and rock 'n' roll than reading or schoolwork. But when he impulsively auditioned for a school production of West Side Story, he found his true purpose--or so it seemed. Within a few years, Gary and a handful of friends created what became one of the most exciting and important new theater companies in America. From its humble beginnings in a suburban Chicago church basement and eventual move into the city, the Steppenwolf Theatre Company launched a series of groundbreaking productions, igniting Gary's career along with those of John Malkovich, Joan Allen, Gary Cole, Laurie Metcalf, Jeff Perry, John Mahoney, and countless others. Television and film came calling soon after, and Gary starred in Of Mice and Men (which he also directed) and The Stand before taking the role that would change his life in unforeseeable ways: Lieutenant Dan in the Academy Award-winning Forrest Gump. The military community's embrace of the character of the disabled veteran was matched only by the depth of Gary's realization that America's defenders had not received all the honor, respect, and gratitude their sacrifices deserve. In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, this became Gary's new calling. Grateful American, now a New York Times bestseller, documents Gary's dedication to working tirelessly on behalf of those who serve this country, sharing stories about how he has: Entertained more than a half million troops around the world playing bass guitar with his Lt. Dan Band Raised funds on behalf of veterans Founded the Gary Sinise Foundation with a mission to serve and honor America's defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need Grateful American is the moving, entertaining, profoundly gripping story of how one man found his life's work: to see that those who defend this country and its freedoms are never forgotten. Praise for Grateful American: "Gary Sinise writes as he lives, and as the artist and actor he has always been: with American authenticity, purpose, and a conviction that is inseparable from his nature." --Tom Hanks, actor and filmmaker "No entertainer alive today has visited and performed more for our troops at veterans hospitals and military bases all over the world than Gary Sinise. For years his foundation has built 'smart homes' for our troops that were severely wounded in combat. The book is called Grateful American, and I promise that after you read it you will be grateful for what Gary has accomplished and contributed to our country. He's truly one of a kind." --Clint Eastwood, actor, director, producer, and musician

In the 1960s, Forrest Gump, a pleasant and obedient son with low intelligence, joins the army, returns from Vietnam famous for his heroics, and makes millions on a Louisiana shrimp boat while steadfastly loving a girl from his childhood.

Quicklets: Learn More. Read Less. "Forrest Gump" was based upon a novel of the same title by Winston Groom. Adapted for the screen by writer Eric Roth and directed by Robert Zemeckis, the film was released on July 6, 1994. It was the #1 movie its opening weekend, pulling in over $24 million. It would come to earn close to $330 million domestically and over $347 million internationally. The film was nominated for 13 Academy Awards and won 6, including Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Picture. The American Film Institute included "Forrest Gump" on its "100 Years, 100 Movies" list, ranking it at 71 in 1998 and at 76 in 2007. BOOK EXCERPT FROM PART 6 OF FORREST GUMP Jenny's sudden departure leaves Forrest in shock. One day, he decides to go for a run down the road, then to the end of town, through Greenbow County, across the state, until he reaches the Pacific Ocean. Having reached one coast, he turns around and heads east until he hits the Atlantic. Forrest crisscrosses the nation on foot, passing through every type of American landscape, his hair and beard growing with each step. Soon, Forrest's cross-country journey begins to garner media attention. Reporters attempt to uncover the reason behind his run, but, he insists, there is none. Jenny, now a waitress, even sees him on the news ...to be continued!

The Book of Unusual Knowledge is a mammoth 704-page hardcover book crammed with a cornucopia of information--some useful, others not so much--but all of it completely captivating. It's perfect for anyone with a curious mind and a passion for learning. With quirky illustrations and a vast array of articles, anecdotes, lists, and games, this book will provide hours of fascinating reading. It will also expand your knowledge on a range of topics, including the animal kingdom, art, sports, technology, history, politics, the universe, and much, much more. Sample topics include: * Are plastic bags killing sacred cows in India? * Does NASCAR have roots in bootlegging moonshine? * Did Ronald Reagan see not one--but two--UFOs during his lifetime? Gorgeous leatherette binding with gilded accents makes The Book of Unusual Knowledge a handsome addition to your library.