Sunday, July 3, 2011

If I Were You! A Fantasy Story

If you could be anyone who would you be? Would you want to be that person or would you want to be as you are but in the other person's body? This begs an answer from the age old human problem of "is the grass really greener on the other side?"

In the Pulp Fiction fantasy novel "If I Were You" published in 1940 issue of Five-Novels Monthly, the circus midget Little Tom Little, unhappy about his short stature and being a side show attraction, comes face to face with this issue. When the mysterious and sometimes frightening professor dies Tom is bequeathed his ancient set of books on black magic and discovers the spell the professor assigned to him, the ability to jump from body to body. Tom is bewildered as to why the professor chose him and just as stunned to find out it was because he was the only person who could make fun of him without the fear of retaliation.

With his new found power he wastes no time trying it out, jumping from body to body. His admiration and desire to be like the tall imposing men of stature such as the ringmaster, leads him down a path of unexpected danger when he lands in the body of the big cat trainer. Tom's fear of the large savage cats overwhelms him as he quickly realizes his need for height may lead to a gruesome and untimely death.

"If I Were You," was one of four Pulp Fiction fantasy novels written by New York Times best selling author L. Ron Hubbard in the 1930s and 40s. There is a richness and believability to the story with unexpected twist and turns that keep you guessing to the very end. Although Hubbard was well versed in the genre of fantasy, he was equally versed in science fiction, mystery, air and sea adventures and westerns.

Fantasy novels really took root during the Golden Age of Pulp Fiction in the late 1920s where many authors made an indelible mark on the industry such as Edgar Rice Burroughs, Robert E Howard, Lester Dent and L Ron Hubbard, giving readers a much needed respite from the daily rigors of life.

In the Pulp Fiction era, readers would pick up the weekly dime novels and pass them along to family and friends or just throw them out when done. Today we can experience a broader form of story telling with not only novels but e-books, movies and television and audio-books.

Galaxy Press publishing has released the audio-book version of "If I Were You" featuring Nancy Cartwright (yes the voice of Bart Simpson but noticeably different from that character). It also stars Lynsey Bartilson, Corey Burton, Bob Caso, R.F. Daley, Jennifer Darling, John Mariano, Jim Meskimen, Phil Proctor and Tait Ruppert. This production is packed with music and cinema-quality sound effects, putting you right into the heart of the story. The commute to work can be an adventure indeed!

Hubbard has a keen eye and unique ability to create a kaleidoscope of colorful characters and this book is just a fun read!

Fred Duckworth is a passionate advocate of lifelong learning through audio books on cd collections from http://www.goldenagestories.com/. Galaxy Press Publishing, publisher of "The Golden Age Stories" and all genres of pulp fiction stories and novels, offers a convenient subscription service, so you never have to miss an issue. It's a pulp fiction lover's dream!


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