MovieChat Forums > Let It Ride (1989) Discussion > Does anyone have a copy of the BOOK 'Goo...

Does anyone have a copy of the BOOK 'Good Vibes'?

posted 15 years ago by no1voice
10 replies | jump to latest

Seriously...
...Let It Ride is one of the ALL-TIME, greatest movie comedies! It's one of those rare, unknown movie gems that never disappoints from a recommendation. A selfish treasure along the lines of Zero Effect, for instance.

Two things about this are major head scratchers for me though:

1) Screenwriter Nancy Dowd took her name off of the credits. Why in the name of Ernest Lehman you'd want to not be associated with a masterpiece like this is a mystery. I mean her brother is a co-producer, and she's written things like "Slap Shot" and her Oscar nabbing "Coming Home", so.....

2) The screenplay was based on a little known novel called "Good Vibes" by Jay Cronley, also the author of Funny Farm and Quick Change. The latter two were amusing enough films, but not even in the same league as Let It Ride. Good Vibes" is now one of the rarest books you can waste your time looking for. It's not just out of print, but for some reason know only to God and Random House it's also quite pricey. The cheapest USED paperback you'll find on Amazon.com goes for about $250! So.....why is THIS book (not a big seller, and inspiration for a little known movie) so expensive? Is it really that 'in demand'? Every one of his other books can be bought for chump change, so.....wtf?

Does anyone have a copy (hard bound or paperback) of "Good Vibes" by Jay Cronley? I'd never try to talk you out of it - not much of a 'collector' - but I really need to READ the original source material, for several reasons. Not just to see the differences in Dowd's script and Cronley's book, but I am serious thinking about petitioning for the rights to turn this into a musical. I can't think of more colorful characters I'd like to see on the Broadway stage than these guys and dolls! Not since Damon Runyon have we seen their ilk.

Any copy I can borrow or rent????

- Voicedude

(Google me for contact info)

[–] chaalie 15 years ago

I have a copy. I got it on eBay about 10 years ago for the pricey sum of $25. This was after searching high and low for years at used book stores. It wasn't until the internet exploded that I was able to find a used copy. Now, as you have noted, it is selling for $250+. Today, on Amazon, one guy is looking for over $900. Why you ask....well, I chalk it up to the fact that Let It Ride is a true hidden gem of a movie with a cult following. I love this film. It is easily in my top 3 movies of all time. Every time I watch it I come to tears at the end. Not tears of sadness but of warm happiness. How many films have that sort of effect on the audience? Seeing the movie I just had to have the book. Personally, I wouldn't part with the book at this time. If it stays out of print I'm hoping to sell it for my retirement fund in about 20 years. Best investment I ever made (and I didn't even know it was an investment). On second thought I'll probably never let it go.

By the way, it's a great book!

[–] ActionScaleHero 14 years ago

I've seen it on auction, always in the hundreds of dollars! I wish they would reprint it in paperback form!!

JLT

[–] pc32 14 years ago

Yes I bought a 1st ed for $150 about 18 months ago ( paperback )

[–] susansmoose 14 years ago

we've had the book since 1992...hubby loved the film so much that he picked it up in a used book store for about 2 bucks...didn't even know it was out of print..no we are not willing to sell it or lend it out...maybe you can check your local library..i'm sure they have a copy...

[–] dkelleyj 14 years ago

Just finished watching "Let It Ride" again and was searching for soundtrack when I ran across your posting. One of my favorite comedies of all time. I, too, tried to buy the book on Amazon a few years ago when it was going for only $170. Amazingly, I found a yellowed and worn paperback copy at a used book store for a buck or so. Have you tried that?

Musical idea sounds intriguing. Hope you can get it done.

[–] ActionScaleHero 12 years ago

There are 2 on eBay right now, but they are $250. and $359. each!

JLT
http://mythicalmicrocosms.blogspot.com/

[–] esoteric001 11 years ago

The book is very different in my opinion--lots of great things in the book that arent in the movie.

Those that have read it...how awesome would the parking lot scene be in the movie?

I have a copy that I bought at a library auction for $5. I MIGHT lend it, but I would have to be very convinced its coming back. Just saying.

[–] anniegoolihy66 10 years ago

I HATED the parking lot scene! I'm glad it wasn't included. I found Trotter much less likable in the book, and this scene was a big reason why.

[–] vyperman7 10 years ago

Well the DVD is now out of print. Brand new sealed copies sell for $150 and up. Let It Ride is one of my all time faves (love Zero Effect too - great mention). But I'm glad I got the DVD back when it was in circulation. I can't imagine paying that much for a DVD.

It's even harder to imagine paying so much money for the book that it's based on. It would make for a good scavenger hint though hitting up your local library to see if they carry it.

[–] anniegoolihy66 10 years ago

I picked up a yellowed paperback copy on Amazon last year for $100. I'd be willing to part with it for the cost of shipping, as long as I know it's going to a good home. :) I'm not one of those people that needs to show off every book they've read, I don't think the value will appreciate much more, and I haven't re-read a book since Charlotte's Web. So I'd like it to go to someone who will appreciate it.

The movie is much better than the book. I'm still glad I got a chance to read it, though.