The Search For The Neverending Story

During my growing up years in the 1980s, I once watched this movie on TV called "The Neverending Stories".

The story was so imaginative that it left a very deep impact on me and somehow fueled much of my imagination and creativity.

By my standards, this is certainly one of the most classic Fantasy movie from the 1980's alongside Labyrinth (starring David Bowie) and The Dark Crystal.

Regrettably, they do not make movies like these anymore.

Anyway, it was not until recently that I found out this movie is actually adapted from a Fantasy novel bearing the same title.

As you probably know, when movies are adapted from books, a fraction of it will not make it to the screen and being a fan of the movie, I simply had to find out what those missing parts are!

Hence, I began searching for more information and I found out that this book was first published in 1979. Written in German by Michael Ende, it was translated into English by Ralph Manheim.

With that bit of information, I set out on a great quest to look for the novel.

I first went to MPH at Novena Square. I looked through the Fiction section numerous times but nope, no sign of the book. Then, I continued my journey to Times Bookshop at Centrepoint but still, no such luck.

With only a glimmer of hope left, I make my way towards Kinokuniya at Takashimaya under the murderous heat.

The sun was a whorl of fire in the sky. My skin burned and my throat felt like a dried up creek but I ignored the torments of thirst and pressed on.

With determination, I finally reached the doors of Kinokuniya where a cold breeze carressed my weather-beaten face with much comfort.

Kinokuniya is by far the largest bookstore I had ever seen, extending from horizon to horizon filled with books of all kinds you could only imagine about.

The walls were lined with shelves filled with books that reached high into the ceilings.

The place is filled with people. Were they here for the same purpose as I do? I gotta hurry but where do I start looking? I have been walking around the labyrinth of books but I can't even find the Fiction section!

In despair, I decided to seek help from The Wise One (information counter).

A disdained face appeared from behind the computer. Either I had interrupted his work or he was annoyed with his monotonous job.

"Yes?" he said.

"I was looking for a book and wondering if you could help me?" I replied.

He lifted an eyebrow and asked, "Title?"

His head disappeared behind the computer and I could hear him typing furiously away on the keyboard.

In an instant, the typing stopped. He reached for a pen and scribbled onto a piece of paper.

I was handed this strip of paper:

"Children's section," he said (finger pointing somewhere) "Go straight, turn left, go up the steps..."

Children's section?

No wonder I could not find them earlier! I have all along been searching in the wrong places!

That is always the case with them hdden treasures right? They are always hidden somewhere unexpected in the least obvious place so they aren't easily found.

The face disappeared behind the computer and was never seen agian. I'm glad that I did not have to speak to him in rhymes to get an answer.

Looking at the strip of paper in my fingers, I began making my way towards where I was directed to go.

I soon reached the bottom of the stairs where The Wise One has pointed out to me but I stopped and hesitated for a moment.

I thought about the possible dangers that awaits but nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I decided to take the risk.

I took a step, and another and another (there was like only less than five steps).

Before long, I was standing at the highest peak overlooking the entire Childrens' section.

Overcome by fear, I now knew what was holding me back because up here, something far more dangerous than Gmork, the werewolf and even more dreadful than The Nothing lies in wait.

This place was heavily guarded by The Little Children. There must be like at least a few dozens of them guarding every nook and cranny.

Some were running around blindly while others were shrieking at the top of their lungs. Then, there were some who lay quietly on their belly propped up on their elbows, with their legs stretching across the aisle.

They may look pretty harmless but the damage they can inflict on you is something far beyond your wildest imagination! I had to be extremely vigilant with every turn I take because you can never predict where they might dash out from to run you over or silently extend a limb to send you sprawling to the floor with a broken nose.

Taking refuge from behind a shelf, I unclench my fist and flattened the crumpled note in my hand. I stared at it, half wishing it to tell me what to do or even where to go.

I looked around and I spotted J18 in the distance. I followed the sequence and found J19 next to it.

ThenJ20, J21, J22, J23...

My heart was beating so loudly now that it drowned out the children's shrieks. The moment of truth is finally here.

Will I find what I was looking for?

My gaze fell upon J24, then -01, and there it was...

*cues theme song*


I finally found The Neverending Stories!

But now, there is just one last hurdle between me and the novel.

One little child of not more than eight years of age was sitting cross-legged right below where the novel was located.

Perhaps I could sneak up beside him, quickly grab the book and run away as fast as my feet could carry me?

Holding my breath, I inched closer and closer to him but he did not seem to notice my presence as he was staring intently at the Ben 10 magazine spread out in front of him.

Very soon, I was standing right beside him.

With trembling hands, I reached for the book and brought it nearer to me. I held it firmly against my heaving chest, trying hard to supress my emotions.

I cannot believe that the book is now in my possession!

That feeling is so surreal, as if it's all a dream.

I stepped out of Kinokuniya with my purchase and my face beamed.

I can't wait to know all there is to know about Fantastica - the world with no boundaries that's being consumed by The Nothing, but, that's another blog entry and shall be told another time.

My next great quest is to look for the DVD.

Watch the trailer here.

Listen to the theme song here.