Given all the TV-spam (ads) about this new Will Smith movie "I Am Legend" i thought i would actually read it  - potentially ruining my chances of enjoying the movie.

A quick wiki will inform the internet user that "I Am Legend" is a novel written by Richard Matheson of 1954 vintage. It was (is?) classified as Science Fiction, but could be considered a Vampire or Zombie book depending on how you slice it.

The main character is Robert Neville (who's race isn't particularly identified, so Will should be okay in that regard) who is essentially the last man on earth. A disease has killed everyone and brought them back as zombies. Seems pretty ho-hum heard it all before? Well this book is actually the original for this style of zombie/vampire, apparently one of the first to deal seriously with zombies/vampires (they are kind of both) by trying to provide a reasonable explanation as to why they exist and their motivations. I Am Legend goes as far to explain how the virus spreads and how it works, as Robert studies them over a number of years. The book concludes by leading into the triumph of a new society emerging.

Overwhelmingly though, the book deals with his isolation and adaptation to his new life of scavenging in the day, hiding in the night. He becomes more efficient as a scavenger whilst becoming less and less emotional about his situation. He deals with the realities of living off long life foods only and needing to travel increasing distances to find supplies, making for more and more dangerous adventures. I Am Legend goes so far as to identify the withdrawal of behaviors and lusts taught to Robert by society prior to his isolation. It also deals with his sexuality as he is totally isolated and without any gratification (in this regard, the book borders on distasteful at times, so it will be interesting to see how this is incorporated in the movie).

Unlike the trailers for the Will Smith movie, the book is not set in New York, but rather in Southern California. Similarly not set present day, but in 1976 through 1978.

Alternative film adaptations include 'The Omega Man' starring Charlton Heston circa 1971. I have not seen it, but apparently varies from the book considerably. So did the 1964 film 'The Last Man on Earth' according to Wikipedia.

Is it worth read? yes.
Is it really good? its okay, good would be a stretch, really good would be a lie.
Did i feel like hours of my life were wasted? No, I enjoyed the book and am recommending it for your reading pleasure.

But for the reader, keep in mind that its only a short story (170 pages) so lacks the polish and refinement of a full novel. Which is true for I Am Legend, which seemed to build towards something rather grand then disappointed by concluding totally differently. I was left without the satisfaction I has read 160 pages hoping to find in the last 10.

Short stories also aim to explore a single concept and help the reader ponder thereon. In this regard I Am Legend did very well. Certainly i wasn't expecting the depth in exploring his isolation.

Did is feel lame? No not at all. Although it lacked the highly shined polish of an Oprah recommended novel, it was certainly far far far better than anything L. Ron ever managed to get printed.

Its cheap and easily bought second hand off amazon, so go grab it and you will have a pleasantly intriguing read during a day off this Christmas break.