A really nice collection of stories from my favorite writer. I’m not going to review each story here; I’ve written non-spoiler reviews for each in theA really nice collection of stories from my favorite writer. I’m not going to review each story here; I’ve written non-spoiler reviews for each in the updates section as I read them. But suffice it to say that I enjoyed this collection quite a bit, and will certainly return to many of these stories. ...more
I can’t imagine a book being much more fun than this one.
It took some time to adjust to the pace (of both the story and especially the jokes, which coI can’t imagine a book being much more fun than this one.
It took some time to adjust to the pace (of both the story and especially the jokes, which come fast and furious), but once you do this book is a joy to read.
Highly recommended for folks needing a pick-me-up!...more
Arguably Gaiman's most underrated book. Although it takes place in the same universe as American Gods (and shares a few characters), the style and tonArguably Gaiman's most underrated book. Although it takes place in the same universe as American Gods (and shares a few characters), the style and tone of the book is completely different, and I don't think you will miss out on anything if you read this before AG.
Anansi Boys actually reminded me much more strongly of Neverwhere than any other Gaiman work. Like Richard in Neverwhere, Fat Charlie is a pretty normal Londoner just trying to enjoy his life when he is swept up on an absolutely bizarre, but ultimately life-affirming, journey.
In this case, the journey is more metaphorical than literal, but it was effective nonetheless. By the end of the story, Charlie has learned so much more about his family and who he is.
More than anything though, this book is just super enjoyable - funny, poignant, scary - it has it all!
Also, narrator Lenny Henry KILLS the audiobook - he is amazing! Get this one on audio if you can....more
The #SummerOfNeil continues, and I really loved this one. I would probably still put The Graveyard Book and American Gods ahead of it, but Stardust isThe #SummerOfNeil continues, and I really loved this one. I would probably still put The Graveyard Book and American Gods ahead of it, but Stardust is very, very good - and one that I look forward to reading many more times.
I loved the world-building and prose (per usual for Gaiman), but I also really enjoyed the characterization of Tristran and Yvaine. I found them to be much more interesting than Richard and Door (from Neverwhere). Tristran felt less helpless than Richard, while still humble and willing to learn. Yvaine is brimming with personality, and probably my favorite Gaiman female character. Her growth throughout the story was fantastic.
My only minor qualm was the ending. I found it both very abrupt, and also perhaps a bit too....perfect. I guess I should have expected a happy ending from a fairytale (even an ‘adult’, Gaiman-y one), and I imagine it will bother me less as time goes on. Still, this ain’t no Game of Thrones. The abrupt-ness was even more concerning, though. I wish Neil had written even 25 more pages to close things out a bit more smoothly.
Despite the ending, however, this was a wonderful adventure that I imagine will excite the swashbuckling romantic in all of us. Highly recommended!...more
I kind of wish I had read this before I read American Gods.
They have many similarities - Neverwhere feels a bit like a study of the mythos, philosophyI kind of wish I had read this before I read American Gods.
They have many similarities - Neverwhere feels a bit like a study of the mythos, philosophy, and history of London (as AG was of America), but in my opinion, it doesn't quite reach the same heights.
Don't get me wrong - the writing is still beautiful! Haunting, imaginative, and so atmospheric - Neil has once again created an incredible world filled with diverse and interesting characters. I was enthralled by the world of London Below, and would happily visit again if Neil ever decides to write a sequel.
This book is also VERY (if subtly) funny. Probably the funniest book Gaiman has written (outside of Good Omens, of course.) I actually laughed out loud a couple of times, which was very unexpected!
The only real issue I had was that the main characters (Door and Richard) were just nowhere near as interesting as other characters Gaiman would create later in his career (Coraline, Bod Owens, Wednesday, Shadow, Tristran, Yvaine, etc). For the first half of the story I was genuinely bored by Richard, and Door wasn’t much better. Thankfully, the side characters were much more interesting, and Richard at least improves by the end. Door remains pretty bland, though.
Despite those problems, I still rate this an easy 5 stars - because the writing is amazing, and I actually really loved the ending. But this is not my favorite example of Gaiman....more
Coraline was probably my least favorite Gaiman book thus far - although the writing is, of course, lovely, and the charactThe #SummerOfNeil continues!
Coraline was probably my least favorite Gaiman book thus far - although the writing is, of course, lovely, and the characters are well-drawn, I just didn't feel like the story mattered much to me in the way that other Gaiman works have. It didn't teach me something, it honestly didn't make me feel anything at all.
And that's fine - not every book is for everyone. I imagine that perhaps had I listened to Neil read the story on audiobook I might have felt differently about it, but for now I would call Coraline a well written (and properly scary) children's book. 4 stars easy, but not Gaiman's best.
Spoiler Free Synopsis: A man in his early 30's, whose only given name is 'Shadow', is released from a 3-year prison stint only to learn that his wife Spoiler Free Synopsis: A man in his early 30's, whose only given name is 'Shadow', is released from a 3-year prison stint only to learn that his wife has died in a car accident. Feeling rudderless, he is approached by a mysterious man named Mr. Wednesday who asks him to be his driver and, if need be, bodyguard. Shadow reluctantly agrees and is swept off on a whirlwind (and quite strange) journey through nearly every region of America that culminates in a battle for the country's very soul.
World-Building: Absolutely top notch. Gaiman clearly meant for American Gods to be a study of the heart and soul of America, and in my opinion, he absolutely succeeds. The story is a rich combination of extraordinarily well-researched real-world settings mixed with strange/exotic additions. By the end of the book, I felt like I had literally been on a tour of the mythos of my own country. It was unlike any other book experience I can think of.
Characters: Rich and varied. Shadow is a somewhat bland protagonist, but that blank canvas effect makes him a perfect vehicle for the reader to experience the story. Mr. Wednesday and the other gods are not always likable, but I found basically all of them to be completely fascinating - particularly their origin stories. There are characters in this book that demand your attention.
Writing: If you've read Gaiman before, you know his writing has an almost dream-like, fairytale quality, and that continues here. I loved the way he described the various locales that Shadow and Wednesday visited - he makes real places feel mystical. On the other hand, the pacing could have been better (especially at the beginning), but overall it wasn't a huge negative. The ending, in particular, was superb.
Audiobook: As much as I missed having Gaiman read one of his books, I really enjoyed the fully-cast version of this book. Each of the actors was really perfect for their roles - particularly Mr. Wednesday. Having different voices for each character really made them come alive. Side Note: Also available on Audible is a traditional audiobook narrated solely by George Guidall. I have not listened to it, but Guidall is an excellent narrator who I'm sure also does the book justice.
Conclusion: If you read one Neil Gaiman book, it should probably be this one (especially if you are American). It was a tour-de-force of imagination, and I plan to read it again very soon. If I had to name one issue, it would be some of the 'adult content' - I typically don't mind sexual content in books, but there was one scene (within the first 30 pages) that was pretty wild, and actually almost made me put down the book. I'm so glad I didn't, though!...more
On a cool autumn evening, grab a mug of your favorite warm drink, find a comfy place to sit (preferably next to aDo yourself a favor, fellow readers:
On a cool autumn evening, grab a mug of your favorite warm drink, find a comfy place to sit (preferably next to a crackling fireplace), and read (or listen) to the story of Nobody Owens and his friends (in one sitting, if you can!)
You won’t regret it.
I’m not sure I’ve ever had a more wonderful, relaxing reading experience than I did with this book - and as someone who battles anxiety daily, that’s some of the highest praise I can give.
Gaiman has said in past interviews that it took him nearly 20 years of work to get this story right, and it shows. It’s a tale that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike, and I can’t wait to read it with my kids someday.
Thank you for sharing your imagination with us, Neil....more
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