Neil Gaiman - where to start?

[zinemama]

I just read this year's Newbery Medal-winner, Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book. I was completely blown away. I'd heard of Gaiman but never read anything by him. Now I want to read more. I know he's written novels for adults. Can anyone suggest one to start with?

[annettemarie]

American Gods. Loved it, loved it, loved it.

[SparklingGemini]

Originally Posted by annettemarie

American Gods. Loved it, loved it, loved it.

OMG! This!!!!!!!!!!!!


American Gods is my favorite, favorite, favorite adult book ever! (My favorite book of all time is a kids book, A Wrinkle in Time.)

Then read Neverwhere. Fantastic!

And Anansi Boys is enjoyable but heavier with a feel similar to American Gods.

Stardust is really fanciful and sweet and light but very good.

[bremen]

i found that american gods was harder to start with. harder to get into.
stardust is fanciful, enjoyable, and makes a great starting point.
neverwhere is also preyy good, but better after you get a handle on his writing style

[sapientia]

Good Omens!!!!! Fabulous book!

[enkmom]

I don't think you can go wrong with any of his books. I would read American Gods before Anansi Boys, though. You might also like the Sandman graphic novels.

[TheBluebird]

American Gods if you're in the mood for more serious.

Good Omens if you want something lighter.

Those are 2 of my favorite books of ALL time.

[faithsstuff]

Good Omens is a good one to ease into.

[St. Margaret]

I think Neverwhere is perfect to start with, because it's got it all. Stardust is great, but the ending sort of peters out. American Gods is his best work I think. Good Omens is funny but I read it after the rest and it didn't feel as much like his work to me (makes sense as it was a collab). Coraline is just creepy! but good

In fact, I'm kinda ticked at the (beloved) student who stole my copy of Neverwhere a few years back, because I am bookless and it would make a great reread right now.

And I have to give a shout out to Blueberry Girl, which we got last week, and my 2yo DD LOVES. It's going to be my gift to give all new parents of girls.

[annettemarie]

Is Blueberry Girl a Neil Gaiman book? I've neber heard of it

[Arwyn]

Originally Posted by annettemarie

Is Blueberry Girl a Neil Gaiman book? I've neber heard of it

He's done a few graphic novel/kids' books; maybe that's one?

I'd say Stardust for lighter, American Gods or Neverwhere for heavier. He also has a couple short story anthologies out that are excellent, and good if you just want a taste.

Good Omens is excellent, but has too much Pratchett to be a good into to Gaiman's work.

[MamaDona]

Neverwhere!! It is so, so, so good. :

I heard that Coraline was going to be made into a movie soon; that probably explains why there were so many copies of it in our bookstore suddenly.

[annettemarie]

Hi ArwyN!!!!!

[Arwyn]

Originally Posted by MamaDona

Neverwhere!! It is so, so, so good. :

I heard that Coraline was going to be made into a movie soon; that probably explains why there were so many copies of it in our bookstore suddenly.

It's already a movie. Came out in 3D and everything.

[Arwyn]

Originally Posted by annettemarie

Hi ArwyN!!!!!

Hi Annette. Now go back to your lounge!

[annettemarie]

I love neil gainan .and rum

[Arwyn]

Say goodnight Gracie.

[annettemarie]

Maybe you should delete me

[zinemama]

Dang, I was hoping there would be some kind of consensus here, an instant winner. But it looks like American Gods or Neverwhere are the top contenders.

Thanks for the input, everyone. And enjoy that rum, Annettemarie...

[annettemarie]

Thanks ;D