Neil Gaiman author discussion?

[Red Pajama]

Would anyone be interested in discussing the works of Neil Gaiman? He has some young adult books, including the one recently turned into a movie (Coraline), Stardust (also made into a movie) and the new Newbery book, They Graveyard Book. I've recently discovered that he writes for adults, too, and there's a ton to pick from. This summer I've read Anazi Boys, American Gods, Good Omens (co authored with Terry Prachett). There's also Neverwhere, and the Sandman graphic novels, as well as others I've forgotten.

I'd be curious what others thought of his writing style, and consistencies among stories that might show up. Does anyone see him maturing as an author as one reads through many of his works? Does anyone want to share a favorite book of his and what makes it so?

[journeymom]

Love, love his stuff. Besides his novels, he's an excellent short story teller.

American Gods is my favorite of his novels, and I think it's his best novel. The whole premise of various gods dwelling in America, competing for the American psyche, it was just brilliant. I wasn't really familiar with Norse mythology, and I tend to go on research binges sometimes, so it was neat to learn a bit about the mythology behind Shadow and his family.

Shadow's story continues in Gaiman's short story, Monarch of the Glen. It's in the Tor fantasy anthology Legends II, and also Fragile Things.

Check out Smoke and Mirrors. It's a collection of his short stories, and they're just excellent.

Finished reading the Graveyard Book a little while ago. I love his creeping, malicious villains. I would have liked more of the under world and Ms. Lupescu.

Apparently the Graveyard Book has been optioned for a movie, to be directed by the guy who did the Crying Game , Interview With the Vampire and Michael Collins.

Curious to know what you mean by consistencies among stories that might show up. Are you saying he has themes that consistently show up in different stories?

[Red Pajama]

In one way, the "consistencies" thought was on similar themes, plot devices, etc. In another way, I mean the way that American Gods and Anazi Boys take place within the same "universe". You mentioned a continuation of that story, so I wonder if there's even more.

[Igraine]

He is one of my favorites. I loved the Graveyard book, American Gods and Ananzi Boys.

I will add the others to my reading list.

[journeymom]

Just thought I'd mention that this thread prompted me to pick up Good Omens again. I started it years ago and put it down. It just wasn't hooking me. I've since read a bunch of Terry Pratchett's stuff and so I'm getting much more out of Good Omens.

[Red Pajama]

Of all I've read this summer of his work, I think Good Omens was my favorite. Witty, unexpected, a good read all around.

[Masel]

I love Neil Gaiman. I read Ananzi Boys and the Graveyard Book recently.

He's read many of his audio books which adds an authenic and creepy quality to them. I've listened to Coraline, Stardust, and The Neil Gaiman Audio Collection.

[melamama]

I read Stardust this summer. I thought it was a lovely fairy tale for adults.

I also give Blueberry Girl to everyone I know who has a baby girl. The prose feels so lyrical.

[gypsyhips26]

another huge Neil Gaiman fan here...have all the Sandman graphic novels and most of his books and I had the pleasure of hearing him do a reading of Neverwhere. It was 10 years ago in the dead of summer like 100 degrees and he was wearing a leather jacket and he was just amazing, putting the perfect voice to the book....

I loved American Gods and love the various themes/threads of mythology that turn up in a lot of his work..... and I loved Coraline (the book, still haven't seen the movie) it was so creepy and captivating!

[pixiekisses]

Another huge fan here. Neverwhere has always been my favorite Gaiman book, it was the first I read and I completely fell in love. I also love Sandman to death. Well, I love it all, and I'm also a huge Pratchett fan so Good Omens was really cool. Me and my 10.5 yo. has read The Graveyard Book this summer, he loved it too.

[MamaLo879]

I haven't read much of his stuff, but I really enjoyed American Gods.

[MamaLo879]

Seems like reading this thread that I must look into reading his other stuff soon though!

[potatofairy]

love him!

i discovered him by randomly picking up an issue of sandman and i think i've read all of them now.

i've also read neverwhere and american gods, which was so awesome that i can't wait to read more of his books.

you guys have inspired my next library trip.

[journeymom]

Per the thread in the Books, Media and Other forum about Susan Pevensie/Chronicles of Narnia I discovered that Neil Gaiman wrote a short story about her. It's in Fragile Things, which is now on my Christmas list.

[Lisalee2]

I've read The Graveyard Book and Neverwhere. I enjoyed them both very much but really liked Neverwhere. I was in the middle of American Gods when I had to return it to the library. Now I'm just going to have to go out and buy it. lol

[JessicaS]

I have read all his stuff. I have been a fan since his comics.

[St. Margaret]

I love him, too!

I, too, LOVE Blueberry girl and it's my new go-to gift for parents of girls.

American Gods and Neverwhere are probably my favs.

[Kanna]

Originally Posted by Red Pajama 

Of all I've read this summer of his work, I think Good Omens was my favorite. Witty, unexpected, a good read all around.

If you liked Good Omens, then I suggest you give Terry Pratchett, the co-author, a shot (if you haven't already). Very funny and also great insights into the workings of society and the human mind.

[journeymom]

This thread is more than a year old. 

Kanna, is your picture Gram-Gram from Avatar? 

Neil Gaiman yesterday announced that he and his wife the amazing, spectacular Amanda Effing Palmer, are touring the west coast of the the US this fall, and they'll actually be coming to northern California!!!  Poetry and short story readings and Amanda will sing, etc.  We will be going to see them, no doubt. 

[Kanna]

Originally Posted by journeymom 

This thread is more than a year old. 

Kanna, is your picture Gram-Gram from Avatar? 

Neil Gaiman yesterday announced that he and his wife the amazing, spectacular Amanda Effing Palmer, are touring the west coast of the the US this fall, and they'll actually be coming to northern California!!!  Poetry and short story readings and Amanda will sing, etc.  We will be going to see them, no doubt. 

LOL. I never look at the age of those darn things! It might be more than over a year old, but it's just a tiny scroll of the button down the list!

And yes, it IS Gran-Gran from Avatar. I LOVE that series

You're going to see Neil Gaiman? I'm jealous.   All I get to do is follow his twitter account!