The View From the Cheap Seats

The View from the Cheap Seats: Selected Nonfiction by Neil Gaiman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


*** Possible Spoilers ***

I enjoyed the audio version of this book but I have doubts I'd have enjoyed it in text. For what I wanted it was perfect. I could start my tablet reading and then do exercises, prepare food, do other chores, or eat and Neil would rattle on in the background keeping me company. When I needed to focus on something, I'd turn off the tablet and he'd fall silent. When I turned it back on, he'd continue from where he was without complaint or without even a 'now where was I'. The content wasn't always interesting but I didn't need it to be. It is a collection of introductions, some lectures, a few speeches and whatnot. Many of the people he extolled I've never heard of. Some I considered looking up but by then I'd moved on in the book, forgotten the names, and couldn't be bothered going back. Neil has a very pleasant voice to listen to. There are a couple of extremely positive things about this book. Since much of the work consists of introductions to books and other material, he's very upbeat in what he says which makes sense since he's being paid for positivity; however, over time it becomes infectious. It's sort of like listening to a fifteen hour Ted Talk. I felt more motivated than ever to write. In addition, some of the things he talks about enhance one's creativity. There is a risk, over time, when writing a couple of thousand words each day to become stale. This book was like a stimulant to the creative process for which I'm truly grateful. He points out the merits of crossing genre boundaries when reading and I intend to read a bit more of things I'd normally pass over. All things considered, for me this was a great book, but I don't think it's for everyone. I do think writers should give it a try.



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