Neil Gaiman - A Book a Month for a Year "Buddy Reads"

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Too funny. Now after talking him up so much, I sure hope we enjoy these books.. LOL!

[Ashley Marie]

I will feel very sheepish if no one likes anything they read.


That's a lie. I'll just go read Sandman and mutter "My precious" to myself or something.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Haha! I think you would too ;)

[[deleted user]]

I'm in for at least the 3 I haven't read:

The Ocean at the End of the Lane
American Gods
Fragile Things: short fictions and wonders

I'd like to nominate The Sandman, Vol. 1: Preludes and Nocturnes as I've never read any of his graphic novels.

[Ashley Marie]

*happier dance* Sandman is amazing!

I'd like to add a disclaimer, though. If you don't especially like the first volume, give the second a try anyway. The first is a bit weird in that Gaiman was tasked with resurrecting an existing character - he had to figure out a way to jump start his own narrative given the constraints of an existing, older comic. It can read a bit off (and is a bit more horror than the rest of the series) as a result. You have to read it to get to the really amazing, mind-blowingly good volumes, but it isn't the best in the series by any measure.

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Sounds good Pigletto :)

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

You may have to remind us of that when we get to it next year AM! :)

[Christy]

Eeeeek! I'm in! I started a Neil Gaiman mini marathon recently and I'm enjoying myself immensely.. My face to face book club chose The Graveyard Book for the August read and I started on some other NG books to pass the time.
This has been my first exposure to NG and though I really didn't think much of the children's book Odd and the Frost Giants', thankfully I tried some others! I loved The Ocean at the End of the Lane and currently loving Neverwhere.

[Christy]

Ashley- Love the wedding photos! Tell me about the book proposal... Did Hubby see Neil at a book signing or how did that all go down?

[Ashley Marie]

Thank you :)

When Brad and I first started dating in college, one of the things we shared was a love of reading. Neverwhere was the very first book I loaned him to read.

Fast forward about 8 years later - Brad wrote to Neil, explaining what a crazy person I am about his books, and asked if he would be willing to help out with the proposal. Neil agreed and sent a signed bookplate for Brad to put in a copy of Neverwhere. I had no idea he would be proposing the day he did it, and was opening presents thinking they were simply "dating anniversary" gifts. I got to the book and was like, "Um, Brad? I own this already." He just started laughing at me and told me to open it. Honestly, I don't think I ever said yes. I just started screaming and crying and jumping around like a lunatic :)

[Christy]

Awww!!! That is so sweet and original and romantic! Kudos to your man!!! :' )

[Ashley Marie]

He's pretty awesome :) It was definitely the perfect proposal for me!

I've been lucky enough to meet a lot of famous people...the only two I've ever freaked out on (and cried) were Neil Gaiman and Peter S. Beagle lol. Nerd girl problems!

[Christy]

Lol, too cute! It was perfect.

[Cathie]

Like I said before Ashley Marie; your hub is definitely a keeper :-)

[Lisa Kay]

Oh, he is definitely that!

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Such a great story!

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Welcome Christy! Would you like to pick the last book (August 2014)?

[Steven]

I might be reading most of these books earlier than each of these months (I'm hoping to read more of his this year!!!) and I've already read The Graveyard Book and Stardust (both excellent books)... But I'm definitely up for Coraline next month, and I'll jump in others as I can.

Ashley Marie darling, you have to help me pay attention to this over the next year... I'll forget after September without help remembering!!!!!

[Ashley Marie]

Steven wrote: "I might be reading most of these books earlier than each of these months (I'm hoping to read more of his this year!!!) and I've already read The Graveyard Book and Stardust (both excellent books)....."

*Gasp* Someone asking me to bother them about reading Neil Gaiman?!?! It's a dream come true!

[Lisa Kay]

**gigglesnort**

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Hahaha!

[Christy]

Maybe because I found the Punch and Judy puppets in Gone Girl kind of creepy, this graphic novel is really pulling me in .
I purchased the kindle version and it's just beautiful art in there.
Will that work for next August?

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Sounds good!

[Kristie]

Is now the appropriate time to mention that I have never actually read a book by Neil Gaiman? Yup, that's right. Not one. However, I just started The Ocean at the End of the Lane and it's very interesting.

I won't be able to read all the books (I'm a very slow reader!), but I'd like to join the discussions for the ones I do get to. :) I'm definitely reading The Ocean at the End of the Lane and Coraline this year. Hopefully, Neverwhere too. I guess we'll see how those go before I add others. Great idea for a challenge!

[Wishbear]

I would like to join. My boyfriend is always on my case that I should read more Neil Gaiman. I've listened to Neverwhere on Audible and read American Gods but I'll reread as they will still be fun to discuss.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

That's ok Kristie - I have only read American Gods, but I have been interested in his work so this will be a good test to see how much I enjoy it! Join for whichever books you like :)

Welcome Marlene! I agree, I am looking forward to discussing American Gods as I'm not sure I really "got it" when I read it..lol

[Kristie]

I'm hoping to read 6 out of the 12. That is my challenge goal. :) What did you think of American Gods? (Isn't that his really long one?) I've heard that I should not miss Anansi Boys?

EDIT:
I'm going to keep track of my 6 here. :)

My Goal: 6/6 COMPLETED!!

List of books:
✔ September 2013 - Coraline 9/4/13
✔ October 2013 - The Ocean at the End of the Lane 8/31/13
✔ November 2013 - The Graveyard Book 11/27/13
✔ December 2013 - Neverwhere 12/16/13
✔ January 2014 - Stardust 1/10/14
✔ March 2014 - Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch 3/20/14

[Wishbear]

"I am looking forward to discussing American Gods as I'm not sure I really "got it" when I read it..lol "

My Boyfriend and I talked about American Gods as I read it because I kept getting lost and forgetting who belonged where. I'm hoping a reread will cement the details better. I do know that I really enjoyed it.

[Kaitlin]

Eek! I'd love to participate if that's OK. I read Good Omens & American Gods just this year and have been blabbering about them to everyone who will listen. I'd love to read and chat about as many of these as possible!

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Sounds like a good goal Kristie! It has been a few years since I read American Gods and I remember thinking it was pretty good, but confusing at times. I am probably similar to Marlene in that way so I am looking forward to doing a re-read. Ashley Marie is the crazy NG fan so she can probably tell you the *must read* books to have in your 6 :)

Welcome Kaitlin! Sounds good... the more the merrier!

[Lisa Kay]

Kristie wrote: "Is now the appropriate time to mention that I have never actually read a book by Neil Gaiman? Yup, that's right. Not one."

You are not alone, Kristie. I haven't either. ☺

[Sarah]

I only just read The Ocean at the End of the Lane. People told me to start with something else. I did love his writing. I found it nostalgic and I kind of got caught up in this ethereal world he created. But this story was still a little confusing to me in the sense of what the point was. Something went completely over my head?

[Nicole]

That's going to be the first book I've ever tried by Gaiman when it comes to October, since I didn't have time to fit Coraline into September (and consoled myself with the knowledge I'd seen the movie before ;D)

[Kristie]

Lisa Kay - Oh good! Glad I'm not the only one. :)

Sarah - I hear that a lot. People love his writing, but get confused. lol

Nicole - If you listen to audio, Coraline is only 3 CDs, so it's very short. I think it might be narrated by Neil Gaiman too, but I'm not sure about that. I do know that a lot of people have recommended his audio books that he narrates himself.

Glad we've got a few newbies in this challenge!

[Sonia]

Cool David, that make four of us Neil Gaiman first timers so far ;)

[Elizabeth]

I'm a first timer, too. :) Though Stardust is one of my favorite movies of all time, and after watching it the first time I went out and bought every book Neil had ever written. Of course, that was years ago and I haven't gotten around to reading any of them... but that's why I'm so excited for this challenge!

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

welcome David

Wow Elizabeth.... I hope you enjoy the books after so long with anticipation! :)

[Ashley Marie]

Karen wrote: "Sounds like a good goal Kristie! It has been a few years since I read American Gods and I remember thinking it was pretty good, but confusing at times. I am probably similar to Marlene in that way ..."

I think everyone's top 6 must read NG books would probably vary from person to person. He writes such unique stories, I think there's something for everyone...as long as you like really atmospheric, character-driven stuff :)

[Nicole]

Kristie wrote: "Nicole - If you listen to audio, Coraline is only 3 CDs, so it's very short. I think it might be narrated by Neil Gaiman too, but I'm not sure about that. I do know that a lot of people have recommended his audio books that he narrates himself. "

I'm really not good with audio books. I don't tend to craft or do anything else with my hands to keep them occupied while I listen without being distracted. As result, I don't really take in audio books, sadly :(

[Kaitlin]

So...I may have jumped ahead and read Coraline yesterday. Lol so good.

Nicole - Yeah, I can't do audibooks either. I've tried a couple times and just can't pay attention. I think Coraline merits being physically read, as well, especially if you get one of the versions with pictures.

[Ashley Marie]

Kaitlin wrote: "So...I may have jumped ahead and read Coraline yesterday. Lol so good.

Nicole - Yeah, I can't do audibooks either. I've tried a couple times and just can't pay attention. I think Coraline merits b..."

I'm glad you liked it!

I could never listen to audiobooks before I started having a longer commute to work. Now I burn through them - they keep me sane in traffic. I couldn't "read" them without that motivation, though. It's too easy to get distracted.

[Kristie]

I'm the same. I love audio books in the car, but can't pay enough attention elsewhere.

[Lisa Kay]

The CDs I borrowed from the library say Neil Gaiman narrates.

[Kristie]

I'm listening to The Ocean at the End of the Lane right now with him narrating and I love it. :) I hope he narrates all of them!

[Christy]

He has a nice voice and I love the accent! He is a great narrator. I seldom have time for anything but audio books. I have a long commute and I listen while getting ready in the morning, and at night for a few minutes before I fall asleep, while doing dishes or while on the treadmill. Anything else takes too much attention to concentrate on the story. Sometimes it's fun to just read along. That's my plan with Coraline.

[Sarah]

Everyone talks about how they love Gaiman's narrations. Maybe I gotta check one out.

[Ashley Marie]

There's a short story he narrated for Halloween called Click-Clack the Rattlebag that's a really good audio intro to his style (it's not very long). It's super, super creepy, though!

[Nicole]

Maybe I will at least try to check them out. I'm trying again with James Masters for Dresden Files, cause I figure if he can't get me to listen and keep listening, no one can! :D

Also, it helps that I think Summer Knight might be the best of the series thus far. (not to de-rail the thread with another book/author...)

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

I'm in. I don't know how many I'll read or in which order because I get a burr up my butt now and then to check out a specific author and if I love the first thing I've read of theirs, I tend to go hog wild with more of their books at a fast pace. Can I manage to hold off each month? I just don't know! But I'll try. ;)

My experience with Neil books amuses me: I have been reading Good Omens for about 5 years now. I just haven't gotten around to finishing it. I really like it but it's just an odd thing, my relationship with that book. I bought American Gods about 9 years ago but never got around to reading it and now my copy has been ruined from a flood. I checked out Coraline from the library about 2 years ago but didn't get past page 1. I find it interesting that different things happen when I try to read a Neil Gaiman book. I have every intention of reading his books but maybe they just haven't been ready for me haha. I love to read his tweets and find him to be an interesting, intelligent and compelling individual so I'm pretty confident I'll enjoy his books.

I first heard of Neil when Tori Amos mentioned him in her song, Tear in Your Hand, back in 1992. She references Neil and the Dream King, the main character from his Sandman graphic novels (other books on my TBR) in the lyrics, then in interviews she talked about him after that and that was the first I'd heard of him. I remember thinking, "Hm, Tori likes him, maybe I should check him out." That was so long ago and still, it took forever for me to remember to look for his books at the book store. Think I'll listen to Tori's music when I read his books.

[Anima]

Wow, Teresa, what a great story with Tori's lyrics, I haven''t noticed that. Thanks for sharing this, I find it mysterious and adding to Neil's narrative, which is usually creepy or/and mystic!