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Neil Gaiman
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Neil Gaiman - where should I start?
Um, I would say that The Ocean at the End of the Lane or Neverwhere would be good places to start, one being a shorter read the other his first novel. I would hold off on American Gods until you're comfortable with his style.
Neverwhere is one of my favourite books of all time. I actually haven't really liked any of the other Gaiman I've read though...
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My first was
- which I think is much more like a Terry Pratchett book than a Neil Gaiman book.I think Anansi Boys is a good place to start and I *definitely* agree with Katie that not starting with American Gods is a good idea. I *love* that book but it is confronting.
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I have also never read Pratchett. I included the first in his Discworld series on the April poll.
I agree with Katie! The Ocean at the End of the Lane is a good read. There's a BBC radio play of Neverwhere that has a great cast - Natalie Dormer, James McAvoy, Benedict Cumberbatch...
If you like YA The Graveyard Book is a favorite of mine, and Coraline is also quite good. I also really liked Anansi Boys but, even though it isn't really a sequel to American Gods, I think I got a little more out of it having read American Gods first. You could also try one of his short story collections. Smoke and Mirrors and Fragile Things: Short Fictions and Wonders are both great.
I liked Stardust for a good fairy-tale-style read, and American Gods (though it is quite weird).
I second Neverwhere or the Ocean at the End of the Lane. I've been wanting to read the Graveyard Book, I need to bump that up the queue.American Gods is good, but it's harder than the other books so not an easy start. I will admit, I did not like Good Omens and only got about 50 pages in before I stopped.
You could just enter slow and watch the Doctor Who episode "The Doctor's Wife." He wrote that and it's brilliant! Also, Neil Gaiman is a big audiobook supporter and reads his own books. I normally won't read audiobooks read by the author, but he is the exception and they're a joy to listen to.
Pamela wrote: "I second Neverwhere or the Ocean at the End of the Lane. I've been wanting to read the Graveyard Book, I need to bump that up the queue.American Gods is good, but it's harder than the other books..."
Oh gods yes, listen to him read nearly anything. Fantastic reading voice.
He also wrote the Nightmare in Silver episode, which is SO GOOD. Probably my favorite that season.Neverwhere is on my to-read list, and Ocean at the End of the Lane was good. Enjoyed Stardust, but couldn't stay engaged with The Graveyard Book.
Bonnie wrote: "Kris wrote: "(stealthily admits to never having read Terry Pratchett either)"I have also never read Pratchett. I included the first in his Discworld series on the April poll."
If I had read The Colour of Magic as my first Pratchett I would never have read a second. It's definitely a journeyman effort. There are *much* better places to start in Discworld!
I have to speak up for his Sandman graphic novels, as they are canon Gaiman. I'm guessing, though, that if you haven't read Gaiman, you probably don't read graphic novels? In that case, read Neverwhere first (it was hugely popular when we had it as the One Book, One Chicago title at Chicago Public Library), and then if you like it, Sandman afterwards. You won't be sorry.
Alicia wrote: "Bonnie wrote: "Kris wrote: "(stealthily admits to never having read Terry Pratchett either)"I have also never read Pratchett. I included the first in his Discworld series on the April poll."
If..."
I really enjoyrd starting with Wyrd Sisters.
Katie wrote: "I really enjoyrd starting with Wyrd Sisters. ..."Good place to start.
I really like the Discworld reading order guide http://www.au.lspace.org/books/readin... - I'd start with either the Watch or the Witches. But Pyramids was my first!
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Seconding. New to this world, and this has been SO helpful.
Neverwhere and Good Omens are the best starter options, IMO. If you like the vibe (especially of Neverwhere), then go for American Gods.However, if it's not your thing, don't feel bad! I really enjoy Gaiman's work, but there can be a bit of a hive mind about it in fandom.
Nikki wrote: "I have to speak up for his Sandman graphic novels, as they are canon Gaiman. I'm guessing, though, that if you haven't read Gaiman, you probably don't read graphic novels? In that case, read Neverw..."I am not a graphic novel reader, normally, but I read Sandman to feed my Gaiman addiction and they are really good.
I love Neverwhere and Stardust is easy to read.
Alicia wrote: "Bonnie wrote: "Kris wrote: "(stealthily admits to never having read Terry Pratchett either)"I have also never read Pratchett. I included the first in his Discworld series on the April poll."
If..."
Alicia wrote: "Bonnie wrote: "Kris wrote: "(stealthily admits to never having read Terry Pratchett either)"
I have also never read Pratchett. I included the first in his Discworld series on the April poll."
If..."
I agree. If I could suggest a Pratchett book for this club, as a starter, I'd suggest Monstrous Regiment. The sisters are doing it for themselves!
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I love love LOVED TOatEotL. Loved it. Read it all at once on Friday night.
The Sandman book was neat. I liked the illustrations and the allegory. Not the kind of reading I generally gravitate to but I liked it.
Just started The Night Watch. I'm not sure what I think yet. I'll keep you posted!
Kris wrote: "I went to the library and picked up 3 books - the only 3 they had! (Small library) I got The Ocean at the End of the Lane and The 11th Sandman book (which I did realize until I'd finished it) which..."It sounds like you read The Sandman: The Dream Hunters, which is not part of the regular Sandman chronology, so you didn't jump into the middle of anything, really. The fable is really beautifully written and illustrated; it's wonderful.
BBethB wrote: "I agree. If I could suggest a Pratchett book for this club, as a starter, I'd suggest Monstrous Regiment. The sisters are doing it for themselves! ..."I think Monstrous Regiment is my favourite Discworld book.
Alicia wrote: "BBethB wrote: "I agree. If I could suggest a Pratchett book for this club, as a starter, I'd suggest Monstrous Regiment. The sisters are doing it for themselves! ..."I think Monstrous Regiment is..."
Yes! Definitely one of my faves, too!
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Yes, that was it, exactly.
I'm thinking about returning the Night Watch book unread... and asking for American Gods to be sent in for me. Good idea?
Depends on your frame of mind! Night Watch is a fast read, quite light and funny. American Gods if you get into it will take away your life for a couple of days, and if you aren't into it will be a painful slog.
I adore all of Pratchett - I think that the Tiffany Aching trilogy should be read by every young girl during or just before puberty. It starts with The Wee Free Men but like the Star Trek movies the best ones are the even numbers: Hat Full of Sky and I Shall Wear Midnight.I found American Gods to be a great audiobook.
Kris wrote: "Amy! wrote: "It sounds like you read The Sandman: The Dream Hunters"Yes, that was it, exactly.
I'm thinking about returning the Night Watch book unread... and asking for American Gods to be sent ..."
I generally wouldn't suggest back to back Gaiman. His works, for lack of a better descriptor, are heavy and require a lot of brain work. American Gods specifically is that way. I would however suggest it in audiobook format is that is your thing. I read it that way and enjoyed it immensely.
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I'm not much into audiobooks as I always listen to music in the car. I don't really travel that far or that often, so unless I'm otherwise mentally occupied, I'm usually singing in the car. :-)
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I'm not much into audiobooks as I always listen to music in the car. I don't really travel that far or that often, so unless..."
I love audiobooks anyway, but even if they are not your thing, I really recommend Gaiman's. He is great at reading his own stuff. He is an entertaining guy. If you are interested here is a clip my friend filmed at Gaiman's show last week https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rw_n6...
For Neil Gaiman I'd say start with Neverwhere or Stardust - for those of us who like a bit of old-fashioned fantasy, Stardust is just incredibly charming, and the movie is GREAT too. For Terry Pratchett, for newcomers I'd avoid any of the books featuring Rincewind the wizard and go for books that are heavy on Inspector Vimes, Granny Weatherwax and Captain Carrot (I realize the names sound bonkers BUT IT WILL ALL MAKE SENSE I PROMISE!). Jingo and Small Gods have a nice heft to them, as do Guards, Guards. Carpe Jugulum is a DELIGHTFUL take on Phantom of the Opera btw. I really do love Terry Pratchett and I'm gutted that he won't be writing very much any more. I think he brought out the best in Neil Gaiman who I like, but who does need a bit of humor.
In fact I would say that the difference between Gaiman and Pratchett is that Terry gets to say a lot of quite important and smart stuff about society, human nature, various political regimes, gender politics, poverty, modernity and teenagers in an effortlessly fun, witty way, like eating a wonderful chocolate gelato that turns out to be unexpectedly healthy and nutritious. Neil Gaiman so obviously labors so hard to bring The Big Truths about life, but to me he's much more heavy-handed and the intellectual pay-off is much smaller than with Terry. That being said, I do like Neil Gaiman, it's just that I found so much more profound as a pompous teenager but as a snarky adult, I reach for Terry Pratchett all the time. Bad Omen is one that made me laugh out loud several times and I still cackle when I think of the Queen Greatest Hits Cassette Incident.
the Queen Greatest Hits Cassette IncidentIMHO one of the best bits of schtick I've read ever.
Eva wrote: "but to me he's much more heavy-handed and the intellectual pay-off is much smaller than with Terry..."I think that is extremely well put. I read Gaiman for the style - I came to him as an adult and don't find him particularly meaningful, just a great storyteller. Pratchett holds a mirror up to society.
Our book club read The Ocean at the End of the Lane and we agreed with Alicia....great story but not a lot of depth.
Anne wrote: "I adore all of Pratchett - I think that the Tiffany Aching trilogy should be read by every young girl during or just before puberty. It starts with The Wee Free Men but like the Star Trek movies t..."The Tiffany Aching books are so very good. I first read them in college, and they had a major impact on me. I now recommend them to my students. They have an important message, and yet remain entertaining and amusing. I love Pratchett, and the witches are my favorites. Sam Vimes and the Watch are a close second.
For Gaiman, The Ocean at the End of the Lane is good, as is the Graveyard Book. If you're not sure, his short story collections give you a good sense of his style. American Gods is good, but is definitely major and probably not a good place to start. Good Omens is amazing.
Michelle wrote: "Neverwhere is one of my favourite books of all time. I actually haven't really liked any of the other Gaiman I've read though..."Ha! Are you me? This is exactly my experience with Gaiman. Neverwhere has earned a permanent place on my bookshelf but I haven't gotten along so well with his others.
I am not a huge fan of Pratchett but I did like his YA books. Some of his adult books do not have chapter dividers and it drives me batty.
I just read my first Gaiman - Neverwhere - and loved it!
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Bonnie wrote: "I guess I am the only one who adored Anansi Boys and American Gods. ..."Not at all! I loved them.
Bonnie wrote: "I guess I am the only one who adored Anansi Boys and American Gods. Not only did i find the writing sharp and the stories compelling, but I found both to be laugh out loud hilarious. I actually hav..."I loved American Gods, I just wouldn't necessarily suggest that as a first read for Gaiman. :)
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Bonnie wrote: "My first Gaiman was Anansi Boys and I loved it. I wonder if everyone's favorite Gaiman is their first Gaiman."I'd be an outlier for that one. My favorite Gaiman is The Ocean at the End of the Lane which was not my first Gaiman.
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Bonnie wrote: "I thought the folks on this thread would want to know that Terry Pratchett has passed away. He certainly left a legacy to the ages. RIP Sir Pratchett."Oh No!
Bonnie wrote: "I thought the folks on this thread would want to know that Terry Pratchett has passed away. He certainly left a legacy to the ages. RIP Sir Pratchett."I am so sorry to hear that.
Alicia wrote: "Eva wrote: "but to me he's much more heavy-handed and the intellectual pay-off is much smaller than with Terry..."I think that is extremely well put. I read Gaiman for the style - I came to him a..."
I have to agree. I have enjoyed reading some Gaiman but I don't love his work the way I can love Pratchett. I'm terribly saddened by Mr. Pratchett's death last week.
Go Fug Yourself Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
The Ocean at the End of the Lane (other topics)The Sandman: The Dream Hunters (other topics)
Pyramids (other topics)
Anansi Boys (other topics)
Coraline (other topics)
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SO, where should I start?