From the TBR Pile: Blog Tour: View From the Cheap Seats by Neil Gaiman

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Blog Tour: View From the Cheap Seats by Neil Gaiman

Author: Neil Gaiman
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks;
Date of publication: May 2016; Reprint edition (May 16, 2017)

The New York Times bestselling non-fiction collection, now in paperback, from the author of American Gods, now a STARZ Original Series.

An enthralling collection of nonfiction essays on a myriad of topics—from art and artists to dreams, myths, and memories—observed in #1 New York Times bestselling author Neil Gaiman’s probing, amusing, and distinctive style.

An inquisitive observer, thoughtful commentator, and assiduous craftsman, Neil Gaiman has long been celebrated for the sharp intellect and startling imagination that informs his bestselling fiction. Now, The View from the Cheap Seats brings together for the first time ever more than sixty pieces of his outstanding nonfiction. Analytical yet playful, erudite yet accessible, this cornucopia explores a broad range of interests and topics, including (but not limited to): authors past and present; music; storytelling; comics; bookshops; travel; fairy tales; America; inspiration; libraries; ghosts; and the title piece, at turns touching and self-deprecating, which recounts the author’s experiences at the 2010 Academy Awards in Hollywood.

Insightful, incisive, witty, and wise, The View from the Cheap Seats explores the issues and subjects that matter most to Neil Gaiman—offering a glimpse into the head and heart of one of the most acclaimed, beloved, and influential artists of our time.

Purchase Links

HarperCollins | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

View From the Cheap Seats was recently re-issued by the publisher. It's a collection of essays and speeches written by Neil Gaiman over the years. He wrote one of my favorite books of all time, Neverwhere. I am a fan in general. So I was looking forward to reading this collection.

Now this really isn't a book I would say you can really read in one go. I feel like it's a book best savored a little at a time. I found that after a while of reading straight though, the writings began to blend together as some of his anecdotes were reused. That is not to say I didn't enjoy this book. I always love to hear what author's have to say about books, writing and the world in general. It makes the more human to me. I enjoyed this collection and found I liked better as I read it a little at a time.

I have to say that my favorite works were the ones toward the beginning. I love that he lead off with his lecture, "Why Our Future Depends on Libraries, Reading and Daydreaming". I loved every thing he had to say in this lecture as I firmly agree with his sentiment that all children should be encouraged to read what they like, even if we as adults don't like what they are reading. I also loved his lecture, "What the [Very Bad Swear Word} is a Children's Book Anyway?". That one really made me think. His insights into his fellow authors were enlightening in the section: Some People I have Known. I could go on...

I believe there is something here for everyone. I definitely recommend this for anyone's bookshelf. It's a great collection to get lost in.

About Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman is the New York Times bestselling author of the novels Neverwhere, Stardust, American Gods, Coraline, Anansi Boys, The Graveyard Book, Good Omens (with Terry Pratchett), The Ocean at the End of the Lane, and The Truth Is a Cave in the Black Mountains; the Sandman series of graphic novels; and the story collections Smoke and Mirrors, Fragile Things, and Trigger Warning. He is the winner of numerous literary honors, including the Hugo, Bram Stoker, and World Fantasy awards, and the Newbery and Carnegie Medals. Originally from England, he now lives in the United States. He is Professor in the Arts at Bard College.

Find out more about Neil at his website, find all his books at his online bookstore, and follow him on Facebook, tumblr, Twitter, Instagram, and his blog.

Tour Dates:

Tuesday, May 16th: G. Jacks Writes

Wednesday, May 17th: Vox Libris

Thursday, May 18th: Based on a True Story

Friday, May 19th: A Splendidly Messy Life

Monday, May 22nd: 100 Pages a Day…Stephanie’s Book Reviews