A Reader's Guide to Neil Gaiman

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 12. 09. 2024

Komentáře • 112

  • @YourBrainonBooks
    @YourBrainonBooks Před 3 lety +18

    The Ocean at the end of the lane is such a beautiful book. I often pull it off my shelve and read random passages.

  • @Johanna_reads
    @Johanna_reads Před 3 lety +9

    This was Neil Gaiman guide I needed! I did start with Stardust many years ago. This may sound weird but I actually found out about Neil Gaiman through Tori Amos lyrics. She referenced him in songs, and he made a tree of her in Stardust. The Ocean at the End of the Lane was the book that made me fall in love with audiobooks, and I might try the Norse Mythology audiobook some time!

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety +3

      That’s an amazing way to find an author! His narration is so good - it can convert even the most reluctant listeners!

    • @bmoneybby
      @bmoneybby Před 3 lety +1

      I've heard him say in interviews that Tori Amos has a vacation type house that she let's Neil use to go live at for months on end so he can be alone and write.

    • @Johanna_reads
      @Johanna_reads Před 3 lety +1

      @@bmoneybby Thank you for sharing that! I understand they have a very close friendship, and it's so fun to see that as a fan!

    • @MagusMarquillin
      @MagusMarquillin Před 3 lety +1

      That's cool! Was Tori's tree the Copper Beach that Tristran slept under; who dreamed of Pan and who told her told to help Tristran, and she did because he didn't keep the Star chained up, and then she gave him a leaf?
      That makes me want to give Tori Amos a better listen!

    • @Johanna_reads
      @Johanna_reads Před 3 lety

      @@MagusMarquillin That’s the one! There’s a song called Horses (it’s actually Beauty Queen/Horses), and sings: “If there is a way to find you I will find you, but will you find me if Neil makes me a tree?” There’s also a line in the song Tear in Your Hand: “If you need me, me and Neil'll be hangin' out with the dream king. Neil says ‘hi’ by the way.” He’s referenced in a couple of other songs, I believe, but in those two, it seems like she’s almost using him as jealousy bate to lover or ex she’s singing to. It’s very interesting. But they are good friends in real life.

  • @morganwinchester
    @morganwinchester Před 3 lety +8

    Neverwhere is my absolute favourite. I also really love his short stories. When my wife and I were first dating I used to read to her from Fragile Things so I have a soft spot for that collection as well.

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety +1

      That's really sweet - such a nice memory to have associated with them. :)

  • @Danny_Matson
    @Danny_Matson Před 3 lety +2

    I too love Neil Gaiman. Neverwhere was my first and I was instantly hooked. It remains my favorite of his books but Norse Mythology comes in a close second! The word that always comes to my mind when I think of Gaiman is "delectable", as if you can almost smell and taste the words coming off the page. It's weird, but it makes sense to me. His prose is so good.
    The short story collections are the only books of his I haven't read yet, but I'm definitely interested now.

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety +1

      I totally understand what you mean! He's truly one of the greats. I'm rereading Sandman right now and having a great time. I hope you enjoy the short stories :)

  • @lucifersgambit
    @lucifersgambit Před 3 lety +4

    Great overview! My personal favourite is Neverwhere, which was the first one I read of his and opened my eyes to some amazing storytelling. Honourable mentioned goes to The Sandman series which is just epic and awe-inspiring as well.

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety +1

      Totally agree! His style translates so well into the graphic novel medium.

  • @seriousoldman8997
    @seriousoldman8997 Před 5 měsíci

    No background music and a critical appreciation with depth. Thank you.

  • @AndrewsWizardlyReads
    @AndrewsWizardlyReads Před 3 lety +1

    Gaimen for me shines the brightest in Good Omens!!! Great video Sarah.

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety

      I love Good Omens as well! Thanks, Andrew ☺️

  • @nathashaprocopovich4255
    @nathashaprocopovich4255 Před 3 lety +1

    I have only read The Ocean at the End of the Lane, and this book solidified my love and appreciation for Neil Gaiman. It was a wonderful introduction. Can’t wait to read more!

  • @bookwormfk
    @bookwormfk Před 3 lety +1

    I very much agree with your starting point recommendations - my first Gaiman book was Neverwhere, followed by Stardust. My favorites are American Gods and Sandman. I totally enjoyed The View From the Cheap Seats for the glimpses into the evolution of the author and him recounting his own history as a reader.

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety +1

      That’s what I enjoyed about it as well! It’s nice to have that insight into one of your favourite authors. ☺️

  • @derrisreaditbefore
    @derrisreaditbefore Před 3 lety +1

    Great content! I've read and/or listened to a few of Neil Gaiman's works, and this reminded me I want to read more.
    Like you, I haven't watched Coraline as a movie - because that is a seriously *creepy* story. I'm still gobsmacked that it's classified as a childrens book, and not horror.
    With excluding collaborations, I missed the chance to hear your thoughts on Good Omens - the book that brought Neil Gaiman to my attention. The whimsical nature of Terry Pratchett's work has long been a favourite of mine, and in Good Omens Neil Gaiman added a frisson of fear and shadow, helping to create an utterly unique book. From there I read Stardust - and my heart was won. A gloriously gruesome, lighthearted (a combination I don't think many authors could pull off), adventurous fairy tale - and while different, the movie has captured a little of it's sparkle, making it worth watching.
    American Gods was one I wanted to read for a long time, but knew would be far heavier in feel, so I actually read it after Stephen King's The Stand. Turned out to be a remarkably good book pairing.
    I have Stardust and Norse Myths on audible, and his voice is gorgeous - and dangerously soporific! If I'm not physically doing something while listening - he puts me to sleep every time.
    Thanks Sarah

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety +1

      Thank you; I’m glad you enjoyed! ☺️ I agree that Coraline is incredibly creepy.
      I love Gaiman, so will likely cover more of his work on the channel in the future. I really like Good Omens and love Sandman, so I’d like to talk about them sometime.
      How did you feel about The Stand?

    • @derrisreaditbefore
      @derrisreaditbefore Před 3 lety

      @@TheBookCure I love The Stand, it's my favourite of King's works, I think the characters are the best he's written, and the scale of the story is amazing. It certainly put me in the right head-space for American Gods! The mix of mundane and profound is oddly similar.

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety +1

      @@derrisreaditbefore I wouldn’t have made the connection, but I think it absolutely fits! The Stand is certainly ambitious - and has so many fantastic characters. Definitely one of my favourites by King.

  • @grff_
    @grff_ Před rokem

    So happy a video like this exist🥰 I want to get into him because I fell for his style watching good omens and sandman. I will follow this guide because when i googled his works i felt overwhelmed with how much he's done

  • @bugsby4663
    @bugsby4663 Před 3 lety +1

    I have just started getting into his writing. I listened to the Audible version of the Sandman and it was amazing. Can't wait for the TV show. I think Neverwhere will be next. Thank you for such a great look at this subject.

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety

      Thank you ☺️ I’ve heard good things about the Sandman production. Perhaps I’ll reread and listen at the same time!

  • @adrianac3258
    @adrianac3258 Před 3 lety

    Loved this video ❤️! The Ocean at the End of Lane was my gateway drug to Neil Gaiman , now he is my favorite author.

  • @carlosbranca8080
    @carlosbranca8080 Před rokem

    Fragil Things also has a story in the American Gods universe, The Monarch of the Glen so i would recommend reading Gods first. Excellent video!

  • @omarsalman1331
    @omarsalman1331 Před 3 lety

    Thanks Sarah! I am the exact target for this video, as I always saw Neil Gaiman books on the bookstore shelves, but was never sure where to start. Now I have narrowed it down to Neverwhere ... or maybe Fragile Things (and Fortunately, the Milk, for the nightly read-along with my boys).

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety +1

      Whenever someone picks up a recommendation for their kids I am so happy. I hope you all love his work!

  • @stevedolan8156
    @stevedolan8156 Před 3 lety

    Great video! I picked up Fortunately, the Milk a couple weeks ago based on your recommendation from an earlier video, and my kids really loved it.

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety

      I’m so glad!! Hearing that your kids loved the recommendation has made my night 😍

  • @yorkshirelasstracey5383
    @yorkshirelasstracey5383 Před 3 lety +1

    Hi Sarah, I listened to Norse mythology earlier this year also and loved it so much that I went straight on to read The Prose Edda which blew my mind. 🤓
    I have American God's here which I've not read yet however as it was a charity shop find for 50p I picked it up and will read it before the end of the year.
    I also think that I read The ocean at the end of the lane a long time ago, might need a re read of that one. Thank you for the information here, excellent as ever.

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety

      I hope you enjoy American Gods! I think your knowledge of Norse Mythology will make it an even richer experience ☺️

  • @stevengentry9396
    @stevengentry9396 Před 3 lety

    Thanks for your video. Neil Gaiman is a great pick for highlighting an author's work. I enjoyed hearing your thoughts on these books. It's probably good that you excluded some works, or the video would have gone on awhile (I'm a big fan of two episodes he wrote for Dr. Who).
    I liked his Norse Mythology quite a bit. The Poetic and Prose Eddas, the sagas and so forth are great reads (and Old Norse is fascinating), but re-tellings of the stories are a treat. The stories all started as oral traditions, and even the preserved versions in the Eddas point to variations and different forms of the same story, so refreshed, new tellings are just keeping the stories alive. I love Gaiman's other works as well, but this one is a favorite.

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety +1

      It worked really well as a starting point for me. I’d love to go on to explore some of the Poetic/Prose Eddas, but I’ll need to do some digging to find out where to start.
      I’m glad you enjoyed the video ☺️

    • @derrisreaditbefore
      @derrisreaditbefore Před 3 lety +1

      I LOVED The Doctor's Wife! It was one of my favourite episodes even before I knew it had been penned by Neil :)

  • @farhanrahman7119
    @farhanrahman7119 Před 2 lety

    Brilliant video and extremely helpful since I am trying to pick up a Neil gaiman book for the first time

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 2 lety

      Thank you! I'm glad it could be helpful for you :)

  • @joyceh1053
    @joyceh1053 Před 3 lety

    You got me at "Holmes mystery told with a Lovecraftian flair". Book is now in the checkout basket.

  • @TheBookishMom
    @TheBookishMom Před 3 lety

    Yay I have been excited for this video! I really want to read more Gaiman! I picked up a few books, American Gods and Ocean at the End of the Lane, and I think I will start with the latter since it is shorter lol

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety +1

      I think that’s a good choice! It’s such a beautiful book. Can’t wait to hear what you think of it ☺️

  • @lukegregg5944
    @lukegregg5944 Před 3 lety

    Great guide Sarah thank you! Personally I have only started listening to Neil Gaiman last week with 'An Ocean at The End Of The Lane', so far I am enjoying it!

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety +1

      So glad to hear that you're enjoying it :)

  • @muttineni03
    @muttineni03 Před 3 lety

    Wonderful video, exactly the kind of video I've been looking for as I've recently bought whole collection of Neil Gaiman and been thinking to start with Coraline and Graveyard yard book, I've heard even adults could enjoy those books and Sarah you are so pleasant to listen

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety +1

      Thank you so much :) I'm glad that you found this helpful - please let me know what you think of his work once you get started!

  • @josephcarrel7202
    @josephcarrel7202 Před 3 lety

    Great video! Haven't read much of Neil but I have listen to his lectures they are amazing.

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety +1

      I’ve yet to see something he’s bad at 😅 And thank you ☺️

  • @coleton7048
    @coleton7048 Před 3 lety

    The Ocean at the End of the Lane is my favorite as well. I love it so, so, so much. With all my heart and soul.

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety +1

      It’s wonderful. We’re both suckers for that haunting edge to fantasy, it seems.

  • @ShelfCentered
    @ShelfCentered Před 3 lety

    Great video and I completely agree. Stardust is both a favorite book and movie. He writes with such magic, another I compare him to is Diana Wynne Jones. They have that ability to insert actual magic into their writing just as you're saying. Thanks!

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety +1

      Absolutely agree. I love DWJ as well. Two such beautifully imaginative authors. ❤️

  • @nathanbeer3338
    @nathanbeer3338 Před rokem

    Didn't expect for Chris Riddell to be mentioned here, he's the same guy who illustrated the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy's 42nd anniversary edition.

  • @calista3371
    @calista3371 Před 2 lety

    I've read most of Gaiman's works and still working on finishing them off. I have mostly some short stories. The Graveyard book is one of my all time favorite books. I love it. I also love American Gods - its brilliant.

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 2 lety

      Yes, I love both of those 😍I think The Ocean at the End of the Lane is probably my favourite, but I love all his stuff so much 🥰

  • @BookishChas
    @BookishChas Před 3 lety

    Excellent video Sarah. Ocean is my absolute favorite Neil Gaiman book, and also my favorite book of all time. I’ve yet to read a book that outranks it…for me anyway lol. Graveyard, I agree, is the best kids book to start with. It’s so much fun. Some of the books I might put in different categories, but I think you nailed this. Oh, and Sandman is his magnum opus in my opinion 😉, but I know you weren’t covering graphic novels.

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety +1

      Totally agree, Chas! When I think Neil Gaiman, Sandman is the first thing that comes to mind. But for novels, I think AG takes the spot.
      I didn’t know Ocean was your favourite book! If you’re ever doing a reread, let me know. Would be nice to reread it with a friend ☺️

    • @BookishChas
      @BookishChas Před 3 lety

      @@TheBookCure absolutely. I’m actually planning a reread sometime this year. I’ll message you on Discord if that’s ok?

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety

      @@BookishChas Definitely ☺️

  • @crystalsingh7325
    @crystalsingh7325 Před 3 lety

    I adore Neil Gaiman 😊 My favs are def American Gods and Neverwhere. I have yet to read Good Omens but I have heard so many good things. Great video 🙂

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety

      I really love Good Omens, but you can definitely feel Terry Pratchett’s influence. That’s why I didn’t include it here. American Gods is fantastic. Have you watched the show?

    • @crystalsingh7325
      @crystalsingh7325 Před 3 lety

      @@TheBookCure I have, but I am not a fan of the show 😖😅

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety +1

      @@crystalsingh7325 I haven’t seen it, but that’s good to know!

  • @chrisreadingcorner3816

    wow this is such a great video. I started off with Fragile things which was a gift, then moved onto American Gods, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, Neverwhere. I have also read Smoke & Mirrors and Norse Mythology. I have Anansi Boys which I am yet to read.

  • @calista3371
    @calista3371 Před 2 lety

    You left off the Interworld Triology. I've only read the 1st one, but it was good. My favorite short story was in M is for Magic and another one and I think it's called November about each month telling a story. Amazing.

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 2 lety

      Yes, I left off Interworld and Good Omens because they were co-authored and I felt like the video was going to be very long even with Gaiman-only publications 😅 But I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the first one - I’ll have to give them a try sometime ☺️

  • @niedomyty00
    @niedomyty00 Před 2 lety

    Thank you. I wasn't sure which books should I get. I thought Ocean and Stardust were also written for kids... You helped me a lot. Great video indeed.

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 2 lety

      Thank you; I’m so glad this was helpful! ☺️

  • @thebrothersgwynne
    @thebrothersgwynne Před 3 lety

    Neil Gaiman is one of the best in the business. Personally Neverwhere is my favourite. It is hard to get better than Mr Croup and Mr Vandemar hahah. But I definitely need to read some more :).
    Will

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety

      Yes, they are the best part of the book! So creepy. I’ve seen other authors try to match that kind of duo and it doesn’t love up. He does a great job narrating their voices as well. :)

  • @dominiquecarrie3316
    @dominiquecarrie3316 Před 3 lety

    My favourite so far is The Ocean at the End of the Lane and as a second Norse Mythology but I still have so many to read (incl. American Gods!). I was surprised though that you included Norse Mythology in nonfiction ^^ but I understand your rationale. Thanks for the video!

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety +1

      Hahaha, I wasn’t sure where to put it 😅😅 I really enjoyed it as well; Gaiman’s narration made it even better.

    • @cynthiaholmes5124
      @cynthiaholmes5124 Před 3 lety +1

      American gods is a great book I read it in one hole day 💙🌟

  • @bmoneybby
    @bmoneybby Před 3 lety

    It's not fair Neil is the best writer AND the best narrator. Save a little for rest of us bro!

  • @zahraferdous6548
    @zahraferdous6548 Před 3 lety

    Many years ago I started with American Gods and I honestly didn’t understand it. Something with the writing style didn’t suit me. Then last year I read Stardust and Coraline and loved both. I liked his style in these stories which is different than most. Thank you for the guide.

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety

      Thanks for watching! He has so much variation in his books that I really think there is something for everyone ☺️

    • @zahraferdous6548
      @zahraferdous6548 Před 3 lety

      @@TheBookCure yes. And I'll start with Fragile Things soon because I think since It's a collection I might find some "genre" of his writing that I love. I believe It's fairy tale retelling, but let's see.

  • @kanyeloveshiscranberryjuic3464

    Sucks majorly that so many people scrub The Sandman from these lists just because it's a comic book. Too many people disrespect comics.

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 2 lety

      I love Sandman, I just specified this one was for fiction because I couldn’t do Sandman justice within the limits here. Gaiman has written enough comics for them to earn their own video!

  • @marcusmusings
    @marcusmusings Před 3 lety

    My Gaiman intro was Good Omens and then American Gods. Those and the Graveyard Book are my favorite works of his (and Sandman, naturally). Neverwhere is my least favorite

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety

      Neverwhere is definitely the most straightforward of his books. I still enjoy it, but it’s not my favourite.

  • @annaewilliams1523
    @annaewilliams1523 Před 3 lety

    I'm gonna have to bust you, you missed one of his most important works, and that is the Adult comic book, "The Sandman". I know a comic book, yes, a book with illustrations and words, forbid. But, this comic book is not for kids, its not you typical DC or Marvel Comics, this was the first Gaiman work i read when i was younger, and, it blew me away, i'd never read anything like it. You can find bits of Ideas and concepts from his books in this series. Seriously, just cause its a comic, don't buy it for your kids cause their are vary adult themes, gothic violence, gods with human flaws whom have to deal with their choices to humanity, revenge, love, reincarnation, and taking responsibility for their actions... seriously, this is one of his most amazing works that i still find reason to go back and read this series.
    Oh, i still feel my favorite book by him is "Stardust".

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety

      I love Sandman, and many of his other comics :) I just didn’t think I could do them justice without doubling the time of this video 😅 Will definitely make another to cover them; glad to see that you love them just as much! 🥰

  • @SheWasOnlyEvie
    @SheWasOnlyEvie Před 3 lety

    Even though I have Stardust, I am thinking that I’ll plan to start with The Ocean at the End of the Lane.
    (Re: Johanna’s comment) Oddly enough, I, too, found out about Neil Gaiman’s existence through Tori Amos. 😂

  • @havanadaurcy1321
    @havanadaurcy1321 Před rokem

    Just started reading American Gods (due to German metal band Blind Guardian having a song on it) but am stuck for what to read afterwards. Help.

  • @cynthiaholmes5124
    @cynthiaholmes5124 Před 3 lety

    Have you ever read the otherworld series by Kelly Armstrong her book series was adapted into a tv series called bitten I absolutely loved both the tv show and the books 🤔👓🥰☺️

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety +1

      I haven’t read it, but I will look it up for sure ☺️

    • @cynthiaholmes5124
      @cynthiaholmes5124 Před 3 lety

      @@TheBookCure the book series is set the world of the supernatural it has werewolves and witches and other creatures in the series plus some of the books have different female protagonists in them but the series is mostly centered on only elena Michaels the show lasted three seasons 🌟💜💙

  • @jamesfetcho6315
    @jamesfetcho6315 Před 3 lety

    The only things I've read by Neil Gaiman are the Comics, and, or Graphic novels.
    The reason being, every other Writer I've read that crossed over I haven't enjoyed. 🤷‍♂️
    You know the stuff I've talked about, Give Me one In Your Opinion I should 2 try.
    Also remember...I don't listen 2 Audio books.
    Nothing against them.
    Just not my thing. It takes away from my own imagination, or how I like 2 make the voices in my head as I read. IMO.

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety +1

      Norse Mythology might be a good one to try, just to see if you like his writing style. I think that given your love of the Dark Tower that you might appreciate the genre-blending of American Gods, but the plot does meander a bit.

    • @jamesfetcho6315
      @jamesfetcho6315 Před 3 lety

      @@TheBookCure OK. Thank You. 😊

  • @barrilrayder
    @barrilrayder Před 3 lety

    Amazing. I´m about to begin American Gods.

  • @marcusmusings
    @marcusmusings Před 3 lety

    Also, Fragile Things has a short story related to American Gods

  • @sethhale235
    @sethhale235 Před 3 lety

    Neverwhere had been my favorite until I read Ocean at the End of the Lane. And looking at the other comments, I feel like I want to say Neverwhere again just to be different... but I won't.
    I still feel bad I haven't read past the first issue of Sandman because that might end up being my fave. By the way, have you ever heard of his Books of Magic comic series? If not, look into it and see if it reminds you of anything.

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety

      It's hard to top Ocean at the End of the Lane! Neverwhere is really fun though. I have not heard of hat comic series, but I will definitely look it up now :)

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety +1

      Just looked it up and it sounds like something I'd enjoy. Will definitely pick it up and give it a read.

  • @boosey87
    @boosey87 Před 3 lety

    I've tried to read american gods and good omens and dnfed both. Just couldn't get into his writing.

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety

      That’s fair; no author is for everyone. If you want to give something else a try, I hope this is helpful!

  • @shubhasundarghosh8027
    @shubhasundarghosh8027 Před 2 měsíci

    Bhai you have too many advertisements in between…

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 2 měsíci

      Sadly, I don’t control that. My channel isn’t monetized, so that’s at the whims of CZcams. 🤷🏼‍♀️

  • @cynthiaholmes5124
    @cynthiaholmes5124 Před 3 lety

    The only book that I read from him is American gods I absolutely loved it I read it in one day I was so hooked into the story but the TV series I absolutely hated it one of the worst tv adaptations ever I only watched the first two episodes it was so bad 💙💜💝💖👎

    • @TheBookCure
      @TheBookCure  Před 3 lety +1

      I haven’t watched the show, but I’m glad that I’m not missing out on something amazing.

  • @cabrademora1
    @cabrademora1 Před 3 lety

    :D