This Wednesday I would like to highlight a book that’s coming out on Tuesday, May 31: The View from the Cheap Seats by Neil Gaiman.
An enthralling collection of nonfiction essays on a myriad of topics—from art and artists to dreams, myths, and memories—observed in 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.
I’ve read (and enjoyed) quite a bit of Gaiman’s fiction, but one of my favorite things from him is his nonfiction, like his blog posts, the Make Good Art speech (included in this collection, I believe), and his introduction to the newest edition of FahreInheit 451 (I’m not sure if that’s included…I couldn’t find a table of contents). As I’ve loved these and reading essay-like blog posts in general, I’m really interested into diving into more essay/nonfiction collections, especially if they relate to writing and books. (I’m planning to read a collection of George Orwell essays soon, and I previously enjoyed Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury.)
You can listen to the introduction on audio (read by Gaiman himself) here, and I admit it did convince me to pick this up as soon as I could. Though I want the physical book to skip around based on what I feel like reading, I might check out the audiobook from the library sometime to listen to it. There’s just something about an author reading his or her own words.
Will you also be checking this out? What particularly books are you looking forward to?
Happy reading and writing!
Olivia Anne Gennaro 