When I go to the library, I carry a list in my pocket of authors I'm interested in. Neil Gaiman's name has been on that list for a long time, but the library never had any of his books in stock until last week, when I found this one. The description on the jacket didn't sound interesting to me at all, but I checked it out anyway, depending on the reputation of the esteemed author to make it a good read. And then I stopped at the information desk for a quick tutorial on the online book reservation system. ;)Anansi Boys is about an ordinary man named Charlie. He hates his job and his future mother-in-law, and is in a lackluster relationship. He truly is ordinary in every way. But then he finds out that his father was actually an ancient god of mischief, and that while he inherited none of his powers, he has a long lost brother that inherited them all. He contacts his brother out of curiosity, not quite believing it, leading to a chain of events that blah blah blah and etc.
The story turned out to be pretty good, but that's not what made this a good book. Neil Gaiman made this a good book. It convinced me that this man could take any lackluster story prompt thrown out by a low-tier creative writing professor at a community college in Pork Bottom, Nevada, and turn it into a stunning piece of entertainment. The book is full of ordinary circumstances made extraordinary by Gaiman's creativity and skill. Here is one of my favorite quotes from the book:
"It was not that he was feckless, more that he had simply not been around the day they handed out feck." (p. 128)
So I would definitely recommend this book, and will be looking for more by this writer.
Widget by Css Reflex | TutZone
Haha, I like that quote.
ReplyDeleteI've lived in NC for almost 3 years, and yesterday was my first time to step into a library (and I wasn't even there to check out a book). I was very impressed by the busyness of the library and that they had self-checkout. It was also light and open, which is much different than any other library I've been in! I'll have to go back when I once again have time to read.
I know, I'm late to commenting on this, but I just found your site and I'm browsing around. I am a little bit in love with Neil Gaiman, so I was excited to see your positive review. You may enjoy his Sandman series. They are comic books, but some of the most wonderful stories I've ever had the delight to read.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your assessment that Neil Gaiman can turn just about anything into an interesting story. I just recently discovered him and have really enjoyed his work. His blog is fun to read too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win this book!
ruthann (dot) francis (at) gmail (dot) com
I have not read this book, but I have read Stardust and The Graveyard Book. Both were enjoyable, but I especially loved The Graveyard Book. Gaiman's writing style is wonderful and build great stories.
ReplyDeleteI read Stardust some time back at the recommendation from my fiance. Haven't read Anansi Boys or American Gods yet, but based on what she has said and what was said here, I suspect that I would like them considering that I liked Stardust and quite enjoy Gaiman's writing style.
ReplyDeleteI have that same sort of list -- authors that I really need to check out at some point. I finally started reading Neil Gaiman last year and have just been impressed at the variety of topics which he covers (and does well). I haven't read this one yet but I liked reading your review from the point of view of a not-yet fan.
ReplyDeleteThis must be the hot title! I'm also fairly new to Neil Gaiman's work. I recently finished Coraline and am now reading The Graveyard Book (both from my awesome library) and like both. I've heard so much about him for a long time. This one sounds interesting too and I love that quote. I really enjoyed what you had to say about this book and his writing.
ReplyDelete