There’s something special about Neil Gaiman’s writing that makes it the perfect choice for reading before school starts. Maybe it’s the way he weaves together elements of fantasy and reality or the way his stories always seem to contain a kernel of truth. Whatever the reason, his books are sure to get your mind working and prepare you for the day ahead. While some people may think that gaming in live roulette is the best end-of-summer activity, we are going to choose to read Gaiman’s best works before school starts.
Neverwhere
Neverwhere is a story about a man who discovers a hidden world beneath the streets of London. This otherworldly place is full of strange and dangerous creatures, and our hero must navigate his way through it in order to find his way back to the safety of the “real” world. Along the way, he makes some unlikely allies and learns that there is more to life than he ever could have imagined.
Anansi Boys
Some say Anansi Boys is Neil Gaiman’s best work. The novel tells the story of two brothers, one of whom is Anansi, the trickster god. The brothers are very different from each other, but they are both learning to deal with their father’s death. In Anansi Boys, Neil Gaiman tells a story about family, loss, and growing up. The characters are rich, and the plot is full of twists and turns. This is a novel that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it.
Good Omens
In Good Omens, Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett take a unique approach to the story of the apocalypse. Instead of focusing on the religious aspects of the end of the world, they focus on the more human elements. This allows the reader to experience the story from a different perspective, and it makes for a very enjoyable and thought-provoking read. The book follows the story of Aziraphale, an angel, and Crowley, a demon, as they try to stop the end of the world from happening. They have been living among humans for centuries, and they have grown to care for them. As the apocalypse nears, they must put aside their differences and work together to stop it. Gaiman and Pratchett have created a brilliant and humorous tale that is sure to entertain and enlighten readers of all ages.
Fragile Things
Neil Gaiman’s Fragile Things is a collection of fantasy and horror short stories that are at once dark, humorous, and thought-provoking. From the opening story, “A Study in Emerald,” which reimagines Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson in a steampunk-infused alternate universe, to the title story, “Fragile Things,” which is a chilling tale of a creature made of paper and string, Gaiman’s writing is both imaginative and cerebral. While some of the stories in the collection are more light-hearted, such as “The Problem of Susan,” which is a hilarious send-up of C.S. Lewis’s Narnia books, others are downright disturbing, like “October in the Chair,” which is an unnerving look at what happens when a woman is possessed by a malicious spirit. Regardless of the tone, Gaiman’s stories are always well-written and compelling. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Neil Gaiman’s work, or you’re just discovering his writing for the first time, Fragile Things is a collection that is sure to please.
