Name: Laura Mauler's review of The View from the Cheap Seats by Neil Gaiman
Item: The View from the Cheap Seats
Rating: 5
Author: Laura Mauler

Neil Gaiman

'The View from the Cheap Seats' draws together myriad non-fiction writing by international phenomenon and Sunday Times bestselling author Neil Gaiman

Selected Nonfiction

The View from the Cheap Seats

Erwin Lemuel Oliva

Laura Mauler

The cover's quote said that if one was to start reading this book on a night of despair, then by morning one's faith in humanity would be restored. Well, Trump had just been sworn in, so the despair was real. Did this book restore my faith in humanity? Of course it did, it's Neil Gaiman! Plus I got loads of suggestions for interesting authors, books, bands, albums, and magazines.

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.

Eugenia Andino

Gaiman es un excelente autor de ensayos, introducciones y otros textos explicativos. Casi todos los que componen este libro están muy bien, aunque tiene un par de defectos: por una parte, las repeticiones. Evidentemente, si lo invitan a dar una conferencia sobre literatura infantil, ¿cuántas veces puede dar los mismos argumentos con distintas palabras? En segundo lugar, buena parte del libro está compuesta de introducciones y presentaciones a autores que el lector de Gaiman quizá desconozca. A veces son intrigantes y dan ganas de leer lo reseñado, y otras, no tanto. 

No está mal que se recopilen la no ficción de un autor tan prolífico. Pero se echa de menos algo más compacto.

The View from the Cheap Seats draws together myriad non-fiction writing by international phenomenon and Sunday Times bestselling author Neil Gaiman. From Make Good Art, the speech that went viral, to pieces on artists and legends including Terry Pratchett and Lou Reed, the collection offers a glimpse into the head and heart of one of the most acclaimed writers of our time. 'If this book came to you during a despairing night, by dawn, you would believe in ideas and hope and humans again' Caitlin Moran 'Literature does not occur in a vacuum. It cannot be a monologue. It has to be a conversation' This collection will draw you in to exchanges on making good art and Syrian refugees, the power of a single word and playing the kazoo with Stephen King, writing about books, comics and the imagination of friends, being sad at the Oscars and telling lies for a living. Here Neil Gaiman opens our minds to the people he admires and the things he believes might just mean something - and welcomes us to the conversation too.

A Quiet Little Library

Momo

Neil Gaiman quickly became one of my favourite authors and this was the second book of his that I read. The View From The Cheap Seats is a variation of witty and funny accounts of Neil Gaiman's experiences in the publishing industry and what has life was like before during and after becoming a well known author. There are many references to other renowned authors such as Stephen King and books that inspired him throughout the years.

I really loved this book because it felt like you were getting to know Neil Gaiman.

Jack Baty

Neil Gaiman's love of reading and writing is fascinating and infectious. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go to the library.

Marie

The View from the Cheap Seats draws together myriad non-fiction writing by international phenomenon and Sunday Times bestselling author Neil Gaiman. From Make Good Art, the speech that went viral, to pieces on artists and legends including Terry Pratchett and Lou Reed, the collection offers a glimpse into the head and heart of one of the most acclaimed writers of our time. 'Literature does not occur in a vacuum. It cannot be a monologue. It has to be a conversation' Welcome to the conversation. Neil Gaiman fled the land of journalism to find truths through storytelling and sanctuary in not needing to get all the facts right. Of course, the real world continued to make up its own stories around him, and he has responded over the years with a wealth of ideas and introductions, dreams and speeches. Here 'we can meet the writer full on' (Stephen Fry) as he opens our minds to the people he admires and the things he believes might just mean something - and makes room for us to join the conversation too.

Erwin Lemuel Oliva &
The View from the Cheap Seats by Neil Gaiman

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Erwin Lemuel Oliva &The View from the Cheap Seats by Neil Gaiman

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Erwin Lemuel Oliva &
The View from the Cheap Seats by Neil Gaiman