Starred review from April 25, 2016
This collection conclusively proves that Gaiman is just as accomplished an essayist as he is an author of fiction (The Ocean at the End of the Lane) and comics (The Sandman). Echoing Rainer Maria Rilke’s sentiment that “To praise is the whole thing,” the collection is about building things up, not tearing them down. Gaiman’s paeans to books, libraries, and bookstores, which tellingly are grouped together at the start, are heartfelt gems that capture the joy of reading. The author’s eclecticism finds him writing on many disparate subjects; Gaiman is as deft analyzing Batman and G.K. Chesterton as he is describing the plight of Syrian refugees in Jordan. The most meaningful piece is titled simply “Make Good Art”—the 2012 commencement address for the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. The speech is in the same category as David Foster Wallace’s “This Is Water” in terms of wisdom per square inch. Gaiman’s words capture the importance of making art that is sincerely one’s own. With this volume, Gaiman has shown that his nonfiction rivals his much-lauded fiction. Agent: Merrilee Heifetz, Writers House.

Starred review from June 1, 2016

Prolific, award-winning fiction, comics, film, and TV writer Gaiman (Neverwhere; American Gods; Stardust) stormed onto the literary scene in 1990 with the novel Good Omens, cowritten with Terry Pratchett of "Discworld" series fame. Gaiman's eclectic work has been a force majeure ever since. Over the years, he has authored dozens of essays, reviews, introductions, and remembrances--"Some of them are serious and some of them are frivolous and some of them are earnest and some of them I wrote to try and make people listen," writes Gaiman in a brief introduction--collected here. Despite the self-deprecating title, there's nothing at a distance or unearned about his observations. Gaiman's prose reveals the relaxed intimacy of a cherished dinner partner and never loses sight of the big picture. Included are thoughts on the importance of reading and literacy; notes on the roots of sf and fantasy; musings on music and making good art; heady, existential yawps on painting and identity; and a fitting tribute to Pratchett in the collection's capstone piece. VERDICT Highly recommended for readers of Gaiman's work, specifically, and sf and fantasy generally, as well as those interested in cultural criticism and the art and craft of writing. [See Prepub Alert, 11/23/15; "Editors' Spring Picks," LJ 2/15/16, p. 29.]--Patrick A. Smith, Bainbridge State Coll., GA

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from May 1, 2016
The acclaimed author shares his thoughts on stories of all kinds: books, comics, movies, music, and more. Gaiman (Trigger Warning: Short Fictions and Disturbances, 2015, etc.) is a fan. Of course, as a writer, he's created unforgettable worlds and characters, but in this collection of essays, introductions, speeches, and other nonfiction works, it's his fan side that comes through most strongly. The author writes about the thrill of discovering a piece of art that feels like it was made just for you; the way certain books or songs seem to slot into a place in your heart you didn't know was there; the way a text can mean different things at different times in your life. If the idea of going on a long, rambling walk with Gaiman and asking him about his influences sounds appealing, this is the book for you. He discusses art and life and arbitrary divisions between genres, the film The Bride of Frankenstein, the band They Might Be Giants, the war in Syria, and the work of Edgar Allan Poe, H.G. Wells, Cory Doctorow, H.P. Lovecraft, James Thurber, Douglas Adams, Harlan Ellison, G.K. Chesterton, Stephen King, and Ray Bradbury, among plenty of others--and anything else that sparks his endlessly creative mind. The book will also double his fans' to-read lists and inspire readers to browse the secondhand sections in their favorite book or record shops. Gaiman is big on rereading. It's one of several themes that weave in and out of these pieces, in addition to telling the truth in fantastic forms, finding your voice, breaking the rules, and making something new. This is a book to dip in and out of; while themes and ideas do repeat, they will also change and take on new resonances over time. Gaiman's many fans will love this collection, which showcases the author's wit, wisdom, and deep appreciation for art and the people who make it.

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May 15, 2016
Made up of introductions to other authors' books, speeches, and newspaper articles, including interviews Gaiman conducted, this is what used to be called a book of fugitive writings, short pieces that would otherwise have escaped book publication under their author's name. Except for the half-dozen in the last part (which contains the title piece, on attending an Oscars ceremony), they're about the stuff of Gaiman's vocation as a writerprose fiction, movies, and comicsand a few rock singer-songwriters. Beyond that, they're basically about fantasy stories and storytelling, imaginative (made-up) as opposed to mimetic (realistic) literature. If that makes them sound ponderous, well, rest assured, they're witty, comical, lighthearted, enthusiastic, personal without egoism, entertaining even at their most serious. They acquaint us with entire rosters of fantasy writers and their best books, with the most revered superhero- and fantasy-comics creators, and with how comics and movies relateand don't. The speeches among them are the best kind of pep talking to gatherings of fellow comics creators, fantasy writers, and those two bands-of-colleagues' great enablers, comics distributors and librarians. Delicious.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)

August 29, 2016
Pooling together his various nonfiction works over the decades, including articles, reviews, book introductions, speeches, and more, Gaiman gives listeners a fascinating exploration into his own mind and artistic influences. Whether he’s discussing classic literature, comics, film, or other works, Gaiman draws out subtle considerations that often can change how listeners think about the topic. He narrates the book effectively with his deep, slightly nasal voice and a conversational manner that will make listeners feel as he is talking to them directly. His voice reflects his own emotions—often excitement and enthusiasm—as he discusses the ideas, people, and experiences that have had a lasting impact on him. Rarely is an author as charismatic in speaking as he is in writing. A Morrow hardcover.