I love quotes.
I ran across this one at Facebook yesterday. J.D. Rhoades had posted it, and I promptly "borrowed" it and posted it on my Facebook page.
"May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art -- write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself." - - - Neil Gaiman
It touched my soul.
I've heard of Neil Gaiman, but I've never read any of his work. That, I do believe, is going to change. I believe Mr. Gaiman's work is referred to as "Urban Fantasy." This doesn't sound like the type of writing that might appeal to me - but, as you know, I've been wrong before. I'm going to give it a try - any of you have a suggestion as to which of his books I should start with?
And while we're talking about quotes, I'm thinking this would make a fun blog. Do you have some favorites you'd care to share?
And finally - some of you have gently reminded me that I forgot to post Christmas pictures of Harley! WHAT was I thinking?! Here's a couple. Enjoy!
16 comments:
Wonderful photos. Rocky (our dog that passed away 8 years ago) had a candy cane like that and he loved it.
I can see why you like that quote. I think I'll make a copy of it to remind myself. I don't know the author but he sounds interesting. Happy reading and look forward to hearing what you think of his writing.
Have a wonderful Sunday.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
I ran across this one several years ago, and I keep it near my desk to remind myself often.
"I wanted a perfect ending...Now, I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment, and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity." --Gilda Radner.
Oh, I love Gaiman! Much of his work has been in graphic novels and they are wonderful. Stardust I would recommend; the Sandman things are wonderful too, but there are a lot in that series. How about you start with one of his children's books, The Graveyard Book? I did a review on it awhile back and, being lazy, I'll just post part of it here rather than rewriting:
"Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book is another book worth slipping into the children's section of a library to read. The story opens with the violent murder of a family by a mysterious man named Jack. Only one person escapes, a toddler who has wandered out into the night. Jack follows him to an old cemetery but is denied entrance there. Meanwhile, the ghostly inhabitants are somewhat taken aback by a living child in their midst. Mr. and Mrs. Owens, a deceased childless couple, decide they want to raise the boy as their own and dub him "Nobody Owens" or Bod for short. Silas, who isn't dead but who isn't human either, procures food and clothing for the child as well as other necessities. Bod grows up and learns about life and love from a community composed of individuals from many times, from the Roman soldier to young 'Liza who died when the first Elizabeth sat on the throne of England, to more recent arrivals. And all the while, a killer searches for the one who got away. . . .
I found the book to be sweet, funny and chilling, sometimes all at once. "
Otherwise, I'd recommend his book with Terry Prachett, Good Omens. I started to write a description but it's a very difficult book to explain. It's a real hoot, though, populated by incessantly chattering Satanic nuns, a Fallen Angel out to save the world because he rather enjoys this 2oth century, a true Angel who is out to save the world because that's what angels do but he's not at all sure he ought to be working with the Other Side, and he's not quite sure if that discussion about free will came out the way it should have.
Gaiman is an utter delight and an all-around nice guy from all reports.
That's a great quote, Kaye. The best in the new year to you and yours.
Happy New Year, Kaye! LOVE the photos!
And Neil Gaiman is a really brilliant, wonderful writer. I'd suggest you start with one of his volumes of short stories, which traverse all genres, really. "Smoke & Mirrors" is an amazing collection - I was so blown away by it that I think I've given away around 20 copies as presents, the only book that has so excited me. But you must read the introduction for the context to the stories. His second collection, "Fragile Things" is nearly as good, and kicks off with a Sherlockian pastiche set in the Cthulu mythos that is truly brilliant. Please don't deny yourself this author any more! ("Stardust" and "Neverwhere" are also two very approachable fantasy books for people not normally into the fantasy genre - and "Anansi Boys" will have a lot of appeal for any devotees of Wodehouse (or Thorne Smith for that matter).
Have a wondeful year full of reading and blogging and friends and happiness.
love
Sarah
Loved that! You had me at the first line :)
Cheers!
I've been posting quotes on FB about books, reading and librarians. I decided I spent too much time talking about the weather and work, so decided to find more fun things to write about. Some of my favorites are there.
Love the pictures of Harley (and, of course, of Donald), keep 'em coming.
Here's a couple of quotes I like:
Even when reading is impossible, the presence of books acquired produces such an ecstasy that the buying of more books than one can read is nothing less than the soul reaching towards infinity... we cherish books even if unread, their mere presence exudes comfort, their ready access, reassurance.
- A.E. Newton
"When you look at yourself from a universal standpoint, something inside always reminds or informs you that there are bigger and better things to worry about." -- Albert Einstein
Great Harley pics. Hope you and Donald have a great 2011.
I'd say The Graveyard Book, too, Kaye. I haven't read other ones by Gaiman, though. Loved this one.
Thank you for the pictures of Harley and Donald. Looked like a contented Christmas in your household.
Hugs, Kaye!
I've only read two Gaiman's. I loved "Anansi Boys" and liked "American Gods" OK, but not as much as the first one. I need to read more of his, though. He's a huge talent.
I like the quote too, "make some art" is what I'll try to do! Thanks for this.
I adore Neil Gaiman. He has a terrific blog http://journal.neilgaiman.com/
I think my favorite book of his is NEVERWHERE. There's terrific audio version. And ANANSI BOYS and STARDUST and THE GRAVE YARD BOOK . . . really terrific writer!
Great quote, Kaye!
Great pictures of Harley! I'm glad he had a good Christmas. Chloe sends her love. :)
Great quote, Kaye! And I also like the quote by Dave as to "...their mere presence exudes comfort, their ready access, reassurance." Fabulous.
I love the quote. Thanks for sharing it. One of my favorites is "A room without a book is like a body without a soul." That is from Cicero, and I use it a lot in my signature lines.
aHA - a few fellow quote lovers! Thanks guys!
I really am going to work on getting a list of some of my favorites together and do a blog, I think.
Patty, I've been following yours at Facebook and loving them. Keep 'em coming, please (NOT that I don't want to hear about your weather though!!!!)
And a lot of Gaiman fans. He does seem to have a huge following. I must say - since those of you who are fans are recommending every single one of his books you haven't made it easy to decide which to start with.
Since I'm a huge fan of short stories, I think I'm going to take Sarah's advice and start with "Smoke and Mirrors." AND, The Graveyard Book, I think. I'll let you know ow it goes. OH - and Good Omens . . . (it never ends, does it?!). LOL!!
and I'm glad you enjoyed those pictures of Harley (who sends "arfs" to Chloe and all his doggie pals). Harley had a rough few days while we were traveling to see Donald's family during the holidays. big sigh. He's fine, I promise, but he may not ever want to travel again. (I'm not so wild about it my ownself, truthfully).
And I wish each of you, and yours, the Happiest of New Years!
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