The View from the Cheap Seats

Selected Nonfiction

By: Neil Gaiman

Narrated by: Neil Gaiman

Length: 15 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

An enthralling collection of nonfiction pieces on myriad topics - from art and artists to dreams, myths, and memories to comics, films, and literature - observed in award-winning number-one New York Times best-selling 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 fiction. Now The View from the Cheap Seats brings together, for the first time ever, more than 60 works of his outstanding nonfiction on topics and people close to his heart.

As Neil explains, "This book is not 'the complete nonfiction of Neil Gaiman'. It is, instead, a motley bunch of speeches and articles, introductions and essays. 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 to make people listen."

In prose that's analytical yet playful, erudite yet accessible, Neil 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 his experiences at the 2010 Academy Awards in Hollywood.

Neil ponders the truth of fiction and the power of stories (and why we tell them) and offers his own profiles of and insights into writers who have influenced him, including C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, Ray Bradbury, Diana Wynne Jones, Stephen King, Rudyard Kipling, James Thurber, and his dear friend, Terry Pratchett. He offers unlikely perspectives on subjects as diverse as The Bride of Frankenstein, Doctor Who, Batman, Tori Amos, Lou Reed, They Might Be Giants, and Amanda Palmer. And he includes a moving essay on the plight of Syrian refugees in a United Nations camp in Jordan.

Illuminating and incisive, witty and wise, The View from the Cheap Seats explores some of the issues, subjects, and people that matter most to Neil Gaiman - and offers a unique glimpse into the mind of one of the most beloved and influential writers of our time.

©2016 Neil Gaiman (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers

Wonderful

I could listen to Neil Gaiman read anything, but listening to him read his own writing is the best.

Heard it twice

Nothing Neil Gaiman writes/reads/or anything will never be other than great. I came by recommendation and i knewing the great The Ocean At the end of the Lane and Good Omens, both great pieces, all of them read twice as well.

Amazing Insight

Never thought I'd listen through so many hours of speeches celebrating other artists and introductions to other works, but this was perfect for me because I'm relatively new to Neil Gaiman (I watched Coraline years ago, which I LOVED). The last one on Pratt almost had me tearing up in the milk section of the grocery - just watch out for that one while in public if you get really wrapped up in your Audiobooks. This book reminded me to look up Douglas Adams and now I am buying the HHGTTG series. I also felt more inspired to just live my life and write the book that is spilling out of my head, keeping me up at night.

Make good art--a wonderful lesson

3.5 stars. The first half was a firm four stars - erudite, entertaining, and eclectic. Lots to say about libraries, books, the arts of reading and of writing, about ideas, expressing those ideas, and genres. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The last third or so of the book wasn't as magical to me. I found myself wanting to skim (skip, really) the music section. (Except for the first entry about Lou Reed.)

But then, since Mr. Gaiman and I are not the same person, I do not expect to be enthralled with all that interests him, so that was fine. I admire the breadth and depth of his life as a writer. He's done so much to defend literacy, to nourish and encourage talent, and to put out his best work for our benefit. A good collection, overall.

Engaging

There are books that should be read and others that should be heard. This book most definitely falls into the latter category. To have this read, by the author, makes this a truly wonderful experience. I will admit to not owning the written word, but I will say that if I did I imagine the words would not convey the depth or emotion they do in this medium. Neil is pleasant to listen to and has a somewhat hypnotic quality. I may be biased in the preceding statement being a fan of his work, but I doubt it. I may never get the chance to hear him speak live, but with this work i feel i have. To listen to this you feel as though you are casually sitting across from one another just chatting. Highly recommended.

Mostly a collection of previously published bits

Although there were a few that I hadn't heard before, most of the chapters in this book are speeches, prologues, and such that I've read our heard previously. That said, they were enjoyable, and it's always fun to have Neil Gaiman read his own works. It's a little like sitting around with old friends, recounting tales you've all heard before but love the retelling.

Good but repetitive

Gaiman's writing and his reading voice are both excellent but as this a collection of essays there is some sameyness to it.

great for gaiman fans

Skip the chapters you don't know anything about, focus on the ones you're interested in and you'll love it.

Worth the time to enjoy!

I am new to Neil Gaiman and been away from fiction for the last 25+ years. This collection, narrated by Neil, is very good at giving insight to the man, a sliver of his biography, and an understanding of his industry and the titans that made it.

I enjoyed it immensely and look forward to diving into many of the authors and books he honors.

wonderful

I am l love listen to Neil Gaiman read his own words. when i read ocean at the end of the lane I didn't understand it until he read it to me.