Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Anansi Boys

I was late for work this morning. I'll grab a sandwhich and do my blog rounds, but quickly I want to tell you about a great book on Audio I am listening to: Anansi Boys by Neil Gaimon. I read Gaimon's Coraline a while ago, which is a young adult book, childish in it's simplicity and fairy tale nature. Anansi Boys however, is for a slightly older audience, still with a young adult feel. It's a wonderful story, and the narrator is just incredible, but I am ashamed not to be able to report his name as of yet. I will find out and get back. The narrator reads it like I am certain it was intended, reflecting that English humour with spot-on accuracy. I didn't realize after Coraline just how funny Gaimon is. I'm about half way through, anxious every morning and evening to get back in my car to listen to just a little more--I haven't been so attracted to any story in time immemorial.

I'll update later with an Amazon link, and also to give credit to the wonderful narrator.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've read so much praise for Neil Gaimon, I really need to check out his work. Any other recommendations?

Natalie said...

"young adult feel" = no sex or cussing. no thanks!

Scott said...

Jason - So far no. Only because I haven't read any others. Coraline was nice but simple. I've heard that kids absolutely adore that story. I'll let you know because I will be reading more of him. He is quite the decorated author.

Nat - Does implied sex count?

fakies said...

Wasn't the movie Mirrormask based off one of his books? That was pretty fantastical as well, but I liked it.

Ultra Toast Mosha God said...

I'll keep an eye out for it.

I'm currently reading 'Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance' by Robert M Pirsig.

It's a brain bender, but a pleasant one at that.

Bhaswati said...

That sounds like an entertaining book. It's a pity I haven't yet listened to single audio book. Maybe I should get hold of one soon. Do keep us posted with more details on the book!

mr. schprock said...

If the Boston Public Library has it I'll give it a listen. I just put it down on my list.

Scott said...

Trina - I had no idea, but I'll be checking that one out.

Toast - Oh, I enjoyed that book, or at least the first half that I did read. It sounds like a thumbs down that I didn't finish it, but I really got into it for a while.

Bhaswati - Sure thing!

Mr. Schprock - Yeah, I'd be interested if you liked it. Gaimon wrote a book in conjuction with Terry Pratchett, and I thought the connection odd until I gave Anansi Boys a listen. He really is funny.

Kathleen said...

Funny post as I just posted the books I read in April and Coraline was my last one. Anansi Boys will be read in May, but I've read most of his other stuff and can recommend Neverwhere, Stardust, American Gods, etc. I don't think there's anything he's written that is bad. I can highly recommend Good Omens which he wrote a million years ago with Terry Pratchett.

Tee/Tracy said...

I wish I could appreciate books on tape. I like to read with my eyes :) If I just listen my mind wanders.

Finally - a new template! Good writers shouldn't have to be stuck with regular ol' blogger default plates... But you will be messing with it now for the rest of your blogging life :)

Jada's Gigi said...

I like the new look...its peaceful...and implies journey at the same time :)

Toni Anderson said...

I've never read his stuff. Another one for the TBR. Who's he like? Maybe I can buy him for DH and get a feel for him :)

Love these colors. Opaque??? Give me the clear blue of the ocean :) but whatever you decide is fine :-/

Miranda said...

*faint* I thought I stepped onto the wrong blog! The new template is beautiful! I tend not to like Audio Books, but I may start looking into them more now that I'm busier. Thanks for the recommendation!

Sadie Lou said...

Neil Gaiman reminds me a lot of Roald Dahl but slightly more on the fantasy scale.
I loved Coraline and I want to read more of his work.
Trina--I think MirrorMask was a project of Neil Gaiman's that was written for the screen specifically. I think he had much to do with the artwork as well. He is currently working on filming Coraline which I am thrilled about. You all should read it before it becomes a film.