The View from the Cheap Seats

Selected Nonfiction

De: Neil Gaiman

Narrado por: Neil Gaiman

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

I hope you like the sound of Neil's voice

This was long. Sometimes I was waiting for it to be over, but by the end I was hoping it would go on for another few hours. Neil talks about people. Many people I have heard of, many more that I haven't. But that's okay, because we have the internet and can learn about those that we don't know.
Neil's biographical parts are great. I loved hearing his stories from his perspective. He's met so many interesting and amazing people, my personal favorite being Tori Amos. He's written so many amazing essays, speeches, and of course stories. It's all in here, the good with the not so good.

Touchingly humane.

For one who has loved everything that Gaiman had written in the last decades since Violent Cases and The Sandman, The view from the Cheap Seats is a real treat. As a collection of short non fiction writing Mr. Gaiman has me crying in several occasions while commuting to work. If you’ve never heard him reading one of his books, I’d recommend that you do and you can start with this one.

Beautiful stories...

I am a bit biased but I loved this book. I'm sure I will listen to it many times as I missed bits and pieces here and there. I am sure to hear new stories every time I listen.

I absolutely loved this book!

Neil Gaiman is one of my favorite authors and an inspiration for his ability to spin wonderful tales full of dark and yet playful mischief. I always think of him like the Mad Hatter of the writing world and I love that! So, when I saw that he had written a book on writing, I absolutely had to check it out. As a writer, I found this book to be a priceless addition to my toolbox. It's full of inspirational stories, tips and a peek inside the mind of an absolutely amazing writer. I have added this one to my top recommended books for writers!

Priceless Wisdom & Inspiration for All

(I'm posting the same review for two different Neil Gaiman audiobooks because... they're so good, this is really all that needs to be said...)

I've attended a few events with live interviews, readings, etc. by Neil Gaiman. Be assured, he's every bit as personable, true to his work, accessible, well-spoken, and enjoyable as a narrator of his work as he is in person. Pure listening pleasure. He is the embodiment of the "joy" and "childlike delight" that exists in all of his work. His audio work holds every bit of the same invaluable quality.

The contents? Absolutely excellent.

Always Wonderful

I bought this after Neil mentioned on WTF that it includes his experiences with Lou Reed and Stephen King. So much wonderful stuff here, including excellent info for creative people. Enjoy! 😊

Listening to Neil is always a treat

A heartfelt recanting of memories from Neil Gaiman. A lovely collection of speeches and introductions that mirrors the authors life and works.

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.

Have A Pen & Paper or “Notes” App Ready!

I found so many interesting books and authors through hearing Neil speak about them at length with such prodigiously positive words. One of the best being Brian Aldiss. This was a wonderful collection of introductions, anecdotes, and essays written and impeccably read by Neil Gaiman. Check it out!

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.