Fantasy Books Author Neil Gaiman on Simpsons
Okay, I have to admit I just laughed out loud when I read this, so I had to share it with you. I wouldn’t say Gaiman and I are buds; we did do a project or two together a bunch of years back. But he is also one of the nicest guys in fantasy so I had to laugh when I read that he is a guest on the Simpsons TV show. Then I read what it is about – that Lisa Simpson is unhappy with where her favorite fantasy vampire books are headed and Homer hears a cha-ching when he finds out how popular YA fantasy books are. So, of course he somehow manages to get Neil to help him create a new hot fantasy book.
Well, Gaiman does do some pretty cool upcoming fantasy books, so the thought of him working alongside Homer Simpson to promote the latest hot fantasy title is just too funny! If you watch the Simpsons, you will have to check this one out, I believe it is the show set to air this Sunday, November 20th.
And in the meantime, you might want to check out a few of Neil’s latest upcoming fantasy books. If you have never read his fantasy novels, you are missing a treat. He does some of the best fantasy books in the biz, and I am not just saying that because of that old comic book connection. His books have humanity to them that I seldom see in many of today’s fantasy writers. He believes in hope and he believes in the power of people to make the world a better place. It shows in his writing.
American Gods was recently re-released as a tenth anniversary edition. This book is one of the best fantasy books and has become a classic. If you love true fantasy this is one that will grab you by the throat. There is a magic quality to it that makes it hard to put down. It is the story of Shadow, just out of prison and trying to make sense of the world. He is hired by the enigmatic Mr. Wednesday and soon the two are on a road trip across America to learn about the shadow lives of the gods around us, and the nature of death. Dreams, myths and the legends that surround us are more real than we know, and we are all part of the struggle. It is a journey we will all ultimately take, and only a storyteller like Gaiman would find a way for us to recognize ourselves in Shadow and his mysterious benefactor.
If you have a kid in the house, or just love old European mythologies, then you might enjoy Odd and the Frost Giants. It is a wonderful little story based on the old Norse myths, and told as only Neil can tell it. I think this is going to be a perfect gift for any kid who loves stories, about a little boy and how he discovers the hero in himself. You can read through the first couple pages and even listen to Neil tell you about it in a little video when you check it out on Amazon and I think it is the best way to introduce yourself to what for kids is one of the best fantasy books, and enjoy the quiet and delightful language that Gaiman brings to a story like this.
So do have fun seeing how Homer and company treat our English fantasy author on the show, but don’t miss out on reading some of his books. I think you will find them a welcome relief after a week of watching Twilight and reading about the ongoing feud between Anne Rice and Stephanie Meyer. It is nice to know that there are such wonderful civilized writers out there, telling such wonderful civilized fantasy stories.
