One of my favorite authors is Neil Gaiman. I was introduced to his work with Stardust, when I worked at Borders. I admit that I don't read a lot of fiction, but I was utterly transfixed by his turn of a phrase.
As a result, I was eager to read American Gods when it came out a few years later. It is a very different story, equally brilliant, and a highly recommended must read book. It's a retelling of old world pantheism, and it's a combination love story/action and adventure and inspirational tale.
As a sort of sequel to American Gods, Anansi Boys, tells the story of love, lust and grief. In the end, Gaiman's characters do the right thing, despite twists and turns in life. While some of the events and scenes are rough, there is an underlying morality to his work.
Perhaps Gaiman's best known work is Coraline, which was made into a movie. It is a cautionary tale of be careful of what you wish for, because it just might come true. It is actually a juvenile book, which those who only saw the movie might find surprising. The fact that Coraline is a kick butt shero is another beautiful layer to the story.
Gaiman has long been friends with Tori Amos, who is one of my favorite artists. He wrote the sweet Blueberry Girl in honor of her daughter, his godchild. Little Man and I really enjoyed Crazy Hair a few years ago, that thoroughly entertained and enthralled.
It is a rare author that can write both adult and child stories without pandering and with quality. Gaiman can do both. I can't pick one book to showcase, as all of his work are equally brilliant and stand alone. I like to think he is a continuation of
the fine British tradition of wry sic-fi/fantasy like CS Lewis, JRR Tolkein and Douglas Adams. The themes of love, redemption and morality run deep in all of their works. However I am not a literary critic, just a fan.
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