Well, there has been a VERY long hiatus, but I find myself with some time, so I will re-establish this book blog that I started awhile back. It's more for me than for any one else. :)
I recently finished reading, for the first time, Neil Gaiman's Sandman. Amazon has recently released both some absolute collections, and also a slip cover set that includes all 10 of the volumes. The later I purchased for myself (Merry early Christmas to me), and devoured in a matter of days.
As any one who has met me knows, I am very positive about Neil Gaiman. His stories remind me of my childhood in a sweet, nostalgic way. I have never read these before but I purchased this set knowing that I would like it. I couldn't know, however, just how much I would like it.
I have never really ventured into the graphic novel area. I worried that I was paying more money for less book. I was delighted to find out that this was not the case with Neil Gaiman's Sandman. By the time I was halfway finished with the first Sandman (Preludes and Nocturnes) I was in love. How could I kid myself? This always happens to me with his books. I start one, intending only to read for a short while, and instead I find myself, in a somewhat desperate manner, stuck in my chair until the book is finished.
I identify at once with the series. We have all had dreams that we wish we didn't have to leave, or nightmares that destroy out entire nights worth of sleep. There are so many themes at work, and we see so many characters from literature that helped shape the world. Of course the King of Dreams has had a hand in helping each of them. Every great idea comes from dreams.
I don't want to summarize the plot for these. There is too much, and it would spoil the surprise. Listen, everyone, I know that they are expensive, but believe me when I tell you that they are worth every penny.
Most local libraries will have copies of these. Some colleges are even teaching them as part of the curriculum. My advice to you is to find some way to read these books. They are fantastic. The characters are rich and well written, the plot is twisty, and surprising, and the ending will echo in you for long after the book is finished.
Happy Holidays everyone.
