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ashpanda88's review against another edition
4.0
I usually don't read or enjoy short stories but I really enjoyed this collection. My biggest gripe about short stories has always been that they never feel finished to me. These stories are left open-ended, however they are fulfilling in a way I haven't experienced with short stories in the past. Will have to pick up another collection from this author.
jgintrovertedreader's review against another edition
4.0
I'm trying out audio (again), this time during my commute to work. My commute isn't bad, about 30 minutes, so a collection of short stories, written and read by Neil Gaiman no less, seemed like a good place to start. I was right!
I'll say first of all that I love Gaiman's voice. I could listen to the man all day. I don't really have any other narrators to compare him to, but just the fact that I actually finished this audio book should be a testament to his greatness!
I've read a lot of these stories in print, but I have to say that hearing Gaiman read them himself added a little something to the story. For example, I would never have "heard" the troll speaking in such a gray, tired voice if I had read it on my own. Hearing Gaiman's take on that really paved the way for the ending of that one. There were more examples, but that's the most striking.
"Four and Twenty Blackbirds" reminded me a lot of [a:Jasper Fforde|4432|Jasper Fforde|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1241065899p2/4432.jpg]'s Nursery Crime series. It's a very tangled, nursery rhyme noir PI story, which sounds like a big mess but was actually a lot of fun.
"Troll Bridge" was a little eerie. I did not see the ending coming, but it made sense. It reminded me a little of another story of Gaiman's that I read in [b:Fragile Things|16788|Fragile Things|Neil Gaiman|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1266451580s/16788.jpg|3262727]. I like this take on the theme better.
"Don't Ask Jack" was probably my least favorite, just because there wasn't much story. It's a goose-bump-inducing little vignette though.
"How to Sell the Ponti Bridge" was another I wasn't that crazy about. It was sort of a fantasy version of a ballsy scam. Not exactly my thing.
"October in the Chair" is a story that I really liked in Fragile Things. I just like the imagery of the months of the year gathered around a campfire telling stories. The story October tells is somehow more sad for me than anything.
"Chivalry" was one of my favorites. I loved the character of Mrs. Whittaker (sp? a reason I do like print books better). I can just see this lonely, crusty old lady who makes poor Galahad work for the Holy Grail.
"The Price" is perfect for Halloween. I saw this whole story very clearly in my mind, and I felt so worried for the cat and the family. It always amazes me when well-written short stories can make me care about characters so quickly.
"How to Talk to Girls at Parties" is just an odd story. I didn't care for it in Fragile Things, and I didn't care too much for it here.
"Sunbird" is another one I've read elsewhere. I somehow lost the end of this on my ipod, so I can't say too much about it, but I do remember that it was not a favorite when I read it in print.
"The Witch's Headstone"--the story that started [b:The Graveyard Book|2213661|The Graveyard Book|Neil Gaiman|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1266641078s/2213661.jpg|2219449]. I love it in any format. I just love Bod and the witch, and I loved the book this grew into.
"Instructions"--I don't think I liked this a whole lot when I first read it, but it has grown on me and I now love it. I love my illustrated edition, but I also love hearing Gaiman read it.
This book is supposed to be a collection of stories for teens, and I do think it would work as an introduction to Gaiman for that age group. But I also just highly recommend it in general.
I'll say first of all that I love Gaiman's voice. I could listen to the man all day. I don't really have any other narrators to compare him to, but just the fact that I actually finished this audio book should be a testament to his greatness!
I've read a lot of these stories in print, but I have to say that hearing Gaiman read them himself added a little something to the story. For example, I would never have "heard" the troll speaking in such a gray, tired voice if I had read it on my own. Hearing Gaiman's take on that really paved the way for the ending of that one. There were more examples, but that's the most striking.
"Four and Twenty Blackbirds" reminded me a lot of [a:Jasper Fforde|4432|Jasper Fforde|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1241065899p2/4432.jpg]'s Nursery Crime series. It's a very tangled, nursery rhyme noir PI story, which sounds like a big mess but was actually a lot of fun.
"Troll Bridge" was a little eerie. I did not see the ending coming, but it made sense. It reminded me a little of another story of Gaiman's that I read in [b:Fragile Things|16788|Fragile Things|Neil Gaiman|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1266451580s/16788.jpg|3262727]. I like this take on the theme better.
"Don't Ask Jack" was probably my least favorite, just because there wasn't much story. It's a goose-bump-inducing little vignette though.
"How to Sell the Ponti Bridge" was another I wasn't that crazy about. It was sort of a fantasy version of a ballsy scam. Not exactly my thing.
"October in the Chair" is a story that I really liked in Fragile Things. I just like the imagery of the months of the year gathered around a campfire telling stories. The story October tells is somehow more sad for me than anything.
"Chivalry" was one of my favorites. I loved the character of Mrs. Whittaker (sp? a reason I do like print books better). I can just see this lonely, crusty old lady who makes poor Galahad work for the Holy Grail.
"The Price" is perfect for Halloween. I saw this whole story very clearly in my mind, and I felt so worried for the cat and the family. It always amazes me when well-written short stories can make me care about characters so quickly.
"How to Talk to Girls at Parties" is just an odd story. I didn't care for it in Fragile Things, and I didn't care too much for it here.
"Sunbird" is another one I've read elsewhere. I somehow lost the end of this on my ipod, so I can't say too much about it, but I do remember that it was not a favorite when I read it in print.
"The Witch's Headstone"--the story that started [b:The Graveyard Book|2213661|The Graveyard Book|Neil Gaiman|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1266641078s/2213661.jpg|2219449]. I love it in any format. I just love Bod and the witch, and I loved the book this grew into.
"Instructions"--I don't think I liked this a whole lot when I first read it, but it has grown on me and I now love it. I love my illustrated edition, but I also love hearing Gaiman read it.
This book is supposed to be a collection of stories for teens, and I do think it would work as an introduction to Gaiman for that age group. But I also just highly recommend it in general.
caitlin1066's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
amazing_emily_anderson's review against another edition
5.0
PECHA KUCHA
M is for Magic is a collection of short stories. There are funny stories like "The Case of the Four and Twenty Blackbirds" which combines nursery rhymes into a noir detective story. There are creepy stories like "October in the Chair" or "Troll Bridge" that have open endings and spooky characters. And there is everything in between where Neil Gaiman uses his fantastic storytelling and whimsical settings and characters to create fresh while familiar-feeling stories that young and old people will enjoy.
I am a total sucker for short stories and for Neil Gaiman, so its no surprise that I loved this book. There are so many great stories and they vary widely from funny, to sad, to creepy, to thought provoking. I found myself laughing out loud while reading "Chivalry" which is something that rarely happens in real life when I read something. This is a book that I definitely want to have on my shelf and reread on a rainy day, and I will definitely be thinking about and talking about these fun stories for years to come.
M is for Magic is a collection of short stories. There are funny stories like "The Case of the Four and Twenty Blackbirds" which combines nursery rhymes into a noir detective story. There are creepy stories like "October in the Chair" or "Troll Bridge" that have open endings and spooky characters. And there is everything in between where Neil Gaiman uses his fantastic storytelling and whimsical settings and characters to create fresh while familiar-feeling stories that young and old people will enjoy.
I am a total sucker for short stories and for Neil Gaiman, so its no surprise that I loved this book. There are so many great stories and they vary widely from funny, to sad, to creepy, to thought provoking. I found myself laughing out loud while reading "Chivalry" which is something that rarely happens in real life when I read something. This is a book that I definitely want to have on my shelf and reread on a rainy day, and I will definitely be thinking about and talking about these fun stories for years to come.
aya_hmaida's review against another edition
5.0
I loved them all. The eerie ones, the ones that leaves you questioning and the one which was from the graveyard book. What can I say more, I love everything about Neils imaginative characters, worlds and method of writing and telling the stories!
heidipolkissa82's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ianrosales08's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
M is for Magic by Neil Gaiman is a captivating collection of short stories that showcases the author's unparalleled talent for weaving enchanting tales that blur the lines between reality and fantasy. This collection brings together a diverse array of stories, ranging from whimsical fables to eerie ghost stories, all united by Gaiman's distinctive voice and imaginative storytelling.
One of the standout features of "M is for Magic" is the sheer variety of stories it contains. From the magical realism of "Chivalry," where an ordinary woman discovers the Holy Grail in a thrift shop, to the haunting mystery of "October in the Chair," where the months of the year gather to tell stories.Basically, each tale offers something unique and unexpected. Gaiman effortlessly shifts between genres and tones, demonstrating his versatility as a writer and keeping readers eagerly turning the pages.
Despite the diversity of the stories, there are common threads that run throughout the collection. Themes of magic, wonder, and the power of storytelling recur frequently, reminding readers of the enchanting possibilities that lie just beyond the realm of everyday life. Gaiman's prose is infused with a sense of whimsy and imagination that transports readers to fantastical worlds where anything is possible.
Another strength of "M is for Magic" lies in Gaiman's ability to create memorable characters. Whether it's the resourceful young boy who outwits a witch in "Troll Bridge" or the aging rock star who makes a Faustian bargain in "How to Talk to Girls at Parties," each character is vividly drawn and fully realized, making them feel like old friends or intriguing strangers encountered in passing.
In addition to its imaginative storytelling and well-drawn characters, "M is for Magic" also contains deeper layers of meaning and symbolism. Gaiman's stories often explore universal truths about human nature, the passage of time, and the mysteries of the unknown, inviting readers to ponder life's big questions while being entertained by his spellbinding narratives.
In conclusion, "M is for Magic" is a delightful collection of short stories that showcases Neil Gaiman's unparalleled talent for storytelling. With its diverse array of tales, imaginative worlds, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes, it's a book that will enchant readers of all ages. Whether you're a longtime fan of Gaiman's work or new to his writing, "M is for Magic" is sure to cast a spell that will linger long after you've turned the final page.
One of the standout features of "M is for Magic" is the sheer variety of stories it contains. From the magical realism of "Chivalry," where an ordinary woman discovers the Holy Grail in a thrift shop, to the haunting mystery of "October in the Chair," where the months of the year gather to tell stories.Basically, each tale offers something unique and unexpected. Gaiman effortlessly shifts between genres and tones, demonstrating his versatility as a writer and keeping readers eagerly turning the pages.
Despite the diversity of the stories, there are common threads that run throughout the collection. Themes of magic, wonder, and the power of storytelling recur frequently, reminding readers of the enchanting possibilities that lie just beyond the realm of everyday life. Gaiman's prose is infused with a sense of whimsy and imagination that transports readers to fantastical worlds where anything is possible.
Another strength of "M is for Magic" lies in Gaiman's ability to create memorable characters. Whether it's the resourceful young boy who outwits a witch in "Troll Bridge" or the aging rock star who makes a Faustian bargain in "How to Talk to Girls at Parties," each character is vividly drawn and fully realized, making them feel like old friends or intriguing strangers encountered in passing.
In addition to its imaginative storytelling and well-drawn characters, "M is for Magic" also contains deeper layers of meaning and symbolism. Gaiman's stories often explore universal truths about human nature, the passage of time, and the mysteries of the unknown, inviting readers to ponder life's big questions while being entertained by his spellbinding narratives.
In conclusion, "M is for Magic" is a delightful collection of short stories that showcases Neil Gaiman's unparalleled talent for storytelling. With its diverse array of tales, imaginative worlds, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes, it's a book that will enchant readers of all ages. Whether you're a longtime fan of Gaiman's work or new to his writing, "M is for Magic" is sure to cast a spell that will linger long after you've turned the final page.
marzipan951's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
bluelilyleest's review against another edition
4.0
It will surprise no one that my favorite story was the one with the girl aliens
mpclemens's review against another edition
4.0
Tight, imaginative stories. Child-friendly, without being pandering or simplistic. Gaiman's title for this collection is an homage to Bradbury's [b:R Is for Rocket|886229|R Is for Rocket|Ray Bradbury|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1331204410s/886229.jpg|1142993] and [b:S is for Space|550202|S is for Space|Ray Bradbury|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1184495081s/550202.jpg|537448], and it's a fine collection, worthy to stand alongside its inspiration.