You may know Neil Gaiman as the mind behind the Sandman comics, as the author of the popular novel AMERICAN GODS, or even as the author of the creepy children’s book CORALINE. But this prolific writer is not just a spinner of fantastical and often funny tales but also an essayist. THE VIEW FROM THE CHEAP SEATS collects over 60 essays, as well as some speeches and book introductions, on a variety of subjects, though they’re generally centered on reading and writing.

Gaiman begins by explaining his retreat from journalism early in his career. Though fiction called to him, nonfiction, as demonstrated by this big book, is not something he ever walked away from entirely. Part of that is a function of his status: Often asked to write introductions to books, speak at events and write about writing, he has amassed a great store of interesting pieces of nonfiction. Yet these are not straight works of journalism. When writing about his favorite writers, his friends and his own work, Gaiman is humorous, honest, creative and expansive. Some pieces feel conversational and personal, while others are a bit instructional as he introduces readers to the writers, artists and thinkers who have so deeply influenced and inspired him.

"THE VIEW FROM THE CHEAP SEATS is a delight for story lovers, art appreciators, writers of fiction and daydreamers of all stripes. It is poignant but unafraid to be weird, exuberant and passionate, charged with smart and even challenging ideas."

THE VIEW FROM THE CHEAP SEATS is divided into broad categories, though there is some overlap, and certain subjects and themes are found repeatedly, winding their way through the book. Gaiman begins with a section entitled “Some Things I Believe,” which explores libraries, genre literature, bookstores and much more. “Some Reflections on Myth (With Several Digressions onto Gardening, Comics, and Fairy Tales”) takes a look at the relationship between myth and Gaiman’s writing, as well as his love of myth in general. Myth, he asserts, holds power and is valuable in storytelling, as well as in understanding the world and imagining other worlds. The essay sheds a fascinating light on Gaiman the writer and lover of stories. The section on science fiction delves deeper into the genre with pieces on some important writers and ones who Gaiman admires greatly, like Fritz Leiber.

Other writers turn up in the “Some People I Have Known” section. Here, there are tributes to Diana Wynne Jones, Gene Wolfe, Douglas Adams, Harlan Ellison and Stephen King (to name a few). In introducing these writers and their work, Gaiman hopes that his love for them will be “contagious,” and readers will be intrigued enough to seek them out on their own. It is a bit like having your most bookish and wise friend recommending their favorites to you; you’ll be inspired to read the books he writes about or return to ones you haven’t read in a while. Other sections are about music, particular books, fairy tales, comics, art and movies.

One standout essay, written as the introduction for the 60th anniversary of FAHRENHEIT 451,is “Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451, and What Science Fiction Is and Does.” In it, Gaiman not only introduces Bradbury’s classic (“This is a book of warning. It is a reminder that what we have is valuable, and that sometimes we take what we value for granted.”), but uses it as a jumping-off point for a thoughtful look at sci-fi and the questions it raises and sometimes even tries to answer. He also shares how lucky he was to have known the brilliant Bradbury in real life. It is a moving, powerful and intelligent primer not only for the single book it references but for the man who wrote it and the genre in which it was created. There are many such irresistible moments in the collection, such as “Once Upon a Time,” which discusses the tradition of fairy tales for readers of all ages, not just children, and Gaiman’s writing of STARDUST.

THE VIEW FROM THE CHEAP SEATS is a delight for story lovers, art appreciators, writers of fiction and daydreamers of all stripes. It is poignant but unafraid to be weird, exuberant and passionate, charged with smart and even challenging ideas. This collection is a real treat for Gaiman’s legion of fans, but recommended for all bookworms and believers in the magic and real importance of creative thought, questioning and expression.

Audiobook available, read by Neil Gaiman