Reading RULES!

I am pictured reading Helen's Babies. Or am I?

The local alternative rock station, Q101, is promoting Reading is Fundamental, which is a charity that helps kids learn to read. A listener called in and had just one thing to say: "Reading RULES!"

I agree with that anonymous caller. Reading does rule.

In fact, teaching kids to read is a cause close to my heart. Because the sad truth is:

I never learned to read.*

I actually write my book reviews based on what a friend reads to me from the books' dust covers. To write this blog, I randomly press on the keyboard until the pattern of the pretty lines and squiggles are sufficiently pleasing to view.

My friend who reads the blurbs has been on vacation.** Which explains why I haven't posted anything new lately.

*I realize that in the past I may or may not have specifically lied about my literacy.

**Or may not exist.

Neil Gaiman

Panda (left), Neil Gaiman

Last night I went to see Neil Gaiman on his Chicago stop of his book tour. The location, one town over, could not have been more convenient for me if his publishers consulted me beforehand. I've been looking forward to this event ever since his last book tour, about two years ago.

Gaiman is the author of the graphic novels (Sandman), fantasy novels (Stardust) and movies (Beowulf). He's maintained a devoted following through his blog (he's just like me in that respect). He is my second favorite author, which is entirely his own doing, because Gaiman first introduced me to (not personally, of course) Gene Wolfe, who is my first favorite author. Gaiman shared the stage with Wolfe at an event I went to about four years ago. I was intrigued by Wolfe's answers in the Q&A, and my interest was further piqued by Gaiman's obvious respect for him, so I started picking up his books. Here is a link to one of the interviews Gaiman did of Wolfe. (Gaiman started his career as a journalist, so even now I will see him do the odd interview of a famous person.)

Gaiman read a whole chapter from his new book, The Graveyard Book (which I now own and will soon be reviewing here), then we watched scenes from his new movie Coraline, then he did a Q&A. I'm always amazed at the stupid questions people ask, but really the questions are just an excuse to get Gaiman talking. He's an engaging speaker.

There was no book signing at this event (too many people), which I was glad about. I really don't get the whole deal with getting autographs. I don't need proof that I saw someone. And I certainly don't need to stand in line two hours to get that proof. If I go to see an author, I want to hear that author talk. I love the author for his creative skills, not signing-his-own-name skills.

A few highlights from his talk:

A story is what keeps me turning the pages and doesn't leave me feeling cheated at the end. -- He basically summed up my thoughts about how some stories are just for fun!

A good ending should feel inevitable. -- I agree. Whether it's a happy ending or a tragic ending, it's more satisfying if it flows the the rest of the story. I always remember watching the movie Vanity Fair and at the end thinking that the ending just didn't seem right. I picked up the book (wonderful, by the way) and found the ending completely different.

When writing, don't use big words when good solid words will do. -- This is one I will have to take to heart, as I tend to get a little verbose. OMG, does "verbose" count as a big word? I think it does. I meant to say, "I can get a little wordy."

Banned Books Week

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!

On Monday, the start of Banned Books Week, The Guardian ran an editorial by Philip Pullman, author of the Golden Compass. His essay combines two topics that I love to be irreverent about: censorship and religion. I should really read one Pullman’s books because it seems we agree fully about the concept of religion:

Religion, uncontaminated by power, can be the source of a great deal of private solace, artistic inspiration, and moral wisdom. But when it gets its hands on the levers of political or social authority, it goes rotten very quickly indeed.

(We also both agree that books, you know, shouldn’t be banned.)