(Image copyright Charles Vess)
“A philosopher once asked, “Are we human because we gaze at the stars, or do we gaze at them because we are human?”
Pointless, really…”Do the stars gaze back?” Now that’s a question.”
~Neil Gaiman, Stardust
Neil Gaiman’s novel Stardust is one of my cherished treasures; it is one of those books that can only be described as “magical” because of the way in which it simultaneously opens a door to draw me in while at the same time coming inside of me and making itself at home. Choose a printing with Charles Vess illustrations, as it was originally released, and you have something exponentially more special.
As my annual Spring reading event, the Once Upon a Time Challenge, is about to kick off its seventh year (official sign up on Wednesday, March 20th), it seemed only fitting to journey back to the village of Wall for an adventure with Tristan and Yvaine. While journeys of this sort often start out alone, I thought it would be more fun to extend the invitation to anyone who would like to come along.
Stardust is a fairy tale that offers both a male and female protagonist, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, whose paths cross as they each embark on an unexpected journey. In true Gaiman fashion it is a novel that stirs the imagination. There are a host of fairy tale standards used creatively and lovingly by the author to gift the reader with something grand. It is not a particularly long book and as such is a great way to dive into Neil Gaiman for those who have not tried his work. The schedule for the group read will be:
April 1-9th: Prologue through the end of Chapter 5.
April 10th: Discussion over first half (roughly) of the story
April 10th-16th: Chapter 6 through the Epilogue.
April 17th: Discussion over the second half of the book and wrap up.
I will make discussion guide questions available a few days prior to each discussion post that you can use if you so choose. You may feel free to talk about each half of Stardust on the assigned dates in whatever way you choose. I will post a Mr. Linky similar to that below for you to post links to your discussion posts so that hopefully we can all visit one another and talk about the story.
If you have any questions at all, please feel free to ask them in the comments section. Otherwise, please sign up if you plan to participate.
“He stared up at the stars: and it seemed to him then that they were dancers, stately and graceful, performing a dance almost infinite in its complexity. He imagined he could see the very faces of the stars; pale, they were, and smiling gently, as if they had spent so much time above the world, watching the scrambling and the joy and the pain of the people below them, that they could not help being amused every time another little human believed itself the center of its world, as each of us does.”
~Neil Gaiman, Stardust
It looks like my library does have a copy. Once i go and get it in my little hands I’ll sing up officially. Can’t believe it’s almost time for Once upon a time!
Me neither. I believed it more last week when we had two very nice Spring-like days but now that it is in the 30’s again and intermittently spitting sleet I am unconvinced.
So glad to hear that your library has a copy.
The weather here has been grey, rainy, and unpleasant. Can’t wait for the sun and warmth! And I’m not a huge fan of sleet. Stay warm!
We are getting a brief reprieve, it is at least sunny today. That is supposed to change with chances of snow later in the week, beginning on the first day of Spring.
Lovely.
I read American Gods by Neil Gaiman last year and loved it. I definitely want to read more by him.
It will be interesting for you to contrast the two. AG is definitely more “adult” in nature and a more complex book. Glad you’ll be joining in.
I saw the film years ago and loved it. I then picked up a second hand copy of the book, but it has been sat on my bookshelf for about a year. This is just the motivation I need to read it.
I have very mixed feelings about the movie but do plan to re-watch it as part of this event.
I will be very interested to read your thoughts in contrast to the film.
The illustrated Stardust can be located by using this name only: ‘Stardust, Being a Romance Within the Realms of Faerie’. Its got 175 full color illustrations some of which are there specifically to replace a need for descriptive words on Neil’s part. Have fun, Charles
Thank you so much Mr. Vess. I look forward to seeing you at the Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 2 event this year.
That is one lovely book. I’m looking forward to reading the recent special edition hardback that came out that also has your work in it.
Oh, I loved this books when I read it and loved the movie too! I’m so tempted, but not sure I can fit it in… I’ll think about it. So tempted!!
At the very least I hope you’ll join in the conversation, Joanna.
What a perfect choice for a read-along. I’d love to reread this with you and others, as you have a way of bringing Gaiman to life for me.
Wonderful! So glad you will be reading along with us Bellezza. I’m smiling extra big right now.
Awww, yay! I just re-read this in January, so I will have to come back for discussions, but I won’t be posting.
Will be great to have you in discussions and get your viewpoint of the story, Melissa.
I have to say I have become a Gaiman fan. I adore Neverwhere for its complexity and beauty, and I had much fun with The Graveyard Book. I’ve given Stardust to students but haven’t read it myself–only seen the movie, which I found delightful.
You will find the book a delight too, I suspect. Given the Gaiman you have already read this is a logical next step.
Carl, I’ve signed up tentatively – I’d love to join in on one of my favourite books and am leaving myself stickies all over my desktop to remind me about it!
I listened last night to the first part of the new BBC adaptation of Neverwhere, and really enjoyed it (it will be available on BBC iPlayer from 22 March and Neil’s blog says you can listen from anywhere in the world). I enjoyed it – Mr Croup and Mr Vandemar are very creepy and nasty and the cameos from Neil himself are fun. It’s on every night this week, I am going to have a lot of late nights. I’m really looking forward to the first “appearance” of the Angel Islington.
I hope you are able to join us, though I understand how busy things are for everyone right now.
I really want to listen to that one myself. It has such a wonderful cast. As much as I like the BBC television version of Neverwhere, when I saw that cast it made me wish they were filming it and not just recording it.
Carl we must listen to this. Incredible cast.
Yes we must, I agree!
I’m in! I can’t believe I’ve never gotten round to reading this book! The movie has been a favorite for awhile.
I’m also SO excited for this year’s Once Upon a Time Challenge. 🙂
I’m very excited for everyone who will be reading this for the first time. You are in for a lovely adventure.
My favorite Neil Gaiman novel illustrated by one of the finest fantasy artists in the field, Charles Vess… of course I’m in!!!
I agree on both counts! And we get to see him (Charles Vess) in less than two months!!!
Oh, I’ve been looking for a reason to read my pretty blue gift edition. 🙂 I’m totally in! It will be the perfect transition book after this month of Diana Wynne Jones too.
Me too! So glad you will join us Kristen. That is a great transition, especially as Gaiman is a big fan of Jones’ work.
I’m looking for a library copy and hoping it arrives it time to begin before the launch date (otherwise I am always dragging behind, it seems, and then, even when I have read along, I don’t trouble to post, and it gets muddled up with all my other non-readalong-reading, which is relatively dull, in comparison to the great discussions you have here). *crosses fingers*
OH, I do hope it arrives in time. Fingers crossed and wishes sent out to the library fairies!
I know I’ve forgotten most of this, so I look forward to revisiting. And it’s always more fun in a group. 🙂
Besides, I’ve got Good Omens sitting on my pile already…what’s one more Gaiman book among friends?
It has been at least three years, I think, since the last time I listened to the audio book. Maybe more. Can’t wait to rediscover the things I’ve lost.
I have always had some excuse not to participate in your read-alongs. Finally I’ll be joining in. This one sounds fun.
Hooray for no excuses!!!
This passed weekend I bought a new edition with Charles Vess end plate 🙂 It has been added to my illustrated edition. I like Neil Gaiman’s writing style and it all started with Neverwhere.
I have that version Ian and plan to read it for this event. It is a nice one.
It started with Neverwhere for me too…well, sort of, as it actually started with Sandman, but novels read differently than comics (and that is no slight to comics, which are fantastic).
I will be listening along on this one. Thanks
It is such a lovely audio book, Juno.
Carl, it seems you’ve roped me in! I’ve read Stardust before, but spent lots of time comparing it to the movie that I had just seen. I could still tell that it was a fantastic book in its own right, though, so I will be happy to read it again! I guess I may as well sign up for another of your not-challenges (this one for the first time!) if I’m already going to read a book for it… *goes off to write OUaT post*
Yes!!! Glad you will be joining us Alison! Will be so fun to discuss this with the gang.
I’m so excited for this read along, Carl! I’ve been waiting patiently since we discussed this read along several months back during the Neverwhere read-along.
I’m glad you are participating Christine. And today’s the day.
Hi Carl,
Thank you for hosting such a great read along again. I have been looking forward to this one since you mentioned it a few weeks ago.
I have been too. It has been way too long since I’ve read it. Thanks for joining us.
I’m in! I’m still a bit of a newcomer to Gaiman’s books but this one sounds awfully intriguing!
This is a good one for Gaiman newbies, that is for sure. Hope you enjoy it.
Hi. I am a bit late to the party here, but just heard about the read-along from Kristen at We Be Reading this morning. I’ve got to get a hold of the book, but I’m hoping to be able join in from the half-way discussion point on the 10th. 🙂
Actually you are just on time as the group read starts today. Welcome to the party! 🙂
I’ve watched the film, so I decided I’d like the book too. How mistaken I was! I don’t just like it, I adore it, and I’m still in chapter 3! Looking forward to the discussions now 🙂
I know I’m officially signing up late but the library finally tracked down a copy so I’m in!