About Books Blog 7: Stardust

Introduction

I'm finally back from a long blog break. Life has gotten a bit crazy, but I've finally returned. Sorry for the wait. I've added a new section on the blog called Favorite Line. Basically it's my favorite quote from the novel. I might go back later and put down my favorite lines from the books I've blogged about previously.



Author: Neil Gaiman
Genre: Fantasy

Favorite Line

"Adventures are all very well in their place, he thought, but there's a lot to be said for regular meals and freedom from pain."

Summary

To gain Victoria Forester’s hand in marriage, young Tristan Thorn makes a foolish promise to journey into the land of Faerie in search of a fallen star. Imagine Tristan’s surprise when he discovers the fallen star just happens to be a living, breathing, slightly temperamental girl.

What I Thought of This Book

The first and most important reason why I love this book is that Neil Gaiman is such a brilliant writer. He has a way of setting up a story so that everything comes together at exactly the right time. It always amazes me.

The second reason I enjoy the story is that the characters are so darn great. Tristan is so fabulously cute and sweet. Yvaine (a.k.a the fallen star) is so lovably sarcastic that you never get tired of her little quips. I even love the villains in the novel because of their amusing quirks.

This novel is a wonderful fairytale for grown ups. Anyone who likes stories with unlikely heroes, witches, and unicorns is sure to enjoy Stardust.

Facts I Found Interesting

Stardust was originally conceived by Neil Gaiman and artist Charles Vess as a book with pictures. It was released in a four issue comic series. Neil later published the story as a conventional novel without the illustrations.

As some of you know I'm a big fan of the musical artist Tori Amos. Tori and Neil Gaiman are friends and often refer to each other in their work. Tori lent Neil one of her houses so he could to write the first chapter of Stardust. In return, she asked him to write her into the story as the character of a red tree. Tori makes a reference to this interaction in her song Horses with the lines: "if there is a way to find you/I will find you/but will you find me if Neil/makes me a tree?"

The Movie

I find the screen adaptation of Stardust rather enjoyable. They did make several changes to the story line in the movie, but I felt the changes serviced the film, and were at times necessary. The actors look nothing like how I imagine the characters when I read the book, however they play their parts so wonderfully that I don't mind at a bit. Overall, I think the movie does a great job at capturing the spirit and witty humor of the novel.

Stardust Trailer

Music To Read By

Favorite Albums For Stardust

The songs on Singles by Travis have a traveling quality, which gives you the feeling that you are on an adventure with the characters. Under The Iron Sea by Keane contains a few songs that deal with a coming of age theme, which I feel interprets Tristan Thorn's emotional journey. I also loved selected works by The Killers, Imogen Heap, and Nickel Creek.

Stardust Playlist

Smoothie Song - Nickel Creek
Hamburg Song - Keane
Catch A Falling Star - Perry Como
This Side - Nickel Creek
Smile Like You Mean It - The Killers
Moonchild -Chris Cornell
Horses - Tori Amos
(Note: I'm not in love with the original album version of this song, but any live recording of it is quite good.)
Is It Any Wonder - Keane
Candlelight - Imogen Heap
Stars - Switchfoot
Headlock - Imogen Heap
Starlight - Muse
Love Will Come Through - Travis
Everything Will Be Alright - The Killers
Crash Into Me - Dave Matthew's Band
Sound Of Heaven Pulling Down - Blue October
Little Star - Madonna

Thanks for reading my dears. Hope you can be patient with me on updating the blog. Hugs.

Next About Books Blog: Clair-de-Lune by Cassandra Golds