A briny deep of Britishness awaits within these pages. The canny humor is delightfully quirky-quaint, adding a unique charm to the narrative. It takes the reader on a road to war that artfully plays with lore, creating a captivating and engaging story. The descriptions are as rich as oil paint, vividly bringing the scenes to life. With every turn of the page, one is immersed in a world full of British charm and historical intrigue. The story weaves together elements of humor, war, and lore in a masterful way, making it a truly enjoyable read. Whether you have a penchant for British culture or simply love a good story, this piece is sure to satisfy. It offers a glimpse into a bygone era, filled with all the idiosyncrasies and nuances that make Britishness so fascinating.

(A-) 80% | Very Good
Notes: A briny deep of Britishness, its canny humor's quirky-quaint, a road to war that plays with lore, and rich as oil paint.

\\n  \\"Why do we have to learn boring stuff when there's all this brilliant stuff we could be learnin', that's what I want to know.\\"\\n

One of the hosts of this film review podcast I listen to always remarks that movies which give the impression of having been a great deal of fun to make (the sort where a group of actors who are real-life friends gather in a pleasant place with an abundance of alcohol) usually aren't nearly as enjoyable to watch. For me, the same principle holds true for this book. By their own admissions, Gaiman and Pratchett had an amazing time collaborating on Good Omens, and that's precisely what it feels like: two guys with a similar sense of humor whose main and perhaps only objective is to amuse one another.

Unfortunately, this means that the reader is put in a secondary position. This is the Gaiman & Pratchett show, and the pair appear to have incorporated just about every riff, snide observation, and bit of social satire that so much as raised the corner of one of their respective lips—and then included it three more times, just to be sure. There isn't so much a plot as an endless succession of themed standalone episodes with a horde of recurring characters, and if the authors cut anything out before sending their manuscript to the publisher, it's hard to fathom what it could have been. In paperback form, the book is 400 pages long; by the 100-page mark, I had more than understood the point.

Of course, it doesn't help that I simply didn't find it very humorous. C.S. Lewis wrote somewhere that—to paraphrase—he liked humor in books, but disliked it when there were individual little jokes inserted into the text like chunks in a fruitcake. After reading Good Omens, I understand what he means: this novel approaches comedy in the same way a bad sitcom does, dutifully setting up and delivering punchline after groan-inducing punchline until you can almost hear the laugh track.

\\"Dad humor\\" was the description my fiancée and I both arrived at, independently: it's all slightly-more-intellectual-than-usual dad jokes, complemented by a very dad-like aversion to things like foreign cars, health food, city traffic, telemarketers, televangelists, answering machines, people who wear sunglasses indoors, and other comic targets that may have been somewhat less tired in 1990, but probably weren't. Add in a surprising amount of casual racism (complete with racist impressions, if you're listening to the audiobook!) and sexism, and you're left with... well, not something I was ever particularly inclined to laugh along with. (And before anyone jumps to conclusions, the problem isn't that I dislike \\"dry English humor.\\" I like English humor; this just happens to be more in the vein of Dave Barry than Monty Python.)

Well, it wasn't an entirely negative experience. Like many reviewers, I thought the parts featuring the angel-demon duo Aziraphale and Crowley were by far the best sections, and really the only ones that elicited more than an eye roll from me, in terms of comedy. It's a great dynamic, and it makes sense that it would work, given the literary odd couple behind the novel itself. But alas, the authors don't actually seem to be able to think of much for their otherworldly heroes to do, so after a promising start, they're basically relegated to secondary characters. Instead, we get a lot of potentially-but-not-actually-interesting stuff about witches and witchfinders, some mildly amusing set pieces with the Four Riders of the Apocalypse, and the nauseatingly wholesome, Boys' Own-style adventures of the young would-be Antichrist and his tiresome friends. (Apparently, that storyline began as a parody of a long-running series of British children's books called Just William, which I'd never heard of before and can't say I'm eager to check out now.)

Ugh. Anyway. Good Omens is supposed to be silly, and on that count, it succeeds. It's definitely not worth a five-paragraph takedown, but I had to read the whole thing for book club, and 400 pages is a lot of space for resentment to accumulate. Lots of people still seem to like this book, and they're probably more fun at parties than I am, too.

Maybe I'll check out the new Amazon series. This seems like the kind of thing that could work better on TV. Surely they've toned down the racism and answering machine jokes in the intervening 30 years, at least.

I read this book before I attempted to evaluate Pratchett based on his own merits. Therefore, I might have to retrospectively adjust this review in light of what I now know. The book is indeed enjoyable. However, it might be hindered by the fact that it presents its two authors in what appears to be their most fundamental states.

There is no doubt about the recognizability of both Gaiman's and Pratchett's respective styles in this work. Nevertheless, neither seems to bring anything additional to the other. One of Gaiman's weaknesses is undoubtedly his general lack of humor. Anything that elicits laughter in his books is unlikely to be considered a proper joke. While Pratchett's collaboration could have potentially addressed this issue, his humor tends to be more likely to cause groans rather than being profound.

It seemed to me that, through collaboration, both authors felt compelled to simplify and depersonalize their respective styles. For Gaiman, this meant an unfortunate loss of much of his dark charm. And for Pratchett, it meant that he was even more diluted than usual.

I am aware that many people, especially fantasy fans, hold this book in high regard. And I will concede that it is light-hearted, easily understandable, and certainly does not deviate from the inclinations of either author. Unfortunately, it also fails to超越 them or create anything novel or interesting. The whole is less than the sum of its individual parts. Nevertheless, it is definitely worth a read, if only to satisfy one's craving for Gaiman while waiting for him to actually complete his next book.

UPDATE: After reading Gaiman's Anansi Boys, I have discovered that he can be extremely uproariously and hilariously funny. I am now uncertain about the exact role that Pratchett played in Good Omens at all.

My Fantasy Book Suggestions

The year is 2114 and in an upstairs apartment in Lower Tadfield, Oxfordshire, England, four people - Marge, Ron, Neville, and Madam Tracey - are gathered around a table for a séance.

Madam Tracey claims to feel her spirit guide approaching, and the excitement in the room builds.

She speaks in a dark brown voice, asking if Geronimo is there. Neville remarks that this is just like in the old book "Good Omens" by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman.

Ron chimes in, saying that he read the book and there is indeed a spiritual medium who pretends to be led into the spirit world by Geronimo.

Madam Tracey then insists that they must concentrate, as she really is feeling a presence.

Suddenly, Freddy Mercury's voice is heard singing "Can anybody find me, somebody to love?" Neville is shocked and asks who it is and where the voice came from.

Freddy reveals himself as coming from the Great Beyond and says that the mention of Pratchett and Gaiman's collaboration has created a paranormal gateway.

Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman then make an appearance, and the table sits in stunned silence.

Freddy asks to be included in the séance, and Marge says she wanted to speak to her deceased sister Pamela.

Terry remarks on what a lovely girl Pamela is. Neville realizes that they mentioned the book and are with Madam Tracey, and here they are.

Neil and Terry talk about their book, "Good Omens," and share some of their favorite quotes.

Ron asks what was so special about the book that could create a spiritual gateway. Terry explains that it was about the end of the world, a spiritual conflict, but mainly about being human.

Neville asks if the end of the world is coming, and Freddy says it's sooner than he thinks.

Neil then jokes that Armageddon is scheduled to begin next week, but then reveals it's just a prank.

H.P. Lovecraft then interrupts and asks to join in, complimenting "Good Omens." Terry thanks him.

Finally, Madam Tracey tells everyone to leave, as this is her séance. Neil gets offended and leaves, saying he'll let the real Geronimo know about Madam Tracey's need for a spiritual guide.

The séance comes to an end, with everyone leaving the apartment in a flurry of activity.

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman is an absolute delight!

This witty and clever novel masterfully blends humor, fantasy, and satire in a way that only these two brilliant authors can achieve. The story is filled with quirky and lovable characters, especially the angel Aziraphale and the demon Crowley. They bring a unique charm and heart to the end-of-the-world scenario, making readers laugh out loud while also causing them to contemplate the absurdity of life.

The pacing of the novel is perfect, with a seamless flow that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. The dialogue is sharp and filled with clever one-liners that add to the overall humor and charm of the story. Additionally, the world-building is highly inventive, creating a vivid and immersive world that is both fantastical and believable.

Good Omens is a fun, thought-provoking read that is impossible to put down. It is a must-read for fans of humor and fantasy alike, offering a unique and entertaining take on the end of the world. Whether you're looking for a lighthearted escape or a deeper exploration of the human condition, this novel has something for everyone.

Just for fun.

Please excuse my lack of a formal review. I didn't really read this critically. I simply desired something soothing and cute to have in the background. Since I had seen the show, I was familiar enough with the story that I didn't have to exert too much effort.

I can state that I thought the audio narrator did an outstanding job. I adored the parts that weren't added to the show. I clearly understand why they cut what they did. And this is an extremely sweet and hopeful perspective on apocalypses and friendship. I truly wanted that.

I was a bit surprised by some of the homophobic comments. However, they were targeted at Americans around 1989. And I don't really fault them for belittling Americans' views on homosexuality at that time.

Somewhat dated, but millennials and older individuals should relate to a great deal of the humor.

What can I possibly say that I haven't already expressed about this remarkable book (*here*)? Terry Pratchett, a literary genius, had the unique ability to always bring a smile or even a hearty laugh to his readers. Neil Gaiman, on the other hand, was an author who could effortlessly enchant and captivate his audience. These two literary powerhouses were seemingly made for each other, and their collaborative effort, this book, has delighted me in countless ways. It is no wonder that I decided to gift it to Dennis.

I then forced gently persuaded him to read it before the highly anticipated TV show premiered today. Alas, I did my part, but he unfortunately didn't manage to finish it in time (which, to be fair, was partly my fault as well).

Anyway, the story revolves around the Apocalypse. Both Heaven and Hell have been working towards this momentous event for an incredibly long time. You see, thousands of years ago, some angels fell, but the score was never truly settled, and no clear victor was declared. Enter the demon Crowly, the infamous snake from the Garden of Eden, who was tasked with ensuring that the Antichrist would grow up as the son of an American diplomat. However, as with most things in life, things didn't quite go according to plan and... well, they went pear-shaped.

Now, Crowly and his best friend Aziraphale (the angel who once guarded the Eastern gate of Eden) find themselves in a race against time to stop Armageddon. Why, you ask? Well, simply because they have grown to love Earth and all its wonderful quirks, from its adorable ducks and delicious sushi restaurants to its charming little bookshops.

The best collaborations, they say, occur when the authors become so intertwined in the creative process that they can no longer remember which parts were written by whom. This book is a prime example of such a collaboration. It was written with an abundance of love and care, and that love shines through even more brightly when you watch the entire mini-series in one sitting, as I did today.

The story is filled with a colorful cast of characters, including a demon constantly sporting sunglasses, a gay angel, four mischievous children, four mysterious horse persons, a whole host of witches, two bumbling witch finders, a medium, and of course, a very special book. And let's not forget all of Heaven and Hell, along with some hapless parents and a sleek Bentley. There is truly so much more to discover and enjoy in this magical world.

The social criticism in this book is as sharp and incisive as in Pratchett's Discworld novels, while the whimsical and lighthearted feel of the end of the world actually serves as a soothing balm for your soul. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this wonderful journey into a world where Heaven and Hell collide and the fate of the universe hangs in the balance.

DNF, which stands for Dungeon & Fighter, is a highly popular online role-playing game.

It has a large and dedicated player base around the world. The game offers a unique and immersive gaming experience with its diverse range of characters, each with their own distinct abilities and playstyles.

Players can explore a vast and detailed game world, filled with challenging dungeons, powerful enemies, and exciting quests.

The combat in DNF is fast-paced and action-packed, requiring skill and strategy to master.

With regular updates and new content releases, DNF continues to evolve and keep its players engaged.

It has become a cultural phenomenon in the gaming community, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down.

Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the world of online gaming, DNF is definitely worth checking out.

I know that the vast majority of my friends on Goodreads will vehemently disagree with me on this point. However, I truly believe that Good Omens has evolved - or perhaps devolved - into a rambling, unfunny, and unconvincing mess.

I breezed through the first 50 pages with great anticipation, but after that, at least for me, it not only lost its momentum but completely sank.

I have a fondness for Gaiman. Maybe the fact that I had previously read American Gods spoiled my experience of Good Omens, as there are strikingly similar elements at play here.

I found that Good Omens was overly verbose in the wrong places. Potentially well-developed characters devolved into dull caricatures. The humour became desperate and forced, and the ending was lackluster.

Sorry, everyone, but I simply don't see the beauty or humour in Good Omens at all. But as we all know, one man's trash is another man's treasure.

My third reading of this remarkable book, and this time it was through the excellent audio version. Martin Jarvis has the most perfect voice for the story, which truly brings it to life. I find that I love this book more with each successive reading (or in this case, listening). I never would have thought that I could be even more invested in the characters, but here I am. The TV adaptation is at the very top of my list of shows to watch this year. It was one of the many things that I had intended to get to during 2020, but somehow, it just didn't happen. David Tennant and Michael Sheen seem to be perfectly cast, and I am really looking forward to seeing their interpretations. As for the book itself, it remains supremely funny and wonderful in pretty much every conceivable way.

My second reading of this book was still a brilliant journey. This is a book that I have a strong desire to revisit every two or three years. It feels as if it was perfectly constructed to be read over and over again. It's an unusual book, so I would highly recommend scrolling through the various reviews here on Goodreads to see if it seems like the kind of thing that would appeal to you. For me, however, it's a perfect, funny, and touching book.





***


This book has truly captured my heart. Each reading or listening experience has been a delight. The story is engaging, the characters are vivid, and the humor is spot-on. I can't wait to see how the TV adaptation turns out. I have a feeling it's going to be amazing. In the meantime, I'll continue to cherish this wonderful book and look forward to future readings.

Vamos Brincar ao Armagedão

How? — This is the obvious question that follows!

It's easy, as I hope to demonstrate:

A group of Angels and Demons is joined with the 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse -- Death, War, Famine, and Pollution. Then some Humans (who are stumbling around out there) are added, followed by some Tibetan Choirs, Extra-Terrestrials, and others of the like. Everything is stirred up... and we wait...

It was more or less like this that Neil Gaiman, assisted by Terry Pratchett (or Terry Pratchett assisted by Neil Gaiman) gave birth to a plot where fantasy, madness, intelligence, and sarcasm coexist in suitable amounts

I loved the show more