Please tell me the show is entertaining as well? Loved this book.

"Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch" was without a doubt my favorite book that I listened to this weekend. And yes, I listened to it because I have the audiobook, but regardless of the format, it was incredibly hilarious. I'm quite certain that I laughed, and even cried from laughing so hard, for approximately 90% of this book. Maybe even more than that.

I can now proudly state that I read the book before watching the show. Now I'm even more excited to watch it. Trust me on this. This book was hilarious from beginning to end, and it even had some "what the heck is going on" kind of moments to add some excitement. I have no idea how to even mention specific things in this review, but I will say that my absolute favorite moment was the Jesus songs. I was definitely dying of laughter during that part, and my family probably thinks I'm crazy.

Overall, I'm extremely excited for the show! Ugh, I truly hope it's amazing!!

Reading this book was an absolute torture for me. Do you understand? Because it's about demons and demons are supposed to be in hell? Well, if you find that humorous, then congratulations, you're likely going to have a great time with this book.

However, my perception of a funny book is one where actual funny events occur, not one where the prose constantly attempts to be witty.

As we can see from this passage:

Two of them lurked in the ruined graveyard. Two shadowy figures, one hunched and squat, the other lean and menacing, both of them Olympic-grade lurkers. If Bruce Springsteen had ever recorded “Born to Lurk,” these two would have been on the album cover.

But you know what? I can't hear your response over the sound of all these crickets chirping.

After reading 150 pages, nothing truly funny has happened. It's just a simple mix-up story with countless groan-worthy jokes thrown in at every paragraph to remind you that you're reading a comedy. In fact, by crossing out all the jokes (and deleting the magical paintball shoot-out bit), the first half could easily pass as an ordinary supernatural drama. Admittedly, the second half is better (all of Agnes Nutters' parts are brilliant), but it's not entirely without flaws.

The characters' personalities are inconsistent, especially Newt Pulsifer. Throughout the book, there are numerous irrelevant secondary characters whose only purpose is to set up a joke, and they all come with long, detailed background stories. Pulsifer, on the other hand, appears halfway through the book and hardly gets any proper introduction. So not only do we barely know who he is, but we're also not sure about his motivations. Even after finishing the book, I still can't accurately define his personality. Every time he speaks, he sounds like a completely different character.

The world's rules are also inconsistent. And don't give me that 'ineffable' nonsense. That's just lazy writing. Crowley and Aziraphale's skits really annoyed me. They've been friends for millennia, yet they still don't understand how each other's jobs work? Demons drive a flying car around town but have to check house numbers one by one? One minute we're told Crowley 'reached into the glove compartment for his spare pair of sunglasses, and found only cassettes', and the next minute 'he snapped his fingers [and] a pair of dark glasses materialised out of his eyes.' What was the point of him reaching into the glove compartment in the first place? And let's not even talk about outbursts like 'Hello? Aziraphale! For Go-, for Sa-, for somebody’s sake! Aziraphale!' Why would a demon say that? It's almost as if he knows he has an audience to amuse.

I don't think these things should be overlooked just because it's a silly comedy. A good joke should set up certain rules and then subvert the reader's expectations, not just disregard the rules whenever the author has a new joke idea.

I feel like this book is more the result of a light-hearted collaborative writing exercise rather than a sincere attempt to co-write a great novel. At times, Pratchett and Gaiman seem to be competing to see who can come up with the funniest jokes. I wonder if their mutual admiration made them too reluctant to point out the unfunniness of each other's sections.

GRAMMAR GRIPE: Hells Angels is written without an apostrophe.

What a banal, poorly-paced, over-padded, tedious, masturbatory exercise in "cleverness". It's like spending several hours sitting next to an un-funny comedian who is oozing smugness out of every pore.

This comedian keeps spouting tired observational humor, jabbing you in the ribs every couple of sentences. "RELIGION, AMIRITE??" "BUREAUCRACY, AMIRITE??" "TRAFFIC, AMIRITE??"

It's just so mind-numbingly dull and unoriginal. There's no real depth or substance to it. It's all just surface-level attempts at being witty that fall flat.

Nooooooooooooot worrrrrrrrrrrth itttttttttttttt. It's a waste of time and energy, leaving you feeling frustrated and unfulfilled. You expect something better, something that will actually make you think or laugh out loud, but instead, you're left with this mediocre drivel.

It's a prime example of how trying too hard to be clever can often backfire and result in something that is anything but.

*Biographical Story*

Last week, a young man approaches me on the electric train and says:

-Sorry for the inconvenience, but I see that you are reading “Good Omens”. How do you like it? I have read both Gaiman and Pratchett, but not this book yet.

-Let me tell you, I am reading it for the second time and I like it more than the first time.

-Ok, great, you convinced me.

In anticipation of the series that is coming in a few months, I picked up the Gaiman-Pratchett joint venture again and really enjoyed it more than the first time.

Those who have read at least two books from each author will understand who wrote what (Pratchett wrote the majority of the book, and his humor is characteristic), but they found the golden middle and the result is harmonious.

A demon and an angel, who have known each other for about 4000 years, a young Antichrist, try to prevent the well-known Armageddon. This is not the easiest thing in the world, of course, since the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are on their way, while the Antichrist is making his own plans. And somewhere there, a witch who has in her possession the unique copy of a medieval book of prophecies.

The action is thunderous, the situations that unfold are surreal, there are many references to series, movies, bands and the black humor is present everywhere. Of course, all these show the following: when war, famine and environmental pollution prevail, chaos reigns and death is the one that extinguishes everything.

If the end of the world is so enjoyable, well, let it come. Or not, let's not rush it.

Genijalno! Što drugo reći?

Pratchett and Gaiman clearly had a great time while writing this novel. They must have stuffed it with everything they could remember, which sometimes disrupts the dynamics and suffocates the plot. But on the other hand, every sentence is filled with excellent humor or brilliant critiques of society*. So this was a pleasure to read. They laughed at: religious dogmas, illogicalities in the Bible, predicting the future, the concept of fate, TV preachers, human nature, various prejudices, spies, computers and related technologies (which were in their infancy at the time of writing the novel in 1990) and everything else that exists or has existed or will exist. Basically, not to make it too long, just pick it up and read!

* even the footnotes that aren't funny

**Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch**

Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch (1990) is a remarkable novel that was nominated for the World Fantasy Award. It is the result of a collaboration between the brilliant British authors Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. The story unfolds as the End Times approach. The Apocalypse is drawing near, and Final Judgement is about to descend upon humanity.

This news is rather unwelcome to the angel Aziraphale, who was the guardian of the Eastern Gate of Eden, and the demon Crowley, who was originally the serpent that tempted Eve to eat the apple. They are the representatives of Heaven and Hell on Earth, respectively. However, they have grown accustomed to their cozy and comfortable lives and, in a strange way, have developed a fondness for humanity.
As good friends, despite ostensibly representing the polar opposites of Good and Evil, they decide to work together. They keep an eye on the Antichrist, who is destined to be the son of a prominent American diplomat stationed in Britain. Their goal is to ensure that he grows up in a way that makes it impossible for him to decide between Good and Evil, thereby postponing the end of the world.

The novel is filled with humor, wit, and a unique take on the battle between Good and Evil. It explores the complex relationships between angels, demons, and humans. In 2019, Amazon Studios and BBC Studios produced and released a television series based on this novel. Good Omens has become a beloved and influential work of literature, captivating readers and viewers alike with its engaging story and memorable characters.

I read Good Omens shortly after joining GR. It was a captivating read that I truly loved. However, as time has passed, I find myself unable to remember a single detail about it. So, there is no way I could write a review for it now.

Following the recent "let's bump reviews" situation, a group of us decided that we'd had enough. Just because we're on GR doesn't mean we have to compete for 'likes'. I, for one, am only here for the wine. But I digress.

Kat made an awesome little badge, and Kelly came up with a brilliant idea: let's all bump our friends' reviews instead of our own! Isn't that pretty cool? It's a great way to show support for our friends and their reviews.

So you want to read a review for Good Omens? Check out Anne's. She loved the book as much as I did and is one of the coolest chicks around. She might even have a few endearing qualities (but don't tell her I said that, it might go to her head).

Off you go! Read Anne's review and spread the love. Let's all support each other and make our friends famous on GR!

Spread the love guys, we all deserve to be famous!

I have to put a disclaimer on my review.

This time of the year, I simply can't read this type of book. It annoyed me to no end. However, I had to read it now due to a book club obligation.

I'll make an effort to read it again sometime in the fall or winter and observe if my impression changes.

Despite my initial annoyance, I can clearly see the brilliance in the writing. The author has a unique style and the story has the potential to be engaging.

Maybe it's just my current state of mind that is preventing me from fully enjoying it. I'm looking forward to giving it another chance when the seasons change and seeing if I can appreciate it in a different light.

For now, I'll have to reserve my final judgment until I've read it again at a more suitable time.

Dolphins are truly remarkable creatures. They are not fish but mammals, which sets them apart in the animal kingdom.

Their beauty and grace are simply sublime. Watching them swim and play in the water is a sight that can leave one in awe.

In 2019, I had the pleasure of rereading about dolphins while simultaneously watching a TV series that was so frickin' good. The combination of learning more about these amazing animals and being entertained by the show was a wonderful experience.

Dolphins have always fascinated me, and this particular encounter with their story only deepened my appreciation for them. Their intelligence, social behavior, and unique abilities make them one of the most interesting species on our planet.

I look forward to learning more about dolphins in the future and sharing their story with others.

Good Omens, to be honest, is in desperate need of editing.

Halfway through the 200-page book, I could summarize what had happened with just a few sentences. The book aimed to be a satire, but it ended up being a rather feeble attempt at poking fun at something that was clearly ripe for ridicule, with only a scattering of actual Revelations content included.

The storytelling was frustratingly weak. One of the main characters read a book for 100 pages and then simply vanished into thin air (literally), and he was one of the few I liked. I couldn't buy into the nature of the Antichrist at all. The transition was too sudden and seemed to be done in a way that made me think they hadn't planned it out properly but just knew it had to happen.

I almost gave up reading this book so many times. For example, when the whale research ship was attacked by a kraken to avenge the whales it had killed (as if research ships do that), and the writing switched back and forth between past and present tense. I was amazed at how sloppy the writing was.

There were some jokes, like the biker gang trying to name themselves as the four new horsemen, and one choosing to call himself "Cool People" because, according to his reasons, cool people are horrible and you can't make fun of them. But this had nothing to do with the end of the world or any form of destruction. After trying to decide if this choice of name meant anything for five minutes, I just gave up worrying about it. Eventually, I gave up trying to make the book enjoyable for myself.

I truly believe that this book was written by two great writers to amuse themselves, and the publishers got hold of it, rushed it out onto the press without a second thought, and it shows. One of my good friends who really liked this book had to agree with me, saying it "reads like a third draft." There are whole sections that seem completely irrelevant (no, don't try to convince me otherwise - if they wanted me to hear about Crowley's houseplants, the beginning would have been the place to put it, not in the middle of the Apocalypse with only 5 hours left in the world. I would also like to point out that the discussion of his plants got more word count than the risen continent of Atlantis).

There is really no excuse for the way this book was executed. If you want to read a complex book with a million characters running around in panic and then colliding at the end, pick up a Tim Dorsey novel (try Hammerhead Ranch Motel). Dorsey can handle his chaos with elegance, and I can't think of any excuses for two of the best literary minds of our generation.

I'm sure there will be people who continue to love this book, and that's perfectly fine. But I want to make it clear that just because I love both Terry Pratchett (my current favorite author) and Neil Gaiman doesn't mean I have to love everything they write. Nor should I excuse them for what I consider to be sloppy work. Part of the reason I'm drawn to their work is not just the storytelling but also the way they can craft a sentence. I'm simply amazed at how much love this book gets considering how little content it has, how weak the jokes are, and how unpolished the writing is.

In the vast and enchanting realm of literary enjoyment, "Good Omens" truly stands out as an absolute delight.

This remarkable collaborative masterpiece, penned by the talented duo of Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman and expertly narrated by Martin Jarvis, offers a splendid and seamless fusion of British humor that vividly recalls the antics of Monty Python. It creates a world brimming with laughter and wit, a world that any ardent fan of such unique humor will undoubtedly find themselves thoroughly enjoying.

The novel is a powerful testament to the authors' boundless creativity. Its exploration of the highly unlikely alliance between an angel and a demon, who are striving with all their might to prevent the apocalypse, is far from being a typical or ordinary vehicle for hilarity. The depth of their collaboration is strikingly evident in the book's remarkable ability to seamlessly amalgamate a diverse array of elements into a cohesive and captivating whole.

Listening to the audio version of "Good Omens", I found myself completely and thoroughly immersed in its charm. This was largely due to Martin Jarvis' exceptional narration. His delivery was nothing short of masterful, breathing life and vitality into the narrative and elevating the entire listening experience to new heights. It is safe to say without a doubt that the audio format truly brought out the very best in this remarkable work.

One of the many beauties of "Good Omens" lies in its multifaceted and complex nature. Depending on your personal inclination and preferences, you can choose to savor it as a gloriously absurd comedy or dissect its clever and incisive satire on organized religion and theology. Its philosophical underpinnings are rich and ripe for exploration, whether you decide to delve deep into the eternal debate of good versus evil, the intricate nuances of nature versus nurture, or even contemplate profound and eternal themes such as free will, war, and pollution. Personally, I wholeheartedly embraced the comedic aspect of the book, and that is precisely how I chose to engage with it.

The book is filled to the brim with quirkiness and absurdity, artfully interwoven with a brilliant and engaging blend of social commentary, biblical allusions, and a wealth of cultural references. The plot, although cleverly crafted and intricately designed, manages to stay refreshingly unpredictable, offering a truly unique reading experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat, eagerly anticipating what will happen next. Amidst its complex and winding storyline, the book exudes a charming and irresistible allure, punctuated by delightful surprises at every turn.

In essence, the verdict on "Good Omens" might be as simple and straightforward as this: If you have a deep and abiding love for British humor, this book is tailor-made and perfectly suited for your enjoyment. Its pages are infused with the very essence of comedic brilliance that will have you chuckling uncontrollably and thoroughly entertained from start to finish. On the other hand, if British humor isn't quite your cup of tea (or perhaps more accurately, British tea), "Good Omens" might not resonate as strongly with you. However, for those brave souls who are willing to embark on this literary adventure, prepare yourself for a very fun, hilarious, and unexpectedly profound read that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind.

Don't be misled by those who classify this as mere fantasy, humour, or just fiction.

This is, in fact, a profound philosophical and theological treatise that delves deep into the exploration of good and evil, nature versus nurture, free will, war, pollution, and organised religion.

But it's cleverly disguised as a madcap caper featuring a plethora of elements such as angels, demons, the M25 motorway, Manchester, raining fish, dolphins, Atlantis, aliens, the Apocalypse, the young Antichrist, Americans, footnotes for Americans, tunnelling Tibetans, witches, witch-finders, whales, Hell's Angels, Queen and Freddie Mercury, junk food made of junk, nuclear power, a flaming car, satanic nuns, an inadvertent baby-swap, a book of prophecy, and much more. There's also a lot of ineffability.

The writing style is so similar to Douglas Adams that it could easily be mistaken for a missing volume of Hitchhiker's, except for the pages of Just William slipped in, in a Calvino style.

The book contains many thought-provoking quotes. For example, regarding religion, it says, "God does not play dice with the universe; He plays an ineffable game of His own devising, which might be compared, from the perspective of any of the other players [i.e. everybody], to being involved in an obscure and complex variant of poker in a pitch-dark room, with blank cards, for infinite stakes, with a Dealer who won't tell you the rules, and who smiles all the time."

When it comes to good and evil, it states that "Most demons weren't deep down evil" but were like "tax inspectors - doing an unpopular job, maybe, but essential to the overall operation."

Regarding destiny versus free will, there are lines like "You can't refuse to be who you are… Your birth and destiny are part of the Great Plan." and "I don't see why it matters what is written… It can always be crossed out."

The TV adaptation had a great cast, with David Tennant as Crowley and Michael Sheen as Aziraphale being brilliant together. However, it suffered a little from being too similar to the recent adaptation of American Gods. Overall, though, it was good.

There's also a podcast and discussion about the book and the TV adaptation by the Teaching my Cat to Read team. The discussion is lively and quirky, and can be found on various platforms.

All in all, Good Omens is a unique and engaging work that combines humour, philosophy, and theology in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.