I've been a fan of the written word as long as I can remember - it was a form of escapism, a chance to visit other worlds, when reality didn't afford the opportunity - through those literary forays, I've enjoyed Tolkien, Vonnegut, Brautigan, Lewis, Wilde, and others - through my travels and education, my eclectic tastes expanded and I've included even more traveling companions, old and new, like Hemingway, Adams, Manguel, Eco, Zafon, Kellerman, Irving, Wolfe, Irving, and Asimov - while all have been special, there has been one who has been constant, who's tales have charmed me over the years, where I've pulled passages to fit moments in my life perfectly and that's Neil Gaiman - this book is no different, except as a collection, it's themes are even more accessible to each of the times and situations in my, in our, lives - I had already received the ARC (Advanced Reading Copy), will be purchasing a signed edition when available, and purchased the audible edition because I love to hear him describe his thoughts in that quintessential British accent, imagining we're issues of the day over a pint or two at his favorite pub - I can't recommend this book in any form highly enough, as it has renewed my faith in the written and auditory with all of its pleasures - thank you, Mr. Gaiman!"