M is for Magic

So I've read a few Neil Gaiman books of all kinds (comics, YA, full length adult novels) and thus far the absolute worst I could say about any of them has been that it was "Okay", so when I saw this one cheap on Kindle I figured why not, surely I couldn't go wrong. Well, except for the fact that I was seeing mixed reviews. Upon further review of the reviews I noticed something. The really bad ones all seemed to center around one theme -- It appears in the 9-12 year old category and there seems to be much debate about if it belongs there. I figured I'd read it and decide for myself if those complaints were warranted.While I am no prude and do think my nephew (who is about to turn 9 as I write this) is actually mature enough to read this book, I could see why some parents would object. What could parents object to? Well: There is a description of a nude troll, he's male if that tells you anything about what you'll find in this book. No? Okay well we learn that a teenage boy wants to touch breasts. Or that a married man appreciates getting "laid" by women other than his wife. A certain word that rhymes with witch makes an appearance. There's some drinking (including by teens).These references are brief and are not graphic. In fact what I've just typed here, that's about it for the questionable material I think, and about as graphic as it is in the book (other than my editing of that one word here). I suspect most children have seen, heard, and read worse especially if they've watched any tv or movies. Then again, yes some parents would find it a bit much for the average 9 year old. So while it claims to be a book for reading levels ages 9-12, well yes a 9 year old could probably read this book with no problems but it's up to you to decide if they're mature enough to handle brief mentions of nudity and sex (as I said, not graphic, but still there in passing). I'd probably suggest Coraline or InterWorld instead if you want to introduce your younger child to Neil Gaiman before this one (of the ones I personally know now anyway).That said, I'll be rating it as an adult reader. Did Humpty Dumpty REALLY have a great fall? What about the troll under the bridge, what's his story? What's the deal with Jack in his box? What happens when the months of the year get together? Is finding the Holy Grail really a good thing? Who or what really scratches up the cat? Things like this are what make up the short stories in M is for Magic. It's a fun fast read. Fans of Neil Gaiman will probably have read much of this before. Me? I'd only read the passage from The Graveyard book so I loved it as it was new to me and yes quite magical.

If you're at all a fan of Neil Gaiman and/or good (mostly dark) fantasy, you'll like this book.There are some 11 stories here in all and I was engrossed in each of them, finding it difficult to not put the down so I could do everyday stuff like go to bed and such. The stories run the gamut from a somewhat unexpected re-telling of the "twenty four blackbirds baked in a pie" rhyme to a story about a stray cat battling evil forces trying to do harm to the people it has found a home with. The breadth of ideas presented here are refreshing, and I could see pretty much any of them finding their way into movie at some point...they're THAT good.One caution: These are basically ADULT stories with ADULT themes. They're not in generally for most kids, certainly not younger ones. Take that into account if you are thinking about lending your volume to a cousin or niece or something.An excellent book, as is much of Gaiman's work. If you like different and generally ADULT oriented fairy tales, you'll like this book.

I bought this book for my nephew as I already own a copy and wanted him to read this magical book. Neil Gaiman is a master of his craft and these stories are heart-warming and thought provoking. Anyways, buy the book and read it. You will not be disappointed.

Having come late to Neil Gaimans works I have been selecting this and that title as it interests me- like a rich mind candy that onle an be injoyed in bits and pieces and then only if you allow it to settle just righ befoe you read the next chapter!He's a sneaky one, you think he's writing for one audience and your a outsider enjoying it in secret and then WHAM he draws you in and makes you take ownership of your reading choice! Now I'm buying Gaiman books as stand alone wonders, not the mental palet cleaners I orginally intended. M is for Magic is a road atlas to the cities intent that many of his earlier stories originated and some of his later stories settled. You can't stay comfortable with Neil Gaiman, he's a wild ride and you have to pay attention!

Gaiman's typical wonder captured on page. Quite honestly I listened to the audiobook first, fell utterly in love, and then HAD to have the hard copy - as often proves the case when it comes to Gaiman's work. I wind up buying nearly everything of his twice, especially if he's reading it - he's probably my favorite narrator of all, and yet the way his words make page-fall drive me to wanting to own the text, as well. Plus it's Gaiman, I know I will read this time and again, and likely wind up buying it again in the future.Many have shared the greater details of this work, so I won't be redundant. Just know it is as magically, wonderfully Gaiman as ever, and definitely worth the buy...

Always entertaining and thought provoking - this is a great volume containing snippets of brilliance in short story form. If you live NG, you will enjoy this book.

Neil Gaiman has been my favorite author since I first found him. He has never disappointed me yet and this book is no different. Although I would not recommended this particular book for young children, it read very fast and easily but did not fail to delight, surprise, and satisfy me. Neil truly understands the power and magnitude of of words and will prove so in every story collected in this book. I will say that I did enjoy some of the stories more than others, but I did not dislike any of them in any way. My only complaint is that I wish there would have been more of it. I suppose the next best thing will be moving on to his next masterpiece.

I loved this book! I would recommend it to anyone who loves great short stories of the fantastic. Neil Gaiman is a great writer and I never tire of his made-up worlds.When I bought this I knew some stories had been previously released in another short story collection, but I bought it anyway and read all those stories all over again. Why? Because they're wonderful and I don't mind "old" ones when you know there's new ones in it as well!Never read Neil Gaiman? This would be a great introduction and a great read for those commuting hours. Now go buy it.

This is a collection of great short stories from one of the master fantasy authors of current times.Each is perfectly formed and satisfies within it's own length, which is a sadly fading skill in modern publishing.I am a huge fan of both short stories and Neil Gaimen so this is exactly what I hoped for.It is important to note that a lot of these stories do appear in other published books, particularly smoke and mirrors & Fragile things. so be aware of what you already own before buying.

I bought this for my 10 year old daughter as she loved 'Coraline'. However, the second story about the troll contributed more to her education than I would have liked although we passed it off as a huge giggle. I have suggested she save this book for later as she may end up having to read it to a classroom assistant at school and would die of embarassment! So parents beware... this particular story contains some very adult themes which may not be suitable for younger readers with advanced reading abilities!

This was a birthday presant for a friend all I can say was that she loved it. I was especially happy that the book showed up earlier that expected and In better condition than I thought it would be. I had the opportunity to read the book befor I gave it to my friend and it's another fantastic book written by Neil gaiman. This book kept me wanting to read more even when it finished and kept me up until gone my bed time

I've always been a Neil Gaiman fan and this book was filled with great short stories I can get through quickly (when your waiting on dinner cooking or in the bath). They are varied with no two alike and the book also contains the short story which lead Gaiman to write "The Graveyard Book" my sister has since borrowed it and loved it too. Great stories to fill the short stops we get to enjoy a seat and cup of tea.