First Pages: Good Omens
I’m not going to be able to do this First Pages review justice. I’m just not. I can’t compete with the fabulous words and humor of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett in Good Omens so I’m going to let their words speak for themselves.
Well, mostly. The First Pages of Good Omens open with the same wry humor as the series. I almost wish I hadn’t watched the series first because all I can picture are Michael Sheen and David Tennant. However, the words draw you in right away, with the interaction and chemistry between Aziraphale and Crawly/Crowley immediately sparking your interest. The first pages start off with the story of Adam and Eve, with Aziraphale and Crowley managing the aftermath. The voice is strong, the wit is unreal, and as someone who grew up Catholic, this fanfiction version of the story is hilarious.
The story is gripping right away, and the reader has to keep on reading to witness the Apocalypse. (Yes, with a capital “A”.)
Book versus Series
Mini Me, Little Lion, and Mr. Bookworm have all read the book, whereas I just watched the series with them. The girls read the book after watching the series but Mr. Bookworm may have done the opposite. I say this because I know that when I read something after seeing it on screen, it affects the way I see the characters. However, Neil Gaiman co-wrote the series and had a hand in producing so all three of them agree that the series is spot on and on par with the novel. If you’re not easily (religiously) offended, I recommend giving both a try. There were so many moments of genuine laughter and semi-disbelief in my house that it warmed my heart, even as I feared that maybe, just maybe in raising our kids so they could choose their own religions (or not) when they are older, we might just be raising heathens. Okay, definitely heathens. (Sorry, Mom. And Lola.)
My favorite part in the whole series? In the beginning, when a gentle rain starts, and Aziraphale raises his wing to shade Crowley. They look at each other, and it's a very cinematic moment, one not easily forgotten.
First Pages note: I started the First Lines and First Pages series in November 2017 as a homage to National Novel Writing Month. In the tradition of one of my previous writing groups, I decided to 'share' the first lines of successful middle grade and YA novels in order to figure out what made them successful first pages. I posted as many as I could in November, and now post the series on the first of every month (or close to it). Please let me know in the comment section if you have any First Pages book recommendations.
