Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book was recently awarded one of the most prestigious children's literature awards The Newberry Medal. We also put it in our ten favourite books of 2008. It's a great little read designed to be a great little read by an author who's two gifts are to be a master appropriator of myth, legend and history and to have a well considered understanding of his audience, something he has shown since he wrote the very first Sandman comic.
Gaiman is also an astute literary businessman who knows how to portray himself in public and how to promote his work. Indeed, he is a role model for those dreaming of a successful critical and commercial career as a fantasist and children's author. Especially if you dream of having your work adapted to film some day like Gaiman with his Stardust and Coraline made into nicely received movies. I'm guessing The Graveyard Book will follow in the near future.
Still, it was a little surprising to see him appear as a guest on The Colbert Report, who's satirical host, Stephen Colbert is someone who's own book I Am America (And So Can You!) would likely have ended up in our 2007 top ten if we had done one.
Anyways, I enjoyed Neil Gaiman's chat with Stephen Colbert enough to want to share it with you.
Neil Gaiman is a Scientologist and he funds Scientology. The Gaiman family are founding US "Patrons" of Scientology for 2004 & 2006 (go to Scientology Completions to see "The Gaiman Family USA listed). According to ex scientologist Jon Attack, Patrons (are) the highest ranking membership - of the International Association of Scientologists. Founding Patrons (those who became Patrons by the IAS 20th Anniversary (October/November 2004) have donated US $40,000. Patrons with Honor have donated US $100,000. Go to http://www.truthaboutscientology.com/ and search for Gaiman to find The Gaiman Family USA listed as Patrons. Gaiman donates BIG money to Scieno.
Interesting, this hand delivered spam turns up on many bulletin boards and discussion groups. Rather than delete it I thought I'd leave it there for amusement.
Neil Gaiman is Jewish but appears in life and in his work to be more a studier of religion than anything else.
The Gaiman(s) referred to as Scientologists are just names found on lists and have no link to Neil or relatives. It is relevant that there isn't even the coincidence of a "Neil Gaiman" to be found.
Hey, ya gotta laugh.
Oh really? Why is Neil Gaiman listed in the 2009 donations for Scientology in their own newsletter? There is no conflict, you can be a "Jewish" Scientologist.
Gaiman is a hypocrite who funds Scientology.
Neil Gaiman's 2009 contributions to the CULT of Scientology are listed in the cult's Cornerstone Newsletter (circa November 2009)
$142 million plus given to Super Power Scam - Ex Scientologist Message Board
http://www.forum.exscn.net/showthread.php?t=16197
Under
CORNERSTONE CLUB MEMBERS [1315] [$35,000.00]
You'll find:
Mary & Neil Gaiman
And as the ex Scientologists state: "Also, this list does not include donations made by people who have since left the Church and been declared SP’s or “ethics bait”. The Church deletes those people’s names from the lists."
This probably reflects the $30,000.00 Neil Gaiman gave to the cult, and an additional $5000.00 to bring him up to Cornerstone Club member. Neil Gaiman is a Scientologist in good standing.
Gaiman is a Scientologist.