Picked this up at a sale at the Kingstowne Library in Alexandria, Virginia. I've liked everything else I've read by Gaiman, including American Gods, in the same world as which this book is reportedly set.

Though it's set more or less in the same universe as American Gods, I don't think you need to read that one first to enjoy this one. It's the story of Charles Nancy, who discovers his recently deceased father is actually the spider god Anansi, and he has a brother he never knew. The story is fairly light as these things go, with some very funny bits and the general tomfoolery you can expect from any Gaiman book. I enjoyed it, but I would only recommend it to someone who already enjoys Gaiman. Not the best book to get introduced to his work with, but a decent read all the same.

I was going to take it this book Aspenwood (an assisted living facility), but after looking at the book, I thought it looked too much like a library book. I'll bring it back to another BookCrossing meeting or find a good reader for it. It's a fun book - one that I liked even better than American Gods.

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

I'm releasing this book at a BookCrossing (BC in DC) Meet-Up at La Madeleine (7607 Old Georgetown Road).

Dear Finder:
So glad you are going to read this book. If you are new to BookCrossing, welcome! I hope you'll leave a journal entry. You can remain anonymous or join BookCrossing (which is free!). If you join, please consider using me, SqueakyChu, as your referring member.

A few of us at today's meetup confessed our Neil Gaiman crushes! I haven't yet read this book, but have enjoyed all of the other books by this (dreamy) author I've tried. Thanks for sharing.

Neil Gaiman crush is still intact! My mom and sister also read this book since it came into my possession several years ago. I liked the lighthearted, dark-edged, story of two long-lost brothers reunited, and the ripple effect of their meeting upon various real and supernatural beings. I loved the exploration of family relationships, and the notion that biology is not destiny. The characters are all flawed yet likable, even the seemingly unlikable ones such as Rosie's mom! A bit more saucy than the author's works for children I've read. Thanks for the chance to read this book, and your patience as I kept it for years. It's now ready to continue its journey as a wild-release or pass along.

My favorite line may be in the acknowledgments: "I don't think I could have written Fat Charlie without having had both an excellent but embarrassing father and wonderful but embarrassed children. Hurrah for families."