Today is Neil Gaiman’s 58th birthday, and I hope he has a happy one.

Neil Gaiman is one of my favorite authors. I’ve read many of his books, and I’d have to say my favorite is The Ocean at the End of the Lane. It’s simple and elegant, sparse and yet full of story. I still remember in vivid detail the scene where the narrator falls back into Daisy Hempstock’s ocean.

I also really love The Graveyard Book. It came out when I was 22 years old, but I wish I’d had a book like that when I was in middle school — creepy and yet lovely. I think “creepy and yet lovely” describes most of his work, and explains why I love it so much.

Happiest of birthdays, Mr. Gaiman.