"Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch" is probably the funniest book I have ever read.
I jump at the chance to read anything Neil Gaiman has written. Both Gaiman and co-author Terry Pratchett are at their best in this 1990 book about the end of time. Don't let the publication date fool you; this book is a classic.
Agnes Nutter, who is a witch, has prophesized the end of the world, and it will be this coming Saturday. This is a bummer for angel Aziraphale and demon Crowley; both have lived with humans since the beginning and they enjoy their life. They join forces to find a way to stop the apocalypse or "end times," if you will.
How does the Antichrist fit into the picture? Warlock, the presumed Antichrist, is just a normal boy who was switched at birth due to a hospital mishap. Adam, the actual Antichrist, is having a devil of a time using his powers.
The Four Horsepersons of the Apocalypse have arrived in the form of bikers. Pestilence, having retired, is replaced by Pollution. War is a female war correspondent. Famine is a fast-food mogul and a dietician. And Death is, of course, Death. Showing up when they do, the world is one step away from the end.
Writing comedy is very difficult, but Pratchett and Gaiman have the craft down to a science. This is a book you read over and over again, as it never fails to entertain. If you need a book to brighten your day, "Good Omens" is that book.
Brian Bray is the IT specialist at Missouri River Regional Library.