This is a funny question as you will get a variety of answers. I personally like to start with the short stories, these kinda set you up for the novels and give you an idea of just what can happen in Newford. However I am also of th emind you could start anywhere,my favorite book is Somewhere to be flying, it has the crow girls and Raven and as we all have a bit of that corvid spirit this one could be a good starter for you.

I think I'm going to agree with Hawk here (funny that) for the most part. His Newford stories (stories that take place in his fictional town of Newford) are his most popular. Part of the reason for that, I think, is that characters recur and interweave, sometimes they are the stars of the show, other times supporting cast or bit players. [In that, I think it is very much like our own lives. We have people that weave in and out of our own lives, and then fade into the background again, only to resurface when we really need them.] Also you really get to know these people. After just a couple of books you don't feel like they are characters in a story anymore, they are close friends that you can visit anytime you want. So "Dreams Underfoot" was the first collection of Newford short stories. For anyone looking to get to know Jilly and Geordie, Angel, Bones and the rest, start here. The full list of titles, in order, is listed on his website: www.charlesdelint.com.

I do want to mention, however, that I really enjoy some of his earlier works. They take place in Ottawa (his hometown) have great depth, and are an interesting combination of urban fantasy, mythic fiction and detective story. At some point in your exploration of de Lint, you have to read "Moonheart". (If you decide to spend a few extra bucks, get the Subterranean Press edition with illustrations by Charles Vess.) It is truly an amazing novel. I re-read this about every year or two and it still blows me away in places. Also terrific is "Greenmantle" probably my second favorite book from his early period.

For me, the thing about Charles de Lint is that there is something about the world he creates that I want to live in. There is pain, suffering, violence and betrayal, but always these things are overcome by Courage, Faith, Love, and Friendship. Things we see far too little of in our own world today. Oh yeah, and then there is a little Magic too. Sometimes the world that we are shown through his writing seems not just possible, but indeed probable, if we just pay attention and keep our minds and heart open. I for one will always keep watch over the between places, to try get a glimpse of the country "beyond the fields we know". and then maybe I can get Sophie to go out with me. (LOL)

Welcome to a great author, and a really wonderful world to live in.

Peace,
Windhawk

Not a lot of books in the world are truly reflected in their cover art. However I have found that in the case of Charles de Lint they very much are. So my suggestion is to seek out the actual books. Hold them in your hands, and read the ones that speak to you as you hold them and look at their covers. Disregard order and logic and take a step into the instinctual. ;)
It's worth it. XD

I started with the first book in the series (the dreaming place) and have been anxoiusly awaiting the onion girl. I've been told by my wise and wonderful mother that I can start anaywhere in the DeLint series and everything will be okay. But I have chosen the long route and I have not regretted it. DeLint gets the imagination going and the reading until early morning hours seems so trivial, start where you may, they all tie in together...but thats just an opinion

Thanks everyone for your input...I think I will start with Somewhere to be flying! I can't wait! I'll post more after I get it and read some!

~Love you all

Ok...went to Borders and they had some of DeLints books but not Someplace to be flying! I couldn't pick from the books they had, The Wild Wood, Into the Green, Memory and Dream, I'll Be Watching You, Widdershins, From a Whisper to a Scream, and Svaha. I think that's it...at least that's all I can recall. But I didn't remember if those were books that you had suggested so I ordered Someplace to be Flying...and it's going to be a week before it comes in. So I'm anxiously awaiting for it to arrive. I can't wait!! *does something close to a peepee dance*