Sunday, May 2, 2010

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman


The Graveyard Book was written by Neil Gaiman in 2008 and illustrated by Dave McKean. This book received the Newbery Medal in 2009 which indicates the great quality of the story but boy was I surprised! From the triple murder at the beginning of the book to the end, I was hooked! I have always LOVED mysteries and to be honest, when I started this book I was shocked that it was a children’s book intended to be read by the 5th to 8th grade crowd. My love for these kinds of stories kept me reading and I soon realized that the triple murder (that is not described graphically) is stated and moved past. What we are left with is a wonderful story about a boy, Nobody Owens, growing up and being cared for by the residents of a nearby graveyard. My love for this genre makes me think this might be a new favorite children’s author for me.

As far as other books by this author, he has also written the book Coraline. I have not read this book but I did see the movie. I have to be honest, I was not at all impressed with the movie. Not all reviews for this book are shining either. I do feel that after reading The Graveyard Book, I am compelled to read Coraline and give the book the chance it deserves.

I am impressed with how the author grabbed the readers attention in the this book without being graphic and made it an enjoyable tale for all ages.


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