The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman... meh. Wasn't into it. I know, I know... it's the 2009 Newbery recipient which automatically means it's amazing... except, not really. And despite all the amazing reviews I keep reading, I know I'm not alone.
The plot is as follows: Toddler's family is gruesomely murdered for an inadequately explained reason you don't learn of until the last few pages. Toddler is lucky enough to escape into a nearby graveyard because for some reason he felt the need to toddle out the front door that murderous night. The ghosts of the graveyard agree to take in the child and keep him safe until adulthood. Then there are some random trips into Hell and a pawnshop. Time moves forward. An all too obvious character shows up and the you-know-what hits the fan.
Honestly, I only managed to finish this book because it was due back to the library (yesterday actually, oops. Don't tell my students I have an overdue book!).
I do like the cover of the book, which I just realized after reading a review features Nobody's silouette. I do like that Gaiman drew inspiration from The Jungle Book. I don't like the book.
Recommendation: If you like the macabre, sure. If you want to read all the Newbery's, sure. If you want a book to dive into, this wasn't it for me.
1 comment:
how funny! my book club decided to read this book next. just got my copy today. a few pages in and enjoying it so far. we shall see how it goes.
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