MMGM (9/18/2017): The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
For MMGM, I am recommending The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman.
Here's the publisher's description:
It takes a graveyard to raise a child.
Nobody Owens, known as Bod, is a normal boy. He would be completely normal if he didn’t live in a graveyard, being raised by ghosts, with a guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor the dead. There are adventures in the graveyard for a boy—an ancient Indigo Man, a gateway to the abandoned city of ghouls, the strange and terrible Sleer. But if Bod leaves the graveyard, he will be in danger from the man Jack—who has already killed Bod’s family.
The Graveyard Book, a modern classic, is the only work to ever win both the Newbery (US) and Carnegie (UK) medals. A New York Times bestseller.
I love this book! There are so many things I could talk about, but here are the major ones. Firstly, the characters are very well-rounded, with interesting backstories (some of which are initially mysteries to the reader) and personalities. Bod, even though he does make mistakes, is still a likable main character. Also, the writing of The Graveyard Book is great. It has its own personality (just like in another of Gaiman's books that I enjoyed, Coraline), making every part of the book interesting. There is enjoyable description which makes scenes vivid and often adds a sense of creepiness. Finally, the plot of the book is great. There are subplots, twists, and climactic scenes that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. All in all, The Graveyard Book is a fabulous novel that absolutely deserves both the Newbery Medal that it won and the love of readers everywhere!
Here's the publisher's description:
It takes a graveyard to raise a child.
Nobody Owens, known as Bod, is a normal boy. He would be completely normal if he didn’t live in a graveyard, being raised by ghosts, with a guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor the dead. There are adventures in the graveyard for a boy—an ancient Indigo Man, a gateway to the abandoned city of ghouls, the strange and terrible Sleer. But if Bod leaves the graveyard, he will be in danger from the man Jack—who has already killed Bod’s family.
The Graveyard Book, a modern classic, is the only work to ever win both the Newbery (US) and Carnegie (UK) medals. A New York Times bestseller.
I love this book! There are so many things I could talk about, but here are the major ones. Firstly, the characters are very well-rounded, with interesting backstories (some of which are initially mysteries to the reader) and personalities. Bod, even though he does make mistakes, is still a likable main character. Also, the writing of The Graveyard Book is great. It has its own personality (just like in another of Gaiman's books that I enjoyed, Coraline), making every part of the book interesting. There is enjoyable description which makes scenes vivid and often adds a sense of creepiness. Finally, the plot of the book is great. There are subplots, twists, and climactic scenes that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. All in all, The Graveyard Book is a fabulous novel that absolutely deserves both the Newbery Medal that it won and the love of readers everywhere!
I loved this one too. I listened to it as an audio book. I agree with you that the characters made the story great.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorites and this time of the year I always have the urge to reread the great story once more. Thanks for featuring.
ReplyDeleteI really loved The Graveyard Book, too! Totally agree that half the fun is the writing. It's like a feast for a bibliophile. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy reading, and happy MMGM!
--Suzanne
www.suzannewarr.com
What an unusual and clever plot for a book! Perfect for Halloween!
ReplyDeleteHe is a wonderful writer! Great book pre-Halloween! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter loved this one. Interesting that it's the first book to win a Newbery and Carnegie medal.
ReplyDeleteI have never read this one. I will certainly get to it soon.Thanks for the post.
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