The Graveyard Book (edit title)

• Rated 3 stars

“As always, Neil Gaiman creates an absolutely fascinating world. But I don't understand what all the hype was about with this book. Much of the plot seemed too convenient, and in the end, he left too many unanswered questions. This is an enjoyable book, worth reading if only to know what all the hype is about, but in the end, to me this doesn't stand up to other Newberry Winners.”

• Rated 4 stars

“The coldblooded murder of an entire family leaves only one survivor: a toddler who wanders into a nearby graveyard before the killer can get to him. Bod is taken in by the graveyard folk and given the “freedom of the graveyard”. Now, possessed of supernatural powers and superhuman senses Bod wanders among the dead. As he grows older Bod grows more curious about the outside world. However, the mysterious killer is still on the loose and still out to get the escaped child.

As an adult I didn’t hold out much hope that I would enjoy a children/young adult novel, however, because I am a huge fan of Neil Gaimen I decided to attempt The Graveyard Book. I am surprised and delighted to report that my assumptions were entirely wrong. Gaiman is a master storyteller who manages to write children’s literature without making it childish. The prose are every bit as witty as Gaiman’s adult novels and his voice is every bit as captivating.

The Graveyard Book reads something like a television show. It moves through different episodes of Bod’s life which lead to the final resolution and aid not only in Bod’s growth but his struggle against the man who killed his family. It is a book that can be enjoyed by all ages. Neil Gaiman fans will love it and new readers will find that they have an new favorite author!
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• Rated 5 stars

“i just got this book and I can't wait to read it!”

• Rated 5 stars

“I listened to this on audiobook as it won some awards for the narration, which is actually done by the author. I found it to be a very entertaining and clever story. It reminded me of a mix between the Lemony Snicket books with some Harry Potter themes all rolled together. ”

• Rated 4 stars

“Another dark and sardonic tale from Neil! It was a humorous read, as in black humour. ”

• Rated 3 stars

“I thought this was a very good story for kids. I was impressed at the quality of writing. I have heard some criticism that this book is too dark for children and that this is what kids these days like. I think that is just silly kids have historically liked scary stories. I thought the use of illustration in this book was a wonderful idea. There usually are not pictures in books for kids of this age range. ”

• Rated 4 stars

“Very interesting twist on a ghost story. Little boy whose family is murdered wanders into a graveyard while the murderer searches for him. The ghosts residing there decide to save him and one couple volunteers to raise him in the graveyard. Unique way to grow up! Liked it a lot. But after all - it is Neil Gaiman. Award winner.”

• Rated 4 stars

“Bod narrowly escapes being murdered with the rest of his family when he wanders into the graveyard as an infant. An old dead couple agree to raise him, and he is taught the ways of the graveyard and the dead. As a teenager he decides to find out the truth about what happened to his family.”

• Rated 0 stars

“This is the first book in awhile that I didn't really like. Didn't care for all the whole story, living and growing up in graveyard, or all the ghouls and goblins that are in the story. Can't imagine how this won the Newberry Award ...”

• Rated 4 stars

“A little toddler woke up at night and used his recently acquired skill - walking - to leave his little room and out of the open front door in the middle of the night. As this was happening, the man Jack was busy killing the boy's parents and 7 year old sister and then, went looking for him.

The little boy walks to a graveyard and the ghosts there save him. His dead mother's ghost implores them to protect him and tells them that the murderer is not far away. The ghosts of the graveyard appoint him a mother and father and a guardian (who might be a vampire). As the man Jack approaches the graveyard, the guardian Silas manages to distract him.

The little boy is called Bod - short for Nobody Owens - and is raised by the loving Mr. & Mrs. Owens. His guardian Silas brings him food and books, and appoints him different teachers from the graveyard to teach him all kinds of skills and knowledge.

The ghosts of the abandoned graveyard are Bod's friends and family and as he grows, he yearns to join the real world and to experience school. The man Jack is, however, still out there in the real world, hunting for the little boy. And as Bod joins a real school and manages to get in a scrape or two, he seems to only attract danger more and more.

The Graveyard Book is a delightful little read. I couldn't put it down and finished it one sitting. Although the book has closure and has a satisfying ending, I find that I want to know more about what'll happen to Bod Ownens. ”