I loved it. But I always love scary, creepy and mysterious books-and always have.
Some of my favorite lines: "Teeth so strong they can crush any bones, and tongue sharp and long enough to lick the marrow from the deepest marrowbone or flay the flesh from a fat man's face."
Sounds bad--doesn't it? But that is probably the harshest writing in the book, at least in my mind. It wasn't really a "bloody" book. Now I wouldn't let a 4-8 year old read the book, but I think others might think it's okay. But of course, only parents will know for sure what's right for their kids and what's not appropriate.
Another favorite part was:
"And there are always people who find their lives have become so unsupportable they believe the best thing they could do would be to hasten their transition to another plane of existence.
"They kill themselves, you mean?" said Bod. He was about eight years old, wide-eyed and inquisitive, and he was not stupid.
"Indeed."
"Does it work? Are they happier dead?"
"Sometimes. Mostly, no. It's like the people who believe they'll be happy if they go and live somewhere else, but who learn it doesn't work that way. Wherever you go, you take yourself with you. If you see what I mean.""
I loved those lines. There's a deep message there. And, to me I came away thinking there's power in positive thinking.
Another thing that hit me: my husband was reading the story aloud to me, 'cause I wasn't feeling well - home sick with a cold.
And, some of the words were difficult for him. He didn't know what a brooch was. I giggled when he said it like, "pooch" "brew-ch"
I explained the pronunciation to him and he said, "then why do you say "pooch" when you're talking about a puppy?
It was fun having him read to me - like I was a little kid again. And, he loved the story too.
Okay, so we're a couple of grown up kids - and nerds to boot.
;) Anyway, in my opinion, a very good read and worthy of the Newberry award!
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11 comments:
I just finished reading this a while ago. I think I must be about the only person who was disturbed by it. Not because of the content/violence, but because the content/violence was given an award.
That's so cool that your husband read to you! Those rules of English pronunciation (or lack of) drive my husband crazy too.
I think my son may like this--he's into goossebumps.
Bish: I think there are a lot of people who agree with you; however, I think the writing is amazing. It draws you into the story so quickly and it keeps you there. Plus it does have some deep messages.
Adrienne: We used to read to each other when we were first married but of course that was over 26 years ago :) it was a blast from the past.
GG: I'm sure he'll love it. Let me know.
Shelli: Thanks for popping by
Loved it! Starts with one of the best first lines and ends with a great line too. Neil Gaiman is the best example of minimalist writing that packs an incredible punch!
I loved this book, too!
I have heard so much about this book. Guess I'll need to pick it up this summer when we're back home. My list is really growing!
I thought it was great. A lot of discussion among my peers whether to put it in the elementary library. I chose to put it in there.
Read this not too long ago--Mr. Gaiman is one of my favorites! But I'm also a fan of Edward Gorey, so not too big of a shock that I go for the dark and macabre.
Thanks for your visit! Always a delight to see new faces!
Great book and great review!:)
I also read out loud with my significant other. It is a wonderful bonding experience and the words are so much fun when spoken aloud. Have you ever read any of Paul Stewart's work? I especially love to read his books aloud.
Also, it was nice meeting you this last Thursday at the SCBWI West Salem workshop. Your blog is awesome. Can really tell you love to write! :)
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