The Graveyard Book
I started with a quick read. I don’t think I’ll blog about all 365 books I read this year, but this is the first, and this is a good one. I mean, it’s Neil Gaiman.
The Graveyard Book is one of those books that you connect with so well, you feel bits are written just for you. It’s also an inspiring reminder of how to live life—at least, how I want to live the rest of my life.
It’s about a boy, Nobody Owens, whose family is killed and he’s raised by ghosts in a graveyard, where he learns how to live life from the dead. Above is the “adult” cover, I’m told. Neil Gaiman’s books seem to work really well for both kids and adults, and it’s hard to pigeonhole some of them as either.
In the first part, there’s this quote that is so applicable to my recent decision:
“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.”
I was afraid of that.
I purposely left bits of myself behind, LOL. And I’m happy to report that I am happy, annoyingly so! Bod, (short for Nobody) at the end of the story, finally leaves the graveyard, and these are his plans, which are my plans exactly!
“See the world,” said Bod. “Get into trouble. Get out of trouble again. Visit jungles and volcanoes and deserts and islands. And people. I want to meet an awful lot of people.”
The end also has another bit of wisdom:
Face your life
Its pain, its pleasure,
Leave no path untaken“Leave no path untaken,” repeated Bod. “A difficult challenge, but I can try my best.”
It’s the sort of book you want to give as a graduation gift and make sure they read it and make sure they learn and apply its lessons well. But of course, that would sort of ruin the experience, wouldn’t it? Because it doesn’t read like a “lesson” book. It reads like a great adventure.
Below, Neil Gaiman does a 2-minute reading of one of my favorite parts, about a poet, Nehemiah Trot and his revenge on his critics. I think it was written for all of us writers!
(There’s a Q&A session, if you want to watch the whole talk at the National Book Festival.)
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Natasha Fondren is a writer traveling the U.S. in a camper with her four cats. She is currently enjoying the lizards and desert heat in Arizona.
Love the reading! I just ordered this book from my library. You convinced me I must read it.
He’s a fabulous reader, Edie! I’m kinda jealous of his skills.
I rather disliked American Gods and have read nothing by Gaimen since. ONe of these days I’ll break that drought and maybe this would be a good place to start.
Charles, you might try Anansi Boys. Apparently, those who love Anansi Boys hate American Gods, and vice versa. I haven’t finished American Gods, but ADORED Anansi Boys. This is good, too, but doesn’t come close to how much I loved Anansi Boys.
I’m glad you chose this book to talk about because I’ve never read his work, but so many friends are fans I’ve been curious about the hype.
Melanie, he sure is a storyteller. My favorite Gaiman is Anansi Boys and the Sandman series.
I want to read this one! Shoot, I just ordered a book yesterday, now I gotta go back and order another. Thanks for sharing!!!
I’m not sure whether to apologize or say you’re welcome, Kath! LOL!
Hi Natasha! Lovely blog layout!! How cool for you to live your dream. How are the travels?
I thumbed through The Graveyard Book and found it fascinating. Will have to read it in earnest soon.
Oh thanks, Jewel! No travels yet; I’m hanging out by my best friend and her daughter (oft referred to as my niece) until Glenn gets back.
I read about three chapters and just… lost interest. I liked Coraline a lot, however, and Good Omens.
I read Coraline ages ago, and the one between the walls or something-what was that? Anansi Boys is my favorite, or the Sandman series. Can’t decide.
Neil Gaiman puts his peculiar stamp on everything he writes, and this book is no exception. It will resonate with some and not others. I agree with you Spy, that the last words speak to me as well, as they should for everyone.
A great message for kids, too!
This was one of the best things I’ve read this year maybe even the best.
Wow, Travis! Cool! I really enjoyed it.
I have this book patiently awaiting me on my Kindle. I’ll make it a priority. It sounds like a lot of fun.
I have so many samples waiting for me on my Kindle, Robin, that I often don’t know where to begin!
I can’t wait to read this book! Everyone has been talking about it – I need to go pick it up!
I loved it, Nadine! I adore Neil Gaiman. And his work.
He’s a cutie.