Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

Ron's Reviews > The Graveyard Book

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Rate this book
Clear rating

by
43881851
's review

really liked it
bookshelves: fantasy, suspense-thriller

Gaiman pretty much transcends age with his stories. This book is a great example of that. Even though it's meant for the young, it works so well (in some ways even more so) for us adults. This is why in a question: does the child inside us ever leave, or the questions that loss creates about life? I don't know if Gaiman is trying to answer that last one specifically, but what he does do, in his wholly unique way, is tell a story about a child in need of a family. Even more so, a community that happens to make a family, albeit those who inhabit a graveyard. We're talking ghosts, but not the scary kind. There are tough moments to deal with, especially for the young reader, but they are what set this book apart. In a recent review, I happened to say words very similar to these: we're not made to go through life alone. Even more true for a child? I think the story is the answer.
54 likes ·  âˆ� flag

Sign into Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ to see if any of your friends have read The Graveyard Book.
Sign In »

Reading Progress

November 5, 2018 – Started Reading
November 5, 2018 – Shelved
November 5, 2018 – Shelved as: fantasy
November 5, 2018 – Shelved as: suspense-thriller
November 9, 2018 – Finished Reading

Comments Showing 1-26 of 26 (26 new)

dateDown arrow    newest »

message 1: by Liz (new)

Liz Ron, what a sweetly worded review! You always have an interesting take on the things you read. Come to think of it, that kind of take-away is what makes reading so great isn't it? Regarding Neil Gaiman, I have clearly not given him a fair shake. I will try again, but not with American Gods, lol.


Diane Barnes This was my first piece of fiction by Gaiman, and I can see why he is so loved. I have read some of his non-fiction pieces, tho, and those are equally good, in a different way. His writing is clear and concise but passionate too, especially when he's writing about books, reading, librarians, or children.


message 3: by Ron (new) - rated it 4 stars

Ron Liz wrote: "Ron, what a sweetly worded review! You always have an interesting take on the things you read. Come to think of it, that kind of take-away is what makes reading so great isn't it? Regarding Neil Ga..."

I remember you trying American Gods. Well, this is different for sure, from that one. I don't know if a reader needs to be in the mood for young fiction, but it might help. I couldn't help the sweet wording. It just came out because of the story. You saying that though - that makes me feel pretty good. Thanks Liz!


message 4: by Ron (new) - rated it 4 stars

Ron Diane wrote: "This was my first piece of fiction by Gaiman, and I can see why he is so loved. I have read some of his non-fiction pieces, tho, and those are equally good, in a different way. His writing is clear..."

His non-fiction is what I haven't tried Diane, but I've heard god things, in fact the same words you used. By the way, your review inspired me to give this book a go, so thanks. I thought it'd feel too young for me. I was wrong, so may try Coraline at some point too. If your looking to read another Gaiman, I may be of help.


message 5: by Nat (new) - rated it 4 stars

Nat K Fab review Ron, you pose lots of interesting questions. It's quite amazing how a book that's targeted more towards a younger audience, can still have such an impact & provoke such a response about family and kinship. Lovely.


Doug H Coraline is great too, Ron. Bit darker than Graveyard, but really well done.


message 7: by Ron (new) - rated it 4 stars

Ron Nat wrote: "Fab review Ron, you pose lots of interesting questions. It's quite amazing how a book that's targeted more towards a younger audience, can still have such an impact & provoke such a response about ..."

Thanks Nat! There are books, and thankfully many of them, that put questions like that in our heads. Felt like this was one of those. Gaiman is talking to the young readers, telling a story about some things we all think about at times. Glad to have read it.


message 8: by Ron (new) - rated it 4 stars

Ron Doug H wrote: "Coraline is great too, Ron. Bit darker than Graveyard, but really well done."

Thank you Doug, I appreciate that, so will pick it up sometime soon I hope.


message 9: by Melanie (new)

Melanie Enjoyed your review Ron!


Diana Oh, I’m so glad you liked this as it is one of my favorite books of all time!


message 11: by Supratim (new) - added it

Supratim Great review, Ron! This book has been in my TBR for long, let's see when I can get it.


message 12: by Ron (new) - rated it 4 stars

Ron Melanie wrote: "Enjoyed your review Ron!"

Thank you Melanie!


message 13: by Ron (new) - rated it 4 stars

Ron Diana wrote: "Oh, I’m so glad you liked this as it is one of my favorite books of all time!"

It said so much about growing up, loss and fostering, Diana. I really liked the way he wrote about those things, and from such a different perspective.


message 14: by Ron (new) - rated it 4 stars

Ron Supratim wrote: "Great review, Ron! This book has been in my TBR for long, let's see when I can get it."

Keep it in the TBR Supratim, cause it's worth the read. And thank you!


message 15: by Mike (new) - added it

Mike There is a deep and powerful elegance to this review, Ron. I have this one at home and will look forward to it a little more eagerly now. Thanks for a wonderful and thoughts provoking review!


message 16: by Zoeytron (new)

Zoeytron You offer some worthy points to ponder, Ron.


message 17: by Ron (new) - rated it 4 stars

Ron Mike wrote: "There is a deep and powerful elegance to this review, Ron. I have this one at home and will look forward to it a little more eagerly now. Thanks for a wonderful and thoughts provoking review!"

Your words are uplifting Mike. Thank you. I hope, but also believe, that you'll enjoy reading this book when you get the chance. Believe it or not, I look at a graveyard in a whole new way.


message 18: by Ron (new) - rated it 4 stars

Ron Zoeytron wrote: "You offer some worthy points to ponder, Ron."

Thanks Zoeytron! Trying to do a little justice for a good read.


Maureen Great review Ron 😊


message 20: by Ron (new) - rated it 4 stars

Ron Maureen wrote: "Great review Ron 😊"

Thank you Maureen!


Likes To Read Excellent review! A hair past page 200, and really loving it. Thinking about reading Coraline after I finish the 2019 reading challenge.


message 22: by Ron (new) - rated it 4 stars

Ron Likes wrote: "Excellent review! A hair past page 200, and really loving it. Thinking about reading Coraline after I finish the 2019 reading challenge."

Thank you! I keep meaning to pick up Coraline - so many good things said about it as well. Enjoy this one!


Likes To Read Finished it Saturday I think? And LOVED it.


message 24: by Ron (new) - rated it 4 stars

Ron Likes wrote: "Finished it Saturday I think? And LOVED it."

That's great!


Beata Need of a family, so simple and yet beautifully expressed by Mr Gainman ... Nice review, Ron :)


message 26: by Ron (new) - rated it 4 stars

Ron Beata wrote: "Need of a family, so simple and yet beautifully expressed by Mr Gainman ... Nice review, Ron :)"

Thank you, Beata. Gaiman is well known for a variety of works, but he's always cared for the well being of children.


back to top