I just have let you know that I LOVED this book! The audio version is fabulous -one of the best. I look forward to reading more books by Neil Gaiman.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gaiman, Neil. (2008). The Graveyard Book. New York, NY: HarperCollins Children’s Books. ISBN 9780060530945
Gaiman, Neil. (2008). The Graveyard Book. New York, NY: HarperCollins Children’s Books. ISBN 9780060530945
Gaiman, Neil. (2008). The Graveyard Book. Narrated by Neil Gaiman. New York, NY: HarperFestival, HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 0061551899
PLOT SUMMARY
The Graveyard Book tells the tale of Nobody (nicknamed Bod) Owens, whose family is murdered when he’s just an infant. Nobody inadvertently escapes being killed after climbing out of his crib, toddling out of the house to a nearby “overgrown…unfashionable” graveyard. It is there, the ghostly inhabitants and enigmatic caretaker, Silas, raise the boy and protect him from his family’s killer, “the man Jack” (a strange man who belongs to a mysterious and sinister organization).
The Graveyard Book tells the tale of Nobody (nicknamed Bod) Owens, whose family is murdered when he’s just an infant. Nobody inadvertently escapes being killed after climbing out of his crib, toddling out of the house to a nearby “overgrown…unfashionable” graveyard. It is there, the ghostly inhabitants and enigmatic caretaker, Silas, raise the boy and protect him from his family’s killer, “the man Jack” (a strange man who belongs to a mysterious and sinister organization).
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The audio book version is an unabridged, CD format (7 discs). The audio book version is narrated by Neil Gaiman, the much celebrated author of the book. Gaiman creates perfect mood and flawless pacing in the narration of his clever and dark fantasy story about Nobody Owens.
Each ghost in the graveyard is given a different and appropriate voice for their character and worldly life, such as Caius Pompeius’ elder stature and the poetic discourse of Nehemiah Trot. The revelation of the story’s villain is also fantastically revealed through Gaiman’s tone and pitch change in the character’s voice. The award-winning audio version is clear and without static. A special version of “Danse Macrabre” by Béla Fleck that includes banjo music is played at the beginning and end of each disc. The music perfectly enhances the overall vibe of the novel.The audio book version is an unabridged, CD format (7 discs). The audio book version is narrated by Neil Gaiman, the much celebrated author of the book. Gaiman creates perfect mood and flawless pacing in the narration of his clever and dark fantasy story about Nobody Owens.
Neil Gaiman has written a delightfully dark and extraordinary story about embracing the human spirit and life itself. At the end, Mrs. Owens (Bod’s graveyard mom) sings a remembered line from a lullaby to Bod: “Face your life/It’s pain, it’s pleasure/Leave no path untaken” before he leaves the graveyard to “see the world…with his eyes and his heart wide open.” Bringing new meaning to “it takes a village”, the story of Bod and his graveyard family will captivate and entertain readers.
*Guest reader, Logan, claimed he was hooked from the beginning! He said that while the audio offers a “better experience” of the book, he thinks the print version allows for a faster read.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
2009 Newbery Award
2009 Newbery Award
2009 Hugo Award for Best Novel
2009 Locus Award for Best Young Adult Novel
2010 Carnegie Medal (British literary award)
2009 Audie Award (for audiobook edition)
Starred review in KIRKUS – “Wistful, witty, wise—and creepy. This needs to be read by anyone who is or has ever been a child.”
Starred review in HORN BOOK – “Lucid, evocative prose and dark fairy-tale motifs imbue the story with a dreamlike quality. …this ghost-story-cum-coming-of-age-novel as readable as it is accomplished.”
Starred review in BOOKLIST – “This is an utterly captivating tale that is cleverly told through an entertaining cast of ghostly characters. There is plenty of darkness, but the novel’s ultimate message is strong and life affirming….this is a rich story with broad appeal.”
CONNECTIONS
*Teachers can use the book in literature circles that address the themes of personal identity, family and community, and loyalty.
*Teachers can use the book in literature circles that address the themes of personal identity, family and community, and loyalty.
*Look here for excellent teaching ideas, including suggestions for reading activities, anticipation guide questions, and introductory poems.
*More books by Neil Gaiman:
Gaiman, Neil. Coraline. Ill. by Dave McKean. ISBN 0380807343
Gaiman, Neil. M is for Magic. Ill. by Teddy Kristiansen. ISBN 0061186473
(Collection of tales for younger readers)
Gaiman, Neil. Crazy Hair. Ill. by Dave McKean. ISBN 0060579080 (Poem)
Gaiman, Neil. Blueberry Girl. Ill. by Charles Vess. ISBN 0060838108 (Picture Book)
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