Coraline (edition 2006)

This was a very fast and easy read, being written in a style for a younger audience, but still having all of Gaiman's flare for the creepy. In fact, I don't know if I could have read this as a child. The whole story has the feel of a nightmare - not the kind that scares you for obvious reasons (though there are a few of those too), but the kind that is terrifying and you can hardly even say why. ( )

Coraline is my first Gaiman book, and after reading Coraline and thoroughly enjoying her adventures, I'll be going out of my way to procure all of his books. It's so unbelievably well-constructed and paced perfectly. I couldn't stop reading. I NEEDED to know how the story ended. Coraline is a book that I bought on a whim, not really expecting much out of it, but after reading it, I'm so, so glad that I am impulsive. Coraline's going on the "prized books" shelf next to Alice and Harry. I love how delightfully creepy it is- just wonderful. ( )

The author
Neil Richard Gaiman born 10 November 1960 is an English author of short fiction, novels, comic books, graphic novels, audio theatre and films. His notable works include the comic book series The Sandman and novels Stardust, American Gods, Coraline, and The Graveyard Book. Gaiman's writing has won numerous awards, including Hugo, Nebula, and Bram Stoker, as well as the 2009 Newbery Medal and 2010 Carnegie Medal in Literature. He is the first author to win both the Newbery and the Carnegie medals for the same work. (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Gaiman) For more information on Neil Gaiman visit http://www.neilgaiman.com/

The synopsis
Coraline's often wondered what's behind the locked door in the drawing room. It reveals only a brick wall when she finally opens it, but when she tries again later, a passageway mysteriously appears. Coraline is surprised to find a flat decorated exactly like her own, but strangely different. And when she finds her "other" parents in this alternate world, they are much more interesting despite their creepy black button eyes. When they make it clear, however, that they want to make her theirs forever, Coraline begins a nightmarish game to rescue her real parents and three children imprisoned in a mirror. With only a bored-through stone and an aloof cat to help, Coraline confronts this harrowing task of escaping these monstrous creatures.

The review
This book is written for children but even for adults it is very entertaining. The characters are very well placed and I especially loved the cat. The story is not to long but this is a good thing cause it is kind of scary and you really want to know if it ends well.
I very much enjoyed the artwork too. ( )

Words cannot describe how immensely amazing this book is. ( )

It was creepy and reminded about how much I dislike button eyes. Overall, a good story. ( )