The Graveyard Book (2008)

I love Neil Gaiman and this story really was magical (kinda reminded me a of Harry Potter-like world) but was not impressed with the overall story. I hate to say this, but if I knew this book was part of a series, I'd probably give it a higher rating. Just too many plot lines that were not explored deeper, and other plot lines that were needlessly drawn out.

Though the book's main character is a child, this book is not for children. There is nothing inappropriate in there, but the themes are too advanced for children. I suppose it could also be quite scary.

This book being read near Halloween would give it an extra scare.

Above all, recommended but keep your expectations low.

Edit: Many, many typos. Perhaps I originally wrote this on my phone? I hope...? ( )

I really enjoyed the premise of this book, and the imagery was classic Gaiman. If I had the option I'd give it 4 1/2 stars, because there were some questions that I felt were really obvious (due to the main character's age) left unanswered at the end of the book, but since I don't have a half-star option in Goodreads, I'll round up. The unanswered questions were more annoyances than anything. ( )

A re-read for me, the first time through for Charlie. Between readings of Gaiman, I tend to forget how he rarely comes right out and tells you anything at all, but instead hints at things and has things peak round corners at you, shows you a quarter of a smile, or half a talon. I love him for that. And I loved reading this one to Charlie and watching out of the corner of my eye as he soaked all that in, along with the fantastic story, the idea that there are so many ways to tell a thing, that some of the best of them are ways that involve not actually telling the thing at all. ( )

Read for the first time in or around 2010, or there-abouts.

Listened to the first time/ read the second, 2016.
Full cast audiobook production done by Harper Collins, at Strathmore Studios, London. Cast includes these actors/actresses:

Narrated by Derek Jacobi
Trott: Neil Gaiman
Nobody: Robert Madge
Scarlett: Clare Corbett
Sylas: Julian Rhind-tut
Liza Hemstock: Emilia Fox
Jack Dandy, -
the Sleer, -
and Mr. Kirby: Reece Shearsmith
Mrs. Owens & Mrs. Lopeskew: Miriam Margolyes
Jack/Jay Frost: Andrew Scott
Hon. Archibald Fitzhough: Lenny Henry

Other cast member voices include:
Tim Dann,
Sean Baker,
Elizabeth Bennett
Alan Corduna
Adua Ando
Jenny Gannon
Daniel Wayman
Daniel Bockelbank

(Any misspellings of any names are my own doing, and are completely by accident. I'm not the best speller, and I had to sound this out on my own, from the audiobook. I hope I have not offended anyone.)

Please, give this wonderfully done audiobook a listen to, today. It's well worth your while. Seriously. Five stars, yet again. ( )

Neil Gaiman has so much imagination, and writes great stories. Loved the book. A story of hope and courage and living. ( )