I’m a few days late with this post, sorry! I said I would have it up on Tuesday but due to a few illnesses, our book club gathering was postponed until next week. I had intentions to include everyone else’s thoughts and opinions as part of this post, but you’re stuck me and me alone.

I have a degree in English yet this was my first encounter with Mr. Gaiman. I can’t believe I waited this long, I loved this novel! When I picked up a copy of this book I also purchased The Ocean at the End of the Lane and I’m really glad I did, I can’t wait to read more of his work.

I’m not sure what other editions of this book look like, but my copy had illustrations by Dave McKean. Being a visual person, I thoroughly enjoyed reading a book with illustrations. His art compliments the story beautifully.

I’ve been told numerous times I would love Gaiman’s writing because I love description. Stephen King is one of my favorite authors specifically for that reason. I must have a lot of people who know me pretty darn well because this introduction to Gaiman’s work did not disappoint. The Graveyard Book was rich with visual imagery and satiated my desire for near photographic writing.

“You might not have seen a pale, plump woman, who walked the path near the front gates, and if you had seen her, with a second, more careful glance you would have realized that she was only moonlight, mist, and shadow. The plump, pale woman was there, though. She walked the path that led through a clutch of half-fallen tombstones towards the front gates.” – Neil Gaiman

My girlfriend read this novel at the same time I did and made the comment that each chapter felt like a new story. I can’t disagree with her, it does read that way. I don’t think this appealed to her, but I quite enjoyed it. With this novel being intended for a younger crowd, I imagine that reading through one chapter at time would be quite satisfying as they are almost reading short stories within the novel as they make our way through its entirety.

Overall, I loved the time I spent with this book. It opened up an entirely new (to me) author and I’m excited to make my way through many more of Mr. Gaiman’s novels. I really enjoyed the graveyard setting of this novel and grew quite fond of all of the characters, with the exception of a few men, but I won’t spoil it for those of you who have not read it yet.

If you enjoy description-heavy writing and are looking to get lost in a great story I highly recommend this book!  For those of you who have read this already, did you like it? Who was your favorite character (I have a few!)?

*****

I’m going to start ‘hosting’ book club right here, once a month. If you’re interested in joining along, we’ll plan to meet her on the 1st of every month to chat about that month’s novel. If you feel like throwing out novel suggestions, please do! Let’s set our next book club meeting for Wednesday April 1st, and next time, we’ll discuss The Beach by Alex Garland. I’ve been promising my brother for weeks that I would read this book next so now I’m holding myself accountable and I hope you’ll join me!