I just love Neil Gaiman (not to mention that his looks remind me of a close friend I had in college). Well, I love his books, too, and this one was no exception. It’s my third Gaiman, and although I still think I liked Coraline a tiny bit better, I loved The Graveyard Book.
Just like Coraline, I listened to this on audio with my two teenage sons. If you haven’t heard Gaiman narrate his own books, you’re definitely missing out. Most authors should not narrate their own books; Gaiman is one who should never allow someone else to do so. His voice is perfect for it, and of course, no one would ever know his books better than he does.
The Graveyard Book contains a colorful (though some are long dead) cast of characters, some very creepy scenes, and some genuinely heartwarming ones. It’s one of those perfect children’s/YA books in which it was definitely written to also appeal to adults. It was great for the R.I.P. Challenge, and it was great to experience another one of Gaiman’s treasures as a family.
Why oh why do people keep coming up with challenges I just have to join? I keep promising myself that I’m going to severely restrict my challenges for next year (and I still plan to), BUT… I just have to join this one. I went to Argentina last April and loved it, and my interest in Latin American literature was piqued at that time. I’ve read the first two stories in Ficciones and really enjoyed them, but because of other commitments I haven’t got back to it. This is the perfect opportunity to finish Ficciones and also read another book by Coelho, one of my favorite authors. I’ve been meaning to read something by Allende as well.
January 1 – April 30, 2008
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“Name a favorite literary couple and tell me why they are a favorite. If you cannot choose just one, that is okay too. Name as many as you like–sometimes narrowing down a list can be extremely difficult and painful. Or maybe that’s just me.”
I’m going to give 4 couples 5 couples (I forgot one of my absolute favorites!), from two three old books and two newer books. I just have to mention all of these!
Anne and Captain Wentworth
Well, of course my absolute favorite is Jane and Mr. Rochester. They have so many obstacles to overcome to be together, so it is oh-so-satisfying when they are both free to be with each other. This is one of my favorite books, if not THE favorite. Although I’ve seen many movie adaptations (including the newest one), my favorite is the one with Ciaran Hinds and Samantha Morton. I’ve probably watched this one at least 5 times.
Edit: I’ve added this one because I cannot believe I forgot them!!! I actually like Persuasion a bit more than Pride and Prejudice. Anne and Captain Wentworth wait so long to be together. And the wait is so worth it. My favorite movie adaptation is with Ciaran Hinds and Amanda Root. I’ve watched it multiple times!
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Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy
Another ‘old book’ mention is, how could you guess, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Why? They are both so so ‘prideful and prejudiced’ — ha ha — that it is a relief when they finally realize they are meant for each other. Another of my favorite books. My favorite movie adaptation is the one with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth. And not just because of Colin Firth! I love the whole cast, and though it’s long, I’ve seen it at least three times. I love it! I didn’t care much for the Knightley version. .
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Clare and Henry
The first ‘newer book’ couple is Henry and Clare from The Time Traveler’s Wife. I can’t really tell you why on this one because I don’t want to spoil the book for you if you haven’t read it. Their love story really got to me. I cannot wait for this movie to come out. I am really happy with the casting for it. Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams are two of my favorite actors, and I’m anxious to see how they’re going to perform these roles.
I hesitate a bit to mention this next one because I haven’t actually read the The Notebook, but I’ve seen the movie several times and I LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT. Noah and Allie. Sigh. Just an awesome love story. What I love most about them is their deep love for each other even in old age. If you haven’t seen the movie (is there honestly someone who hasn’t?), you must do it this weekend. Or even tonight! I must read this some day.
There you have it. I know I probably missed some important ones, but those are at least four five of my favorites. Can’t wait to see what everyone else comes up with!
Thanks to those 2008 Pub challenge participants who made it a great success! I hope you’ll consider joining the 2009 Pub as well. For those who didn’t participate last year but want to read at least nine 2009 releases, join us. New members are always welcome! The challenge lasts for all of 2009.
Here are the 2009 rules:
Read a minimum of 9 books first published in 2009. You don’t have to buy these. Library books, unabridged audios, or ARCs are all acceptable. To qualify as being first published in 2009, it must be the first time that the book is published in your own country. For example, if a book was published in Australia, England, or Canada in 2008, and then published in the USA in 2009, it counts (if you live in the USA). Newly published trade paperbacks and mass market paperbacks do not count if there has been a hardcover/trade published before 2009. Any questions on what qualifies? Just leave a comment here, and I’ll respond with the answer.
No children’s/YA titles allowed, since we’re at the ‘pub.’
At least 5 titles must be fiction.
Crossovers with other challenges are allowed.
You can add your titles as you go, and they may be changed at any time.
"Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal." (John 6:27, ESV)
I just love Neil Gaiman (not to mention that his looks remind me of a close friend I had in college). Well, I love his books, too, and this one was no exception. It’s my third Gaiman, and although I still think I liked Coraline a tiny bit better, I loved The Graveyard Book.
Neil Gaiman’s website.
