The Graveyard Book
Registered by hakkalina of Budapest, Pest Hungary on 1/23/2009
This book is in a Controlled Release!
This book is in a Controlled Release!
16 journalers for this copy...
It is a paperback edition with 289 pages. ..... From its cover: Nobody Owens, known to his friends as Bod, is a normal boy. He would be completely normal if he didn't live in a graveyard, being raised and educated by ghosts...
***
My opinion:
I have reacently read the Stardust, so I can compare 2 Gaiman books. Both of them is a tale, and also there are missing details on characters' development, no, no, actually, not missing, because thery are, but they are simple ones, only a word, one sentence. But it should be a novel, unbroken, interwaving thoughts, describing people, places, happenings. I think the writer could polish his style in writing, how to connect thoughts in sentences. Dispite of it The Graveyard book is a special, not a customary book considering its story. Thus for me on the basis of their theme/topic the Stardust was forgettable, while The Graveyard book was remarkable.
Firstly its cover charmed me immediately (Chris Riddell illustrated) and I wanted it read. I know not a very good thing to judge a book about its cover, but sometime I do. The story captivated me, the living and the death, the life within the fences, in the graveyard. I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed it so much.
~~ I offered it for a Bookring ~~
It took place between 2009 February - 2010 February
It was read by :
1. Totje2 (NED), 2. Lottiotta (UK), 3. AgnesXNitt (UK), 4. Spy-there (SUI), 5. Samulli (GER), 6. Kittychia (sending without read, ITA), 7. Magika (NOR), 8. Tsjara (NED), 9. Bumbelbee (NED), 10. DitteL (DEN), 11. ApoloniaX (GER), 12. kizmiaz (POR), 13. Elmindreda (HUN)
Thanks everyone who had participated in this ring.
***
My opinion:
I have reacently read the Stardust, so I can compare 2 Gaiman books. Both of them is a tale, and also there are missing details on characters' development, no, no, actually, not missing, because thery are, but they are simple ones, only a word, one sentence. But it should be a novel, unbroken, interwaving thoughts, describing people, places, happenings. I think the writer could polish his style in writing, how to connect thoughts in sentences. Dispite of it The Graveyard book is a special, not a customary book considering its story. Thus for me on the basis of their theme/topic the Stardust was forgettable, while The Graveyard book was remarkable.
Firstly its cover charmed me immediately (Chris Riddell illustrated) and I wanted it read. I know not a very good thing to judge a book about its cover, but sometime I do. The story captivated me, the living and the death, the life within the fences, in the graveyard. I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed it so much.
It took place between 2009 February - 2010 February
1. Totje2 (NED), 2. Lottiotta (UK), 3. AgnesXNitt (UK), 4. Spy-there (SUI), 5. Samulli (GER), 6. Kittychia (sending without read, ITA), 7. Magika (NOR), 8. Tsjara (NED), 9. Bumbelbee (NED), 10. DitteL (DEN), 11. ApoloniaX (GER), 12. kizmiaz (POR), 13. Elmindreda (HUN)
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
The ring starts. Have a nice read to you!
The ring starts. Have a nice read to you!
Journal Entry 3 by Boekentrol from Leeuwarden, Fryslân (Friesland) Netherlands on Sunday, February 8, 2009
Thanks for sending me the book. I'll try and live up to the guidelines you set. I cannot comment on the contents of the book yet... have only read the backside of the cover.
I'll get back to you with an update while, or a review after reading.
Greetz!
I'll get back to you with an update while, or a review after reading.
Greetz!
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
I have started reading but I wasn not at all caught by the book. As a matter of fact I was quite annoyed.
Usually my mind starts adding images to what I read, immediately after I start in a book. But this time I found what I read made no sense: a toddler getting out of bed, out of the house, all the way to a nearby graveyard. He was hidden by ghosts, and escaped from the man who murdered his parents and his older sister and was now haunting him.
The ghosts decide to raise him... How they do that is probably not important to the writer, but for me that is a big chunck missing. Reality is completely lost there. It is also hard to find in the reaction of the parents of a girl that meets him while he's playing / rehearsing the letters of the alphabet he learned (he's a bit older now). Who lets his child play on a graveyard without questioning? I know, children often have imaginary friends, but go to the cemetary and let the child play... That is a bridge too far.
Maybe I am just too old or too attached to at least a little bit of credibility in the story of a book to find it a pleasure to read. Therefore I release it this quickly.
I have started reading but I wasn not at all caught by the book. As a matter of fact I was quite annoyed.
Usually my mind starts adding images to what I read, immediately after I start in a book. But this time I found what I read made no sense: a toddler getting out of bed, out of the house, all the way to a nearby graveyard. He was hidden by ghosts, and escaped from the man who murdered his parents and his older sister and was now haunting him.
The ghosts decide to raise him... How they do that is probably not important to the writer, but for me that is a big chunck missing. Reality is completely lost there. It is also hard to find in the reaction of the parents of a girl that meets him while he's playing / rehearsing the letters of the alphabet he learned (he's a bit older now). Who lets his child play on a graveyard without questioning? I know, children often have imaginary friends, but go to the cemetary and let the child play... That is a bridge too far.
Maybe I am just too old or too attached to at least a little bit of credibility in the story of a book to find it a pleasure to read. Therefore I release it this quickly.
Thank you very much!
Like with Hakkalina, the cover illustration caught my eye - Chris Riddell's style isn't my cup of tea, but it suits the title. I've not read it so I can't say it suits the story, but the Edge Chronicles (his other project that I've seen) was a long and rambling story (in a good way), and Mr. Gaiman is a story-teller too. :)
I have to read "The End of Mr. Y" by Scarlett Thomas first, and then I have two mangas to read, they shouldn't take too long. After that I should be able to start, which means hopefully I'll have it finished in about two weeks.
Thanks again!
2nd March 2009
It took longer than I thought to journal 'cos I've been busy lately, but I finished this a couple of days ago and I loved it. Everything through the story was written for a good reason, nothing was wasted, and it all built up to a satisfying ending. I would recommend this to anyone, 'cos it's so rare to find such a good book! A deserving winner of the Newbery, and I'm sure I'll give a few copies of this away as presents at some point.
Thank you! Just checking with AgnesXNitt so I can get this posted on, and I'll let you know when I know what's happening.
Like with Hakkalina, the cover illustration caught my eye - Chris Riddell's style isn't my cup of tea, but it suits the title. I've not read it so I can't say it suits the story, but the Edge Chronicles (his other project that I've seen) was a long and rambling story (in a good way), and Mr. Gaiman is a story-teller too. :)
I have to read "The End of Mr. Y" by Scarlett Thomas first, and then I have two mangas to read, they shouldn't take too long. After that I should be able to start, which means hopefully I'll have it finished in about two weeks.
Thanks again!
2nd March 2009
It took longer than I thought to journal 'cos I've been busy lately, but I finished this a couple of days ago and I loved it. Everything through the story was written for a good reason, nothing was wasted, and it all built up to a satisfying ending. I would recommend this to anyone, 'cos it's so rare to find such a good book! A deserving winner of the Newbery, and I'm sure I'll give a few copies of this away as presents at some point.
Thank you! Just checking with AgnesXNitt so I can get this posted on, and I'll let you know when I know what's happening.
Journal Entry 6 by Lottiotta at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom on Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Released 15 yrs ago (3/9/2009 UTC) at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
I think I *just* got it in the postbox for the last collection. :) Good luck, little book, and I hope Ms. Nitt enjoys it as much as I did.
I think I *just* got it in the postbox for the last collection. :) Good luck, little book, and I hope Ms. Nitt enjoys it as much as I did.
Journal Entry 7 by AgnesXNitt from Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire United Kingdom on Thursday, March 12, 2009
Read and received yesterday in the post.
Thanks very much Lotti :)
Weeeeeeeeeeeelll, an odd read, even slightly disconcerting in places.
I liked how the author made the ghosts not pale immitations of their former selves, but proper 3D developed characters, even retaining their speech patterns and fashions of their own time and not assimilating into the modern day, or at least the time when the novel is set in.
A marvellous idea in naming the main character, Nobody, by his 'parents' as it's such a very Victorian name and true to the child's plight - we know he must have been named by his parents but he and his guardians have no idea of knowing or finding out. So 'Bod' is both Nobody and - as the very first chapter shows - Somebody.
Silas - a well done and though its obvious who he actually is, he's a well, not likeable character, but certainly a dependable guardian for Bod, both protective and guiding. Lets just say he's had plenty of time and experience...
A bit creepy in places - oooo the assassin for instance - but a good read.
Thanks for posting on Lotti and btw yay on the postcard and your business card :) And I will keep using the reusable packaging - great idea!!
And thanks for hosting this ring Hakkalina!
PMing Spy-There for their addy and will get off soonest.
Thanks very much Lotti :)
Weeeeeeeeeeeelll, an odd read, even slightly disconcerting in places.
I liked how the author made the ghosts not pale immitations of their former selves, but proper 3D developed characters, even retaining their speech patterns and fashions of their own time and not assimilating into the modern day, or at least the time when the novel is set in.
A marvellous idea in naming the main character, Nobody, by his 'parents' as it's such a very Victorian name and true to the child's plight - we know he must have been named by his parents but he and his guardians have no idea of knowing or finding out. So 'Bod' is both Nobody and - as the very first chapter shows - Somebody.
Silas - a well done and though its obvious who he actually is, he's a well, not likeable character, but certainly a dependable guardian for Bod, both protective and guiding. Lets just say he's had plenty of time and experience...
A bit creepy in places - oooo the assassin for instance - but a good read.
Thanks for posting on Lotti and btw yay on the postcard and your business card :) And I will keep using the reusable packaging - great idea!!
And thanks for hosting this ring Hakkalina!
PMing Spy-There for their addy and will get off soonest.
Journal Entry 8 by AgnesXNitt from Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire United Kingdom on Monday, March 16, 2009
Doh! Forgot to JE that I popped this in the post on Friday 13th March to catch the 5pm post from Brampton Village Post Office.
Enjoy Spy-There :)
Enjoy Spy-There :)
Thank you very much AgnesXNitt, it arrived safely with today's mail. Including the business card from Lottiotta who owns an awesome web shop (I specially love the knitted lens caps ;) But I better should begin to read now instead of browsing through Love, Light and Peas ... *gg*
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As a child I was always keen on creepiness. Sneaking to the bathroom at night, I clutched the doorframe and hold my breath because of the bird-like monster which lurked in the moonlit hall, ready to attack any moment ... But no way I would have simply switched on the light, no! I didn’t want the monster to become ordinary umbrellas and walking sticks. What I want to say: this book is truly suitabel for children – and I would have loved it.
I love it as a grown up too. The magical thing is: there is nothing preposterous about a toddler, living in the graveyard; it seems all very natural. There is nothing to be feared neither, because Gaiman guides us safely through the scary bits, and we know that everything will turn out fine. Though this does not mean that there is no thrill in it. In the contrary, I had a chill over my spine more than once.
The illustrations by Chris Riddell are brilliant.
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As a child I was always keen on creepiness. Sneaking to the bathroom at night, I clutched the doorframe and hold my breath because of the bird-like monster which lurked in the moonlit hall, ready to attack any moment ... But no way I would have simply switched on the light, no! I didn’t want the monster to become ordinary umbrellas and walking sticks. What I want to say: this book is truly suitabel for children – and I would have loved it.
I love it as a grown up too. The magical thing is: there is nothing preposterous about a toddler, living in the graveyard; it seems all very natural. There is nothing to be feared neither, because Gaiman guides us safely through the scary bits, and we know that everything will turn out fine. Though this does not mean that there is no thrill in it. In the contrary, I had a chill over my spine more than once.
The illustrations by Chris Riddell are brilliant.
Arrived today. Thanks for sending it on, spy-there!
I will be very busy all week, but I'll try to not keep it too long. Even though I already feel reluctant to ever let it out of my hands again (Neil's books often have this effect on me). ;)
I will be very busy all week, but I'll try to not keep it too long. Even though I already feel reluctant to ever let it out of my hands again (Neil's books often have this effect on me). ;)
As expected I loved this book. I read it much slower than my usual pace, not only because I was busy, but because I didn't want it to end. I wish I could have read this as a child, I am sure it would have been my favorite book for years. :-)
I loved Bod, but my favorite character was Silas, which isn't too surprising given what kind of creature he is. The illustrations are awesome as well. And the picture of the Lady on the Grey, who meets people at the end of their life and brings them to the other side is just as charming as the thought of being accompanied by Terry Pratchett's Death. The two of them would make a lovely couple, now I am thinking of it. *grin*
I have just contacted Kittychia and hope to send the book on to Italy soon. I also added it to my Amazon wishlist, because I definitely need a copy of it for my permanent collection. :)
I loved Bod, but my favorite character was Silas, which isn't too surprising given what kind of creature he is. The illustrations are awesome as well. And the picture of the Lady on the Grey, who meets people at the end of their life and brings them to the other side is just as charming as the thought of being accompanied by Terry Pratchett's Death. The two of them would make a lovely couple, now I am thinking of it. *grin*
I have just contacted Kittychia and hope to send the book on to Italy soon. I also added it to my Amazon wishlist, because I definitely need a copy of it for my permanent collection. :)
Received the book this morning! Thanks Samulli and Hakkalina! :)
Unfortunately I'm in a very very very busy period and so.. insted of let you wait too long I'm going to contact the next reader right now and send it out soon!
Thanks anyway... to everyone! :)
Contact Lilacwishper and she asked to be skipped this time, I'm going to contact Magika! :)
Unfortunately I'm in a very very very busy period and so.. insted of let you wait too long I'm going to contact the next reader right now and send it out soon!
Thanks anyway... to everyone! :)
Contact Lilacwishper and she asked to be skipped this time, I'm going to contact Magika! :)
As I said before, I haven't free time at the moment to read it.
I received a few days ago Magika address, so this morning I sent it out the book to her. Enjoy the reading Miss Magika...and thanks everyone! :)
I received a few days ago Magika address, so this morning I sent it out the book to her. Enjoy the reading Miss Magika...and thanks everyone! :)
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sent it out! Enjoy the book Magika! :)
Sent it out! Enjoy the book Magika! :)
Arrived today, thanks for passing it on, kittychia. Looking forward to this, will start it right away!
I loved this book - it's an exciting, scary and bittersweet tale, and like samulli I wish I could have read it as a child, as I probably would have been able to relate to Bod on a different level. Nevertheless I really enjoyed reading about all the quirky characters (I'm particularly fond of Miss Lupescu and Liza Hempstock) and the adventures (and dangers) Bod experienced. The local graveyard will never be quite the same...
Thanks for sharing, hakkalina! I sent the book off to Tsjara today.
Thanks for sharing, hakkalina! I sent the book off to Tsjara today.
The book arrived here safely yesterday (with a lovely bookmark and Lottiota's business card). The cover illustration looks really nice.
Thank you Magika for sending it on and hakkalina for hosting the ring!
Thank you Magika for sending it on and hakkalina for hosting the ring!
It was a bit of a strange read, but I liked it a lot :)
I enjoyed reading about Bod's adventures, especially the part with the ghouls, they had such funny names ^-^ . And also about the ghosts and other creatures from the graveyard. Silas, Liza Hempstock and Nehemiah Trot (the poet) were my favorite characters.
When I finished the story it left me feeling strangely happy and a bit sad at the same time.
I have PMed bumbelbee, but haven't received a reply yet..
(and will send the bookmark and the businesscard along with the book)
Edit: (20 July) Got address, will send the book out tomorrow.
I enjoyed reading about Bod's adventures, especially the part with the ghouls, they had such funny names ^-^ . And also about the ghosts and other creatures from the graveyard. Silas, Liza Hempstock and Nehemiah Trot (the poet) were my favorite characters.
When I finished the story it left me feeling strangely happy and a bit sad at the same time.
I have PMed bumbelbee, but haven't received a reply yet..
(and will send the bookmark and the businesscard along with the book)
Edit: (20 July) Got address, will send the book out tomorrow.
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Posted the book today (with the beautiful bookmark and businesscard ^-^), and is now on its way to Bumbelbee. Enjoy!
Posted the book today (with the beautiful bookmark and businesscard ^-^), and is now on its way to Bumbelbee. Enjoy!
The book arrived safely today, this weekend I'm going on a 3 week vacation to slovenia and the book is going with me. I hope this isn't a problem. I'll make sure I send the book allong as soon as I get back. Thanks for sharing this book hakkalina and for sending it so quickly to me Tsjara!
It's been a while since I read the book, because I read it at the beginning of my vacation. I very glad I read the book, but I was also a little bit disappointed, it was nice enough to read, but I suppose I was expecting more because I already read quite some books of Gaiman. Serves me right, I suppose, because you never should expect to much from a book.
It was a very nice story, nontheless, I think I just found it a little bit to simple, I think because it seems a bit of a book for children, so the story wasn't always as logical as you might expect.
I already sent a pm to DitteL (couldn't do it sooner, because of my holiday, sorry...) and will sent the book allong as soon as I have the adress.
Thanks again for sharing, hakkalina!
Edit: DitteL allready gave me the adress, so the book is on it's way!
It was a very nice story, nontheless, I think I just found it a little bit to simple, I think because it seems a bit of a book for children, so the story wasn't always as logical as you might expect.
I already sent a pm to DitteL (couldn't do it sooner, because of my holiday, sorry...) and will sent the book allong as soon as I have the adress.
Thanks again for sharing, hakkalina!
Edit: DitteL allready gave me the adress, so the book is on it's way!
The book arrived today. I'll start reading it as soon as I finish my current read. Thanks for sharing hakkalina and thanks for sending it to me bumblebee
What a wonderful story. I enjoyed reading about Bod and his "family" - I especially liked Silas - what a wonderful "person" to have as ones guardian.
I already got ApoloniaX' address and will mail the book to her within the next couple of days.
Thanks for sharing hakkalina.
I already got ApoloniaX' address and will mail the book to her within the next couple of days.
Thanks for sharing hakkalina.
Released 14 yrs ago (9/1/2009 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
On its way to Germany. Hope you'll enjoy it.
On its way to Germany. Hope you'll enjoy it.
The Graveyard Book arrived today. Thanks for sending it, DitteL, and thanks for hosting this ring, hakkalina!I'll start reading today... making it part of the readathon, that reaches its final day today :-)
This was a nice, entertaining read - just about what I expected. It's interesting to draw parallels to Kipling's Jungle Book, certainly intended by Gaiman, his inspiration actually - and he didn't just do a poor imitation. I agree with what's written on the back cover: "I wish my younger self could have had the opportunity to read and reread this wonderful book". The morbid charme of the story is really enjoyable, and especially Gaiman's new interpretations of classic fantasy creatures such as werewolves or vampires. Quite a few things remain a bit shallow ... but ... well ... this is a children's book and not written in the first place for rational, analysing adults, so I won't complain about some lacking depths or explanations.I already have kizmiaz' address and will send the book off later on, along with Lottiotta's lovely bookmark & card. I try to find some graveyard picture first, Highgate Cemetery would be fine... that's what kept appearing to my inner eye when I was reading the book.
Journal Entry 27 by 
ApoloniaX
at To the next participant, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Saturday, September 5, 2009
ApoloniaX at To the next participant, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Saturday, September 5, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (9/5/2009 UTC) at To the next participant, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES: Travelling to Portugal now - happy reading!
just got it, thanks for sharing.
I'll get to it soon.
I'll get to it soon.
What a pleasant time I had reading this book.My relationship with Neil Gaiman’s books has a lot of ups and downs and I’m glad to report that this book belongs in the up section.
Although it reminded me of Stardust it has little to do with it, this is more of a fable with more than a nod to Kipling’s Jungle Book.
The author gets the characters just right and plays with his readers collective imagination and knowledge of “other worldly” creatures, the plot is tight and the story moves along at a very nice pace.
It’s a great book for the younger adults and also for those who like a great fable, not unlike Aesop’s. A future classic? Maybe, it has what it takes to make it.
The illustrations are also great, but so few...
A good read that I’ll certainly recommend.
I recieved the book yesterday, thank you kizmiaz for passing it on!
I will read it sometime this week, and update.
I will read it sometime this week, and update.
This was a pleasant read! I've read and heard about many of Gaimans books, but I was completely unfamiliar with this one. Never heard of it, in spite of having friends who are big Gaiman fans! The book had that aura of the usual creepyness and assimilated the strange worlds and creatures into our own world in the usual matter-of-fact way. It reminded me a lot of the Nightmare before Christmas and the Corpse Bride. Actually Gaiman's worlds seem very similar to Tim Burton's. I found the story to be really exciting and unpredictable upto about the middle of the book, then it kind of slowed and got more predictable after that, but all in all it really was a nice read.
The style is more mature then Coraline, so it's more like Stardust, only without the R-rated scenes. :)
I still prefer Neverwhere, but The Graveyard Book is right in second place now.
The style is more mature then Coraline, so it's more like Stardust, only without the R-rated scenes. :)
I still prefer Neverwhere, but The Graveyard Book is right in second place now.
It was my first BookCrossing Member Meeting
And it was worth to wait :D
After a good evening talking in a coffee shop with Elmindreda
The Graveyard Book arrived home!
Thanks everyone who participant in this ring!!
It is time to go on in order to discover more in this beautiful World... The book is travelling to its next reader! Congrats to the winner of "You have got Mail - July/August"
Journal Entry 34 by Safrolistics at Newbiggin-By-The-Sea, Northumberland United Kingdom on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Thankyou so much for this book and the other goodies you sent to me. I look forward to reading it.
Journal Entry 35 by Safrolistics at Newbiggin-By-The-Sea, Northumberland United Kingdom on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
I just wish there had been books like this around when I was a youngster, I would have loved it.
However, reading it as a grown-up, I just wanted a bit more. More in depth characters.
Of course I loved Silas, and would enjoy reading more about him.
This book is now being passed on to a non-bookcrosser friend who liked the sound of it. I'm hoping she'll join!
However, reading it as a grown-up, I just wanted a bit more. More in depth characters.
Of course I loved Silas, and would enjoy reading more about him.
This book is now being passed on to a non-bookcrosser friend who liked the sound of it. I'm hoping she'll join!
Journal Entry 36 by Safrolistics at Newbiggin-By-The-Sea, Northumberland United Kingdom on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Released 11 yrs ago (9/12/2012 UTC) at Newbiggin-By-The-Sea, Northumberland United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Being passed on to a non bookcrossing friend who requested the book after I'd finished it.
Journal Entry 37 by Safrolistics at Newbiggin-By-The-Sea, Northumberland United Kingdom on Sunday, December 16, 2012
Book now back with me, and ready to continue it's journey.
Journal Entry 38 by Safrolistics at Newbiggin Maritime Centre⚓️ in Newbiggin-By-The-Sea, Northumberland United Kingdom on Sunday, December 16, 2012
Released 11 yrs ago (12/16/2012 UTC) at Newbiggin Maritime Centre⚓️ in Newbiggin-By-The-Sea, Northumberland United Kingdom
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
To be released on Monday at lunch time at the Newbiggin Maritime Centre. If not picked up at the Bookcrossing meetup, then it will be left on the bookshelf in the cafe.
picked up at the meet. i couldn't remember if I had read this, and it turns out I have a copy on TBR (Which is sadly in the loft). I will put this one on my partner's TBR
My partner really loved this and made me feel quite annoyed that I am waiting to read the copy tucked away in our loft somewhere. Still it is an incentive to get on with tackling TBR. Meanwhile this copy will be heading off to new readers, rather than languishing until I fit it in.
Released 11 yrs ago (2/24/2013 UTC) at Spennymoor, County Durham United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
passing on to a 'mum in durham' for her childs swim club book stall. If this interests you PM me and I'll tell you where to go and buy it from.
