The Paper Shredder

     Neil Gaiman is well-known for his incredible storytelling and complex characters. Much like he did with Coraline, Gaiman brings a taste of his unique voice to the world of young adult fiction with this novel. The story revolves around Nobody Owens, his life in the graveyard, and how he ended up with such an unlikely home.

     The ending of this novel was borderline painful for me. When I read–I experience what the character feels. I felt so lonely for Nobody, but I felt just as betrayed. It was not a “walk off into the sunset” ending for me.

     Gaiman’s style may not suit every reader, as this story starts with the murder of Nobody’s family, but he is a writer that you should at least sample. This novel does not hold up to the same standard as Gaiman’s other novels, American Gods, Anansi Boys, or Neverwhere. However, those works were intended for an older audience with a clearly defined taste. The Graveyard Book is more like an appetizer of Gaiman’s style rather than the full meal. If you enjoy the fanciful, imaginative, and impossible–this book may be for you. As for me, I prefer his other works more, but did enjoy this for what it was—a marshmallow book that didn’t make me think too much. For more on Neil Gaiman click here. Gaiman also has a site for young adult readers. Click here.