The Graveyard Book

By: Neil Gaiman

Narrated by: Neil Gaiman

Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

The original audiobook edition of the acclaimed novel, read by the author!

The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman, has sold more than one million copies and is the only novel ever to win both the Newbery Medal and the Carnegie Medal.

Nobody Owens is an unusual boy who inhabits an unusual place - he's the only living resident of a graveyard. Raised from infancy by the ghosts, werewolves, and other cemetery denizens, Bod has learned the antiquated customs of his guardians' time as well as their ghostly teachings - such as the ability to Fade so mere mortals cannot see him.

Can a boy raised by ghosts face the wonders and terrors of the worlds of both the living and the dead?

Magical, terrifying, and filled with breathtaking adventures, The Graveyard Book is the winner of the Newbery Medal, the Carnegie Medal, the Hugo Award for best novel, the Locus Award for Young Adult novel, the American Bookseller Association's "Best Indie Young Adult Buzz Book", a Horn Book Honor, and Audio Book of the Year.

©2008 Neil Gaiman (P)2008 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

• Hugo Award, Best Novel, 2009
• Newbery Medal winner, 2009

Another Superb Gaiman Book

I have come a little late to the whole Gaiman thing. I tripped over his book Neverwhere and that led me to this. It's positioned as a children's story but the funny,dark driven and enormously likable story makes it a must-hear for anybody. The fact that Gaiman is such a brilliant performer of his own work compounds the effect. Gaiman creates a wonderful completely credible alternate reality which sits just behind the cemetery fence.Although I now live in the US I was raised in London and that perhaps prejudices me towards this author who is so quintessentially Brit. If you are new to Gaiman then get this book and get Neverwhere at the same time. You will then spend many more hours than you need to sitting in your car parked on your driveway not wanting to leave the world he weaves around you. If you already know Gaimin and haven't yet enjoyed this book...what are you waiting for?

A Matched Set

How wonderful it is to hear an author's words read they way he heard them in his own head. Gaiman's narration is right up there with the best readers in audio books, no doubt about it. I loved the book, but have to caution parents that, although it is presented as "Children's Book" it is not for young children, and it is certainly a fantastic book for adults. I wish more authors had the ability at characterization, inflection and pacing that Gaiman has, but alas, his is a rare quality. I enjoyed this book so much I immediately bought "Neverwhere", which is every bit as good. I can't wait for more from this author/performer.

Not only for chldren!

I almost did not purchase this book. Neil Gaiman is one of my favorite authors, but 7 hour childrens book did not sound like my cup of tea. Fortunately Mr. Gaiman himself is reading the book, and I admittedly would buy a car stereo owners manual to listen to him read!

This book is classic Gaiman, interesting characters and the unbelievable presented in a matter of fact and believable way. Gaiman lends credibility to the story, by reading the story in the way he had written. "Bod", the lead in this story is well developed and an interesting cast of characters surround him.

I gave this book 5 stars and my only criticism of the book is it is too short!

Fantastical!

Where does The Graveyard Book rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

In the world of fantasy, in the top 3.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Graveyard Book?

The tale of the witch. You're not quite sure of her intentions and she evolves from her story to play an interesting and surprising part in the next.

Which scene was your favorite?

They were all spectacular. To give too much detail would ruin all the delightful surprises.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I was so surprised how wonderful the story, writing, and narration were. I'd read another of Gaiman's books several years ago and was intrigued, but think I misunderstood the genre. Bought this on sale and absolutely love this/him.

Any additional comments?

I'm so late to the party on Gaiman's books and can't wait to catch up. He truly creates another world so odd and glorious. Excited to delve into the others.

A Creative Take On A Classic

Gaiman again demonstrates that he is master storyteller with this highly original retelling of Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book." Though marketed to young adults, older Gaiman fans may like it even more. I had a hard time stopping the recording because I wanted so much to hear what happened next.

Wonderful

Neil Gaiman brought this book to life! He is a marvelous reader, and the book was very well done too. Although I am an adult, this would be a fun book to listen to with your teenage kids on a long car ride. I believe it would be frightening for younger kids.

Absorbing

Not only is it a really good story, the narration was excellent. Not just for kids. I have more of Neil Gaiman's work in my wish list already!

Entertaining and Engaging

I really like this reading of of The Graveyard Book. Neil Gaiman has creepy, matter-of-fact manner that is charming. I absolutely LOVED American Gods, both in print and in the audio version. So, my standards for enjoyment were quite high for this audio book. It does not disappoint. Highly recommended.

One of the best

I'm really glad that I read this. The narration by Mr. Gaimon was great. I recommend it to everyone.

Beautiful Take on Death

If you could sum up The Graveyard Book in three words, what would they be?

Stunning, Poinant, Touching

What did you like best about this story?

I love how it portrays both death and the afterlife. The story is less about the overarching drama and is more of detailed portrayal of this young boy growing up in an impossible and fantastical circumstance. It's beautifully written and walks this interesting line between being even and harrowing. There are so many subtle messages and it asks quite a few philosophical questions that few books tackle.

Which scene was your favorite?

There's a scene in the book where the veil between the living and the dead becomes so thin that it disappears for a day and during this time both worlds come together to have this festival. The interact with each other and celebrate life and life after death. When it's over, everyone forgets that it ever happens. Nobody is the only person who sees it from both sides and can remember that it ever happened. Of all of the books I've read, this scene will always be my favorite.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

"Death's guide for the living."