CORALINE (William
Morrow, MG) is the first Neil Gaiman book I read. The book is about a girl
named Coraline who moves into a new apartment. One day she discovers a world
in the neighboring apartment that strangely parallels what is in her own home-including the other mother and other father, who resemble her own parents, even though these other parents have buttons as eyes and paper
white skin. The other parents ask Coraline to join their home permanently where she can always enjoy their good food (better than what she gets at home) and other luxuries. It's implied they might have to physically mutilate her if she were to become one of
them. Coraline wisely rejects the invitation.
In the story, Coraline remembers how her father once allowed himself to be stung by a swarm of wasps in order to save her from the predicament. She knows her parents love her. The book is about a
child's faith in the love her real parents have for her, and this faith empowers her to reject the more glamorous but dark world the fake parents offer her.
Have you read CORALINE? Have you ever rejected acceptance?
Haven't read it or seen the movie. The mutilate part seems scary, especially for a middle grade book.
ReplyDeleteNo, unfamiliar with his books other than Stardust. The movie is one of my favourites.
ReplyDeleteJO ON FOOD, LIFE AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE
This sounds kind of twisted, therefore, something I would definitely enjoy reading :)
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Never heard of this one. I'd reject that kind of mutilate acceptance any day though
ReplyDeleteI've never read this, but I have read Neverwhere and enjoyed the episodes of Doctor Who he wrote.
ReplyDeleteHe seems to love writing about those "secret places" hard to find.
Yes! It was a wonderfully surprising and thought-provoking read. Thanks for reminding me of it.
ReplyDeleteNever read Coraline, but I've read some of Neil Gaiman's comic book work. Incredible stuff.
ReplyDeleteAny book by Neil Gaiman is amazing. Thanks for sharing it - it is so great to see older books making an appearance on your blog.
ReplyDeleteWow! You've convinced me to read it, Cynthia:-)
ReplyDeleteSo glad she rejected their invitation! Good lessons learned in the book too and no, I don't remember reading this :)
ReplyDeletebetty
I haven't read the book but remember the movie vividly. My girls were freaked out by the button eyes and it stayed with them for a long time. He's an amazing storyteller.
ReplyDelete@WeekendsInMaine
Weekends In Maine
I've only seen the movie. I've never read anything by Neil Gaiman, but I have great respect for him as an author, so I keep meaning to get around to it. Maybe eventually.
ReplyDeleteLiz A. from
Laws of Gravity
I've only read American Gods. I need to read more of his books. I'll see if this book is at the library.
ReplyDeleteI've read some of his books, but not this one. It sounds interesting though. Need to add it to my TBR list. Thanks for letting us know about it. Have a nice weekend.
ReplyDeleteI saw this movie, but didn't even know there was a book until recently. It keeps coming up, so I guess that means I need to read it!
ReplyDelete@DoreeWeller from
Doree Weller’s Blog
I never read the book, but I saw the movie when my stepdaughter was young. I was amazed at how well-written the story was...so it made sense when I heard it was based on a book.
ReplyDeleteSo many good books here that I wasn't aware of.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your informative posts.
I remember seeing previews for the movie, but I never knew what the story was about. Sounds like it teaches a good message.
ReplyDeleteI read Coraline when it first came out and I utterly enjoyed it. It's a very very weird story (hey, this is Neil Gaiman, after all ;-) ) but also a very profound one.
ReplyDeleteThe Black Cat was my very favourite character. Very mysterious, but trustful.
It is a very beautiful book.
@JazzFeathers
The Old Shelter - Jazz Age Jazz
OMG Other Mother gives me the freakin CREEPS!!
ReplyDelete