The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

This book has restored my faith in vampires!

Came across this book when it was recommended to me by Goodreads. I noticed a few friends had read this book and given 4-5 stars so of course I was immediately on the look out for it. Lucky me, the online store I usually buy my books had this on sale. I helped that the cover was eye catching too =)

I thought it was going to be a quick read, being a children's book and all, but boy was I wrong! I'm the type who usually speed reads the book first time around. Only books I deem worthy would be reread on a slower pace for me to enjoy each and every little piece of it. This book however, demanded me to slow down and enjoy every word, from the start to finish.. and NOT because it was confusing. More like it was full of 'colours' that rushing through the text made me feel like I'll miss those small details that make the book unique.

It was indeed enjoyable reading about Bod and his 'family', about him having a living-and-breathing friend for the very first time in his life, about him going to school (which we mere mortals take for granted). It wasn't hard to imagine the lessons he had with his graveyard family.. of fading, of fear and horror. It was also not that hard to be able to see everything through lil' Bod's eyes.

I have a great respect for his guardian Silas.. and loved him right from the very start.

And I love the realization I had of how many Jacks are used in fairy tales and nursery rhymes.

The ending (not the one climax of the story where Bod met Jack for the last time) was very sad for me. The narration of how he was starting to lose his gifts tugged my heart. I felt as if I was letting go of my own little brother into a world he barely knew, excited as he was. Knowing that Silas assured him that he would always be there (and how he promised that if he ever needed help, he would search for Bod anywhere he is) made me love ol'Silas even more.. and how his 'mother' waited to be the last person to say goodbye to him was kinda heartbreaking..

This book if going to be the one I'm going to reread over and over again. One of the best books ever, so thank you Mr Gaiman for your vast imagination that resulted in this special piece of literature..

'Sleep my little baby-oh

Sleep until you waken

When you're grown you'll see the world

If I'm not mistaken

'Kiss a lover

Dance a measure

Find your name

and buried treasure

'Face your life

Its pain, its pleasure

Leave no path untaken..