Annotation:
A young boy witnesses a tragedy and gets pulled into a magical world at the end of his lane where a family of women offer him the promise of protection.
Book Talk:
I first read Neil Gaiman’s The Ocean at the End of the Lane
the moment it came out, as soon as I could get my hands on it. Then I listened to it on audio in the car again
just for the pleasure of hearing Neil Gaiman’s voice describe the incredible
adventures of an introverted seven year old boy who has a worm hole in his
foot, a nanny who is trying to lock him in the attic and seduce his father, a
distracted mother, a contrary sister, and a family of women who live down the
lane and who know that fresh baked bread, a warm cup of tea, and radical
acceptance of everything that is, even when it feels like it shouldn’t be, are the
very definition of home. Gaiman’s
narrator blows apart the shaky façade of adulthood and exposes people for the
monsters they really are. He writes:
“Grown-ups don't look like grown-ups on the inside either. Outside, they're big and thoughtless and they always know what they're doing. Inside, they look just like they always have. Like they did when they were your age. Truth is, there aren't any grown-ups. Not one, in the whole wide world.”
“Grown-ups don't look like grown-ups on the inside either. Outside, they're big and thoughtless and they always know what they're doing. Inside, they look just like they always have. Like they did when they were your age. Truth is, there aren't any grown-ups. Not one, in the whole wide world.”
This book will appeal to anyone who is struggling with the
idea of what it means to be human, what it means to be responsible for oneself
or another, or anyone who likes an intelligent and philosophical swim through
the metaphorical ocean of our lives.
Highly recommended.
Rumor has it they are turning it into a movie! Stay tuned!!!
Did you know Neil Gaiman has a website for Teens? Check it out: http://www.mousecircus.com/
Awards:
2013 National Book Awards (British), Book of the Year
2013 Kirkus Reviews, The Best Books of 2013 (100 titles
2013 Nebula Award for Best Novel, Nominee
2013 Goodreads Choice Awards, Fantasy
2014 Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel
2014 World Fantasy Award for Best Novel, Nominee
Presently available in paperback, hardcover, large print, ebook, and audio.
Teen quote:
"This book is like experiencing a fleeting dream."
~Jessie, age 17.
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