The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman - Large Print Edition (Thorndike Press Literacy Bridge Series) - Perfect for Book Clubs & Young Adult Readers

I have read many children's stories, and I must say The Graveyard Book is one of my favorites. I had to read this for a class in grad school and after reading it, I think it is destined to be a classic in children's literature which is high praise indeed. The audiobook is an unabridged version, on seven discs, and runs a total of 7.5 hours. Interestingly, it is Gaiman himself that reads his own work, and delivers a compelling performance. In his reading, Gaiman is able to provide individual `voices' to each of his characters so as to render them distinct in the listener's mind. Being the author and the reader of his own work is to the advantage of the listener here as Gaiman reflects a deep understanding of the story and his characters. For example, one of the characters in the story is a girl named Scarlett who meets Bod when she is five, and then goes away to Scotland before returning ten years later. Gaiman actually reads her part with a hint of a Scottish brogue when she returns to Bod at fifteen which elevates the credibility factor of this audio production.The sense of dread that runs through this story is credibly evoked through the nuances in Gaiman's tone of voice. Certain scenes are memorable, especially the chapter where Bod gets kidnapped by ghouls and is taken into the underworld where the ghouls live. Gaiman's reading evokes a high sense of tension and menace and leaves the reader in a state of eager anticipation as to what occurs next, and wondering if Bod makes it out in one piece. The pivotal setting for this story is the graveyard, and in both Gaiman's reading (and writing), the graveyard is not just a place of eternal rest for the long departed, but also a safe refuge and home for Bod, and a place of schooling where Bod learns his letters, reading, and also skills that prepare him to face his adversaries.The theme is in essence a coming of age story which most adolescents will relate to. Bod is an endearing character because he is innocent yet is quickly schooled in the ways of the world, and finds himself having to grow up quite quickly given his special circumstances. Bod is also a character with much courage and sense of morality, and is a character that will inspire admiration and elicit empathy. His sense of alienation and feeling abandoned at certain points in the story will also strike a chord with many listeners/readers. This story not only holds appeal for children and young adults, but also adults since the theme of learning to let go is also portrayed here. The adults in Bod's life, i.e. Mr. and Mrs. Owens, his guardian Silas, etc. all learn to let Bod go, knowing that his ultimate home is amongst the living.The Graveyard Book is a blend of the supernatural and fantasy and is inhabited by not only ghosts and humans, but other supernatural creatures such as a werewolf, ancient entities, ghouls, a witch-ghost, and also alludes to the presence of a vampire. The story flows well despite the introduction of all these different entities, and makes this an engaging and interesting story.