Helpful Score: 1
Super creepy! For some reason it reminded me of A Fine and Private Place by Peter S. Beagle, but even more macabre. Gaiman knows how to create dark, foreboding settings like in his Neverwhere and he delivers the same in this story, which seems to be marketed as a children's book, but adults would definitely enjoy it.
Helpful Score: 1
I listened to this book on CD. I loved it. It's a fun little kid's book. It would be great for some dark light reading. (Dark as in fairytale-esque, light as in easy) The version I heard was read by the author. I would definitely recommend this version. Because I did not actually read the book, I cannot tell if reading it would provide the same enjoyment, or if it was so good because of all that I heard while listening to it.
The story follows Coraline as she explores. First she explores the grounds her flat is on, but on a rainy day she explores inside. She is transported to another world where her other mother and her other father live. The world seems to be the same, only a bit different. Her neighbors all have the same names and same habits, but they are definitely not the same. When Coraline returns to her real home, she notices that her real parents are missing. She must then venture back into the other house and battle her other mother for her safe return.
This book is definitely a children's book, but I enjoyed it none the less. If your child is easily frightened, then I probably wouldn't let them read it alone. But it makes for a great family read (or listen to in my case), perfect for car trips. Please feel free to comment with your reviews of Coraline at www.carriesclassics.com.
The story follows Coraline as she explores. First she explores the grounds her flat is on, but on a rainy day she explores inside. She is transported to another world where her other mother and her other father live. The world seems to be the same, only a bit different. Her neighbors all have the same names and same habits, but they are definitely not the same. When Coraline returns to her real home, she notices that her real parents are missing. She must then venture back into the other house and battle her other mother for her safe return.
This book is definitely a children's book, but I enjoyed it none the less. If your child is easily frightened, then I probably wouldn't let them read it alone. But it makes for a great family read (or listen to in my case), perfect for car trips. Please feel free to comment with your reviews of Coraline at www.carriesclassics.com.
Helpful Score: 1
Stephen King for kids, seriously. This is a darkly magical tale spun by master storyteller Neil Gaiman concerning an out-of-place girl who discovers a hidden parallel world too good to be true in her new home. The characters in this novel are eccentrically drawn and the plot is unique and engaging, with truly frightening sequences in the "Other" world Coraline frequents, and an unforgettably menacing and scary villainess. A bone-rattling supernatural fable...just not as a child's bedtime story!
This book is different than any other I have read. It reminded me of a dark fairy tale. I'm thankful I didn't watch the movie but all I could picture was Tim Burton creating this into a film. A short, quick read that is very odd and creepy but in a good way.
* * * ½* Young Adult Spook Story. Coraline and her parents move into a new home. Bored little Coraline doesnt get much attention from her parents so she goes off exploring her new home and discovers a door into a similar world. But is it real or Memorex?
The theme is not original, but Gaiman puts in his own magical touches to make your skin crawl. I am surprised this was classified for young adults since some of the scenes are really unsettling.
The theme is not original, but Gaiman puts in his own magical touches to make your skin crawl. I am surprised this was classified for young adults since some of the scenes are really unsettling.
