It Takes A Graveyard To Raise A Child

With The Graveyard Book, Neil Gaiman has created a rich, surprising, and at times disturbing tale of dreams, ghouls, murderers, trickery, and family. I'm not a big fan of books dealing with supernatural subject matter, but found myself really enjoying reading this book. It presents a strong, strange, wonderful metaphor about children growing up, learning more about the world, and exploring beyond the safe boundaries of their homes or neighborhoods. I think in some ways children think of adults as "ghosts" - those funny talking older people whose time has passed, but who can provide shelter, care, and wisdom against the wider, crueler world. I also liked the fact that though Bod makes a few careless and thoughtless mistakes thoroughout the book, I felt no anger toward him or thought he needed to be punished for his actions. Gaiman does a great job of properly putting the readers of this book into the head of the protaganist- Bod. Even when Bod is being childlessly selfish and single minded, I'm able to understand and sympathize with him. I can see of my own young self in Bod and root for him to succeed. As Bod reaches each stage in his growth, he encounters obstacles and various people, all with different personalities, that help him mature. I think the sentence, it takes a graveyard to raise a child, could very easily be applied to this book. This book deals with the thought of children growing up and moving out - whether it be leaving a graveyard, or leaving their homes for college or other journeys. The Graveyard Book tips its hats to children making there way in the world, with their pasts behind them and their futures unknown. The last sentence of the book - "But between now and then, there was Life; and Bod walked into it with his eyes and heart wide open," left me with a feeling of reasurrance. I think this book would be great for children to read who are going through transistions such as moving or going to another school or grade level. It can help them realize that not all change is bad, and it can lead to new adventures and experiences.