July Group read #1 The Ocean at the End of the Lane

[Walter]

Finished.

Genuinely enjoyed this book. There are few terrors as elemental as those we encounter as children, living in a world we have little to no power over, and in which the worst horrors imaginable are often found behind familiar faces. Nicely done.

[Kimberly]

De wrote: "Maria wrote: "I was glad it was short as I am reading two long novels at the moment. [..."

My favorite part of Goodreads is seeing what others are reading, like following breadcrumbs in the forest..."

I really didn't think I'd like that one (the Library at Mount Char), but it completely blew me away! I read the last 30-40% in one sitting!

[Mixofsunandcloud]

I've started my re-read of this one now. I really like how it's being told by the seven-year old persona. Accepting things that an older person wouldn't believe, like a pond-sized lake.

[Jen from Quebec :0)]

OK...*NOW* I can understand why this one is classified under 'horror' after all! *shudders* (58% or so atm)...this is like a nightmare for your childhood self, eh? Loving this one more now than at the start of the story...--Jen from Quebec :0)

[Melissa]

Read this book previously, won't be reading with you. Hope you all enjoy it.

[Kristy]

I just finished! This is actually the first of Neil Gaiman's work I've read. I really enjoyed it! I liked his writing style. It was descriptive but not over done. I'm looking forward to reading more of his work now!

[Kimberly]

I just finished, as well. I loved the style!

[Matt]

I finished this one today. A nice quick read! I have been a big fan of Gaiman's for a while now and this book certainly didn't disappoint.

There were definitely some horror elements (view spoiler)[the Ursula character and the Birds/Varmints (hide spoiler)] but it had the overarching fantasy/mystical theme that Gaiman so often (and successfully) employs.

Highly recommended!

[Kimberly]

It was amazing how easy it was to get "into" the life of the 7-year-old narrator, and just BE in that world for a time. I would have never thought of this one (judging by the synopsis) if it hadn't been chosen as a group read. Another great find!

[Carrie (brightbeautifulthings)]

Good Omens fell kind of in the middle for me, and I saw the Coraline movie too many times to really appreciate the book, so this is definitely my favorite Neil Gaiman book to date. I loved the magic and the monsters and the characters.

Regarding whether or not the Hempstocks are witches, I think they refer to themselves at one point as "gentry" which is another word for fae. I'm not sure what to make of that (and I don't think it's necessary to pin it down), but I thought it was an interesting minor detail.

The Hempstocks do show up in Neverwhere and The Graveyard Book! I can see why they're a family he would come back to again and again. They were my favorite part of the novel. I'll definitely re-read at some point.

[Mixofsunandcloud]

I finished my reread. The first time I read this, I remember thinking that without a couple of scenes, this could be a children's book. Not that I didn't like it, I'm fine with reading some children's books that are well done. I think I was just fooled by the perspective of the 7 year old. This time I could definitely see how important the adult's view is. It may not be essential, but it certainly adds a lot.

[Andrew]

Just started to read hope I'm not too late :P

[Kimberly]

Andrew wrote: "Just started to read hope I'm not too late :P"

It's never too late to join in a group read/discussion! The more comments, the better experience for everyone. :)

[A.J.]

I follow NG on Google +, saw the hype and build up to The Oceans at the End of the Lane. Read it a few months ago. I would never describe it as a waste of time, but it did not leave a lasting impression. I remember Ransom Rigg's first two books about Peculiars more than this one. I also remember NG's The Graveyard Book (almost no one has read that one) better than Oceans.

[Latasha]

The graveyard book was a group listen sometime last year :)

[A.J.]

Latasha wrote: "The graveyard book was a group listen sometime last year :)"

Thanks. Missed that one. Cheers

[Kimberly]

Latasha wrote: "The graveyard book was a group listen sometime last year :)"

I'd like to read that one sometime.... (I don't participate in the group listens--old school, here!)

[Mixofsunandcloud]

I've read most of Neil Gaiman's books. It's mostly his stuff for really young kids I haven't read. There are probably a scattered few comics I'm missing as well.

I would agree that Graveyard Book is better and more memorable than this one for the most part. Neverwhere is still my favourite, possibly because it was my first of his.

[Jen from Quebec :0)]

Finished! In the end, I actually loved it. Hooray! I FINALLY like a Neil Gaiman book! I will post a link to my review in a few days, in case ppl do not want any plot points revealed to them. --Jen from Quebec :0) (PS) Gave it 4 stars. It would have been 5, but I found the writing clunky and confusing here and there throughout the novel...

[Jon]

Carrie (brightbeautifulthings) wrote: "Good Omens fell kind of in the middle for me, and I saw the Coraline movie too many times to really appreciate the book, so this is definitely my favorite Neil Gaiman book to date. I loved the magi..."

I really like your comment Carrie! I finished the book about a week ago - many thanks to the voters for choosing this novel as I wouldn't have picked it up otherwise. This is the first Neil Gaiman novel I've read - so looking forward to reading some of his others. This book made me reflect on those relationship you have as a child and the fantasty world we live in then. Those Hempstocks are cool and glad they are on the main characters side and share their wisdom of ages along the way. Will have to try that snipping trick at some point, as that would be a very useful tool to get out of a tight spot!

Have shared the novel with friends to get their opinions and look forward to the next read.

[Carrie (brightbeautifulthings)]

Jon wrote: "Carrie (brightbeautifulthings) wrote: "Good Omens fell kind of in the middle for me, and I saw the Coraline movie too many times to really appreciate the book, so this is definitely my favorite Nei..."

Hey, thanks! I'm really looking forward to Neverwhere now that I know the Hempstocks make an appearance, and American Gods because the show looks incredible (and my responsible bookwormy brain says no, you have to read the book first...).

"This book made me reflect on those relationship you have as a child and the fantasty world we live in then." I really like how that theme recurs in fiction, especially horror fiction it seems like. That's when horror is the most real, I guess. Adult fears are so much less magical. I was reading Stephen King's It in preparation for the movie (I have a problem), and it works out a similar theme. In a totally King way, of course, but it's interesting that the two authors are friends!

Hope your friends like the book too. :]]

[Ashley]

This was my first Neil Gaiman book. I loved it. The story was completely engrossing. I admit I was a little concerned about enjoying it since it is told through the eyes of a seven year old.

[Greg]

I read this when it was first released and recall that I enjoyed it. I think as a whole I enjoyed The Graveyard Book more though. Also for those who enjoyed this and are fans of the style I highly recommend The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly.

[Carrie (brightbeautifulthings)]

Greg wrote: "I read this when it was first released and recall that I enjoyed it. I think as a whole I enjoyed The Graveyard Book more though. Also for those who enjoyed this and are fans of the style I highly ..."

I've had The Book of Lost Things sitting on my shelf for a while. I might have to move that up on my TBR. Is it because they're both narrated by children, or are there also horror elements in it?

[Greg]

Both. And stylistically I think they are pretty similar. But I really like Connolly's twisted take on some of the classic fairy tales. Particularly the seven dwarves.

[Carrie (brightbeautifulthings)]

Sounds cool! I'll look forward to that.

[Suki]

I really enjoyed this-- I've been reading a lot of heavy, serious classics lately, and I found this book to be a quick, light, breezy read, with some lovely, poetic, fantastical imagery and just enough tragedy woven in to keep the story from getting too sappy. The Hempstock women, and certain elements of the story, reminded me of the trio of magical ladies from A Wrinkle in Time (I think maybe that's partly why I enjoyed it so much).

[B]

I have had this book in my TBR pile for nearly a year now ! I love Neil Gaiman but for some reason I am never in the mood to read this book! I'm going to try and finish it before 2018 arrives fingers crossed