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A review by frootjoos
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
5.0
So, I was really looking forward to this book, and it was good but now I'm really looking forward just to seeing the movie. The book was sort of, well, short? I was really expecting something a little more complex. More like [b:Stardust|16793|Stardust|Neil Gaiman|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/519JIJ-RxOL._SL75_.jpg|3166179].
(below added after watching movie:)
However, it is geared towards a younger set of readers, was satisfyingly creepy, and made me think twice about opening any locked cupboards I might find in any home in my future (I have already opened all the ones worth opening in my current flat).
The movie made me want to change the rating up, way up, so this now has 5 stars--I think the book is an absolute must-read, to be followed by a viewing of the movie, and then a discussion comparing book to movie, what is better (because pretty much everything that was already good about the book, which is a lot, is enhanced evermore by the animated film version), and the ways any problems readers may have experienced with the book were solved in the film. Of course Tom disagrees with me on many points and prefers the book over the movie--but I think we pretty much agree the movie is still fun to watch, especially in 3D.
Also, because I am a sucker for merchandising, I will spend the next few weeks googling for Coraline merchandise. Neil Gaiman, if you're reading this, I will probably spend most of this year's disposable income on high-quality Coraline dolls, toys, posters, lunchboxes, thermoses, pajamas, wooly mittens (well, to buy the yarn, then knit them myself) and pretty much anything you can think of to tie in to this character, so if you're in need of any kind of economic stimulus, look no further. You already own the rights to this goldmine (I hope).
To do list:
Buy all of Gaiman's other books (particularly if there is a P.S. version)
Go back and read [b:Stardust|16793|Stardust|Neil Gaiman|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/519JIJ-RxOL._SL75_.jpg|3166179] through to the end, get graphic novel and movie
Find Coraline soundtrack, merchandise etc.
If not available anywhere start making patterns for my own Coraline doll and mittens (doll- and life-size: see http://www.bugknits.com for a famous Althea, the miniature knitter)
Friend Neil Gaiman on GR, if he'll have me (gulp!)
Go see movie again with Jason when he's feeling better (check. fun time. And surprisingly quiet children!)
(below added after watching movie:)
However, it is geared towards a younger set of readers, was satisfyingly creepy, and made me think twice about opening any locked cupboards I might find in any home in my future (I have already opened all the ones worth opening in my current flat).
The movie made me want to change the rating up, way up, so this now has 5 stars--I think the book is an absolute must-read, to be followed by a viewing of the movie, and then a discussion comparing book to movie, what is better (because pretty much everything that was already good about the book, which is a lot, is enhanced evermore by the animated film version), and the ways any problems readers may have experienced with the book were solved in the film. Of course Tom disagrees with me on many points and prefers the book over the movie--but I think we pretty much agree the movie is still fun to watch, especially in 3D.
Also, because I am a sucker for merchandising, I will spend the next few weeks googling for Coraline merchandise. Neil Gaiman, if you're reading this, I will probably spend most of this year's disposable income on high-quality Coraline dolls, toys, posters, lunchboxes, thermoses, pajamas, wooly mittens (well, to buy the yarn, then knit them myself) and pretty much anything you can think of to tie in to this character, so if you're in need of any kind of economic stimulus, look no further. You already own the rights to this goldmine (I hope).
To do list:
Buy all of Gaiman's other books (particularly if there is a P.S. version)
Go back and read [b:Stardust|16793|Stardust|Neil Gaiman|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/519JIJ-RxOL._SL75_.jpg|3166179] through to the end, get graphic novel and movie
Find Coraline soundtrack, merchandise etc.
If not available anywhere start making patterns for my own Coraline doll and mittens (doll- and life-size: see http://www.bugknits.com for a famous Althea, the miniature knitter)
Friend Neil Gaiman on GR, if he'll have me (gulp!)
Go see movie again with Jason when he's feeling better (check. fun time. And surprisingly quiet children!)