by: Neil Gaiman
William Morrow and Company, 2013
192 pages
What do you remember from your childhood? While you can probably recall major milestones, you've probably forgotten most of the details. Many things that used to be life-and-death matters to you as a kid probably don't affect your life as an adult, things you've long forgotten about. Sometimes, though, certain memories can reappear if you find yourself in an old familiar place, or with people you haven't seen in years. These can be pleasant experiences.
Sometimes, they can be much more sinister than we remembered.
Such is the lot of the unnamed narrator in Neil Gaiman's book, The Ocean at the End of the Lane. When he returns to the English countyside where he was raised in order to attend a funeral, our narrator recalls his friendship with a young girl named Lettie Hempstock. He is drawn to Lettie's home and the pond she called an ocean, when the past rushes back to him. I can't give out more details because this is a story that simply cannot be summed up in just a few sentences. What Neil Gaiman has created is a wonderful ode to childhood wrapped up with magic, innocence, and a proper fear of things that go bump in the night, in only 192 pages. While this fantasy is appropriate for young adult readers, this book is truly a fairy tale for adults. The Ocean at the End of the Lane will stay with you long after you finished reading, a book that is meant to be read over and over and appreciated more with the passage of time.
Response to Baker
I think in an ideal world, Baker's opinion is right: people should only do booktalks on books they have actually read and liked enough to be able to recommend it to other readers. However, most of us do not have the time to read every book on every booklist, so this scenario may not be feasible for many librarians. Since the structure of a booktalk demands we do not reveal the endings, I think it is perfectly fine to talk on stories we haven't read yet or haven't finished reading. I actually like the idea of giving a book talk on a book you haven't quite finished, because you can tell others what you like about the book with absolutely no danger of accidentally spoiling the ending. Personally, I would only be comfortable talking up books that I have either read or have started to read. And what are reviews for, if not to help librarians booktalk about books they haven't read yet!
I agree. If you are asked to do a booktalk and you absolutely know that the group may like something you haven't read - I don't think it's "unethical" to discuss a book you may have heard about or others have said were fabulous. We could utilize the reviews and also do what I have done in the past - read the first 2 chapters, one in the middle and the last two - if I am really pressed for time. That can give you a good grasp of many of the characteristics and appeals of a book, and whether or not you can actually suggest it without being "phony" or know if it's horrible or not.
ReplyDeleteApparently I completely misunderstood the booktalk premise, as I thought it was a talk to give for like 20 minutes! Uber fail on my part! That's the reason I added all the other books, and figured since they were so closely linked, I thought it was feasible. Also, if I were to talk about a book, what happens if you only have 3 copies in your library? How to handle that? Handing out a list of other books is great, but what if they are intrigued by the book you suggest? Gently push them towards the others or suggest they put the in demand book on hold?
No I think you did a great job with your booktalk! I do remember reading in the Baker article that booktalks often run 20-30, or even 40 minutes, which means multiple books connected by themes, genres, or other characteristics. We only had to do one for the assignment, but you've already got an entire booktalk session at the ready, so you're ahead of the game with your 'Medieval Mystery Madness' talk!
DeleteI actually love historical fiction and mysteries, so because of your interesting selections I now have a few new titles on my reading list, so thank you very much for the suggestions!
Thank you! I am still on the request list for this book! It's been a big hit in my area which is great. I took out his other book "Fortunately the Milk" while waiting for this one. I thought it was a great story - a good one parents can read to their kids.
DeleteThis is one of my favorite book talks of the week. It would also make a fantastic book jacket synopsis. It's very inviting. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThat is so kind of you to say, I'm glad you liked it! I actually had a very difficult time writing it because the book is so very hard to describe without going into a full synopsis. I hope you check it out if you haven't already, it is one of my absolute favorites :)
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