READ THIS! {The Ocean at the End of the Lane}

Add Comment , Edit

I hope that you joined me in reading October's READ THIS! selection, The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman...

via
Amazon describes this book as, "Neil Gaiman's intent was simple: to write a short story. What he ended up with instead was The Ocean at the End of the Lane--his first adult novel since Anansi Boys came out in 2005, and a narrative so thoughtful and thrilling that it's as difficult to stop reading as it was for Gaiman to stop writing. Forty years ago, our narrator, who was then a seven-year-old boy, unwittingly discovered a neighboring family’s supernatural secret. What happens next is an imaginative romp through otherwordly adventure that could only come from Gaiman's magical mind. Childhood innocence is tested and transcended as we see what getting between ancient, mystic forces can cost, as well as what can be gained from the power of true friendship. The result is a captivating tale that is equal parts sweet, sad, and spooky."

Described as Gaiman's first novel for adults since 2005, I found this story be strikingly believable - even though it involves a lot of the supernatural elements that Gaiman does so well. I really enjoyed this book - falling in love with Lettie Hempstock as she helped to protect our narrator throughout his harrowing adventure. Part childhood best friend and part grandmother, Gaiman gives life to a Lettie Hempstock who I rooted for from start to finish.

While we never learn the narrator's name, his memories make The Ocean at the End of the Lane both beautiful and awe-inspiring. I was a fan of Gaiman's work before, but he is a creative genius and his writing style never ceases to amaze me.

Did you read along with me this month? What was your favorite part of the book? Did you take it all literally, or do you think there's room for interpretation? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

And now, without further ado, the November READ THIS! pick of the month is Alexis Ohanian's Without Their Permission: How the 21st Century Will Be Made, Not Managed...

via
Amazon describes this book as, "As Alexis Ohanian learned when he helped to co-found the immensely popular reddit.com, the internet is the most powerful and democratic tool for disseminating information in human history. And when that power is harnessed to create new communities, technologies, businesses or charities, the results can be absolutely stunning. In this book, Alexis will share his ideas, tips and even his own doodles about harnessing the power of the web for good, and along the way, he will share his philosophy with young entrepreneurs all over the globe. At 29, Ohanian has come to personify the dorm-room tech entrepreneur, changing the world without asking permission. Within a couple of years of graduating from the University of Virginia, Ohanian did just that, selling reddit for millions of dollars. He's gone on to start many other companies, like hipmunk and breadpig, all while representing Y Combinator and investing in over sixty other tech startups. WITHOUT THEIR PERMISSION is his personal guidebook as to how other aspiring entrepreneurs can follow in his footsteps."

True nonfiction isn't typically the type of book that I choose for the READ THIS! series, but I'm making an exception this month for one of my birthday presents from Josh. I am excited to read all about Ohanian's views on changing the world in this century, and I am looking forward to reading his philosophy and advice on business. I hope you'll read along with me this month, and check back at the end of November for my review! 

Photobucket

CONVERSATION

0 comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments ( Atom )
Back
to top