The Ocean at the End of the Lane

I've been eyeing this book since I heard that Neil Gaiman released his latest novel. Lo and behold, L gave me a copy as his Christmas present (the bookworm's eyes where sparkling upon opening the gift). I was the happiest person when I received it. Now it's a part of my collection adding more pizzazz to my shelf. *grins*

The Ocean at the End of the Lane is about a man returning to his hometown and reminiscing an experience he thought he almost forgot. Going to the farmhouse of the Hempstocks after attending a funeral, he visits the pond that his friend, Lettie, calls her ocean. It's just a pond really. But that body of water holds something beyond what anyone can imagine. As he lingers, memories of that place emerge from the depths of his consciousness. These recollections even surprise him. As the events reconstruct in his mind, he later realize that he owes his life to the Hempstocks; to Lettie especially-- his only childhood friend when he was still a little seven year old boy.

As expected, Neil delivered... delivered extremely well. I knew that I wouldn't be disappointed-- of course, he's Neil Gaiman. Come on... To cut to the chase, yes it's a book that should be read. It's a few pages but within is a story bountiful of stirring ordeals and bizarre characters. When I was done, I felt like I still wanted the tale to go on but I later came to terms with the book and accepted that it was meant to end there. I fell in love with Lettie's character, that's probably why I reacted that way. That's about it; I enjoyed every chapter, every page and I'm sure you will too. I repeat, it's Neil Gaiman... remember? *wink*

Enjoying a good book with a good mug of cappuccino

I'm a grateful bibliophile for having started the year right with an A-lister book.