Wednesday, March 14, 2012

The Night Bookmobile; Audrey Niffenegger


Author:  Audrey Niffenegger 
Publication Year: 2010
Publisher: Abrams Comic Arts
Edition: hardcover
Source: Library
Date Completed: 3/14/2012
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: yes
I was intrigued by this book when it came across my desk to catalog at the library this week.  Initially, I thought it was children's book, but as I started to read it (it's a pretty quick read), I realized it was a graphic novel geared more toward teens or adults. 

The Night Bookmobile,  is a somewhat disturbing book, but one that gave left me thinking about the story.  The protagonist is a quiet, young woman, named Alexandra, who is obsessed by books.....sound familiar book lovers?  One night when she is out late after a fight with her boyfriend, she comes across an old Winnebago, which operates as The Night Bookmobile. The library on wheels is open from dusk to dawn and is run by a man named Mr. Openshaw, who invites her inside.  Cautious but curious, because of her love for books, once inside Alexandra begins to browse, and notices something very strange.  The bookmobile contains every book that she has ever read over the years, from early childhood books to ones she has recently read. She even finds her diary there.  Before she gets a chance to finish browsing, the library is closing and she must leave.

When she looks for the bookmobile on subsequent nights, she doesn't find it.  She sees it now and then, but is busy pursuing her dream of being a librarian, thinking that some day maybe she can work with Mr. Openshaw.  For reasons I can't disclose -- this never happens.  She breaks up with her boyfriend, becoming somewhat obsessed in finding the bookmobile, and in the process she becomes more and more of a loner -- her only interest being her books.

Definitely a cautionary tale, The Night Bookmobile, is a story that will stick in the minds of book lovers everywhere.  The art work was clever and very well done.  A short, quick and memorable story -- not a book for young children.

Have you read this one? What did you think?

42 comments:

  1. I have never heard of this, but I would love to track down a copy for myself. I need to explore graphic novels more and this sounds like a perfect book to start with.

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    1. Janel, It is nice and easy way to ease into graphic novel realm.

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  2. This book sounds amazing! I will definitely be picking up a copy of that bad boy! x

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  3. Read it last year, but wasn't overly impressed. I'd have to go dig out my review to find out why - it was that unmemorable for me.

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    1. Tina, I am not thrilled by graphic novels, and tend to avoid them. Read this one because it was short and because it was by an author I enjoyed previously.

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  4. I haven't read this one but I have been fascinated with it for so long! I keep thinking our library will get a copy, but I'm tired of waiting, and I think I'll have to search out my own.

    I love how Niffenegger manages to be disturbing and vulnerable and honest and dreamy all at the same time, in all of her works.

    Thanks for posting this.

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    1. Cath, Hope you find a copy "cheap"...LOL Have a nice weekend.

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  5. I haven't heard of this one. I loved The Time Traveler's Wife and didn't love Her Fearful Symmetry, both by Niffenegger. I'd definitely give this one a try.

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    1. I also enjoyed both of her previous novels. This one is worth a try.

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  6. I love Niffenegger's writing (The Time Traveler's Wife is one of my all-time favorites). I've had this one on my TBR list for awhile but have yet to get to it!

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  7. I haven't read this book but have read mixed reviews of it. I'd like to read it, though - it sounds like something I'd like.

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  8. I've seen a few reviews for this and I have to say that I am intrigued! There is something desperate and a little romantic about finding the Bookmobile one magical night and then searching for it ever after.

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  9. This does sound intriguing. The beginning sounds a bit like Celia Ahearn's book. Having a senior moment - can't remember title. Must be time for another cup of caffeine. :)

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    1. I haven't read Ahearn Kaye, but I have senior moments all the time...LOL

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  10. This does sound intriguing, I agree! I am very curious as to what happens. I loved the Time Traveler's Wife and hated the next one, so I'm also curious to see what I think of this one!

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    1. Jill, I actually liked her last book, but I know many others did not.

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  11. Oh yes, I've read this! It is such a wonderful story.

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  12. I read a couple other Niffenegger books, but I won't be "reading" this one. I'm sorry, but I think graphic books are lame.

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    1. Graphic novels are not my favorite either, but this was nice.

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  13. This sounds fascinating... Like everyone else, I'm read Time Traveller's Wife (which I liked a lot) and Her Fearful Symmetry (which I did not) but I'm now keen to explore more...

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    1. A lot of readers did not care for Her Fearful Symmetry -- I liked it though.

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  14. I don't do graphic novels. But this one sounds good, creepy but good.

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    1. Martha, I'm not a fan of graphic novels either, but the title and fact it was too short just drew me in.

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  15. I haven't read it but I've heard it read, by Christina Pickles on Selected Shorts - in fact they ran it again a week or two ago. I really enjoyed it but have never tracked down the actual book.

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  16. I liked this too. It's creepy because all book-lovers are a bit in danger of becoming unanchored from the real world.

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    1. Sam, isn't that the truth. It makes some more reclusive than they should be.

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  17. I heard this read on "Selected Shorts" (an NPR program where actors/actresses read short stories on stage to a live audience) but didn't know it was from a Graphic Novel. The story is eerie and fun. I'm intrigued now to go seek out the graphic novel and take a look at the accompanying artwork.

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  18. I'm going to read this one for two reasons. One, I really like graphic novels, and two, I love books about books. I'm off to see if my library has this one,

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  19. Hi Diane,

    Although I know of this author, I have never read any of her books.

    This one doesn't sound as though it is really my kind of thing, although I may be tempted just by the intriguing storyline.

    When I checked out Audrey's website to see if I could find any examples of her artwork, I discovered that this book is classified under her 'visual' category and that it was a serialized graphic novel which appeared in the London Guardian, before it was published as a book.

    Nice review which encouraged me to read on about a story that I would never usually have been interested in.

    Yvonne

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    1. Yvonne, I do not really care for graphic novels, but this one was short, looked almost like a children's book, and because I enjoyed this author in the past, decided to try it.

      Thanks for the interesting info about the classification of this one as "visual". Now I can understand why.

      Hope you have a nice weekend.

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  20. Hello Diane,
    Thank you for the lovely review. I've only recently started reading graphic novels, so I am looking forward to reading this one. And I loved your blog. Following you now! Will visit regularly.

    I recently reviewed a graphic novel at my book blog, would you like to come and see? it's at https://riversihaveknown.wordpress.com/
    Please tell me what you think of the review.
    Also, if you like the blog, please follow!
    Thank you

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    1. Thanks for visiting and for directing me to your website, and good luck with your writing career.

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  21. I read it over a year ago en enjoyed it. here is my review: http://wordsandpeace.com/2011/01/06/the-night-bookmobile/

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  22. This sounds so good. I loved her other books but never heard of this one. Thanks for reviewing it, I just added it to my to-read list!

    Lindsey from babiesbooksandsigns.com

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  23. I would so want to visit a bookmobile like this. I'd try to bring a laptop and finally get a complete list of all the books I've read in my life!

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  24. Oh, this looks good! A cautionary tale about becoming obsessed with your books sounds like a must read!

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  25. I marked this one to read a while back and loved your thoughts on it. Will have to look it up!

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