Saturday, January 08, 2011

The Night Bookmobile by Audrey Niffenegger

The Night Bookmobile by Audrey Niffenegger

Completed January 4, 2011
Reason for Reading: Love Audrey Niffenegger
Audrey Niffenegger, the New York Times bestselling author of The Time Traveler’s Wife and Her Fearful Symmetry, has crafted her first graphic novel after the success of her two critically acclaimed “novels-in-pictures.” First serialized as a weekly column in the UK’s Guardian newspaper, The Night Bookmobile tells the story of a wistful woman who one night encounters a mysterious disappearing library on wheels that contains every book she has ever read. Seeing her history and most intimate self in this library, she embarks on a search for the bookmobile. But her search turns into an obsession, as she longs to be reunited with her own collection and memories.
I still haven't worked up the nerve to read Her Fearful Symmetry because I know it is different and I loved The Time Traveler's Wife so much. (And, yes, I still think that is a weird book choice for me.) In the meantime, I saw this on my libraries new release page and decided to see what it was like. In the beginning, I thought it was fascinating that this young woman is walking the streets of her town and stumbles across a camper trailer full of books. When she starts to recognize the books and the librarian tells her that this is every word she has ever written I was captivated. I cannot remember all that I have read, of course, so I would love to have the chance to visit a library where I could see everything. It is an amazing idea to me. It doesn't matter how many notes I make, how many reviews I write, etc; I will never remember everything that I read.

Then, the story progresses and we see the dark side of what she has discovered. It begins to take over her life in a profound way. She is determined to find the bookmobile again. She would love the chance to work at it. Reading does, in a way, control a persons' life, though. This is just the darker side of that idea. It's short, but it really packs a punch. I was glued to the pages because it was compelling, but at the same time very dark. I wanted to know how it all played out. The art is really great, too. I think ultimately, though, I just really like the idea of seeing every book you have ever read all laid out on shelves and shelves.

11 comments:

  1. I have this one on my wish list. Books about books are just so wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous5:25 AM

    Heers for reviewing this. I hadn't heard of it and it sounds excellent. Must read Her Fearful Symmetry this year.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Between you and Vasilly, I need to read this! :)

    I LOVED Time Traveller's Wife and did not love HFS (despite my automatic predisposition to enjoy ghost stories). But my disappointment in HFS didn't change my love of TTW, if that makes you feel better. And I'm pretty sure Chris loved HFS too!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Trisha: I agree!

    Rhinoa: It was pretty great! I hope you enjoy. I hope to read HFS this year, too...

    Eva: Yes, it's weird that me and Vasilly reviewed it around the same time. :) I had mine written when I read hers, but just scheduled for a couple days later. I really have to read HFS. I actually misplaced it near the end of last year, but I found it and it is planned for 2011. I also may reread Time Traveller's Wife.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love that we reviewed this book at the same time! I love the idea of my own personal bookmobile. I also love how even the unfinished books are included!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I just read Vasilly's review today too! Ok, I'm going to see if my library has this because I've got to see this book. The story sounds so cool and I want to see all the art!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This looks so interesting. My library doesn't have it currently, but I'll be on the lookout for it!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I just read this one too! I liked it, but I did not love it. I don't know why, but I was horribly put off by the decision the woman made half way through. It made me so sad. But the idea behind it, of the bookmobile, is wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Vasilly: And the phone book... and the cereal boxes... It's fun! Glad you enjoyed it, too!

    Iliana: I hope you enjoy it! It's not a light read really, but it's short enough to read when you want to read, but nothing too long.

    Michelle: I hope you get a chance to read it!

    Lu: Yeah, it was a little strange at times, but I enjoyed the overall idea of the book.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I just finished this one, too. Loved the concept, found the ending a bit disturbing. Memorable, though!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Darla: Yes, the ending was very disturbing!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

I am so sorry, but I turned anonymous commenting off. I have had it from the very beginning, but that is how the spam is getting by my spam filter at the moment. If it is a big deal I will turn it back on and moderate all comments. I also changed moderation from older than 14 days to older than 7.