Comment

Oct 18, 2017jandt_mcmurray rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Coraline, like most young girls, gets tired of her parents nagging at her, people pronouncing her name incorrectly, & being ignored by others. And though many children wish they could have "the perfect parents" at some point in their lives, we know that most kids don't get the chance to find out what life would be like if they COULD have that. After moving in to a new flat, Coraline goes exploring to see what this new home has to offer. There is one door that is locked. Or course she decides she NEEDS to find out what's behind that door. It is an identical home to hers, in fact, it IS her home, but in an alternate world. She meets her "other mother" & "other father", both looking exactly like her ACTUAL parents. But these parents don't nag her, their cooking is delicious, & they'll allow her to get the fun clothes that she wants instead of the practical ones that she's had in the past. But are they really "the perfect parents?" Nope. Turns out the "other mother" will do ANYTHING to keep Coraline in this alternate world so that she has somebody to "love." Being the quick-minded, resourceful girl that she is, Coraline quickly discovers that she wants her REAL life much more than this alternate life. But it's not easy getting back home. And this evil lady has taken her REAL parents hostage. Coraline sets off on a mission to free her parents, 3 children she meets, & herself & return everybody back to the real world. Of course she is successful, but there is 1 more hurdle to jump in order to finally put this nightmare behind her. It seems that this ordeal will stick with her for the rest of her life. This was a quick, easy read & thoroughly enjoyable. A fantastic alternate world, a mission to save the day, & a strong, young heroine that has a heart for others even more than herself --- what's not to love!? This is advertised as a childrens book, but I wouldn't let me 9 year old daughter read this just yet. Although they are presented in a rather light-hearted way, there are some darker, spookier elements throughout the book. Once it's deemed appropriate for any given person, I highly recommend this book. Age recommendation: 12 & up (a bit spooky/scary for younger readers) On a scale of 1-10 stars, I give it 8.