Coraline

Coraline
by Neil Gaiman

What a wonderful little story - in my humble opinion - for girls of all ages (including the over 30 set) about being brave and facing your fears for the ones you love. I picked this book up from the library to read before going to see the movie. While I much prefer the movie's look to the original book illustration, they are a nice addition to the book.
I also love that Coraline is adamant that people call her by her right name - Coraline as opposed to Caroline. (Even at age 33, I struggle with correcting people who insist on calling me "Cathy" instead of using my full name "Catherine" or the preferred nickname of "Cat.") In my case, as in Coraline's, it is important to be called the correct name because one's name is so closely tied to one's identity. Coraline's insistence on being called her right name echoes the larger storyline. Coraline is trapped in a world with the Other Mother, who is seeking to control Coraline and thereby make her into someone else - the Other Coraline. But throughout her struggle to return to the real world, Coraline holds onto her identity and what she loves. She's an explorer at heart, and she uses her explorer skills to win her freedom.
While some have criticized this novella as a streamlined retelling of Alice in Wonderland, I find the similarities delightful.
Coraline is a quick read, but thoroughly enjoyable. It may have been written for the 'Tween crowd, but there are lessons and enjoyment for all.

ETA: I saw the movie....um, yeah, no. Loved the book, hated the movie. The finer points of the story were completely lost, and the addition of a new character completely eroded the point of the book - Coraline's bravery and sense of self.
And actually, now that I'm writing about it, I realize that I should have known better. I should have expected that an independent female character would cut down and reduced to a damsel in distress, needing to be rescued by a male. Aren't I a stupid girl! Stupid for being shocked that they tarted up two older female characters (in a completely shocking and inappropriate manner), so that we are left with every misogynists favorite trio of female archetypes (the hapless and helpless girl, the evil mother, and the crone) expertly presented as weak, self-centered, feeble-minded sex objects positioned perfectly for ridicule and loathing. Duh! What was I thinking? Oh, and let's not forget to completely eradicate even the smallest of implications that there is a God, by having Coraline search for eyeballs rather than souls! I mean, God forbid we even remotely acknowledge that there is a God. Because, wouldn't that be a travesty!