A magical premise that fit my lifestyle like a brand-new Santa Claus. The story pivots at the end toward a great ending, but the path to it is sudden and undercooked (and unnecessarily morbid). This kind of reminds me of The Night Circus in terms of the author knowing WHAT should happen and how to make it feel great to read, but not HOW to link everything together.

That being said, this is still a 4-star book for me and a beloved fairy tale for grown-ups. ( )

Short, but still meaningful. Not entirely sure, to be honest, what is the purpose of the collection in the bookmobile: It's every book they've read, and they can't take out anything from the collection. So other than viewing in a single gulp your reading progress, I don't see how it inspires one to do what she did. Arguably she was having more impact on future readers as an actual librarian.

But once you overlook the holes in the actual story, it still offers a persuasive account of the power of reading. ( )

This is really a very short story with illustrations rather than a proper graphic novel. The premise is intriguing and I was drawn in by the picture showing some of her childhood books, so many of which I had also read. But the early promise seemed to peter out and change to frustration and a sad ending. It owes a lot, as mentioned by the author, to an H.G. Wells short story, The Door in the Wall (available at Project Gutenberg). ( )

I love the ideas behind both of the Niffenegger novels-in-pictures that I've read: _The Adventuress_ and now _The Night Bookmobile_. however, I feel like her stories are told in just a little too explicit a fashion, without room for my imagination, while also fairly emotionally flat. Perhaps a collaborator, a different editor, or time will remedy. Or perhaps it is her style, and I will always wish that the singular, fascinating ideas that come from her mind, were told my a different storyteller; but others are perfectly happy with the style-- including Ms.Niffennegger!

I also think that her books are in need of a different illustration style: one that alludes to the fantastic nature of these stories that draws in curious minds. Something less like a neatly done high school/ undergrad poetry magazine drawing.

While I appreciate the impetus to be an auteur of sorts, and tend all aspects (idea, story development, text, typography, and graphics), I can't wait until I see that she is collaborating with someone/s. I think that project will be really good stuff! ( )

Five stars for overall concept and thought provocation. Less for enjoyment of reading. ( )