Dates Read: November 2011
After seeing the previews for the movie "Hugo" I decided to reserve the book that the movie is based on: The Invention of Hugo Cabret. I knew it was a kid's book, but I decided the movie previews looked good so the book was probably good, too. And let me tell you, it was! It's a huge book (over 500 pages) but it is a super easy read (I read it cover to cover in only a couple hours) and even better, it is a delightful read! The author does a wonderful job incorporating the beautiful drawings - they are both a part of the story and they help tell the story in that there are some parts where the text stops and pages of pictures continue the story until the text begins again. Such a great imaginative story! I loved every word and I cannot wait to read this story with my kids one day!!
Summary: (from Amazon.com and nypl.org)
Orphan, clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, Hugo's undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo's dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery.
When twelve-year-old Hugo, an orphan living and repairing clocks within the walls of a Paris train station in 1931, meets a mysterious toyseller and his goddaughter, his undercover life and his biggest secret are jeopardized.
