The Night Bookmobile by Audrey Niffenegger


Mar 23, 2011

The Night Bookmobile is a graphic novel written and illustrated by Audrey Niffenegger. The Night Bookmobile was originally written as a short story based on a one of Niffenegger’s reoccurring childhood dreams.  According to the author, the Night Bookmobile is the first part of a much larger work.  The book tells the story of Alexandra, a passionate reader, who discovers a battered Winnebago  on a deserted Chicago street.  The only person on board is a spooky looking librarian and a collection of books that seems to be all the titles Alexandra has read over the years, even the cereal boxes.   The hours of operation for the Night Bookmobile are dusk until  dawn, disappearing at dawn.

The Night Bookmobile is an intriguing story especially for first time graphic fiction readers like me.    It will appeal to librarians and anyone who longs to sit in a comfy chair reading the perfect book indefinitely.  But what would one sacrifice for this luxury?   There are some riveting turns of events in this adult fantasy, and not all are adequately resolved.  Maybe the planned sequels will offer some resolution.

There are  some disturbing illustrations in this book reflective of a nightmarish setting.   The content and story line are  most appropriate for adults.

Reviewed by Library Staff