‘The Invention of Hugo Cabret’ by Brian Selznick

I highly recommend borrowing ‘The Invention of Hugo Cabret’ by Brian Selznick from the library, especially if you’re a preteen or younger, or you have children and you’re looking for a good, wholesome book for them.

It’s conceptually more unique than any other book I’ve read, but its story felt so timeless and classic that it flows and reads like a film illuminating in the back your mind. Essentially, it’s half novel and half picture book, and it feels like a cinematic experience. If you were ever a child who read a hand drawn picture book and never wanted it to end, this is the book for you… well it ends, but you’ll be engulfed in a 500 page tale before it does. The novel’s pacing and flow is exquisite and the drawings are timeless and detailed. Don’t get me wrong, this is a kid to young adult book, but it’s very wholesome and very refreshing.

On a side note, I noticed there’s an audio CD format… don’t get that, just don’t. You’ll miss half of the book and it’ll ruin the experience.

Also, it’s rumored Martin Scorsese might make a movie based on it. I mean, if you need a better reason…

Update (12/17/11):
And it's better than the movie.