This sad, sweet book is a reflective look back at childhood, a meditation on innocence and trust, and a sorrowful examination of what is lost in the process of growing up. The Ocean at the End of the Lane is spare and effective, filled with beautiful language and moments of absolute magic. It's hard to do justice to the loveliness of the book in just a few words. Read it. This is one that I know I'll be revisiting. 
 (For more, see my review at http://wp.me/p2B4Be-18S.)