Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Book Review: The Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket


"If you are interested in stories with happy endings, you would be better off reading some other book." So cautions Snicket, the exceedingly well-mannered narrator of these two witty mock-gothic novels featuring the misadventures of 14-year-old Violet, 12-year-old Klaus and infant Sunny Baudelaire. From the first, things look unfortunate indeed for the trio: a fire destroys their home, killing their parents along with it; the executor of their parents' estate, the obtuse Mr. Poe (with a son, Edgar), ignores whatever the children have to say; and their new guardian, Count Olaf, is determined to get his hands on the Baudelaire fortune. But by using their individual gifts (Violet's for inventing, Klaus's for reading and researching and baby Sunny's for biting) the three enterprising children thwart the Count's planAfor now. The author uses formal, Latinate language and intrusive commentary to hilarious effect, even for readers unfamiliar with the literary conventions he parodies. The peril in which he places the Baudelaires may be frightening (Count Olaf actually follows through on his threats of violence on several occasions), but the author paints the satire with such broad strokes that most readers will view it from a safe distance. Luckily for fans, the woes of the Baudelaires are far from over; readers eager for more misfortune can turn to The Reptile Room, for an even more suspenseful tale. Exquisitely detailed drawings of Gothic gargoyles and mischievous eyes echo the contents of this elegantly designed hardcover. Age 9-up.


Review
My review...   "I loved this book so much, It was filled with adventure, jam packed with curiosity, and it exploded with pure awesomeness!" Just as my figure of speech reached the echoing point in the trees, mountains, the pure clear air.  I realized, that I was up in a tree, the one I climbed up into, one hour ago. I'm back. At my house. Every time I'm reading a book ( especially this one) I feel like I'm really there, in the story, standing in the same room. Watching every little detail that people make, trying to find clues, and secrets hidden in the story. And you could probably relate to what I'm talking about. I Think this book was great, it had great detail, amazing writing, and Lemony Snicket really put loads of imagination into this great novel. My Opinion is, that you rush to your nearest book store ( or just go on Amazon ) and get this book. My favorite character was: Violet, Why? because she was smart, she had good inventing skills, and she was legend. Get this book now! and/or the whole series!

SO You've GOT to watch this video of Lemony Snicket's NEW BOOK...

13 WORDS... It's so funny!




*this book can be somewhat violent, but what isn't?

4 comments:

Susan Kaye Quinn said...

I loved these books! I'll have to look for 13 words - thanks!

Andye said...

I remember reading these books with Kirstyn when she was younger and they were SO funny!! I love "Lemony's" dry sense of humor!! This is such a great series!

Harleen Kaur said...

These books are so cool! The author explains the characters real well it feels like you know them personally. You should read the first book and you would want keep on reading.

Anonymous said...

Awsome
i love lemony snicket and his books this wed site is awsome!!!