Scan barcode
thelittlebookie's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
idratherliveinbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
shawniebooks's review against another edition
4.0
Surprisingly good time spent with this audio book.
wolverinefactor's review against another edition
3.0
More like a 3.5 - I liked it a little better than the film
posies23's review against another edition
5.0
TRUE CONFESSIONS: In 1979, I watched an adaptation of this novel in an afterschool special featuring Vincent Price. It was one of those life-changing experiences that sent me in search of the weird literature and films that I've loved ever since.
TRUE CONFESSIONS PART TWO: While I want to believe that I've read this book before, considering the formative effect the special had on my psyche,after reading it as an adult, I don't think I ever did read it. Or if I did, I didn't remember much of it.
SO . . . WHAT'S YOUR POINT?: Either way, this book was even better than I expected. It's genuinely eerie, and it would make a great book for literary study. Actually, if I were still an academic, I'd write a paper on how this book set the structure for what we now consider YA literature. It's a brilliant combination of childhood fears, gothic underpinnings, and humor. Impressively, Bellairs really makes it look easy. His writing is sharp, his imagery is memorable, and his characters are quirky but endearing.
Highly recommended.
TRUE CONFESSIONS PART TWO: While I want to believe that I've read this book before, considering the formative effect the special had on my psyche,after reading it as an adult, I don't think I ever did read it. Or if I did, I didn't remember much of it.
SO . . . WHAT'S YOUR POINT?: Either way, this book was even better than I expected. It's genuinely eerie, and it would make a great book for literary study. Actually, if I were still an academic, I'd write a paper on how this book set the structure for what we now consider YA literature. It's a brilliant combination of childhood fears, gothic underpinnings, and humor. Impressively, Bellairs really makes it look easy. His writing is sharp, his imagery is memorable, and his characters are quirky but endearing.
Highly recommended.
twilight_mermaids's review against another edition
4.0
The only reason I picked up this book is because they are making it into a movie. Otherwise I would not have given it a second glance, but I am glad I did! It was very different from most kids books. A mixture of Goosebumps, Harry Potter and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. A Gothic story about an orphaned boy who lives with his eccentric Uncle only to discover that magic is real! It was a little slow, but an easy short read. I am not sure if I am going to read the other 5 books in the series though.
aimeehdz's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
gwen_pageturner's review against another edition
3.0
Fun little spooky story. I could see myself enjoying this if I had read it as a child. Bit of a predictable storyline and naive characters for an adult though
mccglattly's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75