Reviews

The Basic Eight by Daniel Handler

signals's review against another edition

dark funny tense

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

drsurgeonguy's review against another edition

4.0

Very of the times, not bad, just like, safe?

Saw the plot twist coming but it was still a bit surprising when it happened.

Good read, good first book.

gaviaroma's review against another edition

dark funny mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

a truly enjoyable read and i'll be keeping it on my shelf! but it still had its flaws (ending reveal felt derivative and unearned, some gross male author teenage girl moments)

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder, Violence, Sexual assault, and Drug abuse

Moderate: Eating disorder

jennabeelack's review against another edition

4.0

OK, so, holy crap. This book. THIS BOOK. What a plot twist. I'm so happy about everything this book is.

nderiley's review against another edition

3.0

A decent YA written in a reflective perspective with fun ' chapter questions' at the end.

clogluvr's review against another edition

dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

spencepetersen's review against another edition

4.0

Both hilarious and very clever, but a tragedy nonetheless. Highly recommended for anyone who read and loved A Series of Unfortunate Events, keeping in mind that the sentiment you are left with is much darker.

niknola's review against another edition

challenging dark funny mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I cant begin to explain how much I love this book

samgray's review against another edition

4.0

I'm still book-drunk on this story.
Sooooo slow in the second quarter- the anticipation was not savored sweetly, but with exasperation for Flannery to just /get to the point./
But once the party happened and the point was finally here, the serotonin fireworks went off in my brain and the book was a rush to the finish.
I loved the quirky vocabulary (a Handler hallmark?) and especially the discussion questions.
Felt like a John Green novel meets Fight Club. Weird, frustrating, glorious.

ellieroth's review against another edition

dark funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5