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schwimfan's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
An excellent reading of an absolute classic.
John wrote many great books but there is a reason this is the classic.
John wrote many great books but there is a reason this is the classic.
jess_mango's review against another edition
4.0
as we closed the book after reading the final page tonight, the kiddo said "And NOW we can go see the movie!" I've taught him well....always read the book before seeing the movie. :D
katykelly's review against another edition
3.0
Mystery/fantasy with good elements but hasn't aged well.
I had heard there was a film made of this, and I like to read 'modern classic' children's books, see the scope of what's out there. This was a little disappointing in some respects for me.
Lewis has lost both of his parents, and has had to come and live with his uncle in a new town. From the moment he arrives, he knows his new home is somewhat magical. His uncle and next door neighbour appear to have abilities, the house itself is unusual, and there seems to be some sort of ticking in the walls at night...
My favourite thing about this book was the relationship between uncle Jonathon and his next door neighbour, the biting insults that mask their respect for each other, I liked both their characters. Lewis himself is a regular boy, who struggles to make friends and tries too hard, then becomes the centre of a plot about dead owners and taking over the world. There were big 'aims' but the payoff was fairly poor, in my opinion.
The ending seemed to come quickly and be over without much of the usual clash/battle/explanation. And Lewis's struggle with friendships was also neatly and succinctly sorted in one sentence as well. There isn't adequate exposition for me, I didn't understand really the 'why' of what was going on, as well as scenes such as the car following the protagonists.
Old-fashioned in some of the language and context (religious Latin phrases from a small boy) will go over the heads of contemporary readers.
It felt as though more could have been made of this. I understand it is a series of books, I can see how the characters will flourish along the lines already started, but it's not going to be a favourite of mine. I liked the idea, the house and the adult characters.
One for ages 8-11.
I had heard there was a film made of this, and I like to read 'modern classic' children's books, see the scope of what's out there. This was a little disappointing in some respects for me.
Lewis has lost both of his parents, and has had to come and live with his uncle in a new town. From the moment he arrives, he knows his new home is somewhat magical. His uncle and next door neighbour appear to have abilities, the house itself is unusual, and there seems to be some sort of ticking in the walls at night...
My favourite thing about this book was the relationship between uncle Jonathon and his next door neighbour, the biting insults that mask their respect for each other, I liked both their characters. Lewis himself is a regular boy, who struggles to make friends and tries too hard, then becomes the centre of a plot about dead owners and taking over the world. There were big 'aims' but the payoff was fairly poor, in my opinion.
The ending seemed to come quickly and be over without much of the usual clash/battle/explanation. And Lewis's struggle with friendships was also neatly and succinctly sorted in one sentence as well. There isn't adequate exposition for me, I didn't understand really the 'why' of what was going on, as well as scenes such as the car following the protagonists.
Old-fashioned in some of the language and context (religious Latin phrases from a small boy) will go over the heads of contemporary readers.
It felt as though more could have been made of this. I understand it is a series of books, I can see how the characters will flourish along the lines already started, but it's not going to be a favourite of mine. I liked the idea, the house and the adult characters.
One for ages 8-11.
chuskeyreads's review against another edition
2.0
For such a short book, it took me over a week to finish it. Like many books written in the 1970s, this story is mostly telling with little explanation of the ‘why and ‘how.’
I mean, why was Mr. Izard trying to destroy the world? What was Mrs. Izard planning? Why did the Hanchetts move? How did Mr. Izard’s spirit get in the clock?
The characters are flat. The plot is sparse and full of holes, and the insta-friend at the end was ridiculous.
Spoiler
I mean, why was Mr. Izard trying to destroy the world? What was Mrs. Izard planning? Why did the Hanchetts move? How did Mr. Izard’s spirit get in the clock?
The characters are flat. The plot is sparse and full of holes, and the insta-friend at the end was ridiculous.
karen_the_baroness's review against another edition
5.0
The House with a Clock in its Walls by John Bellairs has magic and a mystery woven together beautifully.
Can the Barnavelts and Mrs. Zimmermann stop the clock?
The Barnavelts
Lewis Barnavelt is an orphan and is nervous about meeting his uncle Jonathan, a man he never knew existed until after his parents died. Lewis has always had difficulty fitting in, no matter where he is, since kids his age always tease him. I felt terrible for Lewis, but seeing him gain his confidence as he is living with his uncle was nice. Lewis learning about magic definitely helped with his confidence and being able to help his uncle and next-door neighbor.
Uncle Jonathan Barnavelt bought the house and has been dealing with the constant tick-tock noise ever since. He has been trying to figure out where the clock is in the walls so that he can put a stop to it, but sadly, he still hasn’t found it—not even with the help of Mrs. Zimmermann. Jonathan is a magician. In his own words, “I’m pretty much of a parlor magician, though I have a few tricks that go beyond rabbits and playing cards.” Jonathan is a wonderful character, and I love how eccentric he is.
I believe these two needed each other much more than they knew in the beginning.
The Mystery
Our characters need to find the clock hidden in the walls that changes from how fast to how slow it ticks. Jonathan has been searching this house for the last five years and hasn’t found it. He and Mrs. Zimmermann hope that with Lewis there, they might be able to find it and actually stop it.
I have to say that once I got into the book, I couldn’t put it down, and I had to know what happened next. The mystery is a good one.
Five Stars
The House with a Clock in its Walls by John Bellairs is getting five stars and a recommendation. Lewis and Jonathan are great characters, and I love the bickering between Jonathan and Mrs. Zimmermann. I also loved the story. Some things confused me about how to say it, but I either skipped over those parts or basically translated it to the best of my abilities to make sense of the sentences around it.
Look for my review of the movie with Jack Black, which is coming in the next few weeks.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of The House with a Clock in its Walls by John Bellairs.
Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.
rjdenney's review
5.0
Just as fun, creepy, and magical re-reading it for the 3rd time!! Now off to re-watch the movie :D
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