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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
Originally reviewed on RED Book Reviews.
Story: Jacob has been told strange and horrible stories by his grandfather for much of his childhood. Then when a strange accident befalls his grandfather, he sees something which sends him into therapy sessions, and eventually to a quest into his grandfather's past which will change his life forever.
Featuring remote Welsh islands, pipe-smoking birds, and many very peculiar children.
Thoughts: The old black and white photographs worked perfectly with the story. I do not think I could stress this enough. I loved them. They contributed to much of the atmosphere of weirdness, and reminded me of my favourite aspects of Lemony Snicket.
The story itself was strange and twisty, filled with many fantastical elements which I always enjoy, but will not mention here due to spoilers. Although I did guess some of the main plot twists, this did not in any way detract from my enjoyment of watching them unfold.
In the words of John Green (the author, vlogger, and nerdfighter himself), written on the back jacket cover:
"A tense, moving, and wondrously strange first novel."
Story: Jacob has been told strange and horrible stories by his grandfather for much of his childhood. Then when a strange accident befalls his grandfather, he sees something which sends him into therapy sessions, and eventually to a quest into his grandfather's past which will change his life forever.
Featuring remote Welsh islands, pipe-smoking birds, and many very peculiar children.
Thoughts: The old black and white photographs worked perfectly with the story. I do not think I could stress this enough. I loved them. They contributed to much of the atmosphere of weirdness, and reminded me of my favourite aspects of Lemony Snicket.
The story itself was strange and twisty, filled with many fantastical elements which I always enjoy, but will not mention here due to spoilers. Although I did guess some of the main plot twists, this did not in any way detract from my enjoyment of watching them unfold.
In the words of John Green (the author, vlogger, and nerdfighter himself), written on the back jacket cover:
"A tense, moving, and wondrously strange first novel."
I don't know what it was about the writing but I was completely drawn to this book and had a hard time putting it down! I especially liked the incorporation of authentic photographs, which added to the creepy vibe in the beginning though that intensity died down around the middle of the book. Overall, it was a very interesting read and I mean c'mon, The cover art is BEAUTIFUL. In all honesty I didn't even read the synopsis when I picked this up... One look at the cover and I was sold.
Really enjoyed this. Love the idea of the photos alongside the text - reminiscent Tiger Lillies vibe... which I LOVE
Did find the voice wobbled for me - sometimes felt like it was trying to be contemporary/street talk then almost seemed to get more literary in style...maybe that was purposeful...with the shift in locations/time/environment? I just sometimes felt the writing had been through no editing, first draft feel, and then felt - wow - what great writing, editing...
But the story is great.
The movie was very, very, disappointing after reading the book.
Did find the voice wobbled for me - sometimes felt like it was trying to be contemporary/street talk then almost seemed to get more literary in style...maybe that was purposeful...with the shift in locations/time/environment? I just sometimes felt the writing had been through no editing, first draft feel, and then felt - wow - what great writing, editing...
But the story is great.
The movie was very, very, disappointing after reading the book.
It ended rather ubruptly for me. I turned the page and next thing I know I'm looking at the acknowledgments, I had to go back and make sure I didn't miss something. It did take a turn that wasnt expecting, not some exciting turn, just like "Huh?".All in all though, it was a good book and I enjoyed reading it, good short read.
2.5*
It was fine. Didn't really live up to my expectations based on its fabulous cover. The villains were rather generically evil. The children were necessarily misunderstood. The principles of time travel were nonexistent. I'm not sure I care enough about the characters to find out what happens next.
It was fine. Didn't really live up to my expectations based on its fabulous cover. The villains were rather generically evil. The children were necessarily misunderstood. The principles of time travel were nonexistent. I'm not sure I care enough about the characters to find out what happens next.
originally read march 16, 2012, reread for bookclub september 2012
peculiar children and the start of a great adventure
great story full of fascinating tales of the childrens' pasts. mix in some world war ii history, a small welsh island, and a present day murder. and the pages just flew by.
excited to start the next one.
great story full of fascinating tales of the childrens' pasts. mix in some world war ii history, a small welsh island, and a present day murder. and the pages just flew by.
excited to start the next one.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Very interesting to start with but was quite disappointed with the fial part of the book. 'May' read subsequent books in series but not seeking them out
Suomeksi Neiti Peregrinen koti eriskummallisille lapsille. Kirjan nimi ja kansi houkuttelivat lukemaan ja onneksi näin tekivät. Tykkäsin kovasti. Kirjaa kuvittavat kiehtovat vanhat valokuvat joiden ympärille tarina rakentuu.
Kirja sijoittuu osin toisen maailmansodan aikaan ja osin nykyaikaan ja kertoo nimensä mukaisesti eriskummallisista lapsista jotka asuvat saarella omissa oloissaan. Päähenkilö Jacob matkustaa saarelle tutkimaan isoisänsä tarinoita ja menneisyyttä joista hän kuuli lapsena ja piti niitä satuina. Matkalla paljastuu erikoisia asioita ja käy ilmi että sadut saattavatkin olla totta ja Jacob on yksi eriskummallisista lapsista itsekin omaten jonkin kyvyin jota muilla ihmisillä ei ole. Tarina jää jännittävään kohtaan ja malttamattomana odotan tarinalle jatkoa.
Kirjasta on tekeillä elokuva jonka ohjaa iki-ihana Tim Burton - pakko nähdä!!
Kirja sijoittuu osin toisen maailmansodan aikaan ja osin nykyaikaan ja kertoo nimensä mukaisesti eriskummallisista lapsista jotka asuvat saarella omissa oloissaan. Päähenkilö Jacob matkustaa saarelle tutkimaan isoisänsä tarinoita ja menneisyyttä joista hän kuuli lapsena ja piti niitä satuina. Matkalla paljastuu erikoisia asioita ja käy ilmi että sadut saattavatkin olla totta ja Jacob on yksi eriskummallisista lapsista itsekin omaten jonkin kyvyin jota muilla ihmisillä ei ole. Tarina jää jännittävään kohtaan ja malttamattomana odotan tarinalle jatkoa.
Kirjasta on tekeillä elokuva jonka ohjaa iki-ihana Tim Burton - pakko nähdä!!