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alyson7 's review for:
The Miserable Mill
by Lemony Snicket
The Baudelaire siblings are on the lookout for Count Olaf, but he is nowhere to be found. Neither are his henchmen. This time, the Baudelaires find themselves at a mill. Not only do they live in the dormitory of the mill, they are also forced to work their. Their guardian/employer hides under a cloud of smoke and is known only as "Sir." The work at the mill is difficult and very miserable indeed. Then, one day, Klaus breaks his glasses and has to se the optometrist, Dr. Orwell. Above the optometrist's shop is an eye that looks a lot like Count Olaf's tattoo. Could he be lurking around? Or, have the Baudelaires' imagination finally got the best of them.
I regret that I didn't read this series when I was in middle school. I would've really loved it. Now, I am reading the series out of curiosity.
There are a few tricks that the author does to keep the attention of younger readers. Firstly, in every book he gets them roped in by telling them to close the book. Sounds counterintuitive, right? But, children (and adults) feel enticed to read something when they are told it is too difficult for them, or it is too sad, or too tragic. It only attracts them like a moth to a flame. Secondly, by using more complex words and giving their definitions, it allows for children to develop their vocabulary in a way that isn't too daunting or boring. And thirdly, as seen in this book, the author hides reading strategies within the narrative, such as when Violet could not read the book on optometry, so she inferred meaning by using the words she knew.
I think this is a fantastic series to get young people to develop their minds while enjoying a quirky story.
I regret that I didn't read this series when I was in middle school. I would've really loved it. Now, I am reading the series out of curiosity.
There are a few tricks that the author does to keep the attention of younger readers. Firstly, in every book he gets them roped in by telling them to close the book. Sounds counterintuitive, right? But, children (and adults) feel enticed to read something when they are told it is too difficult for them, or it is too sad, or too tragic. It only attracts them like a moth to a flame. Secondly, by using more complex words and giving their definitions, it allows for children to develop their vocabulary in a way that isn't too daunting or boring. And thirdly, as seen in this book, the author hides reading strategies within the narrative, such as when Violet could not read the book on optometry, so she inferred meaning by using the words she knew.
I think this is a fantastic series to get young people to develop their minds while enjoying a quirky story.