Showing posts with label
A Series of Unfortunate Events.
Show all posts
Showing posts with label
A Series of Unfortunate Events.
Show all posts
Title: The End
Author: Lemony Snicket
Series/Standalone: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Book #13)
Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy, Mystery
Pages: 368
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Year Published: 2006
Format: Hardback Cover (Library Edition)
First Line: "If you have ever peeled an onion, then you know that the first thing papery layer reveals another thin, papery layer, and that layer reveals another, and another, and before you know it you have hundreds of layers all over the kitchen table and thousands of tears in your eyes, sorry that you ever started peeling in the first place and wishing that you had left the onion alone to wither away on the shelf of the pantry while you went on with your life, even if that meant never again enjoying the complicated and overwhelming taste of this strange and bitter vegetable."
"Dear Reader,
You are presumably looking at the back of this book, or the end of THE END. The end of THE END is the best place to begin THE END, because if you read THE END from the beginning of the beginning of THE END to the end of the end of THE END, you will arrive at the end of the end of your rope.
This book is the last in A Series of Unfortunate Events, and even if you braved the previous twelve volumes, you probably can't stand such unpleasantries as a fearsome storm, a suspicious beverage, a herd of wild sheep, an enormous bird cage, and a truly haunting secret about the Baudelaire parents.
It has been my solemn occupation to complete the history of the Baudelaire orphans, and at last I am finished. You likely have some other occupation, so if I were you I would drop this book at once, so the end does not finish you.
With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket"
My Rating: 5/5
I've finally done it. I've finished the series! I mean it's only taken me a year, but I did it. And now I can start the Netflix series. But first, I want to write my thoughts on this last volume. This series, overall I would say is a middle-grade series that has the very interesting narrative from a character who you never encounter in the series but has a connection to our main characters over time. I would warn you not to read this spoiler if you haven't read the other 12 volumes in this series, but then I would sound so much like our dear friend, Lemony Snicket. I think that this book does an interesting job of speaking about being morally grey and how it feels to be unsure if you are good or evil. It also holds a great mystery right until the end for readers of all ages. That being said, you must be able to keep up with some of the authors "rambling" some of which proves to be important to the story and other pieces which are written at length for no apparent reason. I, as a reviewer, can relate.
This story was by far my favourite in the series so many things come to a conclusion while leaving a vague enough ending to leave a reader wonder about other things in the series. The characters in this series go through such a complex character growth that is realistic in the time given by the 13 volumes of the series.
It is a series that I think a reread would give you a different insight into the story after completing the series totally. I hope to reread these in coming years (not anytime soon as 13 volumes are no small task when your TBR is hundreds of books long).
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: The Penultimate Peril
Author: Lemony Snicket
Series/Standalone: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Book #12)
Genre: Fiction, Middle Grade, Mystery
Page: 353
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Year Published: 2005
Format: Hardback Copy (Library Edition)
First Line: "Certain people have said that the world is like a calm pond,, and that anytime a person does even the smallest thing, it is as if a stone has dropped into the pond, spreading circles of ripples further and further out, until the entire world has been changed by one tiny action."
"Dear Reader,
If this is the first book you found while searching for a book to read next, then the first thing you should know is that this next-to-last book is what you should put down first. Sadly, this book presents the next-to-last chronicle of the lives of the Baudelaire orphans, and it is next-to-first in its supply of misery, despair and unpleasantness.
Probably the next-to-last thing you would like to read about are a harpoon gun, a rooftop sunbathing salon, two mysterious initials, three unidentified triplets, a notorious villain, and an unsavoury curry.
Next-to-last things are the first thing to be avoided, and so allow me to recommend that you put this next-to-last book down first, and find something else to read next at last, such as the next-to-last book in another chronicle, or a chronicle containing another next-to-last things, so that this next-to-last book does not become the last book you will read.
With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket
My Rating: 4.5/5
This story is the next-to-last book. If you didn't gather that from the description above. It was a really interesting last book it took place with so many different characters from the children's past. It was great to read about I can't wait to finish the series. This series is asking young readers tough questions what is good, what is evil? Are we all morally grey? I just wish I would have completed the series at a younger age though, as the twists and turns might be more shaking.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: The Grim Grotto
Author: Lemony Snicket
Series/Standalone: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Book #11)
Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy
Pages: 323
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Year Published: 2004
Format: Hardcover Library Edition
First Line: "After a great deal of time examining oceans, investigating rainstorms, and staring very hard at several drinking fountains, the scientists of the world developed a theory regarding how much water is distributed around our planet, which they have named 'the water cycle.'"
"Dear Reader,
Unless you are a slug, a sea anemone, or mildew, you probably prefer not be damp. You might also prefer not to read this book, in which the Baudelaire siblings encounter an unpleasant amount of dampness as they descend into the depths of despair, underwater.
In fact, the horrors they encounter are too numerous to list, and you wouldn't want me even to mention the worst of it, which includes mushrooms, a desperate search for something lost, a mechanical monster, a distressing message from a lost friend, and tap dancing.
As a dedicated author who has pledged to keep recording the depressing story of the Baudelaires. I must continue to delve deep into the cavernous depths of the orphans' lives. You, on the other hand, may delve into some happier book in order to keep your eyes and your spirit from being dampened.
With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket."
My Rating: 4/5
This book took longer than anticipated again to read, but I enjoyed it so much more than the last one. This story shows so much growth for our characters and continues the mystery of VFD even further. Learning more about the Baudelaire's family past and introducing new characters always helps to keep the story interesting, and while I loved these aspects. I felt that Lemony Snicket's voice was missing in an odd way and wanted a bit more of that. I can't wait to wrap up the series in the coming months and then start the Netflix series which people have been raving about on booktube.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: The Slippery Slope
Author: Lemony Snicket
Series/Standalone: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Book #10)
Genre: Fiction, Middle Grade, Fantasy
Pages: 337
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Year Published: 2003
Format: Hardback Copy (Library Book)
First Line: "A man of my acquaintance once wrote a poem called 'The Road Less Travelled,' describing a journey he took through the woods along a path most travellers never used."
"Dear Reader,
Like handshakes, house pets, or raw carrots, many things are preferable when not slippery. Unfortunately, in this miserable volume, I am afraid that Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire run into more than their fair share of slipperiness during their harrowing journey up- and down- a range of strange and distressing mountains.
In order to spare you any further repulsion, it would be best not to mention any of the unpleasant details of this story, particularly a secret message, a toboggan, a deceitful map, a swarm of snow gnats, a scheming villain, a troupe of organized youngsters, a covered casserole dish, and a surprising survivor of a terrible fire.
Unfortunately, I have dedicated my life to researching and recording the sad tale of the Baudelaire orphans. There is no reason for you to dedicate your-self to such things, and you might instead dedicate yourself to letting this slippery book slip from your hands into a nearby trash receptacle, or deep pit.
With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket."
My Rating: 3.5/5
I really enjoyed the last book that I'd read in this series and was really looking forward to getting into reading them again, but unfortunately, this one just didn't do it for me. I really thought that Lemony Snicket's writing style would continue to surprise me but it kind of went back to how I felt in the beginning of the series, that I had outgrown the story. I am going to continue the series, for the simple reason that I really need to hear about Beatrice and Lemony. I am far more interested in their lives at this point than the sad lives of the Baudelaire's. I know that this is going to catch a lot of flack from people who really enjoyed this series, but I'm hoping to get through the series and then collect my thoughts on the series as a whole.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: The Carnivorous Carnival
Author: Lemony Snicket
Series/Standalone: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Book #9)
Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy
Pages: 286
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year Published: 2002
Format: Hardback Library Copy
First Line: "When my workday is over, and I have closed my notebook, hidden my pen, and sawed holes in my rented canoe so that it cannot be found, I often like to spend the evening in conversation with my few surviving friends."
"Dear Reader,
The word 'carnivorous,' which appears in the title of this book, means 'meat-eating' and once you've read such a bloodthirsty word, there is no reason to read any further. This carnivorous volume contains such a distressing story that consuming any of its contents would be far more stomach-turning than even the most imbalanced meal.
To avoid causing discomfort, it would be best if I didn't mention any of the unnerving ingredients of this story, particularly a confusing map, an ambidextrous person, an unruly crowd, a wooden plank, and Chabo the Wolf Baby.
Sadly for me, my time is filled with researching and recording the displeasing and disenchanting lives of the Baudelaire orphans. But your time might be better filled with something more palatable, such as eating your vegetables, or feeding them to someone else.
With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket."
My Rating: 5/5
As I mentioned in my review of the 8th book review, I think that this series really took a turn now and I'm enjoying it far more than I enjoyed the first books. While I liked the first books, I found them to be a little too repetitive and young for me. At this point, I'm extremely excited to continue my reading of the series. I found this book caught me off guard with a twist or turn here and there. I think that the writing style in this series is by far one of the most unique styles I've ever read and it really sets the books apart. I am looking into watching the Netflix series but hoping to finish the series first. I plan to pick up the next 4 books in May and June.. if not before then. My curiosity is killing me.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: The Hostile Hospital
Author: Lemony Snicket
Series/Standalone: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Book #8)
Genre: Fiction, Middle Grade, Fantasy
Pages: 255
Publisher: HarperCollins Publisher
Year Published: 2001
Format: Hardcover Library Copy
First Line: "There are two reasons why a writer would end a sentence with the word 'stop' written entirely in capital letters STOP."
"Dear Readers,
Before you throw this awful book to the ground and run as far away from it as possible, you should probably know why. This book is the only one which describes every last detail of the Baudelaire children's miserable stay at Heimlich Hospital, which makes it one of the most dreadful books in the world.
There are many pleasant things to read about, but this book contains none of them. Within its pages are such burdensome details as a suspicious shopkeeper, unnecessary surgery, an intercom system, anesthesia, heart-shaped balloons, and some very startling news about a fire. Clearly, you do not want to read about such things.
I have sworn to research this story, and to write it down as best as I can, so I should know that this book is something best left on the ground, where you undoubtedly found it.
With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket."
My Rating: 5/5
So I took a break from this series for a month and when I was at the library getting some books for my preschool classroom I thought what the hell, I might as well pick up this book and the next one in the series. For me, these are perfect weekend reads and on weekends when I don't have plans I can fly through them along with my other book of the week. This one I thought really blew the others out of the water. It came into its own and connections are starting to be made and as an adult, I'm far more interested. I think that the author does a magnificent job incorporating his own story and others into that of the Baudelaire orphans and I was impressed with his writing in this installment even more than the others. I can't wait to finish the rest of the series, and I'm strongly considering binge reading over the next few months. After all what's a long weekend without books!
Can't wait to see where this series is going.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: The Vile Village
Author: Lemony Snicket
Series/Standalone: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Book #7)
Genre: Fiction, Middle Grade, Fantasy
Pages: 272
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year Published: 2001
Format: Hardback Library Copy
First Line: "No matter who you are, no matter where you live, and no matter how many people are chasing you, what you don't read is often as important as what you do read."
"Dear Reader,
You have undoubtedly picked up the book by mistake, so please put it down. Nobody in their right mind would read this particular book about the lives of Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire on purpose, because each dismal moment of their stay in the village of V.F.D has been faithfully and dreadfully recorded in these pages.
I can think of no single reason why anyone would want to open a book containing such unpleasant matters as migrating crows, an angry mob, a newspaper headline, the arrest of innocent people, the Deluxe Cell, and some very strange hats.
It is my solemn and sacred occupation to research each details of the Baudelaire children's lives and write them all down, but you may prefer to do some other solemn and sacred thing, such as reading another book instead.
With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket."
My Rating: 3.5/5
I really am enjoying where this series is going. I like how the mystery is really developing and how Lemony Snicket continues a story of his own in the writing. I also enjoy trying to piece together where the story will go and why it will go where it does. I do think that Olaf is a tiresome villain. He is awful without a doubt but I don't find him as horrifying as I once did. Is that horrible? Maybe. But that's just my opinion. Let me know your thoughts down below.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: The Ersatz Elevator
Author: Lemony Snicket
Series/Stand Alone: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Book #6)
Genre: Fiction, Middle Grade
Pages: 259
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year Published: 2001
Format: Hardback Library Copy
First Line: "The book you are holding in your two hands right now- assuming that you are, in fact, holding this book, and that you have only two hands- is one of two books in the world that will show you the difference between the word 'nervous' and the world 'anxious.'"
"Dear Reader,
If you have just picked up this book, then it is not too late to put it back down. Like, the previous books in A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS, there is nothing to be found in these pages but misery, despair, and discomfort, and you still have time to choose something else to read.
Within the chapters of this story, Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire encounter a darkened staircase, a red herring, some friends in a dire situation, three mysterious initials, a liar with an evil scheme, a secret passageway, and parsley soda.
I have sworn to write down these tales of the Baudelaire orphans so the general public will know each terrible thing that has happened to them, but if you decide to read something else instead, you will save yourself from a heapful of horror and woe.
With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket."
My Rating: 3.5/5
So I'm making my way through the series slowly and surely. I'm getting there, but I've felt like slowing down the series for a while. I've just found that this one was very childish. Some of the others were getting to be a more middle grade style of writing and while there are older jokes in this one, I did find that it seemed younger than the fifth book. I think that the change of scene and the plot change is awesome, so overall I did enjoy it! I thought that it was interesting to see how the children reacted to a different scenario and seeing things that are different in their lives. I do look forward to seeing where the series goes. I do have the 7th book and am debating whether to try and cram it in this week or start something different... so I guess you'll find out based on the next review or I'll keep you guys posted when I get the chance.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: The Austere Academy
Author: Lemony Snicket
Series/Standalone: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Book #5)
Genre: Mystery, Young Adult, Fantasy, Fiction
Pages: 221
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year Published: 2000
First Line: "If you were going to give a gold medal to the least delightful person on Earth, you would have to give that medal to a person named Carmelita Spats, and if you didn't give it to her, Carmelita Spats was the sort of person who would snatch it from your hands anyway."
"Dear Reader,
If you are looking for a story about cheerful youngsters spending a jolly time at boarding school, look elsewhere. Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire are intelligent and resourceful children, and you might expect that they would do very well at school. Don't. For the Baudelaires, school turns out to be another miserable episode in their unlucky lives.
Truth be told, within the chapters that make up this dreadful story, the children will face snapping crabs, strict punishments, dripping fungus, comprehensive exams, violin recitals, S.O.R.E., and the metric system.
It is my solemn duty to stay up all night researching and writing the history of these three hapless youngsters, but you may be more comfortable getting a good night's sleep. In that case, you should probably choose some other book.
With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket."
My Rating: 4.5/5
So when I read these when I was younger, this is where I left off. I thought that this book was kind of strange the first time I read it, but as an adult, I think that it was an opening point to see where the series is going. I enjoyed the ending and the research that was put into Count Olaf's character. The way that the author thought through the story so far amazes me. The foreshadowing and planning is incredible to me. The way it's written gives the reader so much more than the story of the Baudelaire orphans and I can honestly say I've never read any series quite like this one. I can't wait to venture into unfamiliar territory with this series and see where it goes.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: The Miserable Mill
Author: Lemony Snicket
Series/Standalone: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Book #4)
Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy
Pages: 194
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year Published: 2000
First Line: "Sometime during your life- in fact, very soon- you may find yourself reading a book, and you may notice that a book's first sentence can often tell you what sort of story your book contains."
"Dear Reader,
I hope, for your sake, that you have not chosen to read this book because you are in the mood for a pleasant experience. If this is the case, I advise you to put this book down instantaneously, because of all the books describing the unhappy lives of the Baudelaire orphans, THE MISERABLE MILL might be the unhappiest yet. Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire are sent to Paltryville to work in a lumbermill, and they find disaster and misfortune lurking behind every log.
The pages of this book, I'm sorry to inform you, contain such unpleasantries as a giant pincher machine, a bad casserole, a man with a cloud of smoke where his head should be, a hypnotist, a terrible accident resulting in injury, and coupons.
I have promised to write down the entire story of these three poor children, but you haven't, so if you prefer stories that are more heartwarming, please feel free to make another selection.
With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket."
My Rating: 4/5
I didn't like this instalment as much as the other books in the series. It seemed to be too straight forward other than the other books. That being said it is a nice short read for a Sunday afternoon and fit perfectly in my schedule. I also enjoy how this series takes a turn to make it more Young Adult rather than Middle Grade with it's themes. The characters as always stay true to who they are and continue to lead unpleasant lives. I can't remember what happens in the next book so I look forward to being surprised by the rest of the series and then I hope to binge watch the tv show.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: The Wide Window
Author: Lemony Snicket
Series/ Standalone: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Book #3)
Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy
Pages: 214
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year Published: 2000
First Line:"If you didn't know much about the Baudelaire orphans, and you saw them sitting on their suitcases at Damocles Dock, you might think that they were bound for an exciting adventure."
"Dear Reader,
If you have not read anything about the Baudelaire orphans, then before you read even one more sentence, you should know that Violet, Klaus and Sunny are kindhearted and quick-witted, but their lives, I am so sorry to say, are filled with bad luck and misery. All of the stories about these children are unhappy and wretched, and the one you are holding may be the worst of them all.
If you haven't got the stomach for a story that includes a hurricane, a signalling device, hungry leeches, cold cucumber soup, a horrible villain, and a doll named Pretty Penny, then this book will probably fill you with despair.
I will continue to record these tragic tales, for that is what I do. You, however, should decide for yourself whether you can possibly endure this miserable story.
With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket"
My Rating: 5/5
This book is the third in the series and I'm really enjoying this rereading experience. I hope to pick up at least 2 books from this series a month, but that will depend on my schedule this month. I thnk this is my favourite so far in the series, and it really got me thinking. I work with children in a daycare centre and seeing how characters react to these children got me thinking. The lack of understanding and listening in this story made me wonder if that's how children often feel in other circumstances. I also found that this book really highlighted the villainy which I loved. I love a good villain, even if I only love to hate them. These books make a change in this book from middle grade to young adult. As an adult, I'm finding these books to be so much more enjoyable, as I pick up on jokes I did not when I was in my preteens.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: The Reptile Room
Author: Lemony Snicket
Series/Standalone: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Book #2)
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Middle Grade
Pages: 192
Publisher: Scholastics, Inc.
Year Published: 1999
First Line: "The stretch of road that leads out of the city, past Hazy Harbor and into the town of Tedia, is perhaps the most unpleasant in the world."
"Dear Reader,
If you have picked up this book with the hope of finding a simple and cheery tale, I'm afraid that you have picked up the wrong book altogether. The story may seem cheery at first, when the Baudelaire children spend time in the company of some interesting reptiles and a giddy uncle, but don't be fooled. If you know anything at all about the unlucky Baudelaire children, you already know that even pleasant events lead down the same road to misery.
In fact within the pages you now hold in your hands, the three siblings endure a care accident, a terrible odor, a deadly serpent, a long knife, a large brass reading lamp, and the reappearance of a person they'd hoped never to see again.
I am bound to record these tragic events, but you are free to put this book back on the shelf and seek something lighter.
With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket."
My Rating: 5/5
It's amazing how reading something as an adult is so different than when you were in middle school. I find that this book was far easier to get into and full of interesting narration that Lemony Snicket has mastered. I loved this instalment in the series, it was just enough to give younger readers hope and for me, it painted Count Olaf as an even crazier villain. I think that he is truly the perfect villain willing to stop at nothing and someone who has never been caught. I am excited to read the rest of the series to prep for the Netflix series. I think that this story reminded me why I loved these books when I was younger.
As a side note, I plan to read all the books before doing another spoiler as many of these books are smaller reads.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: The Bad Beginning
Author: Lemony Snicket
Series/Stand Alone: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Book #1)
Genre: Fiction, Middle Grade, Fantasy
Pages: 162
Publisher: HarperCollinsPublishers
Year Published: 1999
First Line: "If you are interested in stories with happy endings, you would be better off reading some other book."
"Dear Reader,
I'm sorry to say that the book you are holding in your hands is extremely unpleasant. It tells an unhappy tale about three very unlucky children. Even though they are charming and clever, the Baudelaire siblings lead lives filled with misery and woe. From the very first page of this book when the children are at the beach and receive terrible news, continuing on through the entire story, disaster lurks at their heels. One might say they are magnets for misfortune.
In this short book alone, the three youngsters encounter a greedy and repulsive villain, itchy clothing, a disastrous fire, a plot to steal their fortune, and cold porridge for breakfast.
It is my sad duty to write down these unpleasant tales, but there is nothing stopping you from putting this book down at once reading something happy, if you prefer that sort of thing.
With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket."
My Rating: 4.5/5
Let me start this off by saying this is a reread because I finally saw the Netflix trailer for the new show and had to reread the series before it comes out. I forgot how incredible Lemony Snicket's writing style is. I really enjoyed the story although it is not my favorite in the series and I found that it was too short to really earn the 5/5 although I love the series as a whole. I can't wait to continue this reread although my tbr is slowly taking over my room. I look forward to learning more about the siblings and remember where this series goes.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
So as I mentioned above, this is a reread for me and I thought that it would help with the slump I've started to slip into. I really enjoyed slipping back into Lemony Snicket's writing. I think that his writing is so interesting as he slips part of his own life into every book he writes. I can't wait for the longer books.
Characters:
Violet: I think that she is my favourite of the siblings. I thought that she was both resourceful and relatable as an older sibling. I think that the way she thinks about things is amazing.
Klaus: I forgot how much I love Klaus's reading and how he absorbs information so easily.
Sunny: Even she is so incredibly smart.
Mr. Poe: Always so dumb.. Somethings I forgot about... this was not one of those things.
Count Olaf: No one is quite as evil as this man. To threaten a girl who is 14 years old wouldn't it just be smarter to wait and be kind and then steal the money. It's only 4 years. Come one.
Justice Strauss: I think that she would have been an excellent guardian but unfortunately she is not related... damn it.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
