Today I am going to give you my thoughts on a recent book I read. Please don't mistake this for a review. My ramblings just aren't as streamlined as a real review would be. However, I still like to share...:)
Book: Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children, by Ransom Riggs
Pages: 352
Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy
Available Formats: Hardcover / Ebook
Publication Date: June 7th, 2011
How Did I Get This Book: Purchased
Description: As a kid, Jacob formed a special bond with his grandfather over his bizarre tales and photos of levitating girls and invisible boys. Now at 16, he is reeling from the old man's unexpected death. Then Jacob is given a mysterious letter that propels him on a journey to the remote Welsh island where his grandfather grew up. There, he finds the children from the photographs--alive and well--despite the islanders’ assertion that all were killed decades ago. As Jacob begins to unravel more about his grandfather’s childhood, he suspects he is being trailed by a monster only he can see. A haunting and out-of-the-ordinary read, debut author Ransom Rigg’s first-person narration is convincing and absorbing, and every detail he draws our eye to is deftly woven into an unforgettable whole. Interspersed with photos throughout,
At a glance: Right away readers are intrigued by the cover of this book. It practically sells itself with the imagery it draws from the use of eerie, old photographs.
Opening Scene: Jacob’s grandfather calls him at work in a frenzied panic, and states that "they" are coming for him. He asks Jacob for the key to his gun room. The grandfather is perhaps delusional (we don't known at this point). Overall, it's an intriguing start! The story enthralled me from the first page.
MC: Jacob is curious, unabashed and brave. I liked his draw to his grandfather’s past. I enjoyed his relentlessness to see his journey through to the end. He also possesses a believable sense of humor one would expect of a teenage boy.
My Thoughts: It was extremely easy for me to relate to Mr. Rigg’s first novel. My grandfather also loved to spin fantastical stories to keep me entertained as a child. I think we all have one of those charismatic family members, who can almost make you believe the stories they weave. With that said, I enjoyed how the author created an entire world from this type of premise.
At first readers will believe the story to be akin to horror/ mystery. However, the story takes a surprising turn which reveals Miss Peregrine’s to be more of a fantasy. For the most part, the story is fast-paced (except for a few parts in the middle). Also, the imagery is drawn out nicely, especially the descriptions of the island and the peculiars abilities.
Downfalls: I only have a few downfalls to point out (which are easily redeemed by the rest of the story). The middle lagged a little. But it picked up again as soon as Jacob learns who his enemies are. Also, I thought there could have been more in the way of character development. I would have liked to have known more about Emma. She was very one dimensional to me.
Aside from those minor issues, I was very entertained by Mr. Rigg's first novel. His narrative flows very smoothly and the descriptions allowed me to envision his settings perfectly. The photographs only enhanced the novel and did not detract from it in any way.
Favorite Quote: “...so one day my mother sat me down and explained that I couldn't become an explorer because everything in the world had already been discovered. I'd been born in the wrong century, and I felt cheated.”
P.S. I wanted to do a rating scale with this fairy. I think she's cute :~)
4/5
I cannot wait to read this book. I have been so intrigues by the cover and from what I have heard it is an interesting and uniqu book. Your review makes me want to read it even more!
ReplyDelete~Jess
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