01.10.2005 A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning By Lemony Snicket Children's Lit (c) 1999 162 pages

I usually like to mix children's books in with my normal reading, mainly because they tend to be more creative and entertaining than "adult" books. I had heard good things about the movie (which I haven't yet seen), and my little sister had this book, so I borrowed it from her.

As far as a child's book can be, the story is supposed to be unhappy and dark. Three formerly rich children -- Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire -- lose their parents and are forced to live with an abusive uncle. It follows a basic children's/young adult's theme -- kids relating to oppression by their elders. Even if you're an adult, if your memories from childhood are clear, it's not difficult to remember feeling similarly. Or maybe that's just me.

I enjoyed this book, but that's about it. The three children were perfect, even though they had lived their lives up until then in a mansion. They, to me, didn't react realistically to their new environment. That tainted the whole book to me. But despite that, the three children are very likeable, and the plot was interesting. Considering that, and that it was a very quick and easy read, I might borrow the second book from my sister. Anyone who likes magical and intelligent children's reading will enjoy this.

3.5 STARS

FAVORITE AMAZON.COM REVIEW by Mamalinde
Not written for the overly indulged and exceedingly sheltered suburban soccer brat, this manuscript appears to be written more for the youngster with a dubious attitude toward "happily ever after." I'm still trying to decide quite WHAT I think -- I acknowledge being appalled when insidious Count Olaf slapped Klaus, bound Sunny and attempted to marry 14 year old Violet. But it might give credibility to the child who understands powerlessness? Probably the intended audience has some experience along those lines? I thoroughly enjoyed the interweaving of vocabulary and definitions, Violet's "inventing" tendencies, Klaus's fascination with books, and the rather smarmy narrator conveys MUCH with his voices. This should appeal to an adolescent who might not buy the goody-two-shoes books directed at that generation. My friend who recommended this series says that the books become more clever language wise, and that the author "starts making his views known on things he finds absurd - for instance, people who follow trends, the "in" crowd, etc." So, I think I'll stick with Lemony for a bit.

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