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A review by jsncnrd
The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
The book that started it all. Back in 4th grade, I picked this book up and the rest is history (to me).
This was one of the first series that I truly loved. I would devour these, and eventually I was caught up to the point that I had to wait for the remaining entries to be released.
Some of the deadpan, gallows, and dark humor went over my head when I was younger, but I've chosen to re-read the series and it is astounding how well-written and unique these books are (especially compared to middle grade / YA series that were around back then).
It is clever, it is hysterical (in its own trademark incredibly dark way), and it is absolutely absurd. And it maintains that tone and style for the remainder of the series. It nails the gothic vibes that it goes for and knows exactly what its own identity is.
Is this the best book ever written? No. But it is a 5-star read to me because it ignited my love for this series, is a modern classic (and now older generations return to it for the nostalgia of it all), and was truly a game changer in fiction at the time of its release. 5-star books don't always need to be earth-shattering. They can be impactful even in the succinctness and simplicity. That's exactly what The Bad Beginning is.
I cannot wait to continue re-reading these!
This was one of the first series that I truly loved. I would devour these, and eventually I was caught up to the point that I had to wait for the remaining entries to be released.
Some of the deadpan, gallows, and dark humor went over my head when I was younger, but I've chosen to re-read the series and it is astounding how well-written and unique these books are (especially compared to middle grade / YA series that were around back then).
It is clever, it is hysterical (in its own trademark incredibly dark way), and it is absolutely absurd. And it maintains that tone and style for the remainder of the series. It nails the gothic vibes that it goes for and knows exactly what its own identity is.
Is this the best book ever written? No. But it is a 5-star read to me because it ignited my love for this series, is a modern classic (and now older generations return to it for the nostalgia of it all), and was truly a game changer in fiction at the time of its release. 5-star books don't always need to be earth-shattering. They can be impactful even in the succinctness and simplicity. That's exactly what The Bad Beginning is.
I cannot wait to continue re-reading these!