I wasn’t going to read Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs, but a lady I know insisted that I would like it and it turns out she was right, against all odds, I liked it, didn’t love it mind you, but did find it enjoyable.
Sixteen year-old Jacob travels to Wales to find out the truth behind his grandfather’s stories of amazing children and the orphanage where he found shelter during WW 2.
Reasons I shouldn’t have liked it.
First, I don’t read much YA, even those that adults will love too. It’s not necessarily a conscious choice, just the way my reading tastes have been trending lately. Second, I’m not a big fan of time travel, which it turns out is an integral part of the book, even if it’s a loop, a little outside of the usual time travel scenario. Third, I don’t do monsters, and they’re real in this one. Fourth, the ending wasn’t really an ending. The whole book was more like a set up for the next one, which always annoys me. I’ll read your series, but give me an actual ending, not a “to be continued.” And I almost forgot, parts of it take place during WW 2, and I tend to stay clear of war books.
So, why did I like it?
I don’t really know, something about the story grabbed me. I can’t really put my finger on why, if it was the story-telling or the characters, but it even showed up in my dreams, which is unusual. And the vintage photos are fascinating. Overall, I think it was just an unusual book, with enough eeriness to keep it moving until the real plot kicked in.
Purchase Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children from Amazon or an Indie bookstore.
3½ out of 5 stars
Category: Young Adult – Fantasy
Miss Peregrine’s #1 (No sequel yet, but I’m sure there will be)
Published June 7, 2011 by Quirk Books
352 pages
Book source: Purchased
I was really looking forward to this book, but now I’m not so sure. I had no idea there was going to be a sequel. I don’t mind a series, but I like somewhat of a conclusion to the book I’m reading at the moment. I’m still intrigued by the creepy photos, though.
That’s how I feel too. I actually like series, but I do want each to have some kind of resolution on their own.
I think I’d enjoy this one for it’s uniqueness.
I do want to read this one. Thanks for reaffirming my desire.
It must have been something about it if it even showed up in your dreams. I am impressed
Yeah, that doesn’t happen often.
I like everything you said about it except the part where there’s no real ending. I just hate that. You never know if and when the sequel will arrive and I don’t like to wait and wait and wait while I forget the details of the story. But, I’ll probably read it anyway. I go for most time travel books.
And then sometimes by the time the sequel’s out, I just don’t care anymore.
I’ve seen this novel around before and for some reason it always appealed to me (perhaps b/c of the cover photo). Anyway, I think I may want to check this one out. Thanks for the very thorough review!
The cover is amazing, isn’t it?
I really enjoyed this book. It wasn’t my favourite book ever, but I still enjoyed reading it and look forward to the sequel.
I’ve been wanting to read this one, it sounds really good. Glad you enjoyed it. I think vintage photos are fascinating also. How funny that you dreamt of the book.