“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” by Ransom Riggs is a fictional book set in two timelines. The book is peppered with vintage photographs which help it achieve a chilling effect.
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“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” by Ransom Riggs (Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube) is a whimsical tale with a unique premise. The story is combined with old photographs which are used throughout the story.
This book reminded me a bit of the X-Men comic books, unusual, imaginative, and thrilling which combines adventure and fantasy. The children in the book are peculiar because each of them has a special power. The protagonist, Jacob, grows up listening to his grandfather’s story about the orphanage to which he once belonged. Thinking his grandfather made up stories about super-powered children and evil monsters Jacob discovers that maybe he should have listened better.
The mystery in the book is used as a setup to introduce the characters, but I loved Jacob’s search which, for me, was the main part of the story. The “bad guys” in the book are not as developed and are a bit fuzzy which is in direct contrast to some of the other characters who are well-drawn.
The book targets the young adults (YA) market, which it is perfect for. I think many young adults will find this book thrilling, I know I did and that I certainly enjoyed these types of books as a teen.
It seemed obvious to me that this book is the first of the Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series. I’m certainly looking forward to the second book in the series. I’m especially interested in the adventures of Abe Portman, Jacob’s grandfather in World War II.
So tell me, have you ever read a book which was obviously meant to be first of a series? What did you think?
Sixteen-year-old Jacob Portman wants the lead a life of adventures, just the kind his beloved grandfather described to him over and over again. As he grows older Jacob realizes he just wants to be normal.
Jacob finds his grandfather dying and is a witness to his cryptic last words and his murderer which is so strange he is soon convinced that it was simply a figment of his imagination. On advice from his psychiatrist, Jacob and his father travel to Wales on a genealogy project to discover the long-lost orphanage of which Abe Portman was once part.
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More Books by Random Riggs*
Zohar – Man of la Book
Disclaimer: I got this book for free
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BOOK BLOGGERS – Have you read “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children”? If so link up your review below:
BOOK BLOGGERS – Have you read “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children”? If so link up your review below:
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I loved this book, also thought it was clever, etc, but also a bit contrived. It is a bit comic booky, but I have always loved comics so that part was fun. I don't think it should be a series. I think it would be hard to do a 2nd or 3rd book of the same quality, character and maintain the essence of this book. Great review!
I actually saw this book as I was skimming titles in the library the other day, but I didn't end up taking it home. Your review makes me think I had better go back and get it! Iam a big X-men fan, and so I think this book might be right up my alley! Thanks!
I really enjoyed this book (haven't gotten around to posting my review yet though). I've read books that are clearly meant to be the first of a series, and my first reaction is usually a bit of irritation (I wanted a novel, not a commitment), but if I liked the book, I want more. Jasper Fforde's Shades of Grey comes to mind as one series I'm waiting for the next installment of; Miss Peregrine is another.
Great review, thanks!
I've wanted to read this since I read the first review. I think I need to get on it.
I've been seeing this book around quite a bit - the concept fascinates me and as a big X-Men fan, I liked that you compared this book to the X-Men.
I think you'd enjoy this book (keep in mind the intended audience)
I really enjoyed reading this book. I agree with your thoughts on the book and thought it was unusual and a fantasy! I, too am looking forward to the next book!
http://falling4books.blogspot.com/2011/08/review-miss-peregrines-home-for.html
this sounds like such a fun read - definitely intrigued by the old photos.