A Series of Unfortunate Events

A Review by Jamie

Have had a bad day? A bad week? Ever had a bad life living with a star struck greedy count who only wants your fortune and doesn't give two hoots about you but he is your closest living relative thus he is now your legal guardian? Lucky for you, probably not. But most unlucky for the Baudelaire orphans, who-after their parents die in a tragic fire, must deal with Count Olaf, and you will find, as the author Lemony Snicket reminds us, "there is no happy ending, there is no happy beginning and very few happy things happen in the middle". Regardless of this, these books are excellent! They are as dark as The Order of the Phoenix, but as funny as any prank of Fred and George. These books have been around a while, but they are more popular then ever, with the movie coming out soon! I myself was very late to read these, but now I can't believe I didn't read them sooner! Each page is spun with adventure, horror, and comedy, a marvelous combination not seen in many other books. You will fall in love with Violet's amazing inventing skills, Klaus's bravery and intelligence, Sunny's VERY firm grip and way with words, and-of course-Count Olaf's terrible but clever plans to achieve the fortune that the Baudelaire orphans have inherited. Five stars for this book, and my compliments to the author, Lemony Snicket himself!

For your reference, the order of the books is this:
1. The Bad Beginning
2. The Reptile Room
3. The Wide Window
4. The Miserable Mill
5. The Austere Academy
6. The Ersatz Elevator
7. The Vile Village
8. The Hostile Hospital
9. The Carnivores Carnival
10. The Slippery Slope
11. The Grim Grotto
12. Book 12 Not Yet Released

Note: The reading level for these books is probably at a 5th or 6th grade reading level, however, all ages will find these books entertaining, and I know of many adults who are reading them. Like the Harry Potter books, A Series of Unfortunate Events is not just for kids... but for anyone interested in a great read.

Author: Lemony Snicket
Average Number of Pages: 250-300
Rating: 5/5
Age Recommendation: Read Note Above.
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