"A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage.
A strange collection of very curious photographs.
It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive." (inside jacket cover)
This book is one of the few I've read that I feel successfully combines multiple genres (horror, mystery/suspense, romance, and science fiction), but goes even farther by incorporating creepy vintage/old-timey photographs that also serve as nice breaks in the story. It was one of those books that I stayed up WAY past my "bedtime" to finish because I couldn't wait to see where it was going or how it would end. Despite the fact that I went to visit family over the weekend I started reading this (you know, where one is supposed to socialize?), I still finished this book in 2-3 days.
I have seen reviews popping up on GoodReads that appear to be from adults that negatively critique Jacob's character and the so-distant-it's-practically-nonexistent relationship he has with his parents, and I hate to break it to them, but today's teenagers WILL be able to relate - most teens in the current generation (at least the ones that I know) are spoiled brats who spend so much time in front of a computer/cell phone/etc. that they barely have a relationship with their parents. If you're still one of the few disillusioned people who think that that teenagers count their blessings and know how good they have it (or perhaps one who is blessed with a teenager who is the exception to the rule), this book *may* not be for you.
On the other hand, if you're an X-Men fan, you'll probably like this book. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children really is an old-fashioned version of Xavier's School for Gifted Children, except Miss Peregrine doesn't teach her children to battle the bad guys (which is apparently a mistake).
According to multiple sources, 20th Century Fox has acquired the rights and is trying to nail down Tim Burton as the director of the movie adaptation. If you wish to see a book trailer/movie teaser (I can't really tell which it is), click here to be redirected to the YouTube video.
Amazon recommends this book for ages 13 and up, which I feel is a fair rating because of the disturbing images and the fact that there is a smattering of bad language throughout the book.
My Rating:
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