From the Bookshelf of EVERYONE Has Read This but Me - The Catch-Up Book Club…

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children, #1)

Ransom Riggs

Start date: October 1, 2022

Finish date: October 31, 2022

Discussion: MODERN / POPULAR READS

Why we're reading this: October 2022 - Modern Selection
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What Members Thought

Jan 01, 2012 Dana Wallace - Not Enough Books, Not Enough Time rated it really liked it

Originally posted on NOT ENOUGH BOOKS, NOT ENOUGH TIME

First of all, I had no idea what to expect going into this book. It’s like one part fantasy, another part adventure, then throw in my mother’s eccentric scrap booking and you have Miss Peregrine’s. When I first picked it up I wasn’t thrilled that it was a male narrator, it’s not a personal preference of mine but I never say never. The story doesn’t exactly start off with a bang and when I first looked at the novel and then started reading, I Originally posted on NOT ENOUGH BOOKS, NOT ENOUGH TIME

First of all, I had no idea what to expect going into this book. It’s like one part fantasy, another part adventure, then throw in my mother’s eccentric scrap booking and you have Miss Peregrine’s. When I first picked it up I wasn’t thrilled that it was a male narrator, it’s not a personal preference of mine but I never say never. The story doesn’t exactly start off with a bang and when I first looked at the novel and then started reading, I checked to make sure I was reading the same book. Florida. Sunshine. How the hell is this the set of a horror novel?! But once again, like some books do, once I started I just couldn’t stop. I was enthralled.

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children centers on Jacob, a young boy who shares a heart-warming bond with his grandfather, a man who filled his head from a young age with endless mysterious yet wondrous tales of people with amazing power and monsters. Growing up though, his faith in his grandfather’s stories grew into doubt. But, as an unfortunate tragedy befalls Jacob, he begins to think he’s lost his mind-and is told as much. He is left with only a riddle, a puzzle, that he must solve to understand the murder of his grandfather. He begins to believe wholeheartedly that the only way to solve his problems would be to go back to where it all started- to where his grandfather started. He finds himself in a bleak island and stumbles into the broken old house where his grandfather used to live, the place that he will find the truth about himself and everything else.

From the very start, I was at ease with the way the book was written and was in love with how the author conveyed words. I never knew that such simple sentences could be so haunting and beautiful. The way Jacob’s character was portrayed was really good. Even though I usually have a hard time relating to a boy’s point of view, I found Jacob interesting. I really liked him because he wasn’t your typical sixteen-year-old dude. He has a unique personality. Although at times, I did forget he was sixteen. Sometimes he seemed too mature. I don’t think this hurt his character, there are lots of mature teens out there, and it’s fresh to see them in YA. I grew to understand his relationship with his grandfather. I grew to understand his curiosity and restlessness, and overtime, his peculiarity.

Although I enjoyed reading Jacob, my favorite character would be Emma. I know I can’t resist a feisty heroine, but her ability fits her personality and I adored that. It was a little creepy with the whole Emma and his grandfather and now Emma and his relationship, but I could understand it as well.

Another character that I enjoyed was Millard! How awesome is it that he’s invisible? And aside that, I found him totally hilarious!! I really did love all the peculiar children. Each were just so unique and yet relatable.

Miss Peregrine’s is a really amazing book.The setting, the characters, the plot, the photos were weaved together beautifully to create a wonderful, one-of-a-kind story that surely leaves a great impression upon the reader. I wouldn’t consider the ending as a cliff-hanger but it was open ended. It does have a sense of moving forward, making you anticipate the next book. ...more

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Jan 19, 2015 Michelle rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2015-books-read

A peculiar story indeed. I'm not sure if the creepy pictures were added to the story or if the story was written to match the creepy pictures. Either way an interesting book. It held my interest but; at the same time, it just didn't seem to quite follow through at points. I'm not sure it lived up to its potential. I may read the sequel but no rush. ...more

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Apr 23, 2024 Krystal rated it it was ok

Shelves: 2024-reads

The beginning was decent, but it quickly went off the deep end and just ended up lacking excitement despite its potential to be a good story all the way through. I’ve read stories similar to this that were much more interesting.

Reading through others’ reviews, I see now I’ve missed out on the vintage photos by listening to the audiobook, which apparently are what inspired the entire story.

I’m not sure if I would feel differently if I had actually read the physical book… but at least for the audi ...more

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Dec 25, 2015 Brandy B rated it liked it

Shelves: wwii, magic, young-adult, series, popsugar2016

I started this book a few different times and only just forced myself to finish on the 3rd read. The first bit of the book captivates me every time but by the time Jacob fully explores the island it is a real slog for me. I'm a little interested in where it ends and am curious but reluctant to start the next book. ...more

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