The Bad Beginning
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it wasn't what i wanted
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I think it helped develop my reading skills. I'm only a teenager now but read them as a child which really encouraged me to read more diverse and somewhat eccentric writing styles. I don't think I'd read them again although I don't think my current skills would be nearly as evolved without the input of Lemony Snicket.
Finish first, then complain.I for one liked the crack style of writing; we don't have a lot of those anymore. I think the plot plays out well, even though a lot of questions always pop up and sometimes you never get to know the answer. But I prefer it that way; it forces me to think and use my brain and gives me a lot of mental challenge. It also helps in honing close reading skills.
Deanne wrote: "Finish first, then complain.I for one liked the crack style of writing; we don't have a lot of those anymore. I think the plot plays out well, even though a lot of questions always pop up and som..."
Your words are very wise and I completely agree! It keeps you on your toes and enables you to truly immerse yourself into the writing as well as the story.
Have you read the Inkheart trilogy by Cornelia Funke? I thought it was very good. And yes, you're right, she doesn't really leave unanswered questions which is good because that is something that I mentioned before frustrated me a little about the unfortunate event series.
Nathan wrote: "Have you read the Inkheart trilogy by Cornelia Funke? I thought it was very good. And yes, you're right, she doesn't really leave unanswered questions which is good because that is something that I..."I didn't really like the Inkheart trilogy. The first one was very good (amazing and magical and so rememberable), but I just think the second and third books weren't. The second one was OK, but the characters just become so different, and it just gets kind of boring.
One rule in literature reading: the writer is always right.The unanswered questions in a story only seemed like they're unanswered. The answers are probably in the books somewhere, but you have to think and consider the clues to find them.
What, you only like it when the author tells you everything? Where's the enjoyment in that?
One rule in literature reading: the writer is always right.The unanswered questions in a story only seemed like they're unanswered. The answers are probably in the books somewhere, but you have to think and consider the clues to find them.
What, you only like it when the author tells you everything? Where's the enjoyment in that?
Have you read books by Haruki Murakami? He also leaves the readers with a lot of questions, but I'd never say that his books were not good.
I did really like the series, it was just a little disappointing when some of the questions that were built up for much of the series were never answered. I've read the series more than once and even during the reread those questions were never answered. Mainly: (view spoiler) Perhaps those unanswered questions were what made the series good after all. I'm not saying I didn't like the series. In fact I thought it was really good. So I do agree with you that the writer is always right. I guess those questions were never meant to have answers.
I read the books when I was about 20 and enjoyed them a lot! They weren't the best ever, but very entertaining, and would probably read them to my children! About the ending and unanswered questions, I actually enjoy them. They make you wonder, and question things. And they sometimes make a really good conversations with others who has read the books. It suited the whole mystery atmosphere that the whole series had. But I can understand that it might feel like you where let down as you do hope and wait that all the questions are answered in the end.
Adia wrote: "all professional writers say that you should NOT leave your readers hanging. if you ask a question, your readers WILL expect an answer. if the writer doesn't provide one, we can make up our own, ..."I think it depends on what you're looking for. This may have not been the specific thing you were looking for (all the questions answered), however it doesn't mean that there was something wrong with the book, or a dreadful oversight. Sometimes authors just want to leave some of the answers up to you. And the point about the triplets wasn't for them to become main characters (I think). The point was for the siblings to realize that there are other people in the world suffering other than them that are good and undeserving of that treatment. I think that the triplets were more to grow the Baudelaire's character. Instead of what you wanted out of the wonderful characters, a story that was to be completed.
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Now with your other complaint about the usual story of Olaf with his disguises and the Baudelaires being the only ones who see it, the 7th book is about the last time that that formula is used. In the next books the Baudelaires take matters into their own hands much more than before. Remember that in the 7th book "Count Olaf" dies (but it was really Jacques) and the Baudelaires were framed for the murder. Everyone now believes this and this is what really changes the way the next stories play out.
For the complaint about the Quagmires I have to say that in the very end something happens to them, but that there is no satisfying conclusion, so technically you were right that in the end it doesn't say what happens to them. I have to say though that in the 10th book there is some more Quagmire Baudelaire interaction, and that's all I'll say about that.
This is all assuming that you plan to finish the series, but I have a warning. This series does not have a happy ending, as much as you wish it would it doesn't. It's not necessarily a sad ending either, but more of a semi-sweet cliff-hanger. You will be left with more questions than answers, some of those questions wanting to be answered throughout most of the series but nope. There are just some things that we will never get to know, and as much as that frustrates me (why could we never find out what was in the object searched for for at least 3 books!!!) this series is still a favorite of mine. I read them in Jr. High and plan on re-reading them in the future.