The day before yesterday I was browsing Amazon for new books to read. Now, keep in mind that I’m not typically a very picky reader – I’d read anything as long as it’s coherently written, which is why unless I’m specifically recommended something I typically read what’s available on Freebooksy (which is an AWESOME service that gives you free Kindle books every single day). Sometimes I’ll find something pretty great (such as Anna Scanlon’s “The Remnants”, which, while not perfect, I still found miles above other Young Adult novels), sometimes I’ll find something hilariously bad (like Mary Twomey’s “Undraland”, which is pretty much “Twilight” with garden gnomes, and I love it), and sometimes I’ll find something so dull that I’ll just have to stop reading partway through. Well, I was in the middle of a streak of these dull books, so I realized I needed to fork over some cash and buy myself something nice. One of the first suggestions I got on Amazon was for a book titled “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children”, which immediately went me go “Oh, you mean like that Tim Burton movie coming out in September?” Highly intrigued, I clicked “Buy” and purchased the first book. Today, two days later, I’m halfway through the second, and I’m not planning on stopping until I finish the entire trilogy.

“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” is one of the most fun, well-paced, tightly written novels I’ve read in recent years! The narrative flows seamlessly, to the point where I had trouble believing that the book was actually almost 400 pages long (I could’ve sworn it was only about 200 when I finished). I won’t tell you too much about the plot, as the author goes to great lengths to establish his setting, so even giving you a synopsis of what goes on will be spoiling things. Instead, let me just say that the premise of the book is the author basically asking himself “What would happen if I took a whole bunch of old, black and white photographs that seem strange and peculiar to us and then try to explain them?” And those photos are all included within the book, making them one of its best parts. Whenever the characters are discussing looking at some pictures, you can view the actual pictures with them, all of which (minus a couple of letters and illustrations) have been discovered by the author and are authentic, mostly depicting children who seemingly display extraordinary abilities. And, fair warning, a lot of those pictures are creepy as hell, to the point where numerous people have messaged the author complaining about nightmares and weird dreams related to them, so view at your own risk! Within the narrative of the book, though, they work brilliantly, and who knows, maybe if you were creeped out by the pictures your fear will subside once you get to know the children through the story. One thing’s for sure, though – “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” is definitely worth a read either way!