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Book Reviews of The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1)

The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1)
The Bad Beginning Or Orphans - Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1
Author: Lemony Snicket
ISBN-13: 9780061146305
ISBN-10: 0061146307
Publication Date: 5/1/2007
Pages: 176
Edition: Reprint
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 52
4 stars, based on 52 ratings
Publisher: HarperTrophy
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

102 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

 AimeeM avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 124 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 14
Some people have said that "A Series of Unfortunate Events" is stupid and boring. These people clearly missed the point of the series.

Admittedly the story line itself doesn't sound all that great: three kids who have a very sad life, and it keeps getting worse.

But the real thrill in the book is how the author weaves this complicated, and tangled mystery throughout, leaving just enough clues to keep you interested. The minute you solve one mystery, three more open up! It is absolutely brilliant! The ones who call this series 'boring' clearly missed the complex subtleties in the story.

The main reason I love this series is the author's way with words. Part of the clues he weaves throughout the books involve word usage. He also occasionally breaks the rules of how a book is written. (For example, in one chapter you have to hold the book up to a mirror to see what it says!) There is a surprise that is wholly unique in each and every book.

And though it may seem strange, I found the series encouraging. The reality is, all of our lives are a bit unfortunate (some more than others) and the books' real moral is how people can overcome all obstacles, even the permanent ones, by maintaining their own self-worth.

This is a very sophisticated satirical series.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
As an adult, I didn't find this book or this series nearly as interesting as some of the others in this genre. That aside, I have little doubt that this is perhaps the best of the genre for children. The writing and characters are interesting, and the author takes an ingenious approach toward finding the illusive balance between accessible and challenging vocabulary. Also, each book is only an hour or two long when read at an adult pace, which I consider to be a good length for younger readers. Recommended for getting any child interested in reading novel-length texts.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 273 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
For the longest time, I hesitated to try this. It looked so dire and black, I just didn't think it was something we should spend time/money/energy on.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the stories are life-affirming. And intelligent. They revolve around themes of good vs. evil, and even show how apathy can allow evil to take the upper hand. And the bonus of it was that my reluctant reader FINALLY got hooked on reading!!

The author has an incredible sense of humor that even I found entertaining. I highly recommend this series.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 3
this is one of my favorite books ever.
lemony snicket is very humorous, and gives you the meaning of very many big words without making you feel stupid or like you're being given a lesson.
snicket knows how to draw out a story without making you upset, but just stretching the suspense. i absolutely love the unfortunate events series.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 209 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
my 9 year old read this book in 2 days and loved it he is totally anticipating getting the next book in the series!
readabk avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 62 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
A very unpleasant book. Nothing happy ever happens, and just when you think something good might--you'll be disappointed. Get this first book in the series and you'll be hooked!
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 118 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I really enjoyed this. It was a nice, light read that took about an hour and it was very entertaining. Definitely something that can be enjoyed by adults, even if only as "brain sorbet."
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 255 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I devoured books 1 & 2 in one weekend and can't wait to get the rest of the series. The Jim Carrey movie was based on the first three books. Read more at http://www.lemonysnicket.com
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
A fun book for families to read together or for an adult to enjoy alone. A quick read and imaginative and exciting with none of the usual children's book saccharine.
slothmold avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 38 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
What a fun book! And as I say this, I realize I should find some more sombre phrasing. The tale of the Baudelaire orphans treats kids seriously: it gives them Big Words, pokes fun at adult behaviours, and acknowledges quite truthfully that bad things can happen, no matter how good of an inventor, scholar, or biter you may be.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 216 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The book that started it all! My grade school/middle school kids loved it, and so did us adults (we read this one aloud).

I will be listing the whole series.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 19 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Awesome wonderful series. I found it a bit dark, so it may be more appropriate for older children (middle school age) and young adults. Harry Potter fans (such as myself) may enjoy this series also.
ScoobyFan avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The first in the story of the orphan children who continue to have fall into bad circumstances. It is a good easy read which both children and adults can enjoy. It ropes you in and I look forward to the next chapter in the series.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
if you're in the 4th-6th grade or know someone who is then this book is a definite....it has great vocab and definitions throughout the book to help you understand Adults and feelings. It also has cool pictures and its real easy to read.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 66 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was a very interesting book and not what I expected. Not your run of the mill 'good feeling' book.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A very pleasant unpleasant tale and the first in the Lemony Snicket series. I bought this book when the movie came out as I nanny and I was interested in the stories for the kids. They absolutely love them. I've heard a few people mention the book might be too scary, but I've not run into the issue.

I've found that this story is interesting to children, and is a refreshing break from the scarily saccharine world that is pushed on them by other books and videos. Must read!
JamieB avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 26 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Very cute book. I read it in just about an hour or so. Can't wait to read the others.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Very nice book, semi-dark but funny at the same time. My son enjoyed it.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 173 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Fun read about the misfortunes that befall the Beaudelaire children. For adult readers - this is only an hour or two of reading. This book (and the series) would be great for young readers that read beyond their age group and like mastering new vocabulary!
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 1
Lemony Snicket has the art of making any horrible situation into a light, fun read, for all ages.
blklacquer avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 19 more book reviews
I've been curious about these books for the longest and decided I would read to see what it was about, I have to admit I enjoyed it. I think it's cool that there is an explanation/meaning for some the words etc. So as to teach young readers while they are reading. does get kind of annoying though for us grown folk who pretty much know what these words and phrases mean..but not enough for me not to continue on to book 2!
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 15 more book reviews
Great series for kids.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
Unfortunately there is damage to the front cover. The book has never been read, so the inside is in perfect condition.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 54 more book reviews
Not bad. Not bad.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
I really don't like dark humor or at least this type of it...
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 54 more book reviews
wonderful!
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
A wonderful book for children.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 210 more book reviews
Lemony snicket is a fabulous author.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
If you have watched the movie the book is way better the movie clumps the first four books into the movie.
havan avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 138 more book reviews
I'm not sure why this schadenfreude for the pre-clearasil set has become so popular but then I never understood the overwhelming popularity of the Harry Potter books. (I was whelmed but not overly so)

This book has it's moments but is dark without the underlying sense that "all will come right in the end" that one gets from other children's books of this type. I particularly liked Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book but in many ways this story is darker, bleaker and less hopeful than that.

I've often thought that younger children can be quite savage in some ways and this book has an appeal to a savage mind. No orphans were harmed in the telling of this tale so I'm guessing that it is acceptable reading for such children but I feel that in some ways it's a surrender to our baser urges and should be discouraged.

I'm a completist and I may read more of this series to fill out my knowledge but I'm NOT sold that this book deserves the popularity that it has gained.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Love The Bad Beginning. This book is so much fun. If you have a child who does not like to read, sit down and read this book with them. Not only will they be hooked, you will be too! I use this book in my class, the kids love it and then want to go on and read the other 12 books in the series. I even have other teachers hooked on the books. This is a must read, grades 5th and up are sure to enjoy it.
Soccy avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on
Great book great series. I enjoyed it as much as my kids.
awesomelymle avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on
I read these books when I was younger and decided to give them a try when they were recommended to me. I understood so much more now that i'm older. And I cried just a little at the poor misfortune these orphans have come upon. It is a wonderful series but So sad.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
i gave it to my niece for christmas she enjoyed the book
Angeleyes avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 217 more book reviews
This book along with the rest of the series is a very good light read for an adult or attention grabber for any 3-5th grader. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire series.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
This book is well-written and amusing. Lemony Snicket does a fine job with his story-telling.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
This is a great book for children to read.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
This book is really a blast to read and all the characters are funny and intriguing. I would suggest this book to any budding reader or even the avid reader.
jazobel avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on
I had heard a lot of great things about these books, so I was looking forward to reading them. I did think the author' definitions of words was cute but it became a bit cumbersome by the end. I also felt the book lacked real depth. I understand that we need books that are light and "fun to read" but I also think books can be an awesome tool to teach our children. The Bad Beginning had a lot of "bad things" happen but there was no clear "good and evil". I would rather put a book in my chid's hands that is going to make him desire to better himself or the world and also to make him think!
fancier avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 17 more book reviews
The Bad Beginning is the first installment in the 13 book series from Lemony Snicket. The reason it's a favorite is because it's taken on many different turns, but not so much to become confusing. It's definitely one I will be keeping on my bookshelf no matter how much dust it collects!
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 32 more book reviews
A quick, one day read for me, I just wanted to see what these books were all about, seeing as their popularity is growing, and I remember being intrigued when I first saw this in a bookstore awhile back. It certainly is a different sort of story, mildly reminiscent of Roald Dahl and his darker stories. Given that the author says flat out in the beginning of the book that this is not a happy story, I'm not sure I expected the ending that it had, but I guess it had to be like that. I found the author's interjections into the story amusing, such as when he encourages people to stop reading if they're sensitive to unpleasantness, or how he explains what words mean in the correct context. All in all, I think it would be a good book for younger children - it would help them improve their vocabulary without having to consult a dictionary or a parent, and it is an entertaining story with charming, youthful protagonists. As an adult, I don't feel particularly compelled to keep reading the series, but that's alright too - I'm not exactly the target audience here. I am mildly curious to see the movie though.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
My son loved this book, and I really enjoyed reading it to him. Not much element of surprise with these books, but they are fun.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 32 more book reviews
A very original story line for a children's book. I love the characters, and look foward to reading more from this series.
althea avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 774 more book reviews
Really not that "unpleasant" at all. Rather, pretty much firmly in the genre of childrens' stories about disenfranchised orphans having to fight for their rights.

Nothing much terribly disturbing - a very light-hearted tone.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
Amusing beginning to this series. A good setup but doesn't dive into the characters much. Assume that occurs as the story continues.
buzzby avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 6062 more book reviews
One of my most lethargic (and smartest) 4th grade students really enjoyed this book (he actually smiled) because "nothing good ever happens in the story." He made it to book 3 before he gave up.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Thought it was depressing - not in a fun way but in a bit of a sick way.
MOI avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 37 more book reviews
Delicious! I love the writing style and the way the "author" explains the terms he's using without talking down to the reader.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
I definitely adored this book, though the movie adaptation gives much more information concerning the gist of the series right up front, as well as rearranges scenes entirely. The Bad Beginning does well in hooking you onto the series, though. I remember craving the next one, as Snicket's style of writing is so dark and intriguing in a light, humorful way.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on
A fun tale, but a little darker than I expected.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
This book is the first in a series of twelve. It is a very exciting and intriguing story and a must have on every bookshelf. It is also one of three books that the Series of Unfortunate Events movie is based and gives much more detail to the story than the movie gives it credit for. Once you start this book you will not want to stop until you're finished.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
great book! i loved it good fast read and keeps youo wanting to read the rest of the series. love them!!!!!
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 22 more book reviews
Excellent!
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
I love this series.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 15 more book reviews
This is a very inventive children's book. Three siblings lose their parents and home in a fire and have to move in with an abusive man who wants to claim their inheritance. It tells of the adventures they have and the story is continued in a series.
FeliciaJ avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 136 more book reviews
If you do not like reading books in which terrible things happen to intelligent children, you should not order this book. But you might just like it if you enjoy black humor, clever wordplay and resourceful characters.
areadingwoman avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 30 more book reviews
I read this as an adult who loved Harry (and teen fiction in general). I was surprised at how popular they are among adults but how low-level they are written. I think they'd be good for kids, but we teen-fiction-loving adults are out of luck.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on
It was good when I was in 5th grade...that's all I'll say
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
one of the best book series ever!
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on
Great book filled with a lot of sorrow. enjoy!
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 29 more book reviews
This was a very good book. I really enjoy the Baudelaire family and cannot wait to read Book 2.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 25 more book reviews
First in the series.......
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
I hadn't heard of this until the movie came out, and with all of the hype, I thought that this would be just another crappy book. I was pleasantly surprized that I enjoyed this book (as an adult). It's sad, and silly, and sarcastic. Excellent.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Loved the book, but I won't read it again.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
This book is in excellent condition. Kids loved it, but had two of them.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 59 more book reviews
This book is fun. It has interesting characters and helps build vocabulary in a unusual way. There is a mystery that builds throughout the series.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
the first book of the popular childrens book series, this is a chapter book.
bugaboo622 avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on
This book was an awesome book! You should read this book!
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
My granddaughter and grandson love these books. They do not put them down until they finish them.
buffy1996 avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Surprising yet funny
katethegreat avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 69 more book reviews
A good story. I look forward to the next one.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 116 more book reviews
I loved all of the books in this series. Much much better than the movies.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
good reading
GeniusJen avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 5322 more book reviews
Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com


After already having seen the movie, I decided to invest in reading the books. Bk #1, THE BAD BEGINNING, only took me an hour to finish, and it was an enjoyable--if dark--read.

The Baudelaire children--Violet, Klaus, and Sunny--are left orphaned after a mysterious fire destroys their home and kills their parents. Taken into custody by Mr. Poe, the executor of their parent's estate, they learn that their parent's will states that they must be cared for by a relative. The closest relative, unbeknownest to the children, is Count Olaf, an actor and leader of a theatre troupe who lives in a dilapitated house on the other side of town.

Things, of course, only go from bad to worse after the children move into Count Olaf's home, which is strangely covered inside and out with drawings and representations of a strange-looking eye. Count Olaf even has a tattoo of the same image on his ankle. As the Count hatches a scheme to gain control of the Baudelaire fortune, which the children are not privy to until Violet comes of age, the children are alternately scared of their new "parent" and determined to find a way out of their dreadful situation.

I enjoyed this walk on the dark side, and plan on reading Book #2 in the series later today. That said, however, I think it depends on your child and his or her maturity as to whether this would be a good read for them or not. Although the reading material is suitable for around 8 years old and up, the book IS dark-natured, and might scare some children. If they've already seen the movie, they might be prepared for its darkness--if the movie depiction scared them, then hold off on the book for awhile.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
I have a wonderful, quirky 11 year old girl and she loved this book. Of course, she also thinks any movies with Lemony Snickett are great too!
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
The beginning of a great adventure series that spans 13 excellent books.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 23 more book reviews
The best book of the series, hilarious and geniously written
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
I WAS NOT HAPPY WITH THE AUTHOR DON'T CARE TO MUCH FOR HIS BOOKS
swarmina avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
My kids can read pretty much whatever they want. Given the option, neither ages 16 or 8 like these books and want to read more than one. Why? They say they are needlessly violent and depressing. There is a lot of killing - parents, aunts... While they may be well written or clever, I will take my children's cue and move these books out of our library.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
Active.. Kept me wanting to read more..
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 23 more book reviews
great book a must read for the whole family, hysterical, read it before or after you have seen the movie
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
The series ROCKS.
MY whole family loves these books.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
this is a great series!
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 282 more book reviews
Dark, but a good series for early tweens.
violetfly avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on
Some kids books are entertaining for adults as well. This is not one of them. It's just too juvenile and predictable. Dull to read. This is the one book I'd recommend watching the movie instead and be done with the whole series unless you're 6 years old.
Bibliocrates avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 252 more book reviews
I really liked this book, loved Sunny!
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 35 more book reviews
The first in the series. Great fun for kids.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 66 more book reviews
I just didn't get it. What a sad novel!
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
Was looking forward to it after the movie. Can't really put my finger on it, but I didn't enjoy it quite as much as I thought I would. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I hadn't seen the movie first.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
Too adult for kids and too childish for adults. Pretty boring. It's a bad day when you think the Jim Carrey movie is better.
magicfan45 avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 33 more book reviews
Fun to read, can be enjoyed by children and adults.
groundhogmom avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 18 more book reviews
Can't believe people like this series. It is so poorly written, depressing and child-unfriendly it rates right up there with the "Goosebump" series. Total waste of a good tree!
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 18 more book reviews
The first book of its series. A great read and in my opinion much better than the movie! It is a brand new book!
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
First book of the series.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 77 more book reviews
I will send another of the Snicket books with this one for 1 credit (2 for 1).
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 459 more book reviews
Book 1 of the series.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
First in the series.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 15 more book reviews
This is a nice little hardcover version and is in excellent condition.
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 160 more book reviews
Dear Reader,

I'm sorry to say that the book you are holding in your hands is extremely unpleasant. It tells an unhappy tale about three very unlucky children. Even though they are charming and clever, the Baudelaire siblings lead lives filled with misery and woe. From the very first page of this book when the children are at the beach and receive terrible news, continuing on through the entire story, disaster lurks at their heels. One might say they are magnets for misfortune.

In this short book alone, the three youngsters encounter a greedy and repulsive villain, itchy clothing, a disastrous fire, a plot to steal their fortune, and cold porridge for breakfast.

It is my sad duty to write down these unpleasant tales, but there is nothing stopping you from putting this book down at once and reading something happy, if you prefer taht sort of thing.

With all due respect,

Lemony Snicket
oneangel avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 43 more book reviews
I did not read this book, so I can't rate it. This book is a beautifully done book, though. It is new and a hard back. It is the first in the series.

Summary:
"Make no mistake. The Bad Beginning begins badly for the three Baudelaire children, and then gets worse. Their misfortunes begin one gray day on Briny Beach when Mr. Poe tells them that their parents perished in a fire that destroyed their whole house. "It is useless for me to describe to you how terrible Violet, Klaus, and even Sunny felt in the time that followed," laments the personable (occasionally pedantic) narrator, who tells the story as if his readers are gathered around an armchair on pillows. But of course what follows is dreadful. The children thought it was bad when the well-meaning Poes bought them grotesque-colored clothing that itched. But when they are ushered to the dilapidated doorstep of the miserable, thin, unshaven, shiny-eyed, money-grubbing Count Olaf, they know that they--and their family fortune--are in real trouble. Still, they could never have anticipated how much trouble. While it's true that the events that unfold in Lemony Snicket's novels are bleak, and things never turn out as you'd hope, these delightful, funny, linguistically playful books are reminiscent of Roald Dahl (remember James and the Giant Peach and his horrid spinster aunts), Charles Dickens (the orphaned Pip in Great Expectations without the mysterious benefactor), and Edward Gorey (The Gashlycrumb Tinies). There is no question that young readers will want to read the continuing unlucky adventures of the Baudelaire children in The Reptile Room and The Wide Window. (Ages 9 and older) --Karin Snelson"
joann avatar reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 412 more book reviews
Dear Reader, I'm sorry to say that the book you are holding in your hands is extremely unpleasant. It tells an unhappy tale about three very unlucky children. Even though they are charming and clever, the Baudelaire siblings lead lives filled with misery and woe. From the very first page of this book when the children are at the beach and receive terrible news, continuing on through the entire story, disaster lurks at their heels. One might say they are magnets for misfortune.
In this short book alone, the three youngsters encounter a greedy and repulsive villain, itchy clothing, a disastrous fire, a plot to steal their fortune, and cold porridge for breakfast.
It is my sad duty to write down these unpleasant tales, but there is nothing stopping you from putting this book down at once and reading something happy, if you prefer that sort of thing.
With all due respect, Lemony Snicket
reviewed The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
this book is brand new never been read

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