Review of "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children"

“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children”

by Ransom Riggs

My Rating:

Pub. Date: June 7the 2011

Publisher: Quirk Publishing

Source: Gift

Edition: Hardcover

Synopsis:  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.

“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” is a book that I will keep for the rest of my life.  I love everything about this book- the story, to the characters, and the marvelously selected photos.  I will admit that I did not find this to be a quick read, but I enjoyed every moment I spent on this book.  I did not mind taking my time because I wanted to absorb every detail.

“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” is hard to describe.  It is paranormal, but it felt base in reality more than most paranormal books.  Jacob’s difficulties with him grandfather and the journey for the truth about his past were both thing many people struggle with.  They may not get the opportunity to go to English to discover more about a family member as fascinating as Jacob’s grandfather, but wouldn’t you given the chance?  I know I would have rushed a plane given the opportunity.   It had some terrifying moments with monsters that would have haunted my nightmares if I weren’t such a fan of horror movies.  “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” is just such a breath of fresh air; I can’t say that I’ve read anything like it.  If you want to get a taste for the book, you could always just skim the pages and check out some of the pictures.  I’m not sure if that would spoil the plot, but at least it will give you a sense of what you are in for.  If the pictures don’t lure you into reading the book then you just completely lack curiosity.

I’m not really sure what else there is to say without giving away the plot.  “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” is something best read without much knowledge, but with an open mind.  The book is peculiar, but I found it absolutely charming.  This isn’t a book for everyone, but I hope everyone at least gives it a shot.  I know this is a super short review; I just don’t want to spoil the delightfulness of this gem by ruining the plot.