The Reptile Room

Title: A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Reptile Room - Book the Second

Author: Lemony Snicket

Pages: 3 discs

Genre: Children's Fiction

Grade: B+

Synopsis: Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire have been sent to live with a far-removed uncle, Dr. Montgomery Montgomery, who is a world-renowned herpetologist. The kids immediately grow fond of "Monty" as they prepare for an expedition to Peru to trap snakes. Monty's original assistant disappears and he is forced to hire a new one, Stefano. The orphans immediately realize that Stefano is actually Count Olaf in a crude disguise (who they lived with and were tormented by in the first book). He is still out to get their fortune.

My Review: I liked this book quite a bit more than the first. In fact, there were a few times that I was listening to the book that I laughed out loud. As a sidenote, I highly recommend listening to the book. The reader, Tim Curry, is fantastic and really makes the story come alive. As usual, the book is a bit depressing but, very clever all the same.

The Bad Beginning

Title: A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning - Book the First

Author: Lemony Snicket

Pages: 3 discs

Genre: Children's Fiction

Grade: B

Synopsis: The Baudelaire children, Violet, Klaus and Sunny, are orphaned after their parents die in a house fire (that also destroys all of their belongings). They first must go to live with Mr. Poe and his family as he sorts out their situation as the executor of their will. He then sends the children to live with their long lost relative Count Olaf, who the children have never met. The children uncover a plot of Count Olaf's to obtain the Baudelaire fortune - which has been set aside in a trust until Violet turns 18. The children must figure out a way to stop him.

My Review: Oddly enough, I read and reviewed this book not too long ago and didn't really like it. I think that I liked the book a little more this time, but only after I realized that there would be very few good things that happened in the book - which makes it a bit depressing. Regardless, it is a clever little story and was an enjoyable listen.

The Bad Beginning

Title: A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book the First, The Bad Beginning

Author: Lemony Snicket

Pages: 162

Genre: Children's Fiction

Letter Grade: B

Synopsis: This is the sad story of the Baudelaire youngsters, Violet, Klaus and Sunny. Their parents die while they are at the beach and they are forced to live with a very distant relative, Count Olaf. He is not very nice and conjurs up a scheme to get his hands on the children's large inheritance.

Why I Chose This Book: I've heard these books were good, but I'm not entirely sure.

My Review: I had to keep reminding myself that this was a children's book. It was just okay for me. I am still undecided as to whether or not I will read the rest of the books (13 in total I believe). They may be fun to read with Ada when she is old enough to enjoy them.