Rating: 
Summary: Quick, fun read
Review: In a recent assignment, my son reviewed "The Bad Beginning":The story of the Baudelaire orphans is a tragic one, telling the miserable tale of Violet, Klaus, and Sunny (the orphans), who lose their parents in a fire that destroys their home and all of their possessions and are then sent to live with the ominous Count Olaf. The Count plots to take control of the entire Baudelaire fortune, while treating the children very poorly, making them do all sorts of chores and providing them horrible living conditions. The book had its ups and downs. For example, I thought the narrator's definitions and repeated warnings that the book was "very sad" were annoying, not funny (as I think the author intended). I didn't find "The Bad Beginning" that sad, probably because I'm a boy. Sure, it must have been pretty sad for the kids to learn that their parents had been charcoaled like hotdogs. But, to me, the book was intended to be read the same way you watch old silent movies (I saw some for the first time this summer ... neat stuff!): knowing it's funny because it's an exaggeration. I'm not putting the book down; don't get me wrong. I plan to read the rest of the series. One of its "ups," by the way, was that the orphans' ideas were really cool.... When I shared my opinion of the book with my mom, who is also reading the series, we discussed how the book is actually plot-driven, not character-driven ... meaning, the focus is on what happens to the Baudelaire orphans, not who the Baudelaire orphans are. When you're done reading, you don't "know" Violet, Klaus, and Sunny the way you know Harry, Ron, and Hermione (from the Harry Potter series, of course), for example. Anyway, if you're looking for a quick, fun read, try this.
Rating: 
Summary: The Bad Begging
Review: Yes, if you wish to escape the sweetness and light of the Harry Potter generation this very well may be your portal. Written in the best English childhood storytelling style, this is all quite witty and wicked at the same time.
Disturbingly wicked at times. Threatened infanticide, child abuse, and attempted statutory rape are not exactly topics you want to expose younger children or the over-impressionable to. But face it. Violet, Klaus, and Sunny would hever reach their potential without good 'ol Count Olaf to spur them along. He's the villain that too many stories need (including the aforementioned HP) but never get.
At this writing I have not read past the first volume, and I am wondering how thin the subject matter will get by the tenth. My unfortunate event is now I will have to find out!
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