Rating: 
Summary: Caught in the middle
Review: I've read through many of the over 150 reviews of this book, and I think that the negative reviews all ring true. However, so do the positives. I've found that the positive aspects of this book: the absurd humor and dreary style, are refreshing in a very Disney-fied world of cheery children's books. And, the complaints about the book: condescending tone, clunky writing, hit-you-over-the-head plotlines, are also correct assessments of the book. I've read interviews with the pseudonymonous (sic) author Snicket, and the guy is funny. Plain and simple. But, with these books he's fence straddling - on the one hand, he wishes to attract children who have been wooed to the Harry Potter world of fantastical kids' books. On the other hand, he seems to want to garner adult satisfaction as well. This leaves the poor fellow stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard place. He jumps back and forth between his two audiences: an ironic touch here, a patronizing definition there. But which one do you *really* want to please? Pick it, Snicket! These books, or perhaps a new series after this one, could go in the direction of Douglas Adams, an adult (sort-of) series with the freedom to write in his Pythonesque tone without fear of losing the tots. My only other gripe about this book, and others in the series is their wavering timeframe. Sure, sure, it's timeless, etc., but I was led to believe that the setting was a sort of Victorian English flavor, full of dropsy and cholera and frilly corsets. But characters use walkie-talkies, drive cars, have fridges and even mention computers! The Queen would not be amused. All in all, buy this book. Even though it's terrible. Buy it, not for its value as a story, but to get an idea of Lemony Snicket and his hilarious-but-ill-used writing style. I have a feeling we'll be hearing from this fellow.
Rating: 
Summary: The First of a Saga of Hilarious Events
Review: Though the mood of the books is dark and dreary, Snicket's witty, clever style brings light upon the subject. While the sett and cast of characters seem unreal at times, it just adds to the laugh-out-loud air of the book and it successors in the series. In this tale, orphans Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire are sent to live with their cruel uncle who is after their fortune and attempts to get it by marring the preteen Violet. Snicket will keep you laughing until you get your hands on the next book in the series...an excellent book!
Rating:
Summary: Hold your judgment until you've read more of the books.
Review: After reading many reader reviews on this site I am shocked at the problems some people have with the start to this great series. Some complain about a lack of character development, but they fail to realize that this is one book in a series of 13. One can't be expected to learn everything about the characters in one small part of the overall series. Also, people are complaining about all of the definitions Snicket uses. He seems to be making a point of what the orphans are going through. He's treating you, the reader, like adults treat the children, that is, he's underestimating you're intelligence. I think this gives great insight into the frustrating world that the orphans inhabit. The website and overall design of the books are also great. I also don't understand the comparison between these books and the Harry Potter series, other than the fact that they are very maturely written and have enough twists to keep you reading until you're finished. The Series of Unfortuante Events doesn't have to be seen as filler between the Harry books. They should be read and appreciated for what they are, and how they stand on their own.
Rating: 
Summary: Funny Start to a Funny Series
Review: Lemony Snicket, whoever he is, has written some darn funny stuff here in this series. Before I praise, though, I'm going to complain. The plot is reasonably predictable, and the characters are one-dimensional. These books, unlike the Harry Potter series, only need to be read once through and you've got it. They are written to be strictly episodic, with no carry-over from one book to the next of anything but the basic plot device and the 6 main characters (Violet, Klaus, Sunny, Mr. Poe, Olaf, and Olaf's minions). A re-read of the first after finishing the first four, as I did last night, revealed no new information. At the same time, the books are tremendously funny for a once-through read, and I will probably pick them up again every year or two and give them a look. I also look forward to sharing them with nieces and nephews, as amusing read-aloud chapter books. Sunny adds a highly comic note with her interpreted shreikings, and the narrator (presumably Snicket himself) provides frequent lessons in idiom and general vocabulary. If I were between 8 and 10 or 11, I could picture reading these stories again and again. In spite of the series' relative weaknesses, I continue to buy new books. It's become an addiction - the cost is well worth it for a few hours amusement.
Rating: 
Summary: Reversal of Fortune?
Review: Am I trying too hard, or is there some connection between Klaus and Sunny and the Von Bulows? Now, if I could just figure out how Violet fits in...
Rating:
Summary: The Best Is Beaten!! 13 Times!
Review: Before you read it you won't believe it but Harry Potter Doesn't compare to the thrilling adventures in this book that lead up to the END.(Which leaves you on your toes!!)
Rating:
Summary: Fun, but Sad
Review: this book was relly well writen and soo funny, although when you think about it you shouldent be laughing. i recommend theas books for children and adults alike!!!!! The only reason I gave the book 4 *stars was becaus I've read the whole series so far and after a while the storie is a little predictibul.
Rating: 
Summary: The Bad Beginning (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book 1)
Review: Where's the beef? This book is all style and no substance. The plot is predictable, the characterizations skimpy. The writing style whets the appetite, but upon digestion, the book leaves the reader hungry for a better read. My 10 year old bookworm turned down an offer of more books in the series after reading this one. Upon reading the book myself, I agree it's not worth the time. How disappointing.
Rating:
Summary: Comedy and Horror
Review: Just like Lemony Snicket says, "If you don't like books with unhappy endings, you might as well put this book down." I gave this book three stars because it was a little too unhappy. I enjoyed it because it had a mix of a little comedy and horror. I liked Sunny because of all the strange things she said. I think the hooked handed man was mostly mean to just Sunny and Violet. Lemony Snicket is a harsh writer, but I enjoy his ability. I please ask you to read this book because it is very interesting.
Rating:
Summary: The Bad Beginning? How about, The Great Beginning?
Review: The Bad Beginning was a wonderful opening to a wonderful new series. The characters are well thought out and entertaining. Anyone who calls Lemony Snicket a J.K. wanna-be is gonna have to go through me, first! I'm both a die hard Lemony Snicket and J.K. Rowling fan, and I very little that reflects on the other. Klaus is not a wanna-be Harry Potter, he's more interested in reading his books then getting killed by Voldemort, and discovered girls quite a bit before Harry. (Isadora Quagmire has his fancy...) This book is an entertaining, lively book.
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