The Bad Beginning (A Series of Unfortunate Events #1)

Reader reviewed by Kelly

This book was an easy and quick read (for me, at least). It is very entertaining. I felt so bad for the children and I hated Count Olaf...what a mean uncle! Once I started to read the book, I couldn't put it down. Now I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

Reader reviewed by Jen

IF this is the first unfortunate events book then listen closly. These books are head acheing heat pounding amazing books. I garente if you don't read this book your never going to go threw life the same way.

Reader reviewed by K.P.P.

This book was a good introduction to the Series, drawing the readers in and explained the characters very well by the way they acted. The book was a little confusing when Count Olaf started to plot his evil plans but the idea of the book is original and most authors wouldn't have thought of it.

Reader reviewed by CRYSTAL

THE BAD BEGINING,THIS IS THE FIRST BOOK IN THE SERIES,WHERE IT ALL STARTED.
THE BAUDELAIRE CHILDREN,VIOLET,KLAUS,AND SUNNY.VIOLET,LIKED TO INVENT THINGS,KLAUS LOVED TO READ,AND SUNNY LIKED TO WELL...BITE THINGS.
IT STARTED ONE NORMAL DAY AT THE BEACH,MR.POE,THEIR PARENTS BANKER,APPROACHED THE BAUDELAIRES WITH A WORRIED LOOK ON HIS FACE.
MR.POE SAYS"IM SORRY TO INFORM YOU OF AN EXTREMELY UNFORTUNATE EVENT,YOUR PARENTS HAVE PERISHED IN A FIRE THAT HAS DESTROYED YOUR ENTIRE HOME."
SO,THE THREE BAUDELAIRES ARE SENT TO LIVE WITH THEIR CLOSEST RELATIVE,COUNT OLAF.NOW HE ISNT THE KIND OF GUY YOU'DE EVER WANT TO INVITE TO DINNER,HE IS TERRIBLE.HE CAUSES THE BAUDELAIRES GREAT MISFORTUNE AND HE IS THE REASON WHY THEIR IS NOW 11 TERRIBLE BOOKS IN THE SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS.

Reader reviewed by Kiran

I read A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket in fifth grade, when I was 10 years old. At first I wasn't really sure if I wanted to read the book, but when I did I couldn't put it down. I felt so sad for the Baudelaire children, and so badly wanted them to escape the clutches of Count Olaf. That's one of the things that me keep reading about the adventures of the Baudelaire children.
I also liked the way the book was written, in a slightly pessimistic and intriguing way that pulls you in.
And I can't forget what my parents liked about the book: the vocabulary sprinkled into the text.

Reader reviewed by none of your buisness

This book is about three orphans named Violet who is fourteen and is an inventor,Klaus second oldest and LOVES and when i say loves i mean loves to read,and the third oldest a girl named Sunny is under the age of one and likes to chew things and talk to her siblings with her weird language that is not words. Their parents (I'm sad to say) die in a fire while they are at a nearby beach(the children). Well then a local bank teller (named Mr. Poe who has uncontrolible coughing) is in charge of them (and ,until violet becomes of age,their family fortune).He places them with their cousins aunt's brother's ect. who's name is Count Olaf. He has a tatoo of an eye on his left ankle.Keep that in mind it will help in the later books (witch there is 9 of).He is trying to capture their family fortane and trying to do so by.........
Whoops i can't tell you that. It would ruin a big chunk of the book.I think this is a great book to read.My teachers even reading it!!!!!!!!

Reader reviewed by Angelica Maria Denise the Starchild

Yes, the first book of A Series of Unfortunate Events is amazing. The Baudelaire orphans have an air of mystery to them and Count Olaf too. My favorite part? When the Baudelaire orphans have to do the chores of Count Olaf. They are simply ingenius in completing them! The series is awesome as well. Lemony Snicket writes a weave of words that entangles you. It grabs hold of your heart in a scary thrilling way and doesn't let go!
And that's the truth
from Angelica Maria Denise the StarChild

Reader reviewed by Hinge_Pin

I would definatly have to disagree with anyone who didn't like to book. I think that it was a wonderful prelude to the rest of the series. Thank all things good and wonderful that i don't have to live with Count Olaf. Wonderful start. It really got down into the meat of what could happen being an orphan. Keep em coming Lemony!

Reader reviewed by Zac

Lemony Snicket garbs his readers' attention with his simplicity and humor. Though his subject is somewhat grim (almost far-fetched), it is presented is such a way that is sure to bring a smirk.

Violet, Clause, and Sunny are the victims of a horrible fire that kills their parents. In the wake of this tragedy they find themselves in the clutches of an evil man who will do anything for their enormous fortune.

Reader reviewed by Flak Monkey

Not written for the overly indulged and exceedingly sheltered suburban soccer brat, this manuscript appears to be written more for the youngster with a dubious attitude toward "happily ever after." I'm still trying to decide quite WHAT I think -- I acknowledge being appalled when insidious Count Olaf slapped Klaus, bound Sunny and attempted to marry 14 year old Violet. But it might give credibility to the child who understands powerlessness? Probably the intended audience has some experience along those lines? I thoroughly enjoyed the interweaving of vocabulary and definitions, Violet's "inventing" tendencies, Klaus's fascination with books, and the rather smarmy narrator conveys MUCH with his voices. This should appeal to an adolescent who might not buy the goody-two-shoes books directed at that generation. My friend who recommended this series says that the books become more clever language wise, and that the author "starts making his views known on things he finds absurd - for instance, people who follow trends, the "in" crowd, etc." So, I think I'll stick with Lemony for a bit.