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

Reader reviewed by Tasmin

This is the first book in the series by Lemony Snicket. In it, Sunny, Klaus and Violet first learn that their parents have been tragically killed in a fire that also destroyed their home and so the children are homeless and orphaned. As they are only children, they are to be placed with a guardian, the evil Count Olaf, who's almost as bad as his acting. Count Olaf wants their sizable fortune, and plans to marry Violet in a play with a real judge playng the part of the judge and making it legal.

The children manage to foil his sceme and are taken away from Count Olaf, but Olaf says that he'll be back.

This is one of my favourite books of all-time. I've it many, many times and I'll definitely read it again. It's very unique and was pretty much the first of it's kind to write in this style for younger readers. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a good read because anyone could read it. They're appropriate for younger readers and for older readers, even adults. I really love this book.

Reader reviewed by Dominique

Once you begin reading A Series of Unfortunate Events, you can't let go. The unfortunate events are somehow entertaining. There's humor too. The books are suitable for anyone of any age.

Very creative, you'll wonder how Lemony Snicket came up with it all. I think that's part of the magic of the book.

Reader reviewed by Brie

This is a GREAT book! I loved it a lot.It's about 3 kids, Violet,Claude, and Sunny, whose parents die in a fire. They are then told they are going to live with a man they have never met named Count Olaf. They arrive at his house sad and scared. The man is strange and horribly mean. He treats the kids awfully. They soon notice an eye on his ankle. After numerous bad experiences, the kids are sent to different homes, but "different" strange people keep showing up and making matters worse. And, what did "all these people" have in common? An eye on their ankle. This is a GREAT book, I recommend it to everyone.

Reader reviewed by Mary

Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire are in for a nasty surprise when their house is burned down with their parents inside. This unfortunate event is followed by many others as they are forced to live with Count Olaf, a vulgar bad with queer habits.


The series are queer yet strangely likeable and leave an impression on the reader. It is definitely a new take on children literature. There are grisly murders, odd characters and much more that make for an awesome book.

Reader reviewed by vicky

The first book in the series, is possibly the most enjoyable. The tale of three children, orphaned and sent to live with a horrid Uncle - obsessed with having their fortune as his own.

It doesn't sound as though it should be any good, it sounds like a thousand other books - but there's something about the way Lemony Snicket (Real name Mr. Daniel Handler) presents it that makes it enjoyable.

He makes sure that it will appeal to both children and adults - he explains away the bigger words in a way that is a) informative to the young children and humerous for older readers.

In Count Olaf, we have a pantomime vilain, evil in that over the top way that's purely and simply fun - in fact the whole book feels like a "modern fairytale"

The first book is the best of the series, before the readers suspension of disbelief is pushed too far, but they are still interesting reads - so definately follow up on this series.

If you're just that bit to old for these books, but not ready to delve into full fledged horror, The Saga Of Darren Shan is possibly the next step for you.

Reader reviewed by Lauren

This book is about Sunny, Klaus, and Violet who are orphans. (Their parents died in a horrible fire.) They get to go leve with Count Olaf - a miserble man- they try not to be fazed with his apperance and attitude. they soon learn he just wanted them to do his chores and try to get thier fortante my marrying Violet. This book was amazing leaving you craving to find out more about thier story.

Reader reviewed by Claire

"The Bad Begining" is as told the one of the most frightful and unhappy books ever written. You follow the Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire through the begining of many unfortunite events. From their parents dieing in a dreadful fire, to being sent with a relative who only wants their fortune. A man that will do anything to get it from hanging sunny in a cage to marrying Violet. Even though the story is sad it is filled with humor. From the villens silliness and mistakes to Sunny's own language. Lemony Snicket captures the reader in the many twists and turns of the story. Snicket writes in a style all of his own with puns, and literal responses on every page. This in one of the most extrodinary books written.

Reader reviewed by LaLa

I'll be honest, this is my favorite of all the Lemony Snicket books. I love the start of a series, when it's fresh and new. Not that the rest of the books in the series are bad (I've loved them all). It's just there's something refreshing in meeting the orphans for the first time. You have a clear mental image without wondering about the VFD and looking for hidden clues or keeping track of all the villians and good guys. I have to say that the begining of the series, while not filled with hope, is fresh and different.

Reader reviewed by wwegurl

This is the very beginning book of the series of unfortunate event s series. I really liked it, it mad eme want to read the rest of the series. It starts out with you meeting violet, klaus , and sunny. You find ot that their parents have died and they have to go live with their evil relative, count olaf. They have to work for him while hes trying to steal their fortune. He even tries to marry violet! This is a very good book and i recommend that you read it!!

Reader reviewed by Carter

At my middle school we love all of his books and this one triggered all the follow ups. If you want fun, misery, drama, comedy, and random quotes mixed into one book, here it is. But beware, as soon as you finish one you have to read the rest! Kind of like Lay's potatoe chips. I dare you to try just one. Read one now and be satisfied.