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

After a long day I wanted to read but I wanted something light, and entertaining. I opted for a kid’s book, The Bad Beginning, thinking that if I enjoyed it I would have several more books in this series to read after days like today. I don’t know how I felt about the book. I didn’t hate it. I didn’t like it.

I didn’t have a difficult time with it because of the awful events happening to children or because Count Olaf was a horrid man. I think it was mostly because I knew that even as a child I would have been insulted by the defining every “difficult” word. I mean I was reading books like The Giver and Princess Diaries as a kindergartener because I found reading fun. I can see the appeal for certain types of kids but as a kid I wouldn’t have liked it. The story behind that is one that I think could have been great but was effectively ruined by the annoying and constant definitions.

And yet, despite giving such a low rating and finding the style of writing quite irritating, I still do want to read the second book in the series. I guess that speaks on how much I could have loved the story without its glaring flaw.

Reader reviewed by Kaylee

I only really liked this book because it was the first in the series. I tried to read the whole series after but sadly, I couldnt finish it because it was all way to alike. Its like Lemony Snickett couldn't think of anymore ideas, so all the books sound like one another. The first book was the only book that I found interesting, and yet it was only 3 star worthy.  An interesting idea for a book, yes, but each story would be better if it had a different plot then the last.

Reader reviewed by readerCT404

The very sad beginning with the confirmity of a very sad ending. These books may be intrigiung but they are hopeless in the way you know that the whole story will be forever hopeless for the Bauldilare children. It is hopeless that bafoon Olaf will ever get them and their fortune. And it is hopeless that the children will ever find happiness. And it is hopeless that the Boulilare children will ever be at peace. So in conclusion,as you may tell, they book is utterly hopeless.

Reader reviewed by FlooCrookshanks

Definitely my least favourite of the series, but it's worth reading just so you can move on and get to the good stuff. It doesn't take long to read either (if you're an older reader, at least) so I suggest you plow through it and move on.

Is there really any point in summarising the plot? I'm sure it's been done dozens of times in other reviews here.

Three siblings' parents die in a fire and they are passed on to the care of a creepy bloke called Count Olaf who just wants their money.

Brilliant, strong, eccentric characters make the series worth the read. I know some people are often put off by the "simple" writing-style (with it being written for children and all), but if you look past that it really is very funny. (Intentionally so.)

Reader reviewed by safia

This book is kinda boring and drawn out. It is about the Baudelaire children who became orphans after their parents died in a house fire. They are sent to live with a relative, Count Olaf. He turns out to be a horrible person and just wants the huge Baudelaire fortune that was given to the kids when the parents died.

It is a horrible depressing read. Just read the warning at the back of the book.

***However, this series does start getting intersting around book 5. So I declare it worth reading!!***

Reader reviewed by Dominique

The Baudelaire children, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny are sent to live with their new guardian, Count Olaf, after their parents die in a fire. But all Count Olaf wants is the Baudelaire wealth. Will Violet, Klaus, and Sunny thwart the Count's plans and save their family fortune?

Although this book was quite a good book, I thought the ending was kind of lame. How the orphans go about solving their troubles was quite interesting, but in the end it seemed too easy for the "bad guys" to get away.

Reader reviewed by Fiona Flamingo

The first of a series of wonderfully melancholy tales about a three kids who have lost everything. Their parents, their home. Yet Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire face the tryanny of their evil Uncle, Coutn Olaf togther as a united front.
The Series of Unfortunate events is orignal, captivating tale chronicling the lives of the Baudelaire and the mystery that surrounds their parents death.
This is an amazing book, enjoyed by children and adults alike!

Reader reviewed by Carmen



I say that this is a book for everyone! It isn't just for children just because Daniel- I mean...Lemony Snicket wrote it for children.
START FROM THE BEGINNING!!!!!!!!!! Read 1-11 and write a review here! I have read all the books (so far) and they are great!

Reader reviewed by Calamander

This book is about siblings Sunny, Claus, and Violet Baudelair living with Count Olaf. Count Olaf is trying to steal the fortune the Baudilaries parents left behind. To do this he tries to marry Violet so he can enherit the money.... and you'll just have to read the book to find out what happens! I like this book because it is full of great mystery!

Reader reviewed by lookwaticando08

This book is so cool. It makes me laugh a lot. I really enjoyed it and I finished it really fast. For all ages. My brother and me read it at the same time, and he is 11. He loved it too.