The Miserable Mill

by Lemony Snicket

I know that trains killing people in cars, herpetologists being murdered, and old widows mysteriously dying are not really topics for children’s books, but the Series of Unfortunate Events present such things in a way that kids might conceivably ok reading about (especially after Harry Potter). That’s why I was a little surprised that in Book the Fourth, The Miserable Mill, someone is actually sliced up by the lumbermill saw. Not just surprised — totally grossed out. Honestly, who puts that in a kid’s book?

I might even go so far as to say that this is my least favorite of the books I’ve read so far. The gruesome death wasn’t all that did it; the plot seemed too contrived this time. It didn’t feel like it flowed “naturally” (insofar as these unfortunate events are natural) as did the others, although there were, as always, hilarious remarks from the narrator.

Since at this point — having read Book the Fifth — I don’t recall anything in Book the Fourth that is crucial to the plot, I might say skip it. But then again, it’s a quick read, it probably won’t ruin your life, and I think you could really go either way.

Sorry, Lemony Snicket.

Good things to come

Just thought I’d give you a preview of what I’ll be reading in the next few weeks…

Beckett, Samuel. Waiting for Godot. This famous work of the theater of the absurd involves two men who are waiting by a tree for Godot, who never arrives. Like Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead, the conversation is more important than the setting; here the entire “tragicomedy” takes place in one location.

Feist, Raymond E. Betrayal at Krondor. I’ve read the Riftwar Saga, and I’ve watched the Romgi play the game that inspired this book, so now it’s time to continue forward with characters both new and familiar.

Haig, Matt. The Dead Fathers Club. Eleven-year-old Philip Noble has a big problem. It all begins when his dad appears as a ghost at his own funeral and introduces Philip to the Dead Fathers Club. Philip learns the truth about ghosts: the only people who end up as ghosts have been murdered. So begins Philip’s quest to avenge his dad.

Snicket, Lemony. The Miserable Mill. Accidents, evil plots, and general misfortune abound when, in their continuing search for a home, the Beaudelaire orphans are sent to live and work in a sinister lumber mill.

Winterson, Jeanette. Tanglewreck. Eleven-year-old Silver sets out to find the Timekeeper–a clock that controls time–and to protect it from falling into the hands of two people who want to use the device for their own nefarious ends.