I Am Number Four

by Pittacus Lore | 448 pgs, published 2010

I started reading this while Jarom was in surgery, having his gallbladder removed. I had to stay calm somehow. It was actually an interesting book, but when I mentioned to Jarom later that I was reading it, he said he’d heard that the movie was terrible. Then I was conflicted – did I feel like the book was bad because the movie was, or did I think the movie adaptation was poorly done, or did I really enjoy the book after all? This is why I avoid reading book reviews, and why it’s ironic that I write them, even if informally. I’m just too easily swayed by outside opinion.

In the end, though, I think I did like the book. The premise is that a distant planet was about to be destroyed, or its people were, or something like that . . . I’ve read a lot of books since August, okay? Anyway, as a protection, the planet sent nine children and nine protectors to Earth, to be trained and eventually return to restart the planet or save it or whatever. The destroyers followed them to Earth, but can only kill the kids in order of their numbers – hence the main character being Number Four. The first three have been killed, which means he could be next. And he hasn’t really learned how to use any of his cool alien powers yet. Yeah, it’s a problem.

There was probably a less-interesting love story in there too, and I’m just guessing, but Number Four, who was supposed to keep all of this alien stuff a secret, ended up telling the girl. And of course she believed him. Because it’s Love. Sigh.

If I ever get around to it, I’d like to read the other books, but if you’re pressed for time – as everyone is – I think there are better books you should read first.

Buy I Am Number Four on Amazon

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children

by Ransom Riggs | 352 pgs, published 2011

While I was reading this book, I thought it felt a little disjointed. Then I found out, after I was done, that the author had collected bizarre old photographs and written the story around them. Well, mystery solved.

The book does have some interesting ideas, such as (and here I assume you won’t mind a spoiler because I haven’t exactly recommended the book) being able to keep people in an eternal loop of one day. Like Groundhog Day, but in a good way, because it keeps the group safe. Life goes on as normal for everyone outside the loop. Also, there was a twist I didn’t see coming, which says a small something in the book’s favor. A more astute reader would probably pick up on the hints ahead of time.

Altogether, though, I don’t care what happens to the kids in the book, and the love story part is CREEPY WEIRD, and the photos are truly bizarre. I’m going to say skip it. I’m here to save you from wasting time on mediocre books!

Buy Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children on Amazon

Taggerung

by Brian Jacques | 448 pgs, published 2001

I don’t know that there’s much to say about any of the Redwall books. They’re about animals, there are bad guys that try to attack the good guys living at Redwall Abbey, and there are lots of descriptions of food that sound like they’d be divine, if somewhat less than filling. True to form, Taggerung is exactly what I expected when I picked it up. It was a decent read, but unmemorable.

Buy Taggerung on Amazon