Wow, where did the month go? It’s already the end of October and another book checked off our readalong list! Did you join Jenn (Lost in a Great Book) & I on our October readalong of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children this month? As this is a readalong discussion, there will be talk about the contents of the book so SPOILER WARNING.
We both absolutely loved the photos. To me, that’s what made the book all that more amazing – that it was written around these pictures, and have it fit so well. I brought up how I thought it would be a story like Big Fish… where a young man thinks all the crazy stories he’s heard from his elder are all embellished beyond recognition. We really didn’t think it would take such a paranormal and sci-fi spin the way that it did.
Loved the idea of the time travel “loop” that the children are stuck in, having to relive that one day over and over again. It’s always tricky to get it right when authors start playing with time because everyone’s got their own “rules” for time travel. This was a really interesting take that although the day keeps happening over and over again, and everyone in the town relives that same day, Miss Peregrine and the children live it differently each passing day.
However, the whole idea of the other “monsters” that are out there stalking them throughout the last part of the book seemed so far removed from the first half of the book. While I didn’t see it coming with Jacob’s doc, Jenn had inklings that something wasn’t quite right. I try not to over-think things when I’m reading, and often end up figuring it out beforehand anyway (ie. with Gone Girl) but this reveal definitely surprised me. I don’t think either of us knew what to expect with this read overall initially and the whole climax of the book with the rescue mission and outcome of Miss Peregrine surely surprised us. Jenn thought it was a nice touch with the submarine at the end but we both agreed the developing potential relationship between Jacob and Emma is a bit.. bizarre considering she was in love with Jacob’s grandfather back in 1940.
Thanks to Dee @ Editorial Eyes, who shared this link of more unexplainable black & white photos – there’s clearly not a shortage on strange pictures. Perhaps some of these might make it into Ransom Riggs’ sequel to this book! Be sure to swing by Jenn’s page for her wrap-up of our readalong!
Will you join us for our November readalong of Variant?
Check out the other books we have decided on in the coming months and sign up for reminders!
I skimmed over that because I haven’t finished the book yet. I have a little over an hour left of the audiobook to go. I did read your review though and I am glad that you liked it!!
Amy @ Book Loving Mom recently posted..Waiting on Wednesday 10-31-12
Oh good, I’m not the only one that thought that the relationship was waaaay too awkward. I was just cringing every time she brought up memories with his grandfather. I’m kind of excited to see what kind of photos he’ll come up with for the second book!
Ann (@TeaAndText) recently posted..Review: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (Miss Peregrine, #1) by Ransom Riggs
Loved this book! I can’t wait to read the sequel. LOVE the use of pictures
Ang @ The Next Chapter recently posted..Showcase Thursday 19
I completely agree with the awkward relationship bit! How weird is it if someone was in love with your grandpa.. *shivers*. For me the second half of the book felt very much out of sync with the first half, which is why I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I like my books to be more of a unity.
The creepy photos were great though! I loved those (:
Celine recently posted..To Read in November