Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. And a strange collection of very curious photographs. It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children who once lived here—one of whom was his own grandfather—were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a desolate island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

I eagerly awaited Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children since I first saw the buzz about it, the cover is just fascinating. Then I read the synopsis and was drawn in. Once it was released, I kept trying to avoid reviews so nothing would get spoiled for me. I finally caved and bought it. When it came my mom and I flipped through it and squealed over the pictures. From looks alone this book is one of those few you know is going to be a winner. The text didn’t disappoint, at all.

The first part of the book was emotionally tolling. Jacob didn’t believe the stories his grandfather were telling him, even with picture proof. Jacob’s grandfather, Abe, had been through so much. The story in the first part is very tension-filled and upset me quite a bit, actually. I was unaware the story relied so heavily on World War 2 history. When circumstances led Jacob to the Welsh island, I was very eager to see what would happen next and was a bit happy that the tension, while still there was a bit less. Once Jacob encounters the children, things got much more interesting. Each character had such personality. I especially liked Wyn and her attitude.

Miss Peregrine’s while mysterious, I must mention it’s not scary. So many people I’ve seen have complained, because it’s not scary. The only thing that a was frightening to me were some of the marvelous pictures! I’ve been googling and researching mysterious old vintage pictures such as these since finishing the book. The story is fresh and unique, but I especially love how he incorporated these stunning photographs. The writing style is haunting and beautiful. I’m very surprised this is Ransom Riggs’ first novel, but cannot wait to read more from him.

If you are interested in reading Miss Peregrine’s, I encourage you to get a bound copy. I downloaded the sample onto my Nook Color, and while the pictures looked decent they are much better in person.