Back of the Book: As a kid, Jacob formed a special bond with his grandfather over his bizarre tales and photos of levitating girls and invisible boys. Now at 16, he is reeling from the old man's unexpected death. Then Jacob is given a mysterious letter that propels him on a journey to the remote Welsh island where his grandfather grew up. There, he finds the children from the photographs⎯alive and well⎯despite the islanders’ assertion that all were killed decades ago. As Jacob begins to unravel more about his grandfather’s childhood, he suspects he is being trailed by a monster only he can see. A haunting and out-of-the-ordinary read, debut author Ransom Rigg’s first-person narration is convincing and absorbing, and every detail he draws our eye to is deftly woven into an unforgettable whole. Interspersed with photos throughout, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is a truly atmospheric novel with plot twists, turns, and surprises that will delight readers of any age.
Jacob’s grandfather weaves him story after story of the orphanage he lived in as a boy. He even has photographs to prove it. As a child, Jacob pours over the pictures of levitating girls and other peculiar shots, but as he grows, the stories become just that⎯stories. But after his grandfather dies under mysterious circumstances, Jacob takes it upon himself to solve the enigma of his grandfather’s childhood, and nothing about that task is easy. Each twist and turn adds a fresh layer to the genius plot of Ransom Riggs. This book is filled with surprises, suspense, and no-satisfaction until you close the back cover.
I decided to give this book a try only because it was on the New York Times Bestseller List. Not the best reason to read a book, but I was bored enough to give it a try. It turned out to be incredible. This may be Ransom Riggs’s first book, but it better not be his last. He certainly writes like no rookie. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children locks you in its suspense and does not let you out until the last page. I couldn’t turn the pages or figure out the plot fast enough. Be prepared to get paper cuts, because this novel will have your fingers fumbling to flip the page.
