small stone, day seven:
yard swathed in black
eleven minutes before daybreak
oak tree in next yard a jutting dog bone
against a strip of deep blue sky not
night or day
*
"Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs was one of the most popular books of 2011 and on any number of "best of" lists.
The "Home" in question is long thought by sixteen year old Jacob to be a place entirely existing only in his grandfather's imagination. When his grandfather dies suddenly, Jacob begins a journey towards the truth--but will he believe it when he sees it? And what if that truth opens the door to something far darker and more insidious than anything he has ever known?
Filled with intriguing vintage photographs that are used in a clever way, it's unlikely you've come across anything quite like this before. Without the pictures, it's still a clever, twisting story, much in the vein of "Holes." The writing is solid and filled with bits of humor, even when things take a darker turn.
I found myself charmed, if not enthralled. I didn't realize that this was a young adult title -- duh! -- and so despite the book's many stellar qualities... it simply never fully clicked for me. I really prefer more adult lit. Having said that, if you enjoy YA and the paranormal, this one's for you. Unique and unendingly smart, with a likeable protagonist, it's no wonder it was such a favorite last year.
I've just seen your small stones contributions. Your poems are beautiful. I look forward to reading more as the month continues. Amazing what we see when we look, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI agree. It has the added benefit of slowing us down in a world where everything is going faster than the speed of light.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much.
Your small stones stuff - I love the simple and beautiful nature - might try some myself.
ReplyDeleteI did read Miss Peregrines blah blah, and found it most definitely well written and entertaining, but certainly as captivating as everyone else had found it.