Obviously, I'm not a stickler for detail, because it wasn't until I started reading Ransom Riggs's book Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children that I realized the little girl pictured on the cover is actually floating. Even though I didn't notice this small detail, I was still immediately intrigued by this book because of the spooky looking cover. Everything - from the picture, to it being printed in black and white, to the fonts and design - drew me in.

It was cover-love at first sight.

That being said, this wasn't my favourite book. I don't want to knock it down or anything, but my favourite thing about this book was the cover design and the layout and design of the innards of the book - the pages devoted to the beginning of each chapter, the almost vintage quality of the entire book, and - most of all - the inclusion of the creepy photos throughout the novel.

Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children is a book about Jacob, a 15-year-old boy who's best friend is his grandpa. He doesn't lead the best life - his parents are wealthy, owning a chain of pharmacies across Florida, and one day Jacob will own it. But he's not thrilled about it. His life seems to be lacking excitement, except for when he sits with his grandpa, who tells him stories of his past. These stories revolve around an orphanage on a mysterious island; an orphanage where he had quite the variety of friends, from a girl who could float, to one who can conjure up fire, to another who is invisible.

When Jacob's grandpa dies, Jacob convinces his dad to take him to the island where his grandfather grew up, in the hopes that he can find the orphanage and learn more about his grandpa - and the mysterious way he died.

For me, when I think about the story itself, I think the first half of it was the strongest. I loved the stories from Jacob's grandpa, and the descriptions of the kids at the orphanage. I was creeped out by the inclusion of the photos, but thought they were incorporated well for the most part. Riggs's writing isn't too difficult, it was almost like reading a Percy Jackson novel - I liked the main character and the adventures he was undertaking. The story itself wasn't creepy, which is what I expected from the cover and from the synopsis on the front flap. I felt like this book could have been extremely creepy, had Riggs went that route.

The photos were one of my favourite parts of the book - some were quite tame, others spine-tingling creepy and weird - but I really think they could have done more for the story. Photos of kids at the orphanage were mentioned by Jacob's grandpa, but then these kids weren't anywhere else in the novel. It's almost like Riggs chose the safer kids to actually incorporate into the bones of the novel - rather than some of the creepier ones introduced earlier in the book. There were also some inconsistencies with the photographs - certain characters were meant to be the same person in multiple photos, but didn't look anything like they did in a previous photo.

There's romance in this book, but I felt it was unnecessary. I don't want to spoil anything for future readers, but my thought was that the romance was both unnecessary and just a little morbid. It's a romance that could've just been a good friendship - I think it may have worked a little better that way.

The end of the book is set up for a sequel, which I have mixed feelings about. I felt that the book was almost too long and went in the complete opposite direction from where I was expecting it to go. I also felt it could have been a solitary book, rather than one with more sequels. Especially if Riggs wants to incorporate more photos - I'm just not sure how he'll do that because with this first instalment, the great thing about the photos was that they were in the past.

Of course, I am intrigued, somewhat, by where Riggs is going with this story, so I do look forward to reading the next one. I hope the next book is just as lovely designed as the first.

I absolutely love this book, and couldn't put it down for a second. Out of all the characters I must say Millard was my favorite for no real reason at all. In all favor, I think that this book deserves and encore, and should be on everyone's wish list. I love the fact that there is some kind of forbidden romance between the leading male and female, and it gives you a new aspect of what to expect from it.
I am a young author to be, I believe I'm excellent at what I do and write, and hopefully I'll be able to create something incredible; just like what Ransom Riggs did with Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.

Excellent work Mr. Riggs :D

i initially asked for this book as part of my christmas wish list, but when i was at chapters and was flipping through the pictures terrified me. i decided against it
months later i was going through books at chapters and i saw it again. i decided to check out the reviews on chapters website. the reviews were good and many recommendations. i decided well this book has always intrigued me.

i bought it and started reading it right away before bed. the pictures gave me the creeps!! i had to go to work the next day and stick post its on the some of the pics. Ex: girl at the pond, twins in costumes, etc. once i started reading the book captured my attention right away. it reminds me of xmen and hellboy.
when someone looks at a picture it is interpreted different ways. this is definitely true in this case. i found the pics creepy, but with Riggs interpretations the pics made sense.

a boy out to find the truth about these mysterious pictures and secrets that will set him free.

great peculiar characters- i had my faves- olive (she's a cutie) and horace.

a really fun book to get lost in. enjoy every moment and peculiarity of all the characters and story. the author did a great job using pictures and creating an imaginative story. creative, original and adventurous. i could not wait to read the next page.
i definitely recommend this book. original concept and adventurous trip into the world of miss peregrines home for peculiars. i think i want to go there...

I could not be more amazed by Rigg's first novel. Will definitely be reading his next novel, and look forward to it. Pictures were incredibly interesting and helped to further captivate the reader. Intensely written, and a wonderful first novel.

I found this book through my library's website and didn't know that it contained photos throughout the story. I thought it was really neat how the author found the photos and then wrote about them as opposed to adding photos as an after thought.

Reading the book I got shivers down my spine. The concept of it was not very terrifying but the way the author wrote the book was in a very mysterious and haunting way. It was a lovely read and one of my favourites. The story and the characters were all very real, too.

My favourite thing about it was looking through the photos and realizing that they came before the book, that they were real people who lived their own lives, and that the photos were probably never taken for the artist's sake. Although some do look like darkroom tricks, the emotions are real.

This book is a work of art.

This book was a thrill a minute. Totally fun from the beginning to the end. I loved it and recommend it to all.

This books seemed like the author had come across a stack off odd photos, though it was cool, and brainstormed on how he could fit the pictures into a story. The storyline lacked depth and character building. Liking/ being liked by your grandfathers ex-girlfriend is not okay. If your grandfather dated a 20 year old, you have to be seriously disturbed to want to date her after he's done.
It took effort to make it through this book, the whole time I kept hoping it would get better but it never did. The pictures obviously came before the storyline and that's why this book failed in my eyes.

This is the only book that I remember which has spooked me in my teenage years and adulthood. Not in the spasm-at-any-movement kind of way, but in a way that I would sometimes wonder what was beyond the limits of my vision, then find myself automatically locking my car doors - just in case.

Riggs brings back that nostalgic childhood fear of the Bogeyman, but in an indirect way - as if he were slowly, teasingly pulling a thread of congealed terror through the dusty years from the keyhole of your childhood closet. Somehow the thread also catches up those imaginary friends you'd forgotten, twining together two core factors of childhood: the basic fear of the unknown, and the unlimited and compelling power of imagination, spun with adventure and a coming-of-age challenge for the protagonist.

Personally I find that when fictional books include photographs, they are incongruous in some way to the whole package. However, these photographs and sketches weave themselves in the story extremely well, and they stick in your mind's eye far longer than is comfortable (which is the point, since they are vintage photographs of the "peculiar" children - and they are, indeed, peculiar.) I would even go so far as to say that without them the book just would not have been as effective, even though the story and style of narration could stand alone.

I couldn't put the book down, and even brought it to work with me. I would definitely recommend this for anyone of any age group!

I originally didn't want to get this book because of the creepy cover, but I'm glad I did. This book is fast paced (I literally couldn't put this book down, except for going to sleep) and the cliffhanger ending makes me assume there will be sequel. The characters are all original and unique, and there is no section of the book that is even slightly boring. A lot of action, suspense and mystery makes up this story, and I will honestly recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading, regardless of the genre they like. In addition, throughout the book are actual photographs that enhance the quality of the book. Personally, I don't have that great of an imagination, and the pictures really helped to visualize things.
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is one of my favourite novels of all time.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs was the October book club pick here at Gin and Rhetoric. The consensus, from the feedback on both the facebook page and, gasp, in real life, was that the book was fantastic. It is a YA title but, like any good YA book, it has lots of appeal outside of the intended audience. In fact everyone that I know that has read it is over 25, with the exception of my niece, who is 12.
The story revolves around sixteen-year-old Jacob. Jacob was very close with his grandfather when he was little. His grandfather would tell him amazing stories of battling monsters and of the fantastic children he knew in his youth. Children that had very special (think X-Men-type) gifts. As Jacob got older, he began to realize the stories that his grandfather told him couldn't be anything more than fairytales made up to intrigue and frighten him. But, when his grandfather is brutally murdered, Jacob begins to believe that the stories he had been told in his youth were true. Thus, Jacob sets off on a mission to discover who his grandfather really was
In Miss Peregrine's Ransom Riggs sets up what is sure to be an amazing series. The story takes place both in the past and in the present, and the transitions between World War II and present day Wales are crafted seamlessly. The characters and the plot are strong and well developed. The genuinely unique thing about this book, and I'm pretty sure that most people would agree with me on this, is Riggs' use of photographs.
Ransom Riggs has been a collector of vintage photographs for some time, he wrote a little piece for the Huff Post about his collection that includes a sampling of some of the amazing photos he used in the book. The selections from his collection that were used in the book are phenomenal, I found that they really gave me pause, even outside of the context of the book. You can't help but think "what's the deal with that picture? How did it come to be taken, and who were those people?" That is definitely not to say that they detract, or distract the reader from the story. They don't at all. My musings took place after I was finished the story and was flipping back through the photos.
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is a great story on its own, but that story is fortified and made even more compelling through Riggs' effective use of photographs. The one thing about the story that drove me crazy was the ending. Don't worry, this isn't a spoiler. It's just that the book ends as an obvious set up for the next book in the series, so as a reader you're left dying to know what happens next. I guess that's not so much a complaint as it is a compliment. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book to come out, even though I'm sure it's going to be a while.

"Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children" is a classic YA adventure that I hear is already being considered for a movie. And it would make a good movie. As a book, it wasn't the best YA book I've read, nor was it the worst. The concept of "peculiar" people having to fight against evil and horrible things is not a new one. Jacob sets out to find an island and the group of children his grandfather has been talking about for years. What he finds is a time loop, children with unique and peculiar powers, and an adventure that will change his life forever.

The writing in this book was strong and solid. With a good imagination and the ability to develop strong characters, Ransom Riggs has a future as a good YA writer. The ending of the book rather left things open for a sequel, but with so many other books on my TBR list, if there is a second book, I probably won't be reading it.

I thought this book was just fabulous, a wonderful mix of vintage photographs and exciting story. A labour of love for the author whose story grew from the collection of "peculiar" vintage photographs he was collecting and searching for, this book was a joy to experience and the photographs lend to the creepy atmosphere in which the story takes place. Our protagonist Jacob finds himself on a remote island searching for answers to what he always thought of as his grandfather's made up stories. When he stumbles upon the ruins of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children he discovers that perhaps his grandfather was telling the truth. And the story unfolds from there.The way in which the author mixes the stories with the photographs gives the story a grounding in historic relevance, so while there is an element of the fantastical it still feels relatable and real.

Reason for Reading: I couldn't resist! This book has everything I love in one book: orphans, mysterious island, vintage photographs, creepy atmosphere and an old house. How could I not want to read it.

Here is a book that once again uses photographs and text together in a unique way. The obscure, peculiar vintage photographs are simply illustrative, but the author has had to write his story around already existing photos which enhance the story to such a degree that the book would not be what it is without them. The notes do say that "with the exception of a few that have undergone minimal postprocessing, they are unaltered." Really only one word sums up this book and that is the eponymous "peculiar" for peculiar it certainly is. This is not a fast paced book, not one that will have you racing to the end for the grand finale which may put some of the intended audience off. However, it is more meandering, taking its time, showing us all the "peculiar" characters, who and what they are, as the story unfolds.

Jacob comes to the island to get over the death of his grandfather who had told him fantastical tales of this place his whole life to prove that it is just an island after all, but he quickly learns his grandfather's tales were true. The story settles in and slowly reveals the secret of the island, the house, the children, Jacob's grandfather, and eventually Jacob's part in it all. A very moody atmospheric story that I quite enjoyed. I loved the characters and as a lover of vintage photos was totally fascinated with the photographs.

My only concern with the book is a certain tone of vulgar language coming mostly from Jacob, the narrator. There is some swearing but it is the vulgar images that certain language convey which is of more concern. The only reason I can think of this use is to show that Jacob is from the here and now, as opposed to the 1940's of the other children, though some of those boys have vulgar turns of phrase as well. I wouldn't recommend the book for younger children. Also, the book ends with the characters all set to take on a new adventure which is obviously a set-up for a second book, which is rather disappointing as I am getting tired of sequels and series these days. Whatever happened to the good ole standalone? However, teens and adults should find a rather spooky read that will keep them entertained.

Pros: character growth, creepily atmospheric, high quality physical book, creatively meshes backstory with mythology and history/

Cons: don't learn as much about the kids as you'd like, doesn't fully explain their abilities or why they're born as they are/

For Parents: some swearing, some violence (mostly offscreen), kissing/

If ever there were an argument against ebooks, it would be Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. Yes, you can read it on an ereader, and yes, the story would still be creepy and fun, but you'd miss something about the experience. This is a beautiful hardcover, with thick pages and gorgeous black and white photographs scattered throughout. Holding it and turning the pages is part of the ambiance the story creates./

Jakob Portman grew up hearing his grandfather's fantastic stories about the children's home he was sent to in England as a Jewish Polish immigrant in World War II. The stories were about children who could do peculiar things, like levitate, hold fire and lift very heavy things. But the violent death of his grandfather, along with the old man's last words, make him wonder if there was some truth to his stories./

This is a slow paced coming of age story. Mr. Riggs takes time to develop Jakob as a character, especially regarding his mental state, as well as the settings, in the book./

At first glance, the children seem like X-Men rip offs. They're said to be the next step in evolution and have different, extraordinary abilities. But while some of the abilities are useful, others - like having 2 mouths or bees living inside your body - are not at first glance advantageous. And while one group of peculiars thinks it would be grand to use their abilities to subjugate normals, the rest simply want to live in peace. /

I loved how the author amalgamated their existence with history as witches, changelings and circus performers. It gave the book a sense of history, and the kids a practical reason to hide./

The downside of the novel is that you don't learn as much as you'd like about certain things: the kids (their histories and abilities), how the loops work and why people are born peculiar. I'd love to see Riggs bring out a book of the grandfather's stories or a photo album of Miss Peregrine's home, with the stories of how each child came to be there./

There seems to be a move in SF towards the reimagining of history with a horror slant. While Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children is mostly set in the present, it reminded me of Eutopia by David Nickle and Mr. Shivers by Robert Jackson Bennett./

This is an open ended novel with series potential. It's a slow, atmospheric work that adults and teens will love.

"With its X-Men: First Class-meets-time-travel story line, David Lynchian imagery, and rich, eerie detail, it's no wonder Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children has been snapped up by Twentieth Century Fox. B+"-Entertainment Weekly
The story grabs you like Keys to the Kingdom, Wrinkle in Time or Harry Potter; the photographs burn into your retina never to leave. This is an extraordinary reading experience you can only jump into from the print edition. Can't find a copy? It's hard to get BUT thankfully the publisher has reprinted and books should be on shelves next week ... fingers crossed and feet off the ground.

A copy was provided by the publisher prior to the release date for review purposes.

"Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children". Just the name is enough to peak your attention, isn't it? And to add to that, upon the cover features a fragile little girl wearing a crown on her head and...wait what's that? Her feet aren't touching the ground?! Peculiar indeed! There is no doubt in my mind that Mr. Riggs has me under his spell. If the title and it's mysterious cover weren't enough to do me in then the synopsis surely did the trick.

The novel starts off with Jacob. He begins readers off with the re-telling of one of his most treasured memories- one with his grandfather. You see, Jacob's grandfather loves to tell stories, ones that he swear to be completely true. As Jacob recounts his memory, he recalls his grandfather's telling of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. Children that resided there included a girl so light she needed to be tied to a string to keep from floating away, twins who could communicate with each other without speaking a word, a boy so strong he could lift a large bolder over his head and a boy who had bees living inside him. Just the pure magic of that very precious memory Jacob shares was enough to suck me into Rigg's wonderful imaginary universe. I found myself having the need to know more and the pages kept turning. As the re-telling ends we are transported to the present, in which Jacob is 15 years old. Jacob is known to have been working part time at the pharmaceutical company owned by his various uncles. However, the unexpected happens when he receives a panicked phone call from his grandfather, begging him for the location of the key to his gun cabinet. Jacob, fearing for his grandfather's safety, feigns ignorance to it's location and assumes that the fit was caused by his excessively quick aging. As a favor to his father, Jacob travels to his grandfather's house to check on him but what he discovers is both terrible and heartbreaking. He comes upon his grandfather's body, bloodied and cut by what appear to be giant claws. A gasp from his grandfather's lips clues him in that he is still alive. What he whispers to Jacob, however, is what begins the wonderful adventure in Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children; "Go to the island. You'll be safe there. Promise me."

I found Riggs' novel to be extremely well written and easy to read; both enjoyable to teens and adults alike. The pace of the novel was quite even, not too quick and not unbearably slow; the perfect pace for readers who love stories entrapped in mystery. Main character Jacob is a very likable and realistic character. Jacob could very well be the boy you went to high school with or the one who lived just down the street. Other characters including Emma, Enoch, Claire and Miss Peregrine were surprisingly very well developed. You could feel their presence; their likenesses popping up from the pages as you read of their personalities and interactions. The development of the story was quite exciting, each page I turned holding an unpredictable event waiting to jump at me. In honesty, the novel was spectacular! An excellent mixture of mystery, adventure, comedy and romance.

On the subject of the photographs; wow! I don't think wow covers it but wow! Riggs did an amazing job creating this beautiful wonderland bound in pages using the images that he portrayed in the novel. As you read you will find them placed in just the right points of the story to give you a larger visual of either what is occurring or the identify of the character being introduced. These vintage photos added excellent dimension to the novel, one that I believe heavily competes with other novels of it's genre.

Needless to say, if my review hasn't pointed it out already then I should make point of how highly recommended this novel is from yours truly. You will no doubt find yourself entranced and engrossed in this wonderful adventure.

Bonus news: Upon searching through the web for a few photo samplers from Miss Peregrine, I discovered that the novel has indeed been optioned for a movie by Fox. Excellent news for readers who loved this novel!