A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket (Daniel Handler)

“If you are interested in stories with happy endings, you would be better off reading some other book. In this book, not only is there no happy ending, there is no happy beginning and very few happy things in the middle. This is because not very many happy things happened in the lives of the three Baudelaire youngsters. Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire were intelligent children, and they were charming, and resourceful, and had pleasant facial features, but they were extremely unlucky, and most everything that happened to them was rife with misfortune, misery, and despair. I’m sorry to tell you this, but that is how the story goes.” 

To many, Lemony Snicket’s opening passage would seem out of place in a children’s novel. However, after reading the book, one would find that it was a very fitting beginning. Not only does it immediately display the dark-humored, cynical, and self-conscious narration style that is consistent throughout the series, but it engages the reader. Throughout all thirteen books the reader is directly spoken to by the narrator, enhancing the captivating atmosphere of the stories. While generally classified as children’s fiction, A Series of Unfortunate Events weaves together elements of both absurdist and gothic fiction to create a world of peculiar characters and bizarre plot-lines. With each book, the Baudelaire orphans find themselves in a new location with

new guardians, and the sinister Count Olaf arriving in disguise to steal their fortune. The setting of each book is indicated by its alliterative title (with the exception of the thirteenth book). The Baudelaire’s world appears to be an alternate one, which cannot be identified as during any particular time period. Stylistically the series is both antiquated as well as contemporary. Snicket combines elements of modern and vintage technology to create steampunk imagery. One of the most memorable aspects of the series is its social perspective. The children are depicted as self-sufficient and broad-minded, while the adults are seen as incapable and conforming. Those who are well-read and strive to learn are presented as kind and trustworthy, whereas those who reject such pursuits are characterized as villains. Akin to many other works of child fiction, the series explores the theme of morality. As the Baudelaire’s struggle to defeat the sinister forces in their lives, they are faced with many ethical dilemmas that cause them to question whether or not the end justifies the means. 

A Series of Unfortunate Events was the first full book series that I read on my own. As I joined the Baudelaire orphans on their thirteen-book journey, I discovered my ability to connect with fictional characters. They became a part of me, and to this day they still are. This series was the beginning of my greatest passion; reading. Not only did it enthrall me to the point where I developed a need to pick up book after book and get lost in world after world, but it influenced other aspects of my personality as well. I have a deep-rooted appreciation for all things steampunk or vintage. When I first read A Series of Unfortunate Events I was at an age where I was unable to recognize, or perhaps simply didn’t have the words for, these aspects of the stories. I think that on a subconscious level I developed a wonder for Lemony Snicket’s unusual elements. Being exposed to such a strange array of artistic material at a young age impacted me in the best of ways. I have never never found the usual avenues of adolescent hobbies very interesting. Instead, I've always sought out books, or objects that feel like physical manifestations of the emotions I experience while reading. I am always searching for the wild, absurd, and wonderful world that I found within the most unfortunate series of events. 

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

“My name is Christopher John Francis Boone. I know all the countries of the world and their capital cities and every prime number up to 7,057.”

Mark Haddon’s introduction to his unconventional main character marks the beginning of an eccentric journey that is as humorous as it is heartbreaking. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time follows Christopher Boone, a mentally challenged fifteen year-old from England, as he struggles to exist in a society that is designed to do everything but accommodate him. Christopher functions differently than most people, and therefore interacts with the world in a way that challenges the premise of a conforming society. Haddon explains the logic of mentally handicapped people in a way that inspires change, as well as draws on the compassionate nature of the reader. The novel highlights the flaws of modern culture through its depiction of the battle Christopher must fight every day to perform mundane activities. Christopher Boone is not only a relatable character who demonstrates the impact of mental health, but he is a gateway to the realization that a significant portion of the population struggles with everyday existence. Not only does Haddon convey an important social message in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, but he also exercises paradox enriched writing techniques to provide the reader with insight into a mentally handicapped mind. Emotional events are described with a detached tone, and Christopher’s inner commentary is devoid of joy, yet extremely humorous. Haddon allows the reader to feel everything and nothing simultaneously. The raw emotional responses of the reader occur alongside Christopher’s emotional incapability, creating an enthralling tangible inconsistency.

When I first read The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time I was surprised by how much I could relate to Christopher. His story often reminded me of how I feel when I’m out in the world, and it was almost as if he was a manifestation of my inner experiences. Haddon’s novel played a large part in the development of my current social opinions. I think that every aspect of society has been built to cater to the healthy extrovert. In some cases there are accommodations, but for the most part people who have mental health issues, or are simply introverted, have to struggle to work and live within the current system. I personally am an introvert who is diagnosed with multiple anxiety disorders as well as PTSD, and reading this novel provided me with a sense of comfort. While my specific issues weren’t being addressed, Christopher’s story shone a light on the battles that are hidden in the performance of everyday activities. I think this is a very important book for people to read. Haddon utilizes an entertaining story full of emotional appeal to teach a lesson that I consider to be essential.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

“The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirques des Rêves, and it is only open at night.”

Through her depiction of Le Cirques des Rêves, or “The Circus of Dreams”, Erin Morgenstern highlights the importance of coexistence and balance. Every tent within the circus is a world of its own, and each provides its visitors with an experience unlike any other. However, despite being completely unique, the tents do not feel isolated or separate from each other. Instead, they come together as part of a working whole. Each tent and its contents are part of a balanced system. The distinct elements that the tents provide are instrumental in the creation of the intoxicating adventure that is the circus. Similarly, each character within the circus

is essential to its whole. The Night Circus shares a number of elements with Shakespeare’s The Tempest. In Shakespeare’s play, the events of the plot are controlled by the protagonist, Prospero. In The Night Circus, the setting and events are controlled by five separate characters. One of which, however, is Prospero the Enchanter. Prospero is father to the protagonist Celia, whose name he attempts to change to Miranda; Miranda is the daughter of Prospero in The Tempest.  Every aspect of the circus, and the people within it, are manipulated by the five characters mentioned afore. However, it is the balanced control of the characters that allows the circus to exist. The novel explores the effects of balance, or imbalance, in the cases of inborn talent vs. learned talent, past vs. future, dreams vs. reality, and choices vs. destiny. Even the imagery of the novel illustrates the impact of balanced elements. The circus is predominantly black and white, resulting in a color scheme that is striking in contrast, yet also harmonious.

Out of the hundreds of books that I have read so far in my life, only one from this past year has made it on to my top ten list. That book being The Night Circus. I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the novel, but the reason it is among my favorites is its imagery. The world of the circus is completely engrossing. Not only would I describe it as visually magical, but the smells and sounds of the circus are crucial as well. Personally, I found the circus to be a perfect union between dreams and reality. Erin Morgenstern inserts a city of otherworldly tents into a very mundane world, and the result is riveting. I think that this novel contains a truly beautiful experience. I find myself reading and re-reading it just to feel as if I’m within the circus. The different attractions of the circus showcase the beauty that can be found in human experiences, while the novel itself illustrates the beauty that can be created with words. I think it is important for every book enthusiast to read this novel. The best books are ones that you can immerse yourself in; books that can you can pull around yourself like a blanket. The Night Circus is most definitely one of those books, and I truly hope that this post will inspire you to visit Le Cirques des Rêves.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Stieg Larsson’s novel, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, is best represented by its original Swedish title: Män som hatar kvinnor, or “Men who hate women”. Motifs such as human nature, violence against women, and abuse of power are all examined throughout the novel. Despite the heavy subject matter, Larsson delivers his plot with literary adroitness. He balances the horrific reality depicted in the story with an elaborately designed crime, and equally intricate characters to solve it. The female characters of the novel are used to depict how common violent acts against women are in Swedish society. Larsson explores the various motives that may be behind such heinous crimes, and illustrates the factors of society that make said acts possible. As the personal stories of the female characters are revealed, the reader witnesses an overwhelming amount of criminality including the corruption of men in power, abuse within families, political corruption, and religious beliefs used to promote violent crimes against women. Larsson also raises questions regarding how responsible criminals actually are for their crimes. For example, to what extent can criminals be held accountable for their actions taking into consideration the state of the society in which they live, as well as their upbringing? In spite of the horrors that the women of the novel are faced with, they prove to be strong, independent, and intelligent. They are victims of horrible offenses, yet they do not identify as such. While The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo brings attention to the power that some men choose to abuse, it also highlights the undeniable fortitude of women.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was one of those books that I couldn’t put down until I had read it cover to cover. Admittedly, the first few chapters are very law and business oriented, making it heavy and slightly dull for some people. However, what appears ordinary at first morphs into one of the most suspenseful and ingenious books that I have ever read. The novel emphasizes elements of human existence, that while difficult to discuss, need to be recognized. Larsson displays a very dark side of human nature, but does so in a way that does not deprive the reader of their faith in humanity. The characters are a careful balance of the basic forms of good, evil, strength, and weakness. Personally, I love the novel because it is not only thought-provoking, but it is also never predictable. I think that this novel is important for people to read in order to recognize the strength of women, as well as the strength of human beings in general. The crimes presented in the novel are, in part, so horrific because they are realistic. I think that witnessing the survival of the characters, both mentally and physically, against all odds provides a sense of empowerment to readers. 

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

 “I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! -- When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.”

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is known as one of the most well-loved works of fiction ever written. Besides the original text, there have been various literary and film adaptions. Austen’s classic characters have provided the foundation for many new ones who share the same names
and/or characteristics. The novel was written using the narrative technique of free indirect speech. The reader witnesses the events of the story from the female protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet’s, point of view. Privy to her thoughts and misconceptions regarding the people around her, readers find themselves sharing Elizabeth’s prejudices, and are blind to her moments of pride. In contrast, the reader is unable to see past the male protagonist, Mr. Darcy’s, seemingly constant cavalier pride and prejudice against Elizabeth’s social standing. The complexity of the plot created by Austen’s use of characters’ pride and prejudices is what makes this particular love story so unique. Pride and Prejudice clearly illustrates the concept that love is independent of social forces. The protagonists not only must overcome their own misgivings, but are forced to deal with the deception, haughtiness, and even idiocy of the other characters. Despite the challenges presented by the hierarchical society in which the story is set, the only true opposition to their love is Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy themselves. Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is perhaps one of the most relatable novels, consisting of a realistic plot that illustrates the humor, wit, infuriating circumstances, and most importantly the love that can be found in any ordinary life.

The best love story of all-time? I would have to say Moulin Rouge. The second best love story of all-time? Definitely Pride and Prejudice. A lot of people would put works such as Romeo and Juliet above both of those choices; however, while it is one of the most epic love stories ever written, it ultimately reminds me in a very dramatic way how miscommunication is terrible in a relationship. It also makes me sad; I don’t like being sad. In my opinion Pride and Prejudice is a refreshing love story, despite being published in 1813. It is not about cheesy love, gooey love, mushy love, or blinding love. It is very simply human. It is about people with flaws who find ways to accept and admire each other. I think Austen provided a fantastic model for young girls. After all, it is way easier to find a Mr. Darcy than an unreasonably attractive vampire (or something along those lines). I also think that the novel provided a lot of influential insight on subjects other than love. In a lot of ways Pride and Prejudice is a very empowering story for women. Elizabeth Bennet is a very strong character who believes in her own worth. She ends up happily in love, but she is never desperate for it, and never lets the success or failure of romantic endeavors define her. I’m not entirely sure if Austen has lowered or raised my romantic standards, but I do know that I’m very glad she has had an influence on them.

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

“If he has a conscience he will suffer for his mistake. That will be his punishment – as well as the prison.”

Crime-fighting is glorified by modern society. There is a fascination with the psychology of criminals, as well as the lives of the people who catch them. Cultures all around the word have religious, idyllic, and fictional figures who are revered for their hero-like qualities.  Justice is served when criminals are captured, imprisoned, or otherwise punished by such figures. Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment presents the opposing idea that criminals do not experience the ultimate punishment when they are caught, but when they are trying to evade the authorities. The novel follows the main character, Raskolnikov, after he commits a murder. His guilt torments him as he experiences deliria, self-doubt, and paranoia. Furthermore, isolates himself from those who offer him assistance. Dostoevsky conveys the inevitability of capture to his readers as a natural result of having a conscience. The novel proposes that the essence of the human psyche will

cause a criminal to either confess or be driven to the point of insanity by guilt. Crime and Punishment also deals with the concept of the “extraordinary” man. The theory is that there are “ordinary” people who must abide by the laws of society; their purpose being to increase the population. However, there are also “extraordinary” people who are above the morals of society. Due to their superiority, they have the privilege of disregarding the law. Their purpose is to advance society, the theory being that laws prevent them from doing that. Therefore, they have the right to go above the law in order to impact the world. Dostoevsky calls the events of history into question. Was crime necessary to reach the modern society in which we live? Will it be necessary in order to advance further? In a shared world, is it possible for any one group of people to thrive without others suffering as a result?  

Originally published in Russia in 1886, Crime and Punishment preceded massacres, assassinations, both world wars, various European revolutions, the American civil war, and the Great Depression. Dostoevsky’s discussion of human nature throughout the novel had a significant impact on me. It was almost as if he predicted the immense hardship and violence that the world would have to experience in order for people to eventually thrive. The postulation of “extraordinary” beings in the novel became a reality through history’s politicians, war criminals, world leaders, and revolutionists. Until I read Crime and Punishment, I did not actively question history. I accepted the events as a fixed occurrence in the past. However, after reading Dostoevsky’s novel I realized that what I perceived as history was in actuality a trend. A trend that was still relevant, still taking place. Crime has been the driving force behind the development of society. Almost every historical event has been a crime against humanity, or the result of a crime. Not only do readers of Crime and Punishment experience an immersive plot, and the sophisticated writing techniques of 19^th century Russia, but they are witness to philosophical arguments that challenge the foundations of society. 

Lexicon by Max Barry

It could be argued that language is the most important development in the history of mankind. It is the worldwide basis for communication and expression. However, it also provides a foundation for manipulation. Coercion was born through language, therefore making words the most powerful interpersonal weapon in the world. Max Barry’s Lexicon, exposes the art of persuasion for what it truly is: a deadly science.

“The brain had defenses, filters evolved over millions of years to protect against manipulation. The first was perception, the process of funneling an ocean of sensory input down to a few key data packages worthy of study by the cerebral cortex. When data got by the perception filter, it received attention. And she saw now that it must be like that all the way down: There must be words to attack each filter. Attention words and then maybe desire words and logic words and urgency words and command words. This was what they were teaching her. How to craft a string of words that would disable the filters one by one, unlocking each mental tumbler until the mind's last door swung open.” 

The book’s premise is that anyone’s mind can be infiltrated with the correct sequence of syllables. The people with the skills to put these sequences together are referred to as Poets, and learn their trade at an exclusive school where psycho- graphic markers hold the key to mind manipulation. Poets learn how to identify personality types, and craft sentences that will allow them to access the control center of the brain. They can make people feel, think, or do anything they want. The main conflict of the story surrounds the consequences of a word that should never have been created; a word that can kill. Barry’s novel is a weave of dystopian sci-fi and neuroscience. Lexicon not only upgrades words to weapons, but deploys them to spellbind its readers.

I think that Lexicon is an important book for anyone who is, or wants to become, an avid reader. There is quite a lot of neuroscience jargon throughout the novel, so at times it is not the easiest book to read, but in my opinion it’s worth it. The novel centers on the power of words, and while the particular words used in Lexicon don’t exist in the English language, I think the message can be applied to the words that we do have. While we may not be able to use words to invade someone’s mind, we can use them to inspire. The word inspire is defined as “filling (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative”. Books inspire us. They are a collection of words that “infiltrate” our minds with fantasy worlds, stories of love and loss, and ideas to enrich our lives. The perspective on language that Barry presents in his novel could be interpreted as a commentary on reading. I think that every book a person reads influences them, at least I know that is the case for me. Every sentence that an author crafts tells a story, but each sentence also changes the person reading it. Occurring in both big and small ways, books reframe our view of the world every time we read them. 

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

“Just after midnight, the famous Orient Express is stopped in its tracks by a snowdrift. By morning, the millionaire Samuel Edward Ratchett lies dead in his compartment, stabbed a dozen times, his door locked from the inside. One of his fellow passengers must be the murderer.”

Agatha Christie’s, Murder on the Orient Express, makes use of an enthralling homicide investigation to explore themes of justice and morality. Under what circumstances is murder justified? Is it morally sound to kill a man who has harmed others? The story also calls into question the effectiveness of the jury system, and whether or not the system is just. Mystery as a genre presents a puzzle to the reader. The solution to said puzzle is slowly pieced together throughout the novel. The characters’ motives, whereabouts, and secrets are gradually revealed amongst foreshadowing and plot twists until the final solution is laid out. In this way, mystery novels are one of the most interactive forms of fiction. While the reader is pulled into the story and stylistic elements of the novel, they are also given the opportunity to try and solve the mystery themselves. As clues are revealed, readers are able to form their own theories about the crime. However, talented

mystery writers such as Agatha Christie are almost always able to surprise the reader at the end of the novel. The solutions to the crimes in mystery novels tend to be devastatingly simple, yet nearly impossible to figure out until the author reveals it. In this way, The Murder on the Orient Express is particularly ensnaring. The story is set on a train with only 17 passengers; the murderer one of them. Therefore, it would be safe to assume that identifying the culprit would not be particularly difficult. However, the murder of Samuel Ratchett proves to be completely obscure until the final moments of the novel.

I have always loved mysteries. The web of factors surrounding a mystery is so elaborate: the crime itself, the characters, motives, alibis, clues to be discovered, red herrings, and most importantly a final solution that will surprise even the most dedicated mystery readers. It takes a brilliant mind to compose a truly good mystery. The Murder on the Orient Express was the first Agatha Christie novel that I read. She is popularly referred to as “The Queen of Mystery”, and I was immediately able to understand why. Agatha Christie is one of the best-selling novelists in history, outsold only by the Bible and Shakespeare. In my experience, her novels make mystery addictive. They are thoroughly captivating, and always lead to a thrilling epiphany at the end. There is nothing quite like all the pieces of a puzzle falling into place to make perfect sense. Agatha Christie has led me to develop quite an enthusiasm for murder/mystery. Not only do I enjoy reading the genre, but murder/mystery is my favorite type of game. I love board games, card games, and computer games focused on solving a mystery. I also think that mystery novels are a fantastic way to connect with people. You can read them together, discuss theories, turn it into a party, or role-play. Ultimately, like any other genre or novel, murder/mysteries enable human connection and interaction.

"In this case I consider that justice – strict justice – has been done."

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

“Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?” If so, you might belong in Trenton Lee Stewart’s, The Mysterious Benedict Society. The young-adult mystery novel tells the story of four unusually brilliant children (unusual in the sense that their level of intelligence is both uncommon, as

well as unorthodox) who are recruited via a

newspaper ad asking the very question that is cited above. The resulting adventure contains an evil genius attempting to take over the world with subliminal messages, clues that must be found, information that must be decoded, and missions where the avoidance of capture is crucial. Taking place in a town that could be located in any coastal region of any developed country, The Mysterious Benedict Society explores themes of isolation, courage, and education with a consistently didactic tone. While the main characters of the novel are all young children, the dialogue is noticeably advanced. Characters have powerful vocabularies, and make use of fully developed sentences. It is important to note that all four children are characterized as “geniuses”, yet none of them received traditional forms of education at any point. As a result, both the necessity and effectiveness of the currently established means by which children are educated come into question.

Every book that I read contributes in some way to my personality. I believe that the majority of my interests, and opinions were inspired by books. The Mysterious Benedict Society left me with a desire to solve things. I love puzzles, codes, riddles, enigmas, mysteries etc. I don’t think that I’ll ever be able to get enough of them. They call for the use of intellectual ability as well as imagination, a combination that can only be beaten by the pairing of chocolate and peanut butter (in my opinion). I think a number of my personal principles were also derived from Stewart’s novel. For instance, I happen to think that one’s intelligence is in no way reflected by academic performance. Perhaps the way unorthodox intelligence was valued in the novel instilled that particular opinion in me. I’ve also thought for a very long time that the way schools approach education is fundamentally flawed, and caters to the concept that intelligence is conveyed through high test scores. An opinion which happens to coincide with the underlying messages of The Mysterious Benedict Society. I consider myself lucky to have been influenced by this particular story, and I always hope that it will affect future readers in the same way it has affected me. 

100 Cupboards by N.D. Wilson

The first book of N.D. Wilson’s trilogy follows 12 year-old Henry York, as he discovers portals to other worlds. The reader accompanies him through the uncovering of 100 cupboards that transport him to various unusual, beautiful, and often dangerous fantasy lands. Classified as children’s fiction, the novel explores the consequences of curiosity. Henry can enter the cupboards anytime he wishes, and stay for as long as he wants. However, he must be willing to face whatever darkness he might find once inside. In many ways, Wilson’s novel represents the struggle to accept and remain

in reality. The imagination is a powerful tool; the basis for all forms of entertainment. People create characters, stories, images etc. as a way of expressing themselves. However, it can be difficult to spend time in reality when other more appealing worlds exist in our minds. The many cupboards of 100 Cupboards are symbolic of all the various works and art forms that tempt us to leave the real world behind. Wilson emphasizes the danger posed by fantasy worlds, as well as the importance of finding magic in reality; a lesson that is particularly hard to learn as readers journey through his enchanting novel.

This book falls among my favorites for very personal reasons. While I love the story and the narrative techniques of the novel, this book is special to me because it was read aloud to me. When I was in middle school, I used to get very ill for very long periods of time. During one of those periods of illness, I was unable to open my eyes because the light caused severe headaches. The light would even irritate me through closed eyes, so I was forced to wear a sleeping mask 24/7. My grandfather (who I call Grandad) read the entire book to me, cover to cover. He would sit for hours next to my bed reading, at times having to take breaks because his voice would become too tired or he would start to lose it. Due to the fact that I could not open my eyes without extreme discomfort, the experience of being read to and having the scenes from the book come to life in my head was very special. Those scenes were the only thing that I saw besides my own closed eyelids for days. To this day I feel a very strong emotional connection to 100 Cupboards, and I think I always will. I don’t think words can really express how grateful I am to my Grandad for providing me with that experience. I will never forget the feeling of 1oo worlds coming to life in the darkness.