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.