(87)Vintage photos, fantastical adventures, and time loops

Title: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Publisher: Quirk Books
352 Pages
Genre: Fantasy YA

Synopsis: 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.

Review: There are so many mixed reviews on this book I find it fascinating.  I was intrigued just by looking at the cover.  When I found out that the story was based on old vintage photographs I knew I had to get my hands on a copy. I guess there truly is a book for everyone because I loved this book. I loved how Riggs developed characters and a whole story around these fabulous vintage photos.

When I first heard about this book I didn't know what to expect but this is pure fantastical fun. It reminds me a little of Big Fish by Daniel Wallace. The way the story is spun and how no one really believes the grandfather's tales of adventure. I know a lot of people thought the photos were distracting to the telling of the book but I found they only added to it. The descriptions were so vivid they weren't even needed but I think they added something to it.  They were so weird you could easily see how someone could spin a story out of them.  This is a great diversion from the vampires, werewolves and witches that seem to be the main theme of YA lit these days. I can't wait to see what is next for this peculiar bunch.

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