The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans!
by Lemony Snicket (Author) Brett Helquist (Illustrator)
Dear Reader,
I'm sorry to say that this book is extremely unpleasant. It tells an unhappy tale about three very unlucky children. Even though they are charming and clever, the Baudelaire siblings lead lives filled with misery and woe. From the very first page of this book when the children are at the beach and receive terrible news, continuing on through the entire story, disaster lurks at their heels. One might say they are magnets for misfortune.
In this short book alone, the three youngsters encounter a greedy and repulsive villain, itchy clothing, a disastrous fire, a plot to steal their fortune, and cold porridge for breakfast.
It is my sad duty to write down these unpleasant tales, but there is nothing stopping you from avoiding this book down at all costs and reading something happy, if you prefer that sort of thing.
With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket
Recognition: Book Sense Book of the Year Honor Book for Children's Literature (2001); Nene Award (2003)
Series of Unfortunate Events Series—Summary and Book Order
Series: Series of Unfortunate EventsReading level: 9+
Books in series: 13
Read in order? Yes
Next release: Finished
Website: lemonysnicket.com
Tags: adventure mystery comedy & humour family illustrated
Print series book list
Books in series order
1. The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (1999)2. The Reptile Room: Or, Murder! (1999)
3. The Wide Window: Or, Disappearance! (2000)
4. The Miserable Mill (2000)
5. The Austere Academy (2000)
6. The Ersatz Elevator (2001)
7. The Vile Village (2001)
8. The Hostile Hospital (2001)
9. The Carnivorous Carnival (2002)
10. The Slippery Slope (2003)
11. The Grim Grotto (2004)
12. The Penultimate Peril (2005)
13. The End (2006)