Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Ransom Riggs (which, let's be honest, has to be the coolest name for an author since...ever) has written one of the most interesting and extraordinarily different novels I have ever read in my life. Mind you, my bookshelf is filled with over 300 books, so I kind of know what I'm talking about. 

We begin our journey, as we do many, with our narrator, Jacob. He tells us about his grandfather, Abe. Abe used to tell Jacob stories about people, kids like Jacob, with special powers. Of course, as he gets older, Jacob writes-off his grandfather's stories as tall tales. But, his grandfather maintains that the stories are real. Which the rest of Jacob's family writes-off as elderly dementia. But, when Jacob gets a panicked call from his grandfather, he comes face to face with something the book later identifies as a hollowgast.

Jacob tries to explain to his parents what he saw, but they don't believe him. So, he spirals into a deep depression and his parents are forced to send him to a psychiatrist. The shrink, Dr. Golan, believes it would be conducive for Jacob to visit the Island in Wales where his grandfather grew up, Cairnholm Island. So, Jacob and his dad set off for Wales, and when they get there, something...peculiar happens. (No, the pun could not be helped.)

While Jacob's father is basically ignoring him by bird watching, Jacob discovers a home that had been bombed. It turns out to be Miss Peregrine's home for peculiars. Miss Peregrine herself is a time-shifter, or ymbryne (and the award for oddest and hardest to pronounce word goes to...) according to the peculiar community. This is the home Jacob's grandfather grew up in. A home filled with people just like him. (And like Jacob...) Jacob meets people who can bring the dead back to life, have mouths on the back of their heads, and start fires with their hands.

And, unfortunately, that's all I can say about that. By now, all my "long-time listeners" know how I am about spoilers! So, let's get to the review, shall we?

I can honestly say that Riggs' novel is the most unique pieces of literature I have ever read in my life. This book takes on a life of its own. I cannot imagine the amount of dedication, inspiration, and ingenuity that had to go into this novel. It's got so much feeling and "oddness" (Sorry, lack of a better word) I can't even explain it! Please, read this book before the movie comes out!

By now you all have seen the Tim Burton trailer. It looks like it'll be a good movie. It won't compare to the book, but nothing ever does! Also, yes it is a trilogy for those who are wondering. I have read Hollow City (the 2nd novel), but I have not yet had the time for Library of Souls, but I am eager to read it. Riggs has really got a way with words. 

Once again, I know this is far fetched, but if you're reading this, Mr. Riggs, I want you to know that you should be so very proud of what you have written. You are such a strange genius. (I hope you take that as a compliment because it absolutely is!) Your book is transcendent on every level!

There's absolutely no reason for me not to, so I am giving this novel 5/5 stars! 

Photo #01 Credit: http://www.ransomriggs.com/images/missperegrine_334x518.jpg
Photo #02 Credit: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/71/a0/5f/71a05f5071788b4af41749fa577c054f.jpg