I've been meaning to read this series for ages and am happy that I finally started. As the first book and having the job of having to introduce all the characters and the circumstances and such, I think it's pretty good. It's entertaining and I did enjoy it. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series. I would recommend this book, absolutely. 4.5 out of 5 stars. ( )

This was my first time reading this, and I gotta say, damn was it depressing.

Count Olaf is such a bloody creep. Stranger danger much?? ( )

There are so many things in this book for me to not like - but I actually really enjoyed it!

The narrator talks to the reader:
Typically I don't like this. It's pretty rare when I think this tactic doesn't disrupt the flow of the story - but this one is an exception! I loved it!

Violence
I can't lie, there is a lot of crazy stuff in here. but someone it's okay. I don't know if I'd want my 10 year old to read it. No, I wouldn't, but it worked...somehow.

I remember the movie, just barely, and maybe that helped? But I think the book does well on it's own and I really liked it! I'm not sure I'll keep going in the series however. ( )

Almost shockingly scary at times (the Count Olaf of the books is actually scarier than the Jim Carrey character), the dark humor comes over very well. I'm glad I snagged this from the library yesterday to read. Now I can move on to finishing Book 2 and continue to catch up to G, who is on book 9. ( )

my love for this series is so back!! i knew i enjoyed these books but i forgot just how much. when i was younger, and after watching both the film and tv adaptations, count olaf is portrayed as such an iconic villain, and i still got that vibe after my re-read as an adult. i gave this a four star rating, because, for all i love it, it's the shortest book and therefore can't really build on too much, but it still does just enough to intrigue you. so excited to continue my reread! ( )