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schwimfan's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Always love a good adventure with Johnny and the Professor, and this is the one that kicked them all off. A very pastoral look at life in the 50s, but very charming.
lofimichelleeo's review against another edition
4.0
Read again for the first time in 20 years. Same chills I remember getting from Bellairs’ books as a kid.
novelesque_life's review against another edition
3.0
3 STARS
"A mysterious stranger gives Johnny Dixon a magical ring that plunges him into a terrifying adventure during which he must outwit the ghost of the mad Father Baart." (From Amazon)
A great mystery paranormal children's novel.
"A mysterious stranger gives Johnny Dixon a magical ring that plunges him into a terrifying adventure during which he must outwit the ghost of the mad Father Baart." (From Amazon)
A great mystery paranormal children's novel.
jgreer's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This book is about a boy who went to stay with his grandparents after his mother died and his father was sent to fight in the war. He was smart but one flaw he had is that he had a wondering mind that would one day lead him into trouble.
One of the things that I like about the book was, the ending because of the action, it was thrilling and fun to read. I overall think that the ending was written well. It was different from the other parts of the book, more fast paced. One thing that I wish for, is that it drew my attention sooner than at the end of the book. The book was hard to get into and the characters, there wasn't one that I like more than the other. It was hard to care about the main character because I couldn't relate to him at all.
One of the things that I like about the book was, the ending because of the action, it was thrilling and fun to read. I overall think that the ending was written well. It was different from the other parts of the book, more fast paced. One thing that I wish for, is that it drew my attention sooner than at the end of the book. The book was hard to get into and the characters, there wasn't one that I like more than the other. It was hard to care about the main character because I couldn't relate to him at all.
pagesofpins's review against another edition
4.0
John Bellairs' gothic adventures for kids featuring Johnny Dixon and Professor Roderick Random Childermass were part of my childhood, complete with Edward Gorey illustrations, but I don't think I ever read the first one until now. Johnny is trying to adjust to living with his dirt-poor grandparents after the death of his mother and deployment of his father, and the school bully is just making things worse. Then Johnny meets his future best friend, the weird, eminently educated, socially awkward professor who lives across the street. The professor tells him a ghost story about a mad priest, and the adventure begins.
No idea why Bellairs set his books in the 50's when they were being published in the 80's--the old fashioned setting isn't necessary to the story, with the exception of that joke about how in 30 years the country will probably be crawling with psychiatrists. It's hilarious, unevenly paced, choc a block with Catholicism, and as cliched and melodramatic as one would guess. I still loved it.
No idea why Bellairs set his books in the 50's when they were being published in the 80's--the old fashioned setting isn't necessary to the story, with the exception of that joke about how in 30 years the country will probably be crawling with psychiatrists. It's hilarious, unevenly paced, choc a block with Catholicism, and as cliched and melodramatic as one would guess. I still loved it.
jamiep8571's review against another edition
2.0
Because Matt bought it for me at his book fair bc he thought I would like it. Too cute! I can't even stand it. It wasn't great but I love that he knows I like a sci fi!
hailbop's review against another edition
5.0
mine had an older cover but it was so good I was super sad when I left it at school.
vincent1126's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
girlpuck's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25