bubblebearcj's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
smalefowles's review against another edition
4.0
Cute! I can't remember how I heard of this book, but I rarely read children's literature, and it seemed as if it would be fun.
It was fun! Precisely the sort of book I would have read at a childhood friend's house since my church would have frowned upon it. (Don't worry, I still managed to read the Harry Potter books. And far too much R.L. Stine.)
It was particularly charming to me since horror is one of my primary categories for leisure reading, and this was well-done creepies for kiddies (creepen for kinden?).
It was fun! Precisely the sort of book I would have read at a childhood friend's house since my church would have frowned upon it. (Don't worry, I still managed to read the Harry Potter books. And far too much R.L. Stine.)
It was particularly charming to me since horror is one of my primary categories for leisure reading, and this was well-done creepies for kiddies (creepen for kinden?).
novelesque_life's review against another edition
4.0
4 STARS
"Lewis always dreamed of living in an old house full of secret passageways, hidden rooms, and big marble fireplaces. And suddenly, after the death of his parents, he finds himself in just such a mansion--his Uncle Jonathan's. When he discovers that his big friendly uncle is also a wizard, Lewis has a hard time keeping himself from jumping up and down in his seat. Unfortunately, what Lewis doesn't bank on is the fact that the previous owner of the mansion was also a wizard--but an evil one who has placed a tick-tocking clock somewhere in the bowels of the house, marking off the minutes until the end of the world. And when Lewis accidentally awakens the dead on Halloween night, the clock only ticks louder and faster. Doomsday draws near--unless Lewis can stop the clock!" (From Amazon)
A great mystery paranormal children's novel. This was one of my favourite novels.
"Lewis always dreamed of living in an old house full of secret passageways, hidden rooms, and big marble fireplaces. And suddenly, after the death of his parents, he finds himself in just such a mansion--his Uncle Jonathan's. When he discovers that his big friendly uncle is also a wizard, Lewis has a hard time keeping himself from jumping up and down in his seat. Unfortunately, what Lewis doesn't bank on is the fact that the previous owner of the mansion was also a wizard--but an evil one who has placed a tick-tocking clock somewhere in the bowels of the house, marking off the minutes until the end of the world. And when Lewis accidentally awakens the dead on Halloween night, the clock only ticks louder and faster. Doomsday draws near--unless Lewis can stop the clock!" (From Amazon)
A great mystery paranormal children's novel. This was one of my favourite novels.
ktxx22's review against another edition
3.0
This is definitely a fun read for a more adventurous middle grade reader. As an old woman this book did not exactly peak my personal interests but I can see why it’s a beloved book... oh that I would have read this in 2nd or 3rd grade! I’d have loved it! But the best I can offer is a 3/5 and I am beyond excited to see the movie with Jack Black!! and Cate Blanchett love them both! Going to open up a new generation to these classic stories!!
natcommon's review against another edition
3.0
It had some good moments and some meh moments. Probably would have enjoyed it a bit more as a child. I am excited to see if the movie is faithful to the book or make some changes to make it better.
ekeiser8's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ash_bookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fun short read about a magic adventure. It was good to read this to break up the long fiction books I have been reading.
jce's review against another edition
This would have been a charming, if not particularly memorable Halloween read if not for the near constant and absolutely atrocious fat phobia and body shaming. I know the book is 50 years old but honestly this goes beyond any children’s book I’ve ever read in terms of just how terrible it is. I’ve had mixed feelings about old books being rewritten to remove certain aspects but the fat phobia in this is totally unnecessary and ruins an otherwise fun read. I’d never want my child to read it.
kodermike's review against another edition
4.0
Fascinating to read this for the first time in 30 years. As much as I remembered, there were a few things I'd forgotten. You build a story in your head of how you remember the book progressing, but in the reread I discovered that it was far more terse than I remembered. And Tarby is a jerk.