Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

This is Ransom Riggs first novel, and I can't wait to see what other fiction he will write in the future. This book is a strange mix of history and fairy story, but it works. The story begins with a boy disillusioned with his grandfather's childhood stories. After his grandfather's death, Jacob sees something that disturbs him and makes him wonder if his grandfather's stories were actually real. Jacob and his father travel to Europe to uncover the truth.

What I really, really loved about this book: the photographs. Most are the beginnings of trick photography, woven into this tale. I also enjoyed the weaving of history and fairy story. It was an enchanting, grown up fairy story. Also, the father to son to grandson relationships were complex and intriguing.

You will like this book if you enjoy fairy stories or fantasy. It is also a great read for those who enjoy something unique in fiction, and the book would be great for discussion groups. The parallels between World War II Nazis and monsters, refugees and Peculiar Children will make for some interesting discussions.