MAPLESTONE

Jacob, whose grandfather was a child during the Holocaust, loved to hear his Grandpa's fascinating stories about growing up in a home during WWII. While he told his stories he would show Jacob, rather peculiar pictures of his friends within this home. As a youngster he believed the stories of monsters, the invisible boy, the levitating girl, etc. But as he grew older he started to doubt what his grandfather was telling. However, when his grandpa is killed, Jacob world goes spiraling out of control.

"A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. A strange collection of very curious photographs."

"It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive."

"A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows."

Let me end by saying......

I DO NOT READ REVIEWS!!

Long time ago I did BUT after some . . . well . . . bad reads . . . I stopped. Now don't get me wrong...I know that what I think is good or bad others may find the opposite. But how many of you have picked up a book because of the RAVE reviews, got all excited . . . only to be disappointed? YEP . . . been there, done that !

Now once I am finished with the book I will read reviews; and sometimes I am left wondering if I read the same book as others!! (haha) As is true with this book. I read the good and bad reviews. Many complained about the familiarity of the characters (the invisible boy, the strong girl, etc) but aren't the majority of stories based on ideas from other stories or surroundings. The only difference is the way the author manipulates it to tell his/her story!

 However, there was one review that just stuck out. If fact, it struck me so, that I went back and skimmed the book again to figure out what in the hell this person was talking about! Now I will not bore you with the review but I will give you the condensed version of the complaint!

So . . .
are there curse words? YES
are there a lot? NO
sexist remarks? YES
do they fit with the time period of the book? YES

PLUS . . . you have to remember the main character is 16, so what is written on the pages is not bad considering what many at 16 hear and say on a daily bases. With that said...

Here is what I recommend . . .

Though this book is labeled young adult, if I were you I would read it, then decide if the young teenager, or the young advanced reader you want to give it to can handle the language and sexist remarks! If they can't handle it, then you just saved yourself some heart ache. If the can, then I hope they enjoy it.