This is one book, I think, that you’ll either really really love… or just not get. It’s by Lois Lowry, known more for her thought-provoking Newbery winners, and I think many people just won’t know what to do with it. However, I am solidly in the former category: I grinned the whole way through, gratefully in on the joke (or parody), eating up the snide remarks and sarcasm. It’s like Lemony Snicket’s books, but better. Much better.

I’d write a long review myself, but Fuse #8 and Sarah Miller both wrote such eloquent reviews (and I can’t think of anything else to say that would add much), I think I’ll send you over there instead. Read them, be entertained, pick up the book. You won’t be sorry.

Oh, and I’m thinking that this one would make a fabulous read-aloud. I’m going to foist it upon C right after we finish our latest Sisters Grimm. Hopefully, she’ll love it as much as I did.

(Just for the record: because this is a Cybils nominee, I’ve been asked to make sure y’all know this is my opinion only, and not that of the panel. Thank you.)