Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Puffin Books (Penguin Group)
Pages
179
Description
Fantasy. Juvenile Fiction. Juvenile Literature. Mystery. HTML:A haunting gothic tale by master mysery writer John Bellairs�??soon to be a major motion picture starring Cate Blanchett and Jack Black! "The House With a Clock in Its Walls will cast its spell for a long time."�??The New York Times Book Review When Lewis Barnavelt, an orphan. comes to stay with his uncle Jonathan, he expects to meet an ordinary person. But he is wrong. Uncle Jonathan and his next-door neighbor, Mrs. Zimmermann, are both witches! Lewis is thrilled. At first, watchng magic is enough. Then Lewis experiments with magic himself and unknowingly resurrects the former owner of the house: a woman named Serenna Izard. It seems that Serenna and her husband built a timepiece into the walls�??a clock that could obliterate humankind. And only the Barnavelts can… (more)
Description
When Lewis Barnavelt, an orphan, comes to stay with his uncle Jonathan, he expects to meet an ordinary person. But he is wrong. Uncle Jonathan and his next-door neighbor, Mrs. Zimmermann, are both magicians! Lewis is thrilled. At first, watching magic is enough. Then Lewis experiments with magic himself and unknowingly resurrects the former owner of the house: a woman named Selenna Izard. It seems that Selenna and her husband built a timepiece into the walls—a clock that could obliterate humankind. And only the Barnavelts can stop it!
Collection
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1973
Physical description
179 p.; 7.75 inches
ISBN
0142402575 / 9780142402573
Similar in this library
Lexile
800L
User reviews
LibraryThing member bragan
Young Lewis goes to live with his uncle, who turns out to be a wizard. Which is fine with Lewis, although the mysterious clock that keeps ticking away somewhere in the walls of his house but can never be located is a little disconcerting. And when Lewis, trying to impress a friend, brags that he
This book was given to me by a friend who, upon discovering that I had not read any Bellairs in my childhood (and only a couple of random things by him as an adult), decided that this could not be allowed to stand. And how right he was! I started out with this one feeling very sorry that I hadn't read it as a kid, because I would surely have loved it then, but somewhere in the middle adult me stopped thinking about how much kid me would have enjoyed it and just started enjoying it in her own right. It's delightfully spooky, with some nice touches of humor, and the Edward Gorey illustrations are a pleasant bonus. Definitely recommended for younger readers, and at least some older ones.
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can do magic, too, and offers to demonstrate by raising the dead, things start to get really creepy.This book was given to me by a friend who, upon discovering that I had not read any Bellairs in my childhood (and only a couple of random things by him as an adult), decided that this could not be allowed to stand. And how right he was! I started out with this one feeling very sorry that I hadn't read it as a kid, because I would surely have loved it then, but somewhere in the middle adult me stopped thinking about how much kid me would have enjoyed it and just started enjoying it in her own right. It's delightfully spooky, with some nice touches of humor, and the Edward Gorey illustrations are a pleasant bonus. Definitely recommended for younger readers, and at least some older ones.
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LibraryThing member LisCarey
In 1948, Lewis Barnavelt is orphaned at the age of ten when his parents are killed in a car crash. His Uncle Jonathan becomes his guardian, and Lewis takes a long bus ride to a small town in New York, where Uncle Jonathan collects him and takes him to his home at the top of the very well-named High
But Jonathan Barnavelt is not your average bachelor uncle who has suddenly inherited his brother's son. He and his neighbor & good friend, Mrs. Zimmerman, are witches. Jonathan's house previously owned by Isaac Izard and his wife, Serenna, who were also witches--but not good witches. They're dead, but not entirely gone. There's a clock, with a sinister purpose, somewhere in the walls of the house.
At first, Lewis is delighted just to watch the magic his uncle and Mrs. Zimmerman perform. What they show him is friendly magic, mainly for entertainment suitable for a child. Jonathan has quite serious magic books included in his library, but those are off limits to Lewis, though he has free run of the rest of it.
But Lewis is a lonely child, fat, unathletic, and far away from the few friends he had in his midwest home. He isn't making new friends here, until Tarby, a very popular boy, breaks his arm and is temporarily sidelined from sports. For a while, Tarby is happy to hang out with Lewis, try to improve his softball game, and come over to his house sometimes. But as the arm heals, Tarby is getting restless, and in an attempt to hold on to his one friend, Lewis makes a reckless promise--that he can raise the dead, and will demonstrate this to Tarby on Halloween.
He sneaks books from the magic section of the library, and on Halloween, he and Tarby accidentally choose the Izard mausoleum.
This is where Lewis discovers the unfriendly side of magic, and things get very, very scary.
The characters are well-developed and interesting. It's 1948, and a different world from today, or even from 1973, when it was written. Bellairs makes the world real and believable and lived-in, as different as it was from contemporary life even four decades ago. The magic is not a deus ex machina; it has its own complexities and price.
Recommended, even if you don't have a kid in your life to be your excuse.
This is an old favorite of---not my childhood, when theoretically it would have been appropriate. It hadn't even been written yet. In college, I read The Face in the Frost, and some time after that I met Bellairs at a book festival. In conversation, I learned that he had spent a year teaching English at the very college I was attending--a Catholic women's college.
He didn't like it there. That's why he only lasted one year. I mentioned him to my advisor at the school, the chair of the history department--who remembered him favorably, was sorry he hadn't stayed, and was happy to hear he was doing well. He asked me to pass on his good wishes, which I was able to do because by this time I had roped Bellairs into being a program participant at a local science fiction & fantasy convention. He was astounded that anyone from the college remembered him at all, much less favorably!
I suppose the only point of this digression is that we never know the impact we have on other people.
I bought this audiobook.
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Street.But Jonathan Barnavelt is not your average bachelor uncle who has suddenly inherited his brother's son. He and his neighbor & good friend, Mrs. Zimmerman, are witches. Jonathan's house previously owned by Isaac Izard and his wife, Serenna, who were also witches--but not good witches. They're dead, but not entirely gone. There's a clock, with a sinister purpose, somewhere in the walls of the house.
At first, Lewis is delighted just to watch the magic his uncle and Mrs. Zimmerman perform. What they show him is friendly magic, mainly for entertainment suitable for a child. Jonathan has quite serious magic books included in his library, but those are off limits to Lewis, though he has free run of the rest of it.
But Lewis is a lonely child, fat, unathletic, and far away from the few friends he had in his midwest home. He isn't making new friends here, until Tarby, a very popular boy, breaks his arm and is temporarily sidelined from sports. For a while, Tarby is happy to hang out with Lewis, try to improve his softball game, and come over to his house sometimes. But as the arm heals, Tarby is getting restless, and in an attempt to hold on to his one friend, Lewis makes a reckless promise--that he can raise the dead, and will demonstrate this to Tarby on Halloween.
He sneaks books from the magic section of the library, and on Halloween, he and Tarby accidentally choose the Izard mausoleum.
This is where Lewis discovers the unfriendly side of magic, and things get very, very scary.
The characters are well-developed and interesting. It's 1948, and a different world from today, or even from 1973, when it was written. Bellairs makes the world real and believable and lived-in, as different as it was from contemporary life even four decades ago. The magic is not a deus ex machina; it has its own complexities and price.
Recommended, even if you don't have a kid in your life to be your excuse.
This is an old favorite of---not my childhood, when theoretically it would have been appropriate. It hadn't even been written yet. In college, I read The Face in the Frost, and some time after that I met Bellairs at a book festival. In conversation, I learned that he had spent a year teaching English at the very college I was attending--a Catholic women's college.
He didn't like it there. That's why he only lasted one year. I mentioned him to my advisor at the school, the chair of the history department--who remembered him favorably, was sorry he hadn't stayed, and was happy to hear he was doing well. He asked me to pass on his good wishes, which I was able to do because by this time I had roped Bellairs into being a program participant at a local science fiction & fantasy convention. He was astounded that anyone from the college remembered him at all, much less favorably!
I suppose the only point of this digression is that we never know the impact we have on other people.
I bought this audiobook.
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LibraryThing member varwenea
The book is better than the movie – not this time! I normally enjoy reading the book after the movie, despite the spoiler alerts, appreciating the details, nuances, and feelings often underprovided in the movie. This book, to my surprise, has a different plot than the movie though the basic
The orphan, Lewis Barnavelt, goes to live with his Uncle Jonathan, whom he later learns is a magician. His new home is a house with an annoying ticking sound in its walls echoing throughout the house. Lewis, the lonely, chubby, awkward, new kid in school, befriends the charismatic popular kid, Tarby, who offered his friendship temporarily while his arm was in a cast. Desperate to keep this new friendship alive, Lewis ventures into dark magic that his uncle explicitly has forbidden him, initiating a resurrection that finally leads to solving the ticking sound’s mystery.
This 1973 story touches on key themes that are timeless – bullying, loneliness, making friends (and what not to do), courage, and most importantly – the burden of lies. When Lewis finally realizes crying wasn’t going to solve anything, he finds the courage to step up and be part of the solution. The book is fairly straight-forward even with the magical themes. I suspect kids today will not have as much appetite for this book. The boy cries a lot! And I do mean a lot. He is a history buff, which is not quite the normal young reader today. Let’s face it, we’re all brainwashed by the fantastical Harry Potter by now, which is rather difficult to compete.
At a modest 179 pages including illustrations, this book is very much intended for the ages 9 to 12 audience. (If younger, it could be a bit scary.) The movie on the other hand with the advantage of CGI, an updated, expanded plot, and an excellent cast was entertaining and enjoyable for kids and adults alike. Ditch the book and watch the movie, unless you are in that exact age range.
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elements are the same. The orphan, Lewis Barnavelt, goes to live with his Uncle Jonathan, whom he later learns is a magician. His new home is a house with an annoying ticking sound in its walls echoing throughout the house. Lewis, the lonely, chubby, awkward, new kid in school, befriends the charismatic popular kid, Tarby, who offered his friendship temporarily while his arm was in a cast. Desperate to keep this new friendship alive, Lewis ventures into dark magic that his uncle explicitly has forbidden him, initiating a resurrection that finally leads to solving the ticking sound’s mystery.
This 1973 story touches on key themes that are timeless – bullying, loneliness, making friends (and what not to do), courage, and most importantly – the burden of lies. When Lewis finally realizes crying wasn’t going to solve anything, he finds the courage to step up and be part of the solution. The book is fairly straight-forward even with the magical themes. I suspect kids today will not have as much appetite for this book. The boy cries a lot! And I do mean a lot. He is a history buff, which is not quite the normal young reader today. Let’s face it, we’re all brainwashed by the fantastical Harry Potter by now, which is rather difficult to compete.
At a modest 179 pages including illustrations, this book is very much intended for the ages 9 to 12 audience. (If younger, it could be a bit scary.) The movie on the other hand with the advantage of CGI, an updated, expanded plot, and an excellent cast was entertaining and enjoyable for kids and adults alike. Ditch the book and watch the movie, unless you are in that exact age range.
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LibraryThing member ChrisRiesbeck
An OK juvenile fantasy adventure. Not quite sure why it's as popular as it is. Everything is pretty standard. The hero is an orphan who gets over that part surprisingly quickly, given he's pretty emotional otherwise. He moves in with an uncle Jonathan who is a wizard, and their near permanent
It's fine.
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neighbor guest Mrs Zimmerman who is a witch. Their conversational interplay is about the only notable feature of the book (and the movie with Jack Black and Cate Blanchett), though a dinner party where Jonathan does his version of a lunar eclipse is nicely done.It's fine.
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LibraryThing member ferrisscottr
Good book that I enjoyed BUT I read it as a kid and I didn't find it quite so creepy or scary (which although understandable still bummed me out).
He's a great writer that comes up with great ideas - one of the giants. This didn't get five stars from me only because it was the wrong book at the
Recommended
He's a great writer that comes up with great ideas - one of the giants. This didn't get five stars from me only because it was the wrong book at the
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wrong time - when I've read it in the past it was a five star book.Recommended
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LibraryThing member bradsucks
This was one of my favorite books as a kid. I can't say it holds up that well as adult reading. Nice atmosphere, but it drags near the end.
LibraryThing member narwhaltortellini
After the death of his parents, Lewis goes to live with his scruffy but friendly uncle Jonathan in his huge old mansion. There he discovers that Jonathan, as well as his friend and neighbor Mrs. Zimmerman, are able to use magic. However, the former and much more shady owner of the house was also a
I picked this book up upon hearing some people found it very creepy in their childhood. I didn't really expect to enjoy it near as much being an adult, but I've some appreciation for books aimed at younger people and I figured the read would be quick enough that the time it took would be worth seeing what everyone was twittering about.
In the end I guess the characterization and prose were in their simplicity aimed just a little too young for me to find much interest in my reading experience. Still I don't read enough books aimed at this age to compare it to others, so I don't feel much sport in trying to judge it (though I'm sure it's no worse than average and possibly better).
Still, while most of the time I only kept reading because I knew it would be over soon, I was able to appreciate at least some aspects of it, like the idea of the clock in the walls which the story revolves around. It's a nice idea that works a lot better with it's mystery and slightly disquieting creepiness than a lot of more overtly “scary” things you might find in kid's books. Just in general I do get the impression that the suspense in the book is better done than what I can remember from things like the Goosebumps books I read as a kid.
Also, the dialogue between Uncle Jonathan and his friend Mrs. Zimmermann is always snappy and absolutely entertaining. It provided some of the only moments in the book where I really enjoyed myself while reading rather than just having a vague adult's appreciation of craft. The two are really both so amusing together that I almost think that even as a child I may have preferred to read a novel from their point of view rather than the sympathetic enough but rather bland (and slightly pathetic) main character Lewis.
I'm a little bit surprised this book is called a 'scary' book, though, when it seems almost more fantasy and most of the suspenseful/scary parts seem more reminiscent of the more suspenseful bits of a Harry Potter book (though less threatening, perhaps because of the younger audience) rather than any horror book I've read. I feel a little guilty giving it a rating when I'm really not who should be reading it, but as it was mostly what I expected with a few particularly entertaining or respectable bits, I'll give it a bit above average. Though I suspect for children who can better appreciate the parts specifically aimed to please them (such as the little magic shows and copious amounts of sweets that seem to be consumed through the story) and aren't as bored by the lack of interesting personality in the main character, it may rate higher.
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wizard, and it seems he has left behind a ticking clock whose sound permeates all walls of the house. A seeming ominous warning, but of what?I picked this book up upon hearing some people found it very creepy in their childhood. I didn't really expect to enjoy it near as much being an adult, but I've some appreciation for books aimed at younger people and I figured the read would be quick enough that the time it took would be worth seeing what everyone was twittering about.
In the end I guess the characterization and prose were in their simplicity aimed just a little too young for me to find much interest in my reading experience. Still I don't read enough books aimed at this age to compare it to others, so I don't feel much sport in trying to judge it (though I'm sure it's no worse than average and possibly better).
Still, while most of the time I only kept reading because I knew it would be over soon, I was able to appreciate at least some aspects of it, like the idea of the clock in the walls which the story revolves around. It's a nice idea that works a lot better with it's mystery and slightly disquieting creepiness than a lot of more overtly “scary” things you might find in kid's books. Just in general I do get the impression that the suspense in the book is better done than what I can remember from things like the Goosebumps books I read as a kid.
Also, the dialogue between Uncle Jonathan and his friend Mrs. Zimmermann is always snappy and absolutely entertaining. It provided some of the only moments in the book where I really enjoyed myself while reading rather than just having a vague adult's appreciation of craft. The two are really both so amusing together that I almost think that even as a child I may have preferred to read a novel from their point of view rather than the sympathetic enough but rather bland (and slightly pathetic) main character Lewis.
I'm a little bit surprised this book is called a 'scary' book, though, when it seems almost more fantasy and most of the suspenseful/scary parts seem more reminiscent of the more suspenseful bits of a Harry Potter book (though less threatening, perhaps because of the younger audience) rather than any horror book I've read. I feel a little guilty giving it a rating when I'm really not who should be reading it, but as it was mostly what I expected with a few particularly entertaining or respectable bits, I'll give it a bit above average. Though I suspect for children who can better appreciate the parts specifically aimed to please them (such as the little magic shows and copious amounts of sweets that seem to be consumed through the story) and aren't as bored by the lack of interesting personality in the main character, it may rate higher.
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LibraryThing member heidilove
loved getting introduced to jonathon and mrs. zimmerman.
LibraryThing member jinxleah
This is one of the first books that I read that truly made an impression on me. It has remained a favorite of mine since I read it in the late 1970's. It's the story of Lewis Barnavelt after his parents die and he moves in with his Uncle Jonathan. It turns out that Uncle Jonathon is a witch, as is
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his next door neighbor and best friend, Mrs. Zimmerman. Uncle Jonathon bought the big house that he lives in after the Izzard's, the former owners, died. Lewis is a slightly overweight boy with a love for books who can't find any friends at his new school. He ends up getting in trouble when he tries to do some magic to impress someone at school, and it is a race against time to try to stop the end of the world. To this day, I still enjoy donuts and cider on Halloween. Show Less
LibraryThing member JechtShot
Lewis Barnavelt is a recent orphan who is sent to live with his uncle Jonathan (a wizard) in Michigan. In an attempt to gain popularity, Lewis tries his hand at Necromancy and manages to resurrect the previous tenant of his new home. The witch that has recently rejoined the living knows what
I remember reading and enjoying this book as a kid in the mid-80's. Many years later I came across The House with a Clock in its Walls at my local Half Price Books and thought $2.98 seemed like a fair price to re-read a childhood favorite. The book brought back fond memories, but did not quite live up to my youthful memories. It was still a fun and quick read, but definitely geared towards a younger audience.
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secrets dwell within the walls of Jonathan's home. The house has a clock hidden somewhere within the walls and it is ticking towards the worlds end.I remember reading and enjoying this book as a kid in the mid-80's. Many years later I came across The House with a Clock in its Walls at my local Half Price Books and thought $2.98 seemed like a fair price to re-read a childhood favorite. The book brought back fond memories, but did not quite live up to my youthful memories. It was still a fun and quick read, but definitely geared towards a younger audience.
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LibraryThing member lizzybeans11
My family read this book when I was young and it stuck with us. I never remembered much of the details, but just the idea of a mysterious house with a clock in its walls was a vivid image.
After re-reading it as an adult, I still didn't remember much of what happened - which was good because I was
I highly recommend it for younger kids who also like Harry Potter, etc.
After re-reading it as an adult, I still didn't remember much of what happened - which was good because I was
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really into this book. It's definitely spooky, but I don't think it's "scary". It has great pacing and amazing images by Edward Gorey. I highly recommend it for younger kids who also like Harry Potter, etc.
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LibraryThing member JenneB
Still as amazing as I remember. I feel like I actually lived in that house.
Wes Anderson should make a movie version!
Wes Anderson should make a movie version!
LibraryThing member AliceaP
The House with a Clock in its Walls by John Bellairs is the first in a series which (mainly) revolve around a boy named Lewis Barnavelt and his adventures living with his uncle who is a magician. I originally searched this book out because I saw the trailer for the upcoming film and got that
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familiar itch of "I must go to there". Then I found out that Edward Gorey was the illustrator and that clinched the deal. Bellairs blends mystery and magic to tell the story of a lonely little boy who is suddenly orphaned and thrust into the custody of a man he has never met before. Uncle Jonathan is unlike any person that Lewis has ever known and that's not only because he's a magician. Uncle Jonathan's house (a character in its own right) contains a mystery that all starts with the man who originally owned the property and who was himself a magician...a dark wizard in fact. With the combined forces of Uncle Jonathan and their neighbor (and witchy friend) Mrs. Zimmerman they begin a desperate search for the source of a mysterious ticking inside the walls of their house because they are certain it was magicked their by the original owner who no doubt created it with nefarious intentions. Our main character, Lewis, is at the same time struggling to fit in at his new school and while trying to impress his new friend he finds himself going against his uncle's wishes and trying a little magic of his own. Surely nothing could go wrong... This was a strong start to a series which began in 1973 and ran until 2008. [A/N: Books 4-6 were written after the death of John Bellairs from outlines and notes he left behind. The remainder were written entirely by Brad Strickland.] This book was a solid 8/10 but (as a heads up) I'll be reviewing 2 & 3 in the not too distant future and they didn't quite live up to this first book. Show Less
LibraryThing member PattyHoward
This is another great author for books for boys. My kids love John Bellairs, and this is their favorite. I love the book because it is creepy and suspenseful, yet isn't so scary that it stays with kids after they go to bed (or gives them nightmares.) Perfect for boys around 4th grade and above.
LibraryThing member jen.e.moore
I just love these books. A little bit creepy, a little bit funny, and with such wonderful characters. I love how Lewis is terrified but pulls himself together because he has to take responsibility for his actions; I love how Uncle Jonathan lets him but wouldn't dream of letting him do it without
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help. I may have to reread the entire series now... Show Less
LibraryThing member atuson
Well the comparisons to Harry Potter seem (to me) to be way off the mark. The book is very American and HP is SO English for a start. And the feel of the books are quite different. However, I'll be reading more of Bellairs books because I liked the characters, I thought the relationships between
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them was real and rather sweet, and because it was better quality literature than so many children's books hailed as 'Just-Like-Harry'. Show Less
LibraryThing member amaryann21
I recently rediscovered John Bellairs, an author I LOVED when I was in middle school. He writes Gothic mystery stories set in the 1940's (the Lewis Barnavelt series, of which this book is the first, I believe) and they are wonderfully creepy and delicious without being too intense. The language is
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sophisticated enough for a 5th-8th and may challenge them a bit in places. I remember getting these books out of the school library and reading them over and over. Good news- they hold up to their memory, and I'm so happy to have found them again! Show Less
LibraryThing member Jennifer.Quail
The reason I write fantasy and magic. Bellairs wasn't afraid to challenge young readers either with demanding language or historical references. Of his three protagonists, Lewis is probably the one most non-athletic bookworms will identify with, and unlike many other series featuring child
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protagonists in a magical setting, he doesn't solve his problems by becoming a physical hero or by developing magic powers of his own, but solves the problem of this book by being...a bookworm. What really stuck with me from childhood readings to adult review was the sense of time and place. Rather than shoot for vague generalizations (something ghostwritten and continued-series books by Strickland are falling victim to) Bellairs firmly anchors his books in time, with references to athletes, radio shows, and store brands, and so deeply in place you can readily identify Marshall, Michigan in his New Zebedee. His books are for the child (or the inner child) seeking a creepy, magical immersion experience. Show Less
LibraryThing member NghtStlkr64
My cousin always tried to get me to read this series when we were little but I was never able to get into them. I came across this one at the library and decided to give it another go. It's really good with likable characters. Highly recommended for anyone who likes magic and mystery.
LibraryThing member Cheryl_in_CC_NV
I really should have read this when I was a child. ?�It is written for children, after all, with just the right amount of scariness, heroism, detail, and fable. ?áBut I don't like horror/ supernatural. ?áNever did. ?áI only finally got around to reading it now because it really is a key
Anyway, I am glad I read it and will probably (based on GR reviews) read the second. ?áIt's so brilliantly written I don't have to fret about the fact that this kind of scariness is actually boring to me. ?áI love the atypical adult characters, the depth of personality given to friend Tarby, the fact that the author didn't bother telling us how much Lewis (must have) missed his parents, the poker games with a random coin collection as chips, the cider & donuts party, the fact that Lewis' favorite books are John L. Stoddard's Lectures (apparently on British military history).... ?á
There's so much shown here, so concisely, there's no room for any bs, any direct lessons. ?áWe learn about courage & persistence & empathy by watching Lewis learn about them (even though he doesn't actually realize he's learning them, either, mostly).
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piece of the cultural history of my 'tribe.'Anyway, I am glad I read it and will probably (based on GR reviews) read the second. ?áIt's so brilliantly written I don't have to fret about the fact that this kind of scariness is actually boring to me. ?áI love the atypical adult characters, the depth of personality given to friend Tarby, the fact that the author didn't bother telling us how much Lewis (must have) missed his parents, the poker games with a random coin collection as chips, the cider & donuts party, the fact that Lewis' favorite books are John L. Stoddard's Lectures (apparently on British military history).... ?á
There's so much shown here, so concisely, there's no room for any bs, any direct lessons. ?áWe learn about courage & persistence & empathy by watching Lewis learn about them (even though he doesn't actually realize he's learning them, either, mostly).
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LibraryThing member LaPhenix
Fun and simple.
LibraryThing member frozenplums
I give this book props for concept: a house with a clock counting down to the end of the world hidden somewhere within the walls. I can't believe I haven't come across something like this before, because it's not a particularly outlandish idea. I only wish the writing had been a little better.
LibraryThing member regularguy5mb
Before the movie trailer was released, I think I had heard of this book once or twice, because the title was instantly familiar, but for the life of me I can't seem to remember where.
Anticipating the movie adaptation coming soon, I was excited to read this book. While I can tell there are going to
I like the world this book creates, and definitely need to read the remainder of the series as well as the other two John Bellairs series.
The world of Lewis Barnavelt is dark, mysterious, and more than a little kooky. Uncle Jonathan and Mrs. Zimmerman are a pair I'd enjoy hanging out with, that's for sure. They would be right at home with the Addams family or any of the characters from Neil Gaiman and Roald Dahl books.
Also, I want to live in that house, malevolent clock or no.
A fun tale and a fascinating read, I highly recommend it. Oh! And illustrations by Edward Gorey! How can you resist?
Anticipating the movie adaptation coming soon, I was excited to read this book. While I can tell there are going to
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be some major differences between the versions of the story, it has always been my belief that it's worth experiencing both versions.I like the world this book creates, and definitely need to read the remainder of the series as well as the other two John Bellairs series.
The world of Lewis Barnavelt is dark, mysterious, and more than a little kooky. Uncle Jonathan and Mrs. Zimmerman are a pair I'd enjoy hanging out with, that's for sure. They would be right at home with the Addams family or any of the characters from Neil Gaiman and Roald Dahl books.
Also, I want to live in that house, malevolent clock or no.
A fun tale and a fascinating read, I highly recommend it. Oh! And illustrations by Edward Gorey! How can you resist?
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LibraryThing member caerulius
Lewis Barnavelt is a bookish, chubby orphan who has come to live with his eccentric uncle after the deaths of his parents. Lewis has troubles: he doesn't make friends easily, and so spends a lot of time very lonely. He takes a great and immediate liking to his uncle, and to his Uncle's best friend
Such a fun book. Very 50s in feel, which is appropriate, since I believe that is when it is set.
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and next-door-neighbor, but they aren't what one might expect... they're witches! And the great old house his uncle lives in once belonged to an evil warlock who hid a strange device inside it, that his uncle has not managed to find. But in the middle of the night, the house is permeated by the ticking of a hidden clock, counting down...Such a fun book. Very 50s in feel, which is appropriate, since I believe that is when it is set.
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LibraryThing member Equestrienne
A re-read before the film.
What does it take to get me into a movie theater? After ten years of ignoring the reboots and super hero flics, I finally get a film adaptation of one of my favorite childhood books.
I found this book on the shelf of the library when I was in fifth grade; the book had
The story is set in the fictional Michigan town of New Zebedee, in Capharnaum County. It is based on the real town of Marshall, Michigan, which has many beautiful historic homes. I would know, I'm a Michigan girl, I could jump in my car and take the secondary roads to Marshall and be there in a little over an hour.
Although Lewis is recently orphaned and basically a sad kid, he was excited when he arrived in New Zebedee to live with his uncle Jonathon. His old home town had been new and featureless and he was intrigued by New Zebedee and the Victorian era homes he saw. The best part was Uncle Jonathon's house, an eccentric structure full of marble fireplaces, second best back parlors, crooked, winding staircases and it even had a secret room. The house appealed to Lewis in the same way it appealed to me; I always wanted to live in a house like that, rather than my parent's sensible post-war bungalow.
As Lewis first suspects on arrival; he has come to a magical place.
What we get is an atmospheric gothic tale for kids. As it was published in 1973 I wouldn't recommend it for readers who enjoy the current formula for YA novels. This book is old school and they won't have the patience for it. Lewis is never transformed into a badass. He is always a wimpy fat boy; but he does overcome some of the challenges he faces in this book and becomes a stronger, wiser person with better self-esteem. I'm a sad, reality based old person who isn't charmed by Mary Sue superhero characters engaging in action packed battle sequences throughout the entire book.
Since this book was published at a transitional time for me, I have never read any of the other books in the series. It was one of the last favorite books of my childhood. After this I did a brief year of YA reading and then discretely headed for the adult fiction section. All the books I wanted to read were there.
This re-read was fun and nostalgic. I hope for good things from the movie, but they are never as good as the book. If I get some amazing art direction and a fantastic looking house I will be happy with that.
What does it take to get me into a movie theater? After ten years of ignoring the reboots and super hero flics, I finally get a film adaptation of one of my favorite childhood books.
I found this book on the shelf of the library when I was in fifth grade; the book had
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been published a couple years previously. I knew when I saw the cover art that it was the sort of book I would like. The illustrations really enhanced the reading experience for me.The story is set in the fictional Michigan town of New Zebedee, in Capharnaum County. It is based on the real town of Marshall, Michigan, which has many beautiful historic homes. I would know, I'm a Michigan girl, I could jump in my car and take the secondary roads to Marshall and be there in a little over an hour.
Although Lewis is recently orphaned and basically a sad kid, he was excited when he arrived in New Zebedee to live with his uncle Jonathon. His old home town had been new and featureless and he was intrigued by New Zebedee and the Victorian era homes he saw. The best part was Uncle Jonathon's house, an eccentric structure full of marble fireplaces, second best back parlors, crooked, winding staircases and it even had a secret room. The house appealed to Lewis in the same way it appealed to me; I always wanted to live in a house like that, rather than my parent's sensible post-war bungalow.
As Lewis first suspects on arrival; he has come to a magical place.
What we get is an atmospheric gothic tale for kids. As it was published in 1973 I wouldn't recommend it for readers who enjoy the current formula for YA novels. This book is old school and they won't have the patience for it. Lewis is never transformed into a badass. He is always a wimpy fat boy; but he does overcome some of the challenges he faces in this book and becomes a stronger, wiser person with better self-esteem. I'm a sad, reality based old person who isn't charmed by Mary Sue superhero characters engaging in action packed battle sequences throughout the entire book.
Since this book was published at a transitional time for me, I have never read any of the other books in the series. It was one of the last favorite books of my childhood. After this I did a brief year of YA reading and then discretely headed for the adult fiction section. All the books I wanted to read were there.
This re-read was fun and nostalgic. I hope for good things from the movie, but they are never as good as the book. If I get some amazing art direction and a fantastic looking house I will be happy with that.
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Subjects
Awards
Maud Hart Lovelace Award (Nominee — 1982)
South Carolina Book Awards (Nominee — Children's Book Award — 1979)
Call number
J4B.Bel