The Grim Grotto by Lemony Snicket and read by Tim Curry

Summary from Goodreads:

Dear Reader,

Unless you are a slug, a sea anemone, or mildew, you probably prefer not to be damp. You might also prefer not to read this book, in which the Baudelaire siblings encounter an unpleasant amount of dampness as they descend into the depths of despair, underwater.

In fact, the horrors they encounter are too numerous to list, and you wouldn't want me even to mention the worst of it, which includes mushrooms, a desperate search for something lost, a mechanical monster, a distressing message from a lost friend, and tap dancing.

As a dedicated author who has pledged to keep recording the depressing story of the Baudelaires, I must continue to delve deep into the cavernous depths of the orphans' lives. You, on the other hand, may delve into some happier book in order to keep your eyes and your spirits from being dampened.

With all due respect,

Lemony Snicket

Review:

I can’t believe I only have two more books left in this series. Yikes. What am I going to do when they are all over? I have come to rely on a good story told by Tim Curry in each of my car rides. It will be a sad, sad day when I’m finished with the series.

That being said, this wasn’t my favorite installment in the series. There was still plenty of great action and adventure. This time most of it takes place under water, in a submarine. This one was just such a repetitive one. I couldn’t listen to the explanation of the water cycle one more time. I get why it was important. I do. But, seriously it was explained at least 5 times.

Pushing the water cycle aside, a lot was learned about VFD. There was a hidden grotto filled with deadly mushrooms. New friends were met. And of course there was another run-in with Olaf and his crew, who just keep getting worse and worse. I cannot stand Carmelita, and I know that is the point. But, Carmelita’s awfulness on top of the repetitive water cycle thing made me anxious to get a move on with the next book.

Sunny is talking mostly in real words now! Also, Violet has a birthday. And Klaus gets a little romantic interest himself. I found “Triangle Eyes” to be kind of annoying. And I never particularly liked her character, but I can see why she and Klaus would get along. I also like seeing more lines being crossed in regards to good vs evil. Evil people can do good things and good people can do evil things. And the kids are learning a lot about this as they go.

I love watching the characters grow up. I loved the cliffhanger at the end. I cannot wait to see what happens next. While this wasn’t my favorite installment, it also wasn’t my least favorite. I give it a 7/10.