The Bad Beginning (A Series of Unfortunate Events, #1)
by Lemony Snicket, Brett Helquist
The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket, Brett Helquist holds a well received rating of 3.89 out of 5, based on 275.7K reader ratings. First published in 1999. The book spans 176 pages.
About The Bad Beginning
Dear Reader,I'm sorry to say that the book you are holding in your hands is extremely unpleasant. It tells an unhappy tale about three very unlucky children. Even though they are charming and clever, the Baudelaire siblings lead lives filled with misery and woe. From the very first page of this book when the children are at the beach and receive terrible news, continuing on through the entire story, disaster lurks at their heels. One might say they are magnets for misfortune.In this short book alone, the three youngsters encounter a greedy and repulsive villain, itchy clothing, a disastrous fire, a plot to steal their fortune, and cold porridge for breakfast.It is my sad duty to write down these unpleasant tales, but there is nothing stopping you from putting this book down at once and reading something happy, if you prefer that sort of thing.With all due respect,Lemony Snicket
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Lemony Snicket, Brett Helquist |
| Published | 1999 |
| Pages | 176 |
| Genres | Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy, Mystery & Thriller |
| Average Rating | 3.89 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 275,670 |
Reader Ratings & Analysis
Rating Overview
How It Compares
Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Bad Beginning?
The Bad Beginning is categorized as Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy, Mystery & Thriller. Its primary genre classification is Fantasy.
Is The Bad Beginning worth reading?
Based on 275.7K reader ratings, The Bad Beginning has an average score of 3.89 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received." Its large number of reviews suggests broad reader appeal.
How many pages is The Bad Beginning?
The Bad Beginning has 176 pages. It is a relatively quick read.
Who wrote The Bad Beginning?
The Bad Beginning was written by Lemony Snicket, Brett Helquist. It was first published in 1999.
What is the ISBN for The Bad Beginning?
The ISBN-13 for The Bad Beginning is 9780439206470.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 14, 2026
