This bleak tale follows the misfortunes of the Baudelaire siblings at boarding school. Expect strict punishments, comprehensive exams, and all manner of unpleasantness. With wit and despair, Lemony Snicket chronicles the trio's latest miserable adventures. For those seeking a cheerful read, look elsewhere.

The Austere Academy

If you have not read anything about the Baudelaire orphans, then before you read even one more sentence, you should know this: Violet, Klaus, and Sunny are kindhearted and quick-witted, but their lives are filled with bad luck and misery. All of the stories about these three children are unhappy and wretched and will most likely fill you with deep …