Before you throw this awful book to the ground and run as far away from it as possible, you should probably know why. This book is the only one which describes every last detail of the Baudelaire children's miserable stay at Heimlich Hospital, which makes it one of the most dreadful books in the world.
There are many pleasant things to read about, but this book contains none of them. Within its pages are such burdensome details as a suspicious shopkeeper, unnecessary surgery, an intercom system, anesthesia, heart-shaped balloons, and some very startling news about a fire. Clearly you do not want to read about such things.
I have sworn to research this story, and to write it down as best I can, so I should know that this book is something best left on the ground, where you undoubtedly found it.
Please let your children read these books. Even as young as second grade will benefit from the writing style and the need to make crucial inferences with the storylines. These books are good for your kids' brains, parents. Excellent books!
My children have read this book more than once. You can tell this is owned by a child. Do not order this book if you want something that looks brand new.