I never quite understood the hype around this book. I picked it up back when it first came out, expecting this fantastic narrative seamlessly woven around those eerie vintage photographs. Instead, it felt like the author was staring at each picture, desperately trying to shoehorn it into the plot. Character development was seriously lacking. The kids were presented like sideshow attractions, defined solely by their quirks. You'd think they were circus freaks rather than characters you could connect with. Empathy was in short supply. Honestly, I just don't get it. Not a hint of scariness, just a slow and tedious journey.