July 15, 2004

ON MY BOOKSHELF

The Series of Unfortunate Events 10th Book: ‘The Slippery Slope’
By Lemony Snicket

Devon Ducker, 13,
Bret Harte Middle School
eighth grader

Well-traveled, exceptionally courteous, an avid reader, Bret Harte eighth-grader-to-be Devon Ducker may be the most cultured kid in Almaden, and—perhaps—the unluckiest. Two years ago, foregoing a year on top of the world as a Graystone fifth grader, Ducker honorably opted for the road less traveled by elementary students; sailing around the world. In February 2002, the Duckers hoisted main sail, embarking upon a boat trip across the Atlantic and an education in incident.

However, for eldest daughter, Devon, the adventure quickly turned from Indiana Jones to E.R.

“First I broke a toe,” explained Ducker. “Next I developed an abscess in my jaw, got a root canal in Greece, waited around awhile and got appendicitis.” Turns out the Duckers spent the final month of their voyage hanging around Athens’ medical facilities, tending Devon’s ailments.

Asked how, in regard to the setbacks, Ducker replied, “Who knows? I’m probably jinxed. I am a little uncoordinated, but mostly I think it’s just bad luck. Hopefully it will not continue.”

Yet, since returning to land and the familiar soil of Almaden Valley, Ducker has developed several techniques to combat unfortunate accidents. “I am trying to become more coordinated and think harder,” said Ducker. “I am working on becoming spatially aware of my surroundings.”

One other development program initiated by Ducker required reading author Lemony Snicket’s “Series of Unfortunate Events” series. “I actually have some things in common with the characters,” said Ducker of the 10 “Unfortunate Events” books. “A lot of unfortunate things happen to me, but I also share interests with the characters.”

Snicket’s “Unfortunate Events” chronicle the outrageous adventures of three orphan siblings—the Baudelaires; Violet, Klaus and Sunny. Typically, Violet, the eldest at 14, assumes the most responsibility of the three, looking after her younger brother and sister, while the trio fends off evil Count Olaf in search of the truth behind the VFD, an apparently secret society, formerly friends to the missing Baudelaire parents.

Olaf, who has remaining ties to the VFD, specializes in disguise, creating amusing, but decipherable results as the kids tend to outsmart him. The further they get past Olaf and his henchman, the evil side of the VFD, the closer the Baudelaires get to the truth of their parents.

Yet, Olaf poses just one threat; the Baudelaires rely on their brains and special talents to stay ahead of others, as well. VFD imposters such as the Village of Fowl Devotees, among others, act as imposter decoys, throwing the kids off their tracks.

“The whole series is really fun,” said an articulate Ducker. “You get a lot of comedy mixed with mystery and fantasy. I guess the story could have happened, but people usually aren’t that [dense]. Too many bad things happen to them.”

As for drawing safety advice from familiar characters, Ducker would rather trash the mishaps and keep the talent. “Violet looks after her siblings. Klaus is smart, loves to read. Sunny loves to cook…I look after my sister, I love to read, and I especially love to cook.”

With the appendix out of the picture and abscess drilled away, Ducker’s toes are all that remain vulnerable; should be safe reading, anyway.

—By Justin Petersen