As far as my tastes are concerned, this book had all the ingredients for an instant favourite. It's set in New York, thus perpetuating my incessant love affair with one of the greatest cities of the world. It takes place in the early 20th Century, of which the first 40 years are my absolute favourite time period to read about. I love the gloomy, mysterious tone. Bright and shiny just don't work for me anymore, and this definitely isn't that. This book is so bizarre but in all the best ways. 
 In addition, I loved how the author tied events in the book to actual historical events with such vivid detail, it was impossible not to picture it and be overcome with emotion (I drew several parallels to 9/11). I also note the stark contrast between classes; very thought provoking. 
 This was my first Alice Hoffman novel and I don't intend it to be my last. The Museum of Extraordinary Things is my favourite book of 2014 this far.