If You're Reading This, It's Too Late

Bosch, Pseudonymous. 2008. If You're Reading This, It's Too Late.

If You're Reading This, It's Too Late is the sequel to The Name of This Book Is Secret. I enjoyed the first book tremendously. I loved it. L-O-V-E loved it. This one....well, it didn't quite live up to my expectations...but I think it's an enjoyable enough read. I think it might be just my mood. (Or maybe sometimes second books have a hard time living up to the first book.)

Like The Name of This Book Is Secret, this one is written in a very informal, casual way. Novel-as-conversation. The narrator-author is speaking directly to the reader. And this works in many ways. It's meant to be humorous and adventurous all in one.

Here's the author's note:

Please read the contract on the following page very carefully. If you refuse to sign, I'm afraid you must close this book immediately.

Turn the page, and this is what you'll see:

I, the Reader of this Book, certify that I am reading this book for entertainment only. Or to avoid cleaning my bedroom or doing my homework. I will not try to uncover the true identities or locations of the people described in this book. Nor will I try to contact any secret society mentioned in this book. Although the story may concern an ancient and powerful secret, I hereby deny any knowledge of this so-called secret. If I am ever asked about it, I will run from the room. Unless I am on an airplane, in which case I will close my eyes and ignore the person speaking to me. And if all else fails, I'll scream. I will not repeat a word of this book under any circumstances. Unless I just can't help it.
If that doesn't make you curious, surely the prologue will.

One thing that I enjoyed about this one is that the chapters count down. We begin with chapter 33 and end with chapter 1. I thought that was unusual but fun.

The narrator is just as fun as ever. And the story is full of adventure, mystery, and humor. Our hero-and-heroine (Cass and Max-Ernest) are back for more secrets, more chases, and more close-calls. And they're ready to join the Terces society, and prepared to go on missions for the greater-good to put a stop to the evil society of the Midnight Sun.

© Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews