Extra Book 2: Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library



The puzzle book was another category I doubled up on.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein fulfilled the category “Book revolving around a puzzle or game” in the PopSugar 2019 Reading Challenge. I read the book for the challenge not realizing I had already fulfilled the category with The Lying Game. I went with Ruth Ware’s book instead of this one because it was a kid’s book.
I have a great affinity for children’s stories. Some of the greatest stories ever written were intended for children. But I didn’t want to bog the blog down with too many choices in the children’s lit category. The blog is for adults and how many adults still read kid’s books? I know you’re out there but not the majority.
The story was perfect, an escape room in a novel. My family has become obsessed with escape rooms. I’ve always loved a good puzzle. Many of the computer games I enjoy are puzzle-oriented. And this book hit all my favorite things.
The tale begins with three brothers competing to finish a scavenger hunt their father has set on them. The youngest, Kyle Keeley, wins through stealth and cunning. We learn right from the beginning that perhaps he’s not the sharpest pencil in the case, but he has determination, smarts, and dedication on his side. These skills help him get into the contest and help him inside Mr. Lemoncello’s Library.
The challenge begins when the town’s library reopens with a contest for children to find a secret exit. Mr. Lemoncello is the creator of many fun board and sports games for children and he constructed the new library with the same ideas. Twelve children are invited to spend the night, to solve the clues, and find the secret exit. It’s like a murder-mystery game without a murder.
My daughter and I also watched the movie after we read the book together. What a disappointment. The book relies on logic, technology, and teamwork to solve the riddles and escape the library. The movie morphed the technology into magical elements and removed must of the fun of the book. Also, it was terribly written and acted. Cooperation by the children was the key to getting them through the puzzles. The movie pitted them against each other ala Hunger Games. No thanks.
A short fun read that comes up with some wonderful puzzles. If you liked The Da Vinci Code, you’ll like this book.
     I give Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Five library cards.

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