Apparently I'm into Metadata

So the next book I read after An Abundance of Katherines also contained fun footnotes and anagrams and excellent metadata--it's weird how that works out without planning (Note: I actually read Pretties and Specials in between Katherines and the book in question, but those two are as addicting as I imagine crack to be, so they are practically not books, but a one-way ticket to rehab. More on them in a later post--I'm waiting to finish Extras). What book is it? Well, I probably shouldn't tell you about it. Or, at least, I feel like the author would be pretty T.Oed if I told you. It's secret. Okay, okay, I'll tell you. I read The Name of This Book is Secret and learned about scary events that may or may not have happened to people potentially named Cass and Max-Ernest. But I didn't say that.

First, the juicy metadata. Apparently authors and publishing companies are really into flipping around the copyright information. Because this book is the second book I read over winterbreak that deviates from the boring ole slop of yesteryear's books. Though, of the two, this one is more overt, seeing as the information is splayed out on odd angles across the page. Oh! And not only does the author include footnotes, but he (or is it she?) includes an appendix! The appendix features a glossary defining all sorts of circus slang, but that's not all! It also teaches the reader a nifty card trick. Sweetness! Now I can blend in when I show up at my ten year high school reunion telling everyone I joined the circus immediately after graduation and impress them with my skills.

On to the less pleasant task of my post. Sigh. Much as I enjoyed this book, I had an overwhelming sense of deja vu. The author refuses to go on with his/her story at intermittent points because the events portrayed are too horrific. The author also reveals strange details about him/herself by informing the reader that dark chocolate from Europe (with a high cacao percentage) is a preferred vice. And the biggest aspect of this book that seemed a little too familiar is that the author's mysterious identity. Now, don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and don't think that it intentionally replicated A Series of Unfortunate Events, but the similarities are kinda scary. I definitely recommend this book if a kid just finished Lemony's books and is hungering for more.