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The Name of This Book Is Secret
(Secret #1)
by
Warning: this description has not been authorized by Pseudonymous Bosch.
As much as he'd love to sing the praises of his book (he is very vain), he wouldn't want you to hear about his brave 11-year old heroes, Cass and Max-Ernest. Or about how a mysterious box of vials, the Symphony of Smells, sends them on the trail of a magician who has vanished under strange (and stinky ...more
As much as he'd love to sing the praises of his book (he is very vain), he wouldn't want you to hear about his brave 11-year old heroes, Cass and Max-Ernest. Or about how a mysterious box of vials, the Symphony of Smells, sends them on the trail of a magician who has vanished under strange (and stinky ...more
Get A Copy
Hardcover, 364 pages
Published
October 1st 2007
by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
(first published 2007)
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Meghana
YES! I think this book fits perfectly for those genres. It keeps you on the edge of your seat! Very addicting series. Very fun book.
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30

Start your review of The Name of This Book Is Secret (Secret, #1)

I was disappointed by this book. A lot of people compare this to A Series of Unfortunate Events, and although I haven't read those books (yes, I know I should) (I've read the first three of them now so I have a better understanding of how the books compare) and I have also seen the movie and I appreciate its darker, twisted humor. This book though, was annoying.
The story starts off in a promising way, but I wish I had heeded the author's advice and stopped reading. He goes on and on about not r ...more
The story starts off in a promising way, but I wish I had heeded the author's advice and stopped reading. He goes on and on about not r ...more

Q&A Review
Wait. Isn't this a kid's book?
Actually, it is. It was written for kids aged 10-15.
And aren't you almost 40?
Yes. And thanks so much for putting that out there.
So what the devil are you doing reading a book that was written for someone a quarter of your age?
If you aren't careful, halfwit, I'm going to punch you in the face.
*sigh* Okay, fine. So tell me whatever long-winded thing you dragged me in here to tell me.
REAL Review
Sometimes, life gets a little rough. Sometimes, as a grown up, yo ...more
Wait. Isn't this a kid's book?
Actually, it is. It was written for kids aged 10-15.
And aren't you almost 40?
Yes. And thanks so much for putting that out there.
So what the devil are you doing reading a book that was written for someone a quarter of your age?
If you aren't careful, halfwit, I'm going to punch you in the face.
*sigh* Okay, fine. So tell me whatever long-winded thing you dragged me in here to tell me.
REAL Review
Sometimes, life gets a little rough. Sometimes, as a grown up, yo ...more

Dec 27, 2007
Carly
rated it
really liked it
Recommends it for:
EVERYONE
Shelves:
alreadyread-childrensbooks
Definitely one of the best books I've read this year. Reminded me of a cross between the Lemony Snickets and The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart.
At times it is annoying how blatant the Snicket influences are (definitions of words are hinted at, and readers are sent to the dictionary to look up difficult words), but basically this book is just BETTER than any book in A Series of Unfortunate Events. I felt like a great deal in those books was filler, and this book manages to be ...more
At times it is annoying how blatant the Snicket influences are (definitions of words are hinted at, and readers are sent to the dictionary to look up difficult words), but basically this book is just BETTER than any book in A Series of Unfortunate Events. I felt like a great deal in those books was filler, and this book manages to be ...more

Oct 11, 2011
❄️ Propertea Of Frostea ❄️ Bitter SnoBerry ❄
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2011,
favorites,
books-in-my-library,
tears,
to-write-review,
fantasy,
to-read-again,
up-all-night

I'm sorry, I'm not allowed to speak of it!!! But one thing for sure: LOVED IT!! =) ...more

Arghhhh.
If I hear the words secret or survivalist one more time, I'll lose it. Such a drag. ...more
If I hear the words secret or survivalist one more time, I'll lose it. Such a drag. ...more

Originally posted @ Book Whales
This book caught my attention when I went to the Metro Manila International Book Fair last 2011 when I was still in the Philippines. They were promoting it because I heard it was a really good series and it was also gonna release its last book. And I decided to read the synopsis and did some background research upon it and then I fell in love with its concept. Do you know Series of Unfortunate Events? Its a 13 book series which will be in my all time favorite book. ...more
This book caught my attention when I went to the Metro Manila International Book Fair last 2011 when I was still in the Philippines. They were promoting it because I heard it was a really good series and it was also gonna release its last book. And I decided to read the synopsis and did some background research upon it and then I fell in love with its concept. Do you know Series of Unfortunate Events? Its a 13 book series which will be in my all time favorite book. ...more

You know what I don't like?
How you can have a great sort of pseudonym like Lemony Snicket or even Pseudonymous* Bosch and all it takes to expose them is to type their name into Google. Granted, apparently Mr. Bosch was able to keep his pseudonym secret for three years before he was discovered (and how he must have howled and eaten several pounds of dark chocolate when he was discovered), but still, I just don't like knowing. Perhaps I am in a secret-keeping mood thanks to this book.
Yes, this bo ...more
How you can have a great sort of pseudonym like Lemony Snicket or even Pseudonymous* Bosch and all it takes to expose them is to type their name into Google. Granted, apparently Mr. Bosch was able to keep his pseudonym secret for three years before he was discovered (and how he must have howled and eaten several pounds of dark chocolate when he was discovered), but still, I just don't like knowing. Perhaps I am in a secret-keeping mood thanks to this book.
Yes, this bo ...more

Summary: When two eleven year old kids; Cassandra, a self-proclaimed survivalist, and Max-Ernest, find a mysterious "Symphony of Smells", they stumble upon the suspicious death of a magician, some evil alchemists, and the existence of the Secret of life. It's
My thoughts (Note: This review is for the whole series):
I LOVE THE SECRET SERIES!!! The plot for each book is interesting and each one is different. The characters are all believable, relatable, and have distinct personalities. The Appendic ...more
My thoughts (Note: This review is for the whole series):
I LOVE THE SECRET SERIES!!! The plot for each book is interesting and each one is different. The characters are all believable, relatable, and have distinct personalities. The Appendic ...more

3.5 Stars
What an interesting little book. It took me about 100 pages in to find any real enjoyment in this book, but at that point it became quite cute. This text offers readers something different than the typical engagement with a straight-forward narrative. There are codes, mysteries, interactions with the narrator, and secrets.
I am quite glad that I received this book from a student and found the time to read it myself. It will become one of my top recommendations for my reluctant readers.
What an interesting little book. It took me about 100 pages in to find any real enjoyment in this book, but at that point it became quite cute. This text offers readers something different than the typical engagement with a straight-forward narrative. There are codes, mysteries, interactions with the narrator, and secrets.
I am quite glad that I received this book from a student and found the time to read it myself. It will become one of my top recommendations for my reluctant readers.

“WARNING:
DO NOT READ BEYOND THIS PAGE!”
Great start to a book, isn't it? Very Lemony Snicket. And that is why I picked it up, because I loved A Series of Unfortunate Events and wanted something similar. Unfortunately, Pseudonymous Bosch is not exactly the second coming of Lemony Snicket, great name aside.
It isn't a terrible book, but it's lacking on so many levels that I just lost interest in it. The premise of the book means that the author has purposely left out establishing characteristics o ...more
DO NOT READ BEYOND THIS PAGE!”
Great start to a book, isn't it? Very Lemony Snicket. And that is why I picked it up, because I loved A Series of Unfortunate Events and wanted something similar. Unfortunately, Pseudonymous Bosch is not exactly the second coming of Lemony Snicket, great name aside.
It isn't a terrible book, but it's lacking on so many levels that I just lost interest in it. The premise of the book means that the author has purposely left out establishing characteristics o ...more

This book reminds me of A Series of Unfortunate Events maybe because of the writing. I liked it, actually. It's like having a friend tell you a story, or rather, a secret.
The Name of this Book is Secret is about a girl named Cassandra who goes on a dangerous adventure with a boy named Max-Earnest (why he's called such has a funny background lol) because of what they call the secret. This book starts off filling you with curiosity due to the narrator holding back a lot of details, but that cu ...more
The Name of this Book is Secret is about a girl named Cassandra who goes on a dangerous adventure with a boy named Max-Earnest (why he's called such has a funny background lol) because of what they call the secret. This book starts off filling you with curiosity due to the narrator holding back a lot of details, but that cu ...more

Great !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!on for ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1!!!!!!!!!!11!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ...more

I listened to the audio book of The Name of this Book is Secret. The author is the mysterious Pseudonymous Bosch. The whole premise of the story if that there is a big secret that the author does not even want to tell the readers about but can’t resist. As a result, the author gives the 2 main characters fake names on order to begin. Cass and Max Ernest stumble upon a box of fragrances that lead them to a magician’s mysterious death. And through many adventures Cass and Max Ernest end up at a cu
...more

I really enjoyed reading this book by someone with the best pen name ever. And it's about time someone wrote a great novel about synesthesia. I thought it had elements of Lemony Snicket and Philip Pullman.
Having said that, the stuff that bothered me, really bothered me. (Stop reading this review now if you want to avoid listening to a tirade. I guess I'm just in one of those moods!) There are some subtle and not-so subtle political messages that irked me because I'm morally conservative. I reali ...more
Having said that, the stuff that bothered me, really bothered me. (Stop reading this review now if you want to avoid listening to a tirade. I guess I'm just in one of those moods!) There are some subtle and not-so subtle political messages that irked me because I'm morally conservative. I reali ...more

Emily - 4 stars
Joanne - 4 stars
Kathryn - 2.7 stars
Lauren - 4 stars
Priya - 4 stars
Average: 3.7 stars
Emily- This book was quirky and intriguing. How 'bout that?
Joanne- This book was too too fabu!
Kathryn- Maybe I am too old for this book because it did not grab my attention. I did enjoy Cass' trail mix though.
Lauren- This book was weird, but somehow quite enjoyable. Monkey blood?
Priya- I would trade all my smoochies for this book.
The name of this review is SECRET.
Our club had mixed feelings ...more
Joanne - 4 stars
Kathryn - 2.7 stars
Lauren - 4 stars
Priya - 4 stars
Average: 3.7 stars
Emily- This book was quirky and intriguing. How 'bout that?
Joanne- This book was too too fabu!
Kathryn- Maybe I am too old for this book because it did not grab my attention. I did enjoy Cass' trail mix though.
Lauren- This book was weird, but somehow quite enjoyable. Monkey blood?
Priya- I would trade all my smoochies for this book.
The name of this review is SECRET.
Our club had mixed feelings ...more

Sep 27, 2008
Willow
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
I recommend this book to pretty much anyone who enjoys mysteries and has a good sense of humor.
Recommended to Willow by:
My dad got it for me for Christmas!
This book is great! Good for minds wanting to sort out even the toughest mysteries!
"The Name of This Book is Secret" is mysterious and definitely written from a different point of view. I have never read such a mind-bottling book and that is a good thing in this case. I am also dying to read the sequel "If Your Reading This it's Too Late". I recommend this book to pretty much anyone who enjoys mysteries and has a good sense of humor.
But I warn you it has an open ending so it seems a little confu ...more
"The Name of This Book is Secret" is mysterious and definitely written from a different point of view. I have never read such a mind-bottling book and that is a good thing in this case. I am also dying to read the sequel "If Your Reading This it's Too Late". I recommend this book to pretty much anyone who enjoys mysteries and has a good sense of humor.
But I warn you it has an open ending so it seems a little confu ...more

I loved this book so much! I had to reread it to start the second book, but I still felt all of the emotions as I did in the first time I read it. I can't wait to start the second book right now.
...more

i really liked this when i was in elementary school and it’s still pretty cool now! a very quick 2 hr read and very fun!

When I’m not wandering the aisles of a bookstore, filling my arms with more than I can carry, or sitting on the couch in my pajamas surfing library e-book catalogs in search of the next fabulous read, I find book suggestions through the recommendations of fellow bookworms. My latest find comes courtesy of my oldest niece, Kelsey. When we were at the bookstore together the other day she suggested I borrow her copy of The Name of This Book is Secret. What a great suggestion!
The Name of This Book I ...more
The Name of This Book I ...more

By the end of the Series of Unfortunate Events I had grown rather tired of Lemony Snicket constantly talking AT me, and warning me to read no further, and defining things in hilarious ways. This book is much the same, and I know that kids who are fans of Lemony Snicket will just adore it, because it's very similar, with the exception of it being a much more normal (and therefore relatable) setting. Bosch's writing is very good, and the plot is quite clever, but after a while I just wanted him to
...more

Pseudonymous Bosch certainly knows how to keep readers glued to a book... or.. to the series. Written in a style that mekes it more like listening to a story than reading one, the author doesn't give a single chance to the readers to get bored. Moreover, the ending will leave one with no choice but to read the next book. LOVED IT.
Anyone who doesn't mind reading children's books once in a while, DO READ IT.. and those who do mind.. well.. I pity you guys...you have no idea what you are going to m ...more
Anyone who doesn't mind reading children's books once in a while, DO READ IT.. and those who do mind.. well.. I pity you guys...you have no idea what you are going to m ...more

First as part of favorable disclosure I want to tell everyone that I have not read the 'Unfortunate Events' series. As a matter of fact I hadn't even heard of it till I opened this page to write this review. As I understand the way this book is written(which frankly is the most novel part of this book) is inspired from that series. But now I have already given this book 4 stars and I am not going to take anything away from it just because I am an ignorant fool. So hereof I am going to write this
...more

Oct 16, 2008
Linden
rated it
really liked it
Recommends it for:
Fifth Grade and up
Recommended to Linden by:
Sam Wixon
Like Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events, in The Name of This Book is Secret, the author addresses the reader while telling the adventures of Cass and Max-Ernest as they try to solve the likely death of a magician and find a box with mysterious contents.
The characters are off-beat: Max-Ernest is a non-stop talker and joke-teller, small for his age, and a fan of riddles and word games; Cass is a survivalist, wearing her backpack filled with equipment to mitigate any dire eventualities; ...more
The characters are off-beat: Max-Ernest is a non-stop talker and joke-teller, small for his age, and a fan of riddles and word games; Cass is a survivalist, wearing her backpack filled with equipment to mitigate any dire eventualities; ...more

Mystery! Suspense! Dastardly deeds! Diabolical plots!
What to say about a book whose very title is a secret, whose first page warns us "Do Not Read Beyond This Page", where names and places are changed to preserve secrecy?
Definately a fun story with mystery, villians, and lovably quirky kids. Has a narrator that breaks the narritive to speak to the reader, but didn't find that annoying, and there is less of that as the story goes along. Reminds me a bit of The Mysterious Benedict Society with som ...more
What to say about a book whose very title is a secret, whose first page warns us "Do Not Read Beyond This Page", where names and places are changed to preserve secrecy?
Definately a fun story with mystery, villians, and lovably quirky kids. Has a narrator that breaks the narritive to speak to the reader, but didn't find that annoying, and there is less of that as the story goes along. Reminds me a bit of The Mysterious Benedict Society with som ...more
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
---|---|---|---|---|
What's the Name o...: SOLVED. Juvenile Comedy Adventure Mystery. Boy & girl try to solve a mystery about circus twins who can talk to each other through (colored smoke?). Twins were separated when young. Read around 2017-2019. Spoilers ahead. [s] | 12 | 538 | Feb 19, 2021 05:55AM | |
What's the Name o...: SOLVED. Book with a boy who has a two names and divorced parents. [s] | 4 | 24 | Aug 18, 2020 08:07AM | |
What's the Name o...: SOLVED. Young Adult Book, read around 2010, the title or a lesson in the book is "do not read this book." [s] | 3 | 31 | May 26, 2020 09:25PM | |
What's the Name o...: SOLVED. A novel about a boy and a girl who have to fight off two villains described as "dolls" in a spa? Golden Baths? [s] | 5 | 20 | Mar 31, 2019 01:24PM | |
age group of 8-11 | 49 | 159 | Jan 03, 2019 08:36AM |
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Secret
(6 books)
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