Name: Poison for Breakfast
Rating: 3.771551724137931 (58 reviews)
ISBN: 9780316563604

Lemony Snicket

"Lemony Snicket must investigate his own possible murder by poison after receiving a suspicious note following breakfast"--

Poison for Breakfast

A new stand-alone adventure--appropriate for all ages--by Lemony Snicket, one of the twenty-first century's most beloved authors. For more than twenty years, Lemony Snicket has led millions of young readers through a mysterious world of bewildering questions and unfortunate events. With this latest book--a love letter to readers young and old about the vagaries of real life--longtime fans and new readers alike will experience Snicket's distinctive voice in a new way. This true story--as true as Lemony Snicket himself--begins with a puzzling note under his door: You had poison for breakfast. Following a winding trail of clues to solve the mystery of his own demise, Snicket takes us on a thought-provoking tour of his predilections: the proper way to prepare an egg, a perplexing idea called "tzimtzum," the sublime pleasure of swimming in open water, and much else. Poison for Breakfast is a classic-in-the-making that--in the great tradition of modern fables like The Little Prince and The Phantom Tollbooth--will delight readers of all ages.

Quirky and philosophical, but not successful enough at either to be more than a quick, slightly amusing read.

Doug Belshaw

Has Lemony Snicket been poisoned? A standalone novel for all ages -- a contemporary fable in the great tradition of The Little Prince and Sophie's World -- by one of the twenty-first century's most beloved authors. For more than twenty years, Lemony Snicket has been one of the most famous narrators in contemporary middle-grade fiction, leading millions of readers through a mysterious literary world of bewildering questions and unfortunate events. Now, with this latest book -- a love letter to readers and reading, and a meditation on the vagaries of real life -- longtime fans and new readers alike have an opportunity to experience Snicket's distinctive voice in a new way. This true story -- as true as Lemony Snicket himself -- begins with a puzzling note under his door: You had poison for breakfast. Following a winding trail of clues to solve the mystery of his own demise, Snicket takes us on a thought-provoking tour of his predilections: the proper way to prepare an egg, a perplexing idea called tzimtzum, the sublime pleasure of swimming in open water, and much else. Poison for Breakfast is a classic-in-the-making that -- in the great tradition of modern fables like The Little Prince and The Phantom Tollbooth -- will delight readers of all ages.

Megan BV

Briar's Reviews

Poison for Breakfast by Lemony Snicket is a quirky, unique read that brings back one fantabulous writer to the reading circuit.

I grew up reading A Series of Unfortunate Events, so naturally I would want to pick up more by Lemony Snicket. Lemony's writing style is so unique and out there, it was only natural to want to dive into another work. And it's safe to say, the book was rather quirky. It has sass and attitude, which is why I enjoy reading these books. It's wild, out there and just something different.

I wasn't totally encapsulated by this book. It was okay, but it didn't hold my full attention. That being said, I really liked the style this book had. It's very funky and odd, in all the best ways. The repeated comments over and over (like the little breakfast poem) drove me insane though. 

Overall, this is a nice, quick read that has a lot of spunk in it. It's like peeking into someone's mind instead of reading a story. There's lots of twists, turns and oddities to read through.

Two out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

I loved this short little philosophy/mystery mash-up. 

Katelyn Caillouet

MARIYAM ASHRAF SIDDIQUI

A book which is packed with nothingness and everything in it all together. 
A very strange read but very relaxing, sometimes funny and yeah very informative too. I really liked it

I loved this book! It felt like just one long stream of consciousness thought and it was so fun to follow all the twists and turns. I didn’t know I was a fan of philosophy but I suppose I am now. And the ending is totally something I would do. It was a quick easy read and I’d 100% reread when the mood strikes. Also bonus points because this got me out of a two month reading rut!  

Claire

A new stand-alone adventure—appropriate for all ages—by Lemony Snicket, one of the twenty-first century’s most beloved authors. In the years since this publishing house was founded, we have worked with an array of wondrous authors who have brought illuminating clarity to our bewildering world. Now, instead, we bring you Lemony Snicket. Over the course of his long and suspicious career, Mr. Snicket has investigated many things, including villainy, treachery, conspiracy, ennui, and various suspicious fires. In this book, he is investigating his own death. Poison for Breakfast is a different sort of book than others we have published, and from others you may have read. It is different from other books Mr. Snicket has written. It could be said to be a book of philosophy, something almost no one likes, but it is also a mystery, and many people claim to like those. Certainly Mr. Snicket didn’t relish the dreadful task of solving it, but he had no choice. It was put in front of him, right there, on his plate.

Julianna Reynolds 

Shannon Leigh Williams

I just read this in one sitting!

What a thought provoking, luxurious journey for anyone who loves wandering words and philosophical, questioning tangents.

In other words, this is a new favorite. The references to literature, poetry, and especially librarianship, spoke to me deeply. Though I obtained this book via my public library, I can easily see myself purchasing a copy to reread and annotate.

✨Tyler ✨

I saw someone describe this as Snicket for adults and was very excited. Sadly, I really didn't enjoy this much.

I wasn't a big fan of the ATWQ series either. I think Snicket as the main character falls flat for me. He works much better as a distant but present, quippy narrator.

This book felt like reading ASOUE book, but with all the plot removed and all of the Snicket narration expanded by pages and strung together into a very loose story. Not my cup of tea, unfortunately.

Dianna Jorgenson

I skimmed the last 60 pages because I couldn’t get through it. Rolled my eyes at the “reveal”. I thought I liked his writing but it’s just rambling for 99% of the book.

Taylor

It's the nostalgia for me, personally. This was a quick and fun read that reminded me how much I love Lemony Snicket's incredible voice and writing style. It was nonsensical, whimsical, and appropriately bewildering. I know that he style isn't for everyone, and I probably would not have enjoyed it half as much had I not loved ASOUE as a kid. 

TWs: mentions of kidnapping, slavery, colonialism, and prison camps.

Lee Schneider

Shannon Jade

Poison for Breakfast by Lemony Snicket is anything but expected, detailing the author's bewildering journey from a poisonous breakfast to a long list of potential poisoners.

True to Lemony Snicket's trademark tone, Poison for Breakfast is witty, funny, and clever, offering something new and innovative that is unlike anything else on the literary market. An unreliable narrator makes the story ever the more interesting and unique.

But Lemony's cautionary tale of poisonous breakfasts (mind the eggs, won't you?) is far from being only comedic. Rather, Poison for Breakfast offers a beginner's look at complex topics like mortality, philosophy, and meaning.

As you journey past locations and ideas, you'll soon find that a poisonous breakfast might be brought about by any number of important and not-so-important people, ideas, and events. Perhaps a poisonous breakfast is impossible to trace. Perhaps it isn't even poisonous at all.

Fans of Lemony Snicket's other books will love this not-quite-a-memoir. If you're looking for an inventive story to add to your TBR, this one might be the right choice for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and Oneworld Publications for providing me with this eARC.

Poison for Breakfast

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