If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late
Reggie Revisits If You're Reading This, It's Too Late by Pseudonymous Bosch
Synopsis: Cass and Max-Ernest attempt to save a fantastical creature from the clutches of the Midnight Sun, with the help of a new friend and an old secret society.
Warning: SPOILERS AHEAD!
Like with the first book, my 11-year-old cousin and I read this one together, although I first read it many, many years ago when I was around his age. Here are some of our thoughts!
The Revisit
Negatives
- When Cass and Max-Ernest first visit the Magic Museum, they notice posters advertising different circus attractions, and one of them says “Coming to you from the exotic East…CHUNG CHOW THE CHINESE CONJURER” in stereotypical kung-fu type font. Obviously, this poster was meant to attract audiences to the circus and exoticization is a sure-fire method to pique the interest of circusgoers. However, I felt the need to explain this to my little cousin and we talked about how one man’s exotic is another man’s normal and the way people use the word exotic to other people unknown or unfamiliar to them and attract attention. The circus poster led to a fruitful conversation, but children reading the book alone might not pick up on those nuances and engage thoughtfully with such minute, but nevertheless important, details.
- My cousin commented that it took a while to reach the main plot of the novel, which is definitely true. We find out about the homunculus and his entire backstory around 200 pages in. However, the exposition at the beginning of the book really helps tie in the ending, so I thought it was worth it, but I can understand how it could be annoying for younger readers to have to read 200 pages before reaching the central plot.
Positives
- The introduction of Yo-Yoji as a main character was a breath of fresh air! Like I said in my revisit of the first book in this series, it’s really nice to have a main character of color in the books, especially one who is cool and proud of his heritage. Yo-Yoji breaks the model minority stereotype that is often prevalent among Asian characters, and my cousin and I enjoyed reading about him. I also like how Yo-Yoji’s arrival at school caused some much-needed tension in Cass and Max-Ernest’s friendship as it helped them understand each other better and allowed them to branch out from each other by accepting Yo-Yoji into their group.
- Mr. Cabbage Face is hilarious and one of the best parts of the book! He has such distinct character traits which made him quite lovable, and also made his tragic end hit so much harder.
- Finding out Cass’ adoption story and her relation to the Jester were welcome surprises. The positive depiction of adoption is important for young readers in my opinion, as it exposes them to different family types in a natural way.
Us when Mr. Cabbage Face sacrificed himself to save Cass
The Verdict
Reggie says:
A creative sequel to a fantastic first book!
