Book Review: Who Done It?
book edited by John Scieszka
(And YOU, the Reader)
Summary from Goodreads:
A star-studded anthology
with a devilish hook, whose proceeds benefit 826nyc: the fabulous literacy
non-profit founded by Dave Eggers.
Can you imagine the most cantankerous
book editor alive? Part Voldemort, part Cruella de Vil (if she were a dude),
and worse in appearance and odor than a gluttonous farm pig? A man who makes no
secret of his love of cheese or his disdain of unworthy authors? That man is
Herman Mildew.
The anthology opens with an
invitation to a party, care of this insufferable monster, where more than 80 of
the most talented, bestselling and recognizable names in YA and children’s
fiction learn that they are suspects in his murder. All must provide alibis in
brief first-person entries. The problem is that all of them are liars, all of
them are fabulists, and all have something to hide...
Now, I would have summarized this book myself, but how does
one ever do a summary like that one
justice? You can rest assured that the book itself it in every way just as
quirky, confusing, and overall head-scratch inducing as you work your way
through the testimonies of authors like John Green, Maureen Johnson, Lemony
Snicket, and Libba Bray. In fact, there are eighty-three short pieces by big
names in YA lit. Some compose poetry that will make you laugh out loud if
you’ve taken American Lit at any point (David Levithan, we’re looking at you).
Some take it upon themselves to accuse each other in crazy attempts to shift focus
away from their own motives. And it’s up to you, the reader, to work out who
done it before the end of the book. The whole thing is made more fun if you’re
aware of the personalities of the authors themselves through their various
social media, but the whole thing is hilarious either way. And, as it mentions
in the summary, proceeds go to the New York City chapter of 826, the vice
president of which is the editor of this book. Jon Scieszka also happens to be
our nation’s first ambassador for Young People’s Literature and the founder of
the Guys Read literacy initiative. So, if you’re not convinced quite yet (to
which I ask ‘why not?’), I leave you with their press release blurbs, which may
yet still be my favorite part of this whole endeavor. Have a good afternoon,
and remember to beware of the cantankerous Herman Mildew!
Praise for WHO DONE IT?:
“How did you get my phone number? Stop calling me or I’m
getting the police involved.” –Maureen Johnson
“Papery! And rectilinear!” –Barry Lyga
“Who are you? Why are you writing down everything I’m
saying? What book? What are you talking about?” –Lemony Snicket
“Of all the books I’ve ever read, this was definitely the
most recent.” –Jennifer Smith
“If you already know who done it, this is not the book for
you.” –Mo Willems
“Cures everything from sleeplessness to insomnia.” –Natalie
Standiford
By Renee Combs
