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Click Here to Start
What if playing video games was prepping you to solve an incredible real-world puzzle and locate a priceless treasure?
Twelve-year-old Ted Gerson has spent most of his summer playing video games. So when his great-uncle dies and bequeaths him the all so-called treasure in his overstuffed junk shop of an apartment, Ted explores it like it’s another level to beat. And to his shock, he finds that eccentric Great-Uncle Ted actually has set the place up like a real-life escape-the-room game!
Using his specially honed skills, Ted sets off to win the greatest game he’s ever played, with help from his friends Caleb and Isabel. Together they discover that Uncle Ted’s “treasure” might be exactly that—real gold and jewels found by a Japanese American unit that served in World War II. With each puzzle Ted and his friends solve, they get closer to unraveling the mystery—but someone dangerous is hot on their heels, and he’s not about to let them get away with the fortune.
Twelve-year-old Ted Gerson has spent most of his summer playing video games. So when his great-uncle dies and bequeaths him the all so-called treasure in his overstuffed junk shop of an apartment, Ted explores it like it’s another level to beat. And to his shock, he finds that eccentric Great-Uncle Ted actually has set the place up like a real-life escape-the-room game!
Using his specially honed skills, Ted sets off to win the greatest game he’s ever played, with help from his friends Caleb and Isabel. Together they discover that Uncle Ted’s “treasure” might be exactly that—real gold and jewels found by a Japanese American unit that served in World War II. With each puzzle Ted and his friends solve, they get closer to unraveling the mystery—but someone dangerous is hot on their heels, and he’s not about to let them get away with the fortune.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published July 19, 2016
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1512 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 316 reviews
August 17, 2022
Really delightful book that will appeal to puzzle fanatics of all ages. As an adult, I appreciated the integration of history, computers, puzzles (I love escape the room games personally) and character interaction. The characters are relatable twelve-year-olds. The book is reminiscent of Trenton Lee Stewart's books. Very fast paced, the story will keep readers engaged and interested throughout. I look forward to additional books exploring further puzzles.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
October 15, 2017
Ted barely knows his great-uncle when he visits the dying man in the hospital.
“I have a flashback for a movie I saw where a guy laid out like this had a monster burst out of his chest and jump on someone’s face. I’m not saying I expect that to happen here, but hey, it does go through my mind.”
During the visit Ted’s great-uncle (who is also Ted), asks him about his love for computer games, and escape-the-room games in particular. Turns out the younger Ted not only enjoys these games, but is very good at them.
“Wait. Is a real, live adult person actually asking me details about the games I play? This is unheard of.”
At the end of the visit Great-Uncle Ted gives Ted a strange message, insisting on a promise.
“THE BOX IS ONLY THE BEGINNING. KEEP LOOKING FOR THE ANSWERS. ALWAYS GO FOR BROKE! PROMISE ME!”
Ted doesn’t understand what all that is about, but as his great-uncle falls into exhausted sleep he gives his promise.
This sets Ted off on a path of mystery, suspense and puzzles. Aided by his friend Caleb, and reluctantly by the daughter of his dad’s boss, Isabel, Ted sorts through the junk filled apartment his great-uncle left him in his will. The will mentions treasure and that Ted is good at solving puzzles. What will they find there?
The trio comes across numerous puzzles to solve throughout the story, and there’s mystery, suspense, humor and of course – villains.
The boys figure out Isabel isn’t just a snooty know-it-all, and Isabel finds the boys aren’t just dumb nerds, slowly developing friendship and mutual respect.
And along the way we learn a bit about the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, including mention of the excellent book, Farewell to Manzanar: A True Story of Japanese American Experience During and After the World War II Internment, The Maltese Falcon, and the Nisei brigade – the Japanese American unit that served in World War II. Don’t worry though, the book is pretty sneaky about hiding any educational value in all the fun and excitement. Kids will never figure it out. I'm sure they won't.
Well, ok, they will, but they'll find it interesting, really, I promise.
As an adult reading this I found the kids, and our narrator Ted in particular, hilarious and quite charming. I lost track of the number of times I laughed out loud. Even the parents are funny, in that grown up way of being funny because they think they’re funny when really they’re just lame.
I’d put this book in a similar category as From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, but of course written for the current crop of young people to relate to and enjoy.
The kids’ voices are authentic and quite funny. The story is engaging, with puzzle after puzzle, each like a real life point and click computer game. I think both boys and girls who enjoy mysteries will like this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
“I have a flashback for a movie I saw where a guy laid out like this had a monster burst out of his chest and jump on someone’s face. I’m not saying I expect that to happen here, but hey, it does go through my mind.”
During the visit Ted’s great-uncle (who is also Ted), asks him about his love for computer games, and escape-the-room games in particular. Turns out the younger Ted not only enjoys these games, but is very good at them.
“Wait. Is a real, live adult person actually asking me details about the games I play? This is unheard of.”
At the end of the visit Great-Uncle Ted gives Ted a strange message, insisting on a promise.
“THE BOX IS ONLY THE BEGINNING. KEEP LOOKING FOR THE ANSWERS. ALWAYS GO FOR BROKE! PROMISE ME!”
Ted doesn’t understand what all that is about, but as his great-uncle falls into exhausted sleep he gives his promise.
This sets Ted off on a path of mystery, suspense and puzzles. Aided by his friend Caleb, and reluctantly by the daughter of his dad’s boss, Isabel, Ted sorts through the junk filled apartment his great-uncle left him in his will. The will mentions treasure and that Ted is good at solving puzzles. What will they find there?
The trio comes across numerous puzzles to solve throughout the story, and there’s mystery, suspense, humor and of course – villains.
The boys figure out Isabel isn’t just a snooty know-it-all, and Isabel finds the boys aren’t just dumb nerds, slowly developing friendship and mutual respect.
And along the way we learn a bit about the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, including mention of the excellent book, Farewell to Manzanar: A True Story of Japanese American Experience During and After the World War II Internment, The Maltese Falcon, and the Nisei brigade – the Japanese American unit that served in World War II. Don’t worry though, the book is pretty sneaky about hiding any educational value in all the fun and excitement. Kids will never figure it out. I'm sure they won't.
Well, ok, they will, but they'll find it interesting, really, I promise.
As an adult reading this I found the kids, and our narrator Ted in particular, hilarious and quite charming. I lost track of the number of times I laughed out loud. Even the parents are funny, in that grown up way of being funny because they think they’re funny when really they’re just lame.
I’d put this book in a similar category as From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, but of course written for the current crop of young people to relate to and enjoy.
The kids’ voices are authentic and quite funny. The story is engaging, with puzzle after puzzle, each like a real life point and click computer game. I think both boys and girls who enjoy mysteries will like this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2016
4.5 stars
Age range: 8 to 12 years old
Ted is a twelve years old boy who loves to play escape-the-room games in his computer. And he is really good at them. When his great uncle dies leaving a treasure for him to find, Ted will need all his skills to solve this real life challenge.
This book was such an enjoyable reading! It has lots of action, a trio of adorable friends, mysterious characters, treasure hunting, computer games, and literary quotes. It also approaches the topic of American soldiers of Japanese ancestry who fought during WWII in the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Infantry Regiment, as well as the internment of Japanese American in camps during that period. The plot is dynamic and consistent. The writing is very engaging, and I found myself widely smiling in many occasions. It also made me want to read some classic literary works mentioned in it, to learn more about this specific historic events, and, why not, try some escape-the-room computer games. (No. I have never played them).
The cover art by Octavi Navarro is wonderful, and I also liked the pages layout, which mirrors a computer game. If it looks so good in an e-book I guess the printed edition has to be just awesome.
There is a hint at the end of the book that suggest this might be the first one in a series. Am I right? I hope so!
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Find more children's book reviews in Reviews in Chalk
Age range: 8 to 12 years old
Ted is a twelve years old boy who loves to play escape-the-room games in his computer. And he is really good at them. When his great uncle dies leaving a treasure for him to find, Ted will need all his skills to solve this real life challenge.
This book was such an enjoyable reading! It has lots of action, a trio of adorable friends, mysterious characters, treasure hunting, computer games, and literary quotes. It also approaches the topic of American soldiers of Japanese ancestry who fought during WWII in the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Infantry Regiment, as well as the internment of Japanese American in camps during that period. The plot is dynamic and consistent. The writing is very engaging, and I found myself widely smiling in many occasions. It also made me want to read some classic literary works mentioned in it, to learn more about this specific historic events, and, why not, try some escape-the-room computer games. (No. I have never played them).
The cover art by Octavi Navarro is wonderful, and I also liked the pages layout, which mirrors a computer game. If it looks so good in an e-book I guess the printed edition has to be just awesome.
There is a hint at the end of the book that suggest this might be the first one in a series. Am I right? I hope so!
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Find more children's book reviews in Reviews in Chalk
May 10, 2017
A Gamer's Delight...
This book was such great fun! It's a children's book but anyone that enjoys solving puzzles or playing video games will enjoy it. It's about a 12-year old boy named Ted who loves to play escape room games. When his Uncle dies, he leaves him everything in his apartment but unbeknownst to Ted he has also set the apartment up like a real-life escape room game. Ted and his friends, Caleb and Isabel, have to solve the puzzles to find the real treasure. What they think is just a fun game to find some junk though, turns out to be a dangerous race to find real treasure and they aren't the only players in the game!
I love scavenger hunts and solving puzzles so I really got a kick out of this book but I think my 10 year old son or any kids that love games would enjoy it even more. When it releases I'd definitely like to get the audio version for us to listen to in the car. It's perfect family fun for a summer road trip!
*I received this book from NetGalley & Random House Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
This book was such great fun! It's a children's book but anyone that enjoys solving puzzles or playing video games will enjoy it. It's about a 12-year old boy named Ted who loves to play escape room games. When his Uncle dies, he leaves him everything in his apartment but unbeknownst to Ted he has also set the apartment up like a real-life escape room game. Ted and his friends, Caleb and Isabel, have to solve the puzzles to find the real treasure. What they think is just a fun game to find some junk though, turns out to be a dangerous race to find real treasure and they aren't the only players in the game!
I love scavenger hunts and solving puzzles so I really got a kick out of this book but I think my 10 year old son or any kids that love games would enjoy it even more. When it releases I'd definitely like to get the audio version for us to listen to in the car. It's perfect family fun for a summer road trip!
*I received this book from NetGalley & Random House Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
July 13, 2016
Click to Start Here was a very addictive, fast paced, adventure for gamers and non-gamers alike. It might interest those who like playing games a bit more but I think anyone would love to read this one.
Ted doesn't know his Great Uncle but on his deaths bed he wants to talk to Ted. He ask him if he was still in to games and when he says yes, he makes him promise to look beyond the box and go for broke. Ted has no clue what he is talking about but then after his Great Uncle dies and leaves him with the contents of his house. It takes Ted and his friends on an adventure to find some sort of treasure.
Ted loves exit games, those types that have puzzles to help you get the key to open the door. Now Ted is playing these games in real life and there is someone else who wants that treasure and he is not a nice person. Ted, Caleb, and Isabel have to use their smarts to figure out where the treasure is and out smart a bad guy.
I really loved each character in this book. Ted is smart but he doesn't always apply himself to his school work and such. He does love to play exit games and solve puzzles and is very good at them and always has the high score. Playing a game and figuring things out in real life he learns is a lot different. Caleb is that faithful friend who isn't as good at exit games but still tries and can now and then come up with a great idea. Isabel is new to town and at first Ted and Caleb didn't want her around but some times her books smarts comes in handy.
Click to Start Here was a lot of fun and if you have a young reader who loves adventures or gaming then I am sure they will really like this one. If you ask me young and old alike could have fun with this adventure book. Highly recommend.
Ted doesn't know his Great Uncle but on his deaths bed he wants to talk to Ted. He ask him if he was still in to games and when he says yes, he makes him promise to look beyond the box and go for broke. Ted has no clue what he is talking about but then after his Great Uncle dies and leaves him with the contents of his house. It takes Ted and his friends on an adventure to find some sort of treasure.
Ted loves exit games, those types that have puzzles to help you get the key to open the door. Now Ted is playing these games in real life and there is someone else who wants that treasure and he is not a nice person. Ted, Caleb, and Isabel have to use their smarts to figure out where the treasure is and out smart a bad guy.
I really loved each character in this book. Ted is smart but he doesn't always apply himself to his school work and such. He does love to play exit games and solve puzzles and is very good at them and always has the high score. Playing a game and figuring things out in real life he learns is a lot different. Caleb is that faithful friend who isn't as good at exit games but still tries and can now and then come up with a great idea. Isabel is new to town and at first Ted and Caleb didn't want her around but some times her books smarts comes in handy.
Click to Start Here was a lot of fun and if you have a young reader who loves adventures or gaming then I am sure they will really like this one. If you ask me young and old alike could have fun with this adventure book. Highly recommend.
May 30, 2019
I hope for a second book. But I don’t think this is a series.
March 12, 2017
This is in a class of books I adore (puzzle thriller!), along with gems like The Westing Game, Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library, and Ready Player One, so I'm afraid I'm going to be harder on it than a casual reader.
I enjoyed the puzzle set up, and the way the history of a Japanese American battalion, WWII internments, classic literature, and Nazi art thefts were woven into the story.
The author plays with stereotypes in an interesting way, illustrating that people belonging to a racial or ethnic group are privileged to talk about themselves in a way outsiders cannot (like the old lady who compliments Ted's mom on the way "Asian blood is strong" in her infant son.) The main character also is clear about his exasperation with and dislike of hurtful actions of others based on race (rejection of the suggestion that because he's of Asian descent he must like martial arts movies, or the idea that because he's Asian he cannot also be a Jew.) I found his little old New York Jewish lady over the top, though.
However, the characters were irksomely, stereotypically nerdy (boy who draws comics, boy who plays video games obsessively, perfect girl who reads the classics). The characters ARE given some depth, like Isabel's backstory of a loss in the family, and Caleb's trying to come to grips with his parents' divorce by immersing himself in a comic book world. But the presence of the backstories just made the cardboard-cutout characteristics more annoying -- once you knew the author was capable of more. The vague, dreamy, English professor dad was annoying, too.
Then there was the Deus ex machina plot twist. I was disappointed that the author resorted to an earthquake to get the intrepid young adventurers out of the hands of the villain. I was also disturbed by the scene where the kids pile into the car of a stranger, and the scene where the young hero deliberately sabotages viewing equipment AT A HOSPITAL ICU, and ignores a nurse's warning that a patient is particularly prone to infection so cannot have visitors. Sorry, no way that's excusable, even if nothing "bad" happens right then.
Then...here are the spoiler plot holes. Possibly. I read the book in one morning when I was home sick. Maybe I missed something. Several somethings. But are we supposed to conclude that Ted WAS playing the "Ted 1.0 computer game" in his mind? If that's so, why were the items like the coin on the rice bag actually there? It's not as if even the cleverest gamer could have dreamed the exact coins he would find without seeing them. And if he WASN'T dreaming the game, then who had such a detailed knowledge of the hospital room, the apartment AND Isabel's room? Color me confused.
I enjoyed the puzzle set up, and the way the history of a Japanese American battalion, WWII internments, classic literature, and Nazi art thefts were woven into the story.
The author plays with stereotypes in an interesting way, illustrating that people belonging to a racial or ethnic group are privileged to talk about themselves in a way outsiders cannot (like the old lady who compliments Ted's mom on the way "Asian blood is strong" in her infant son.) The main character also is clear about his exasperation with and dislike of hurtful actions of others based on race (rejection of the suggestion that because he's of Asian descent he must like martial arts movies, or the idea that because he's Asian he cannot also be a Jew.) I found his little old New York Jewish lady over the top, though.
However, the characters were irksomely, stereotypically nerdy (boy who draws comics, boy who plays video games obsessively, perfect girl who reads the classics). The characters ARE given some depth, like Isabel's backstory of a loss in the family, and Caleb's trying to come to grips with his parents' divorce by immersing himself in a comic book world. But the presence of the backstories just made the cardboard-cutout characteristics more annoying -- once you knew the author was capable of more. The vague, dreamy, English professor dad was annoying, too.
Then there was the Deus ex machina plot twist. I was disappointed that the author resorted to an earthquake to get the intrepid young adventurers out of the hands of the villain. I was also disturbed by the scene where the kids pile into the car of a stranger, and the scene where the young hero deliberately sabotages viewing equipment AT A HOSPITAL ICU, and ignores a nurse's warning that a patient is particularly prone to infection so cannot have visitors. Sorry, no way that's excusable, even if nothing "bad" happens right then.
Then...here are the spoiler plot holes. Possibly. I read the book in one morning when I was home sick. Maybe I missed something. Several somethings. But are we supposed to conclude that Ted WAS playing the "Ted 1.0 computer game" in his mind? If that's so, why were the items like the coin on the rice bag actually there? It's not as if even the cleverest gamer could have dreamed the exact coins he would find without seeing them. And if he WASN'T dreaming the game, then who had such a detailed knowledge of the hospital room, the apartment AND Isabel's room? Color me confused.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2017
This was everything I wanted the 39 Clues series to be. The perfect middle-grade adventure.
July 24, 2016
See this review and more on my blog, Lilybloombooks
So, what's it about?
12-year-old Ted must use his knowledge of puzzle games, with the help of his friends, to find the treasures within his great uncle's apartment after his death. Unraveling the mystery behind his uncle's life, the treasure they find and the possibility that there are people out there looking for the same treasure, too!
Why did I pick it up?
My oldest son loves video games - and this book was pitched for reluctant readers. Since I've had a hard time finding books to hold his interest, I thought this was the perfect book for him; hoping he'd be able to relate to the main character that loves games, and using those skills in real life. And it worked! We actually shared an inside joke about the book the other day and it was great!
Descriube the book in 5 words
Hilarious. Mysterious. Puzzling. Adventurous. Educational.
Who was your favorite character, and why?
Ted, obviously. I loved his wit and snark. But I also liked Caleb and Isabel, too! These three are so fun together and their differences make them such a great team!
Who would LOVE Click Here to Start?
Click Here to Start is a wide appeal for all ages, even adults. It's authentic enough for a middle grade to relate to but not so that it's left unenjoyable for adults. I had fun figuring out the puzzles and how Ted came to the conclusions that he did when working them out. It's also educational with the facts about the 442nd Infantry Regiment and other facts about WWII.
Are there Illustrations?
No - not really! However, each chapter page has a cute digital looking icon related to what the chapter is about.
Overall thoughts
I really enjoyed it! It's a quick read full of mystery, snark, wit, friendship, and an educational aspect too. I recommend it for all ages!
*I received this book for free from The Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
So, what's it about?
12-year-old Ted must use his knowledge of puzzle games, with the help of his friends, to find the treasures within his great uncle's apartment after his death. Unraveling the mystery behind his uncle's life, the treasure they find and the possibility that there are people out there looking for the same treasure, too!
Why did I pick it up?
My oldest son loves video games - and this book was pitched for reluctant readers. Since I've had a hard time finding books to hold his interest, I thought this was the perfect book for him; hoping he'd be able to relate to the main character that loves games, and using those skills in real life. And it worked! We actually shared an inside joke about the book the other day and it was great!
Descriube the book in 5 words
Hilarious. Mysterious. Puzzling. Adventurous. Educational.
Who was your favorite character, and why?
Ted, obviously. I loved his wit and snark. But I also liked Caleb and Isabel, too! These three are so fun together and their differences make them such a great team!
Who would LOVE Click Here to Start?
Click Here to Start is a wide appeal for all ages, even adults. It's authentic enough for a middle grade to relate to but not so that it's left unenjoyable for adults. I had fun figuring out the puzzles and how Ted came to the conclusions that he did when working them out. It's also educational with the facts about the 442nd Infantry Regiment and other facts about WWII.
Are there Illustrations?
No - not really! However, each chapter page has a cute digital looking icon related to what the chapter is about.
Overall thoughts
I really enjoyed it! It's a quick read full of mystery, snark, wit, friendship, and an educational aspect too. I recommend it for all ages!
*I received this book for free from The Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
February 28, 2018
Click her to start is about a boy named ted and 2 friends. Ted's great uncle has just died. His uncle last words where the box is only the beginning. Keep looking for the answers. Always go for broke. Promise me. Go along with ted and his friends to see how they figure out what that means.
Read
August 4, 2025A quick and pretty fun read! Withholding my rating until after book club.
August 21, 2016
I have always been a huge fan of children's adventure/mystery novels. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library, The Westing Game, and Book Scavenger all come to mind as some of my favorite children's books. Now, I can add a new title to that list – Click Here to Start.
Click Here to Start tells the story of Ted, a young boy who is a whiz at solving those 'escape room' puzzles. Ted recently visited his uncle in the hospital. During the visit, his uncle gave him some odd instructions, but Ted thought it was just a part of his uncle's quirky nature. The next day, Ted's uncle passes away and the will is read.
In the will, Ted is left all the contents of his uncle's apartment. Ted believes that somewhere in the apartment there is a treasure hidden and his uncle wants him to find it. Ted is unable to find the treasure on his first day in the apartment, but when he gets home he finds a mysterious online game called 'Game of Ted', which provides him with a step-by-step guide on how to find clues throughout the apartment that lead to the treasure.
As Ted and his two friends Caleb and Isabel, uncover clues in the apartment, it seems that there is more than meets the eye and that his uncle may have had a mysterious past that no one knew about. And he may be hiding a very valuable treasure. Unfortunately, other, dangerous people want that treasure too.
There is a lot to love about Click Here to Start. It is a fun, fast paced mystery novel that doesn't feel as if it is the same old, same old. First, the novel touches on some topics that aren't usually brought up in children's novels. Topics that include Japanese American camps internment camps, stealing of valuable treasures during that time, the importance of American soldiers that had Japanese ancestry during the war, and other topics.
These topics aren't the main focus of the novel, but they are introduced in a way that could spark people's interest. It was nice to see a novel try to shed some light on topics that aren't as popular in children's lit. Click Here to Start does a wonderful job of introducing people to these topics but not going overboard to the point that it seems like it has a hidden agenda or is focusing the topic on people.
Another amazing part of the book is the characters are believable. I have a hard time with books that have 11 or 12 year old characters that are running around all over the place like they are 16, 17, and 18 years old. The characters in the book are given some freedoms – sometimes a little too much (like cleaning out an apartment on their own in a neighborhood that is supposed to be a bit sketchy) – but it seemed realistic. The parents were all involved in some aspect, but didn't take center stage.
While I loved Click Here to Start, there are a few things that other readers may find a bit concerning. The first issue is the fact that some of the clues and clue solving came across as a bit unrealistic. Readers will have to suspend reality a bit, as a lot of the clue solving has to do with going on a computer game and finding the clues and learning how to solve them in real life.
The use of the computer game is real, but it brings up the question of – who is creating a real time game that allows Ted to play? Everything is done in real time and there are photos and actual details that would be hard for people to really know. This aspect might be difficult for some readers as it was a bit unrealistic. I was able to suspend disbelief and enjoy the book, but it did cross my mind of 'how is all this going down'.
I do think younger readers, the original audience, probably won't questions it as much as older readers. Books like Lemoncello's Library are just as unrealistic and they were hits too.
Who creates the computer game, how they created it, what their goals are, are never explained in the book. It appears that Click Here to Start may be a first book of a series, in which case we will get answers (hopefully).
Overall, I enjoyed reading Click Here to Start. I found it fun, unique, and fast paced. It might have its flaws at times, but it was enjoyable. I look forward to reading other books in the series if it is continued.
Click Here to Start tells the story of Ted, a young boy who is a whiz at solving those 'escape room' puzzles. Ted recently visited his uncle in the hospital. During the visit, his uncle gave him some odd instructions, but Ted thought it was just a part of his uncle's quirky nature. The next day, Ted's uncle passes away and the will is read.
In the will, Ted is left all the contents of his uncle's apartment. Ted believes that somewhere in the apartment there is a treasure hidden and his uncle wants him to find it. Ted is unable to find the treasure on his first day in the apartment, but when he gets home he finds a mysterious online game called 'Game of Ted', which provides him with a step-by-step guide on how to find clues throughout the apartment that lead to the treasure.
As Ted and his two friends Caleb and Isabel, uncover clues in the apartment, it seems that there is more than meets the eye and that his uncle may have had a mysterious past that no one knew about. And he may be hiding a very valuable treasure. Unfortunately, other, dangerous people want that treasure too.
There is a lot to love about Click Here to Start. It is a fun, fast paced mystery novel that doesn't feel as if it is the same old, same old. First, the novel touches on some topics that aren't usually brought up in children's novels. Topics that include Japanese American camps internment camps, stealing of valuable treasures during that time, the importance of American soldiers that had Japanese ancestry during the war, and other topics.
These topics aren't the main focus of the novel, but they are introduced in a way that could spark people's interest. It was nice to see a novel try to shed some light on topics that aren't as popular in children's lit. Click Here to Start does a wonderful job of introducing people to these topics but not going overboard to the point that it seems like it has a hidden agenda or is focusing the topic on people.
Another amazing part of the book is the characters are believable. I have a hard time with books that have 11 or 12 year old characters that are running around all over the place like they are 16, 17, and 18 years old. The characters in the book are given some freedoms – sometimes a little too much (like cleaning out an apartment on their own in a neighborhood that is supposed to be a bit sketchy) – but it seemed realistic. The parents were all involved in some aspect, but didn't take center stage.
While I loved Click Here to Start, there are a few things that other readers may find a bit concerning. The first issue is the fact that some of the clues and clue solving came across as a bit unrealistic. Readers will have to suspend reality a bit, as a lot of the clue solving has to do with going on a computer game and finding the clues and learning how to solve them in real life.
The use of the computer game is real, but it brings up the question of – who is creating a real time game that allows Ted to play? Everything is done in real time and there are photos and actual details that would be hard for people to really know. This aspect might be difficult for some readers as it was a bit unrealistic. I was able to suspend disbelief and enjoy the book, but it did cross my mind of 'how is all this going down'.
I do think younger readers, the original audience, probably won't questions it as much as older readers. Books like Lemoncello's Library are just as unrealistic and they were hits too.
Who creates the computer game, how they created it, what their goals are, are never explained in the book. It appears that Click Here to Start may be a first book of a series, in which case we will get answers (hopefully).
Overall, I enjoyed reading Click Here to Start. I found it fun, unique, and fast paced. It might have its flaws at times, but it was enjoyable. I look forward to reading other books in the series if it is continued.
July 27, 2016
I read Click Here to Start because it was recommended on reading Ready Player One (which I loved and it one of my favorite novels). The author does a good job at doing it with a 12 year old’s perspective and the story is interesting enough.
I didn’t like that the story was completely unrealistic. Great Uncle Ted leaves our protagonist, Ted, with clues to find a treasure. He asks Ted on his death bed if he’s good at solving puzzles and playing games. Ted says he is and he makes him promise to ‘never give up’ and ‘keep searching’. The whole time I’m thinking, how did he expect a 12 year old to find all this out. It would be different if he knew Ted and knew how smart he was at solving puzzles, but he’s meeting him for the first time on his death bed. When did he set all this up? What was he planning if Ted couldn’t solve it?
The story is convoluted and there’s some far-fetched clue solving there. It also leaves a few things unsolved. Who created those computer games to help Ted? I really didn't like the ending either. When you find out what the treasure actually is, I was rolling my eyes... really? I just wasn’t sold completely on it. Maybe this is geared towards younger readers.
I didn’t like that the story was completely unrealistic. Great Uncle Ted leaves our protagonist, Ted, with clues to find a treasure. He asks Ted on his death bed if he’s good at solving puzzles and playing games. Ted says he is and he makes him promise to ‘never give up’ and ‘keep searching’. The whole time I’m thinking, how did he expect a 12 year old to find all this out. It would be different if he knew Ted and knew how smart he was at solving puzzles, but he’s meeting him for the first time on his death bed. When did he set all this up? What was he planning if Ted couldn’t solve it?
The story is convoluted and there’s some far-fetched clue solving there. It also leaves a few things unsolved. Who created those computer games to help Ted? I really didn't like the ending either. When you find out what the treasure actually is, I was rolling my eyes... really? I just wasn’t sold completely on it. Maybe this is geared towards younger readers.
September 23, 2016
Ted, a half-Japanese, half-Jewish, All-American 12 year old boy, is first and foremost a gamer. He loves to play "escape the room" style games and is smart enough that he's pretty good at it. But he's a bit baffled when his barely known Great Uncle invites him to his hospital bedside. Until his Great Uncle asks him about his games.... The visit sparks a whirlwind treasure-hunting adventure with his best friend Caleb and new girl Isabelle. There are puzzles and good bits of history about WWII and Japanese internment camps and veterans as well as some menacing potential enemies for our young trio. This is a fast read and may be the start of a series as there is potential for more with a few threads left open at the end.
Anything you didn’t like about it? There are a few spots when some illegal actions are referred to in a rather off-handed manner but it gets the people involved in trouble so no one gets "away" with anything of that nature.
To whom would you recommend this book? This is a great book for puzzle lovers and gamers and treasure hunters alike.
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Anything you didn’t like about it? There are a few spots when some illegal actions are referred to in a rather off-handed manner but it gets the people involved in trouble so no one gets "away" with anything of that nature.
To whom would you recommend this book? This is a great book for puzzle lovers and gamers and treasure hunters alike.
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
February 2, 2017
Every kid who loves Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library is going to eat. This. Up. Basically, it's an escape room in book form. It's got puzzles and action and adventure and some fun historical multi-cultural details.
I had a few problems with it that bugged me, though. The biggest one was how the main boy characters treated the one girl character. They basically spent the entire book annoyed and aggravated that she was smart. Now, I realize that the character does GROW throughout the book and realize that maybe having a smart female friend is actually a GOOD thing, rather than an annoying hindrance...but there was still a LOT there about how bossy and know-it-all and obnoxiously well-read she was. As a girl, it kinda bugged me. I wonder how girls who read this book will feel about it?
Again...there is character growth...but it's something to think about while you're reading. Still, I probably will end up book-talking this for summer reading because it's going to be insanely popular, and every kid I've given it to has read it voraciously and clamored for more.
I had a few problems with it that bugged me, though. The biggest one was how the main boy characters treated the one girl character. They basically spent the entire book annoyed and aggravated that she was smart. Now, I realize that the character does GROW throughout the book and realize that maybe having a smart female friend is actually a GOOD thing, rather than an annoying hindrance...but there was still a LOT there about how bossy and know-it-all and obnoxiously well-read she was. As a girl, it kinda bugged me. I wonder how girls who read this book will feel about it?
Again...there is character growth...but it's something to think about while you're reading. Still, I probably will end up book-talking this for summer reading because it's going to be insanely popular, and every kid I've given it to has read it voraciously and clamored for more.
January 16, 2017
Go a head and review all my reviews. I do not agree with your TOS given your affiliation / ownership by Amazon.
http://pussreboots.pair.com/blog/2016...
http://pussreboots.pair.com/blog/2016...
July 21, 2016
I honestly never thought I'd give a book a single star but here I am. I give this book a single star because I hated every. single. character in this book, and any appearance of potential that glimmers in this book is quickly expunged. Oftentimes I feel like I'm forced to give two stars because I can see something that could have been made out of it, but in this case I have absolutely nothing. I physically clawed at this book because it infuriated me that much. There were times I actually wanted to tear it apart because it was so teeth-grindingly annoying.
Ted with his Holden Caulfield level perpetual judginess. Having read a lot of children's books recently, I do have to say I am somewhat baffled at adults being unable to write children who aren't infuriating to read as adults but Ted really stands as a shining example of a character archetype I hate. He is the most best at the thing! He has hidden potential! He never has to use a walkthrough because he's so amazing and awesome and perfect but not at reading as is made unendingly, perpetually clear with his interaction with Isabel but it's okay because he's the hero and he's so smart at the thing! He's smart at the video game that requires smarts and not shooty things because he's different and smart! Smarter even than his sister who goes to Harvard, so says his own mother apparently! An emotional conflict that could be interesting if it's handled remotely with any sort of depth or understanding beyond a lip service to "I feel bad because she set a standard my parents don't feel I can reach and it's terrible woe is me." No feelings of "she is my sister and I love her and these feelings of inadequacy are unfun but unavoidable". No, nothing as interesting as that. And as he treats Isabel like some sort of freak alien who doesn't understand games, he sits there pettily grieving over her snobbiness over books.
And let's TALK about Isabel, shall we? I have read another video game themed book this year, the Memory Wall by Rosen which I liked infinitely better, and one of the things I liked about it was that it introduced female characters that weren't totally ignorant to the topic of video games - an aspect I rather enjoy being a woman who has loved video games for a very, very long time. Considering that Isabel is the ONLY girl in this book, and of ALL the THREE FEMALE CHARACTERS OF THIS BOOK, she is forced to be the representative of her gender. And I simply won't take excuses for this. If claiming that just because Isabel doesn't like games doesn't mean that girls as a whole don't is a weak argument when there are zero other girls interacted with, and no where is it mentioned that Isabel might not be a singular case. She's a miserable girl stereotype, weird cleanliness and bookishness and all. None of her quirks explained, just a stereotype through and through. At the very end of the book we get a sentence about her backstory, her life in her previous school - and that is ALL????????? I got to that sentence in the epilogue and I was furious. This book repeatedly acts like talking briefly about a difficult THING is the same thing as depth and it just goddamn isn't. And nothing about Ted's initial assessment about Isabel turns out to be incorrect with is just the worst, most lazy writing, and I hated it because not only did her character not prove to be more interesting than she presented herself to be, which is how usually this happens, it means that Ted was right again because he's so smart and apparently likes to analyze people! Was I supposed to grow affectionate to her incessant "look at me" quoting? Was I supposed to be impressed by her ability to remember a Bible passage? The thing is, YES, I was, and yet I know that the author most likely had to look it up to make his character look smart for stupid fake reasons.
There's little be said for Caleb. He's sidekick model Type 23, and like most characters in this book, gets his little lip-service to "life sometimes has difficult things" in regards to his father's divorce that is then hardly ever brought up nor used as a part of his character. A character to have some funny quips and stand in perpetual awe of the main character and be his best friend, a la Ron Weasley and also every single most boring archetype sidekick ever in the history of ever.
Ted's parents are also pretty awful. In-universe they're just terrible parents, who condescend and talk down to their own child. As characters in a book, they're not dissimilar in places to Isabel, especially the father, who apparently thinks its okay to criticize his wife for her preferred reading. At no point does anyone call him out for the elitist BS it is. As a bookseller? As a person? As someone who listens to what everyone reads, people who judge other people for the type of books they read (OR, one of my bigger pet peeves is readers acting snobby at people who don't like/enjoy/can't read for pleasure which, you're in luck, there's also plenty of THAT in this book) can honestly just shut the hell up, and that's exactly what I was yelling at this book whenever he opened his mouth.
Speaking of which, this book is incredibly elitist. It only takes the best of the best, and doesn't seem aware of its own faults in that respect. There's just absolutely no middle ground in this book, and when it grounds itself in OUR reality with OUR history, I'm afraid it just doesn't slide. There's no learning from mistakes and because of that, there's no growth. The book ultimately ends with nothing having changed fundamentally. No one is older, more knowledgeable, more experienced. They solved the puzzle but whatever, we knew Ted would, because he can SOLVE ALL THE PUZZLES THE BEST AND THE MOST FASTEST BECAUSE HE'S THE MOST AMAZING.
Ted with his Holden Caulfield level perpetual judginess. Having read a lot of children's books recently, I do have to say I am somewhat baffled at adults being unable to write children who aren't infuriating to read as adults but Ted really stands as a shining example of a character archetype I hate. He is the most best at the thing! He has hidden potential! He never has to use a walkthrough because he's so amazing and awesome and perfect but not at reading as is made unendingly, perpetually clear with his interaction with Isabel but it's okay because he's the hero and he's so smart at the thing! He's smart at the video game that requires smarts and not shooty things because he's different and smart! Smarter even than his sister who goes to Harvard, so says his own mother apparently! An emotional conflict that could be interesting if it's handled remotely with any sort of depth or understanding beyond a lip service to "I feel bad because she set a standard my parents don't feel I can reach and it's terrible woe is me." No feelings of "she is my sister and I love her and these feelings of inadequacy are unfun but unavoidable". No, nothing as interesting as that. And as he treats Isabel like some sort of freak alien who doesn't understand games, he sits there pettily grieving over her snobbiness over books.
And let's TALK about Isabel, shall we? I have read another video game themed book this year, the Memory Wall by Rosen which I liked infinitely better, and one of the things I liked about it was that it introduced female characters that weren't totally ignorant to the topic of video games - an aspect I rather enjoy being a woman who has loved video games for a very, very long time. Considering that Isabel is the ONLY girl in this book, and of ALL the THREE FEMALE CHARACTERS OF THIS BOOK, she is forced to be the representative of her gender. And I simply won't take excuses for this. If claiming that just because Isabel doesn't like games doesn't mean that girls as a whole don't is a weak argument when there are zero other girls interacted with, and no where is it mentioned that Isabel might not be a singular case. She's a miserable girl stereotype, weird cleanliness and bookishness and all. None of her quirks explained, just a stereotype through and through. At the very end of the book we get a sentence about her backstory, her life in her previous school - and that is ALL????????? I got to that sentence in the epilogue and I was furious. This book repeatedly acts like talking briefly about a difficult THING is the same thing as depth and it just goddamn isn't. And nothing about Ted's initial assessment about Isabel turns out to be incorrect with is just the worst, most lazy writing, and I hated it because not only did her character not prove to be more interesting than she presented herself to be, which is how usually this happens, it means that Ted was right again because he's so smart and apparently likes to analyze people! Was I supposed to grow affectionate to her incessant "look at me" quoting? Was I supposed to be impressed by her ability to remember a Bible passage? The thing is, YES, I was, and yet I know that the author most likely had to look it up to make his character look smart for stupid fake reasons.
There's little be said for Caleb. He's sidekick model Type 23, and like most characters in this book, gets his little lip-service to "life sometimes has difficult things" in regards to his father's divorce that is then hardly ever brought up nor used as a part of his character. A character to have some funny quips and stand in perpetual awe of the main character and be his best friend, a la Ron Weasley and also every single most boring archetype sidekick ever in the history of ever.
Ted's parents are also pretty awful. In-universe they're just terrible parents, who condescend and talk down to their own child. As characters in a book, they're not dissimilar in places to Isabel, especially the father, who apparently thinks its okay to criticize his wife for her preferred reading. At no point does anyone call him out for the elitist BS it is. As a bookseller? As a person? As someone who listens to what everyone reads, people who judge other people for the type of books they read (OR, one of my bigger pet peeves is readers acting snobby at people who don't like/enjoy/can't read for pleasure which, you're in luck, there's also plenty of THAT in this book) can honestly just shut the hell up, and that's exactly what I was yelling at this book whenever he opened his mouth.
Speaking of which, this book is incredibly elitist. It only takes the best of the best, and doesn't seem aware of its own faults in that respect. There's just absolutely no middle ground in this book, and when it grounds itself in OUR reality with OUR history, I'm afraid it just doesn't slide. There's no learning from mistakes and because of that, there's no growth. The book ultimately ends with nothing having changed fundamentally. No one is older, more knowledgeable, more experienced. They solved the puzzle but whatever, we knew Ted would, because he can SOLVE ALL THE PUZZLES THE BEST AND THE MOST FASTEST BECAUSE HE'S THE MOST AMAZING.
June 9, 2022
I'm a complete sucker for nerdy game story books. Seriously we need more writers writing on this subject so many cool ways to go about it. This is in the same vein if readers love the book The Leveler, or a more adult gamer story Ready Player One. It's amazing, quirky cute and the flow goes well. I'm kinda glad it was a novel versus series because it's nice to kinda have that indulge and not have to worry about following a tedious series trend. Loved it, buying it, and hop to see more in these storylines.
November 25, 2019
I randomly picked this up in the library to read with my son. It’s actually pretty good. It does seem Middle Grade as the stakes of the game get higher. I liked the parent and child interactions. The parents were involved! The friendships were fun and the game was interesting. Definitely worth reading if you like games with clues.
October 1, 2017
This is a fun audiobook puzzle mystery book I happened upon. I still have questions (what was with all those online Ted's Life escape room games? and how could anyone eat cheesy puffs and not get cheese powder residue on them? How!?), but it was a fun story with some humor, mystery, and action.
June 26, 2018
This was a well written, clever story. I loved how the plot was based off of escape rooms and gaming. In addition, the novel emphasizes smart kids being cool. A well written YA mystery that was high interest, and engaging.
April 3, 2021
Very fun for those folks interested in puzzles and mysteries. Would be great for kids also interested in learning about some aspects of WWII history and the Japanese American experience during the war.
October 4, 2022
I read this with my 8 year old who loves gaming, it wasn't quite what I was expecting, but he ended up loving it so it was a success in my book! This was a book about a kid who is a master of escape room challenges, and when his great uncle is on his death bed, he gives him a clue to a real life escape the room type game. It was a fun story that had action on almost every page, plenty of adventure, and even a bit of danger mixed in! We definitely enjoyed this book!
September 18, 2016
Featuring mystery, history, and puzzles, this steady-paced Middle Grade work takes off near the end and sprints full-tilt.
When 12-year-old Ted Gerson has his first conversation with his namesake—his mother’s beloved Uncle Ted—it’s on the man’s deathbed. And it’s there that Ted receives what turns out to be instructions on entering into an elaborate, real-life “game”—the concealment method of choice for his great-uncle’s legacy. With his penchant for escape-room puzzle games, and the help of his best friend and a new-to-town genius girl, Ted aims to discover what possible treasure his enigmatic WW2 veteran relative left behind for him to find.
What I Liked:
I truly enjoyed what little we got to see of Uncle Ted. We receive just a glimpse of his gallows humor and tough, crotchety determination for there to be some justification to the hermit-like isolation of his final years. The incorporation of his WW2 combat regiment and is also a huge strongpoint—and hopefully a lingering point of interest for young readers.
Ted is half Japanese and half Jewish, and his ethnic identity confusion is addressed at some length. There was a definite pride and focus on the Japanese side of his heritage—but that was consistent with the plot. And the Jewish element didn’t fall completely by the wayside. There was even a very realistic mentioning of the elitism he encounters at one point over not being Jewish enough, in the estimation of one of his classmates. Just as with the historical elements, the issue seemed to be handled with respectful intent.
While the book is being billed as something for Ready Player One fans, it has some definite advantages in the realm of age-appropriateness. The language is kept mild, there are no sexual references, and there’s no effort put toward worldview indoctrination.
What Left Me Wanting More:
I personally felt the comparison to Ready Player One was a marketing stretch. While Click Here To Start does pay homage to a relatively ancient class of digital games, it’s genre focus is much more narrow and it ultimately lacks most of the 80’s nostalgia factor that garnered RPO its enthusiastic following. It is also taking place in a base contemporary setting, whereas RPO goes through some semi-significant worldbuilding to portray a dystopian near-future with heavy emphasis on online interface tech.
Readers will be left with a sizable logic hole, as the digital element to this grand scale puzzle is never really explained. (i.e. Ted is given clues and walkthrough opportunities via a mysterious online version of the real life puzzle he’s attempting to solve, but there isn’t a satisfying culprit offered up. This could possibly be leaving things open for successive books, but there wasn’t much clarity on whether that would get tied up in a later installment. It feels more like a forgotten and oddly voyeuristic thread.)
There was also the looming opportunity to share more about the 442nd Regiment—the most decorated combat team in WW2, and monumentally comprised entirely of Japanese Americans. I would have loved to read something of Uncle Ted’s thoughts on his Regiment, their missions, or the treatment of Japanese Americans back home in the internment camps—anything to help me as a reader connect more with the real and fascinating history there, rather than just the escape game element of the plot. But alas, no personalizing thoughts or writings come up. (Granted there is enough factual info offered that readers can look up more to verify its authenticity, but it didn’t really evoke an emotional response or motive to do so.) I can’t help but feel like it was a missed opportunity to subtly engage middle grade readers with more empathy and interest in historical events.
The hardest part for me was the lack of attachment I was able to form with any of the characters. Our main character, Ted, hates reading, is excessively judgmental, and distressingly low in empathy. I could forgive the general oblivious 12-year-old self-contentedness, but not the cruel and hypocritical behavior toward Isabel. He dislikes her on sight and deems her: "A nerd girl. A weirdo." All because she likes to read. (Ted, on the other hand, is video-game obsessed and admits it's pretty much all he's good at.) When he finds out the girl he’s been bashing has recently lost her mother, he has –zero- emotional reaction to this. None. It doesn't even seem to slow down his attitude problem.
Worse still, readers start to realize many chapters later that his snap judgments about Isabel are generally correct. Given time to get to know her, she comes off as increasingly smug, superior, and anal-retentive. I’m afraid those like me—who were hoping for Ted to be proven wrong and forced to reassess his biases—will be sorely disappointed by the lack of character development.
While this book appeals to a largely niche audience, the pleasantly readable prose has the potential to draw in more hesitant readers who happen to enjoy real and/or virtual puzzles.
When 12-year-old Ted Gerson has his first conversation with his namesake—his mother’s beloved Uncle Ted—it’s on the man’s deathbed. And it’s there that Ted receives what turns out to be instructions on entering into an elaborate, real-life “game”—the concealment method of choice for his great-uncle’s legacy. With his penchant for escape-room puzzle games, and the help of his best friend and a new-to-town genius girl, Ted aims to discover what possible treasure his enigmatic WW2 veteran relative left behind for him to find.
What I Liked:
I truly enjoyed what little we got to see of Uncle Ted. We receive just a glimpse of his gallows humor and tough, crotchety determination for there to be some justification to the hermit-like isolation of his final years. The incorporation of his WW2 combat regiment and is also a huge strongpoint—and hopefully a lingering point of interest for young readers.
Ted is half Japanese and half Jewish, and his ethnic identity confusion is addressed at some length. There was a definite pride and focus on the Japanese side of his heritage—but that was consistent with the plot. And the Jewish element didn’t fall completely by the wayside. There was even a very realistic mentioning of the elitism he encounters at one point over not being Jewish enough, in the estimation of one of his classmates. Just as with the historical elements, the issue seemed to be handled with respectful intent.
While the book is being billed as something for Ready Player One fans, it has some definite advantages in the realm of age-appropriateness. The language is kept mild, there are no sexual references, and there’s no effort put toward worldview indoctrination.
What Left Me Wanting More:
I personally felt the comparison to Ready Player One was a marketing stretch. While Click Here To Start does pay homage to a relatively ancient class of digital games, it’s genre focus is much more narrow and it ultimately lacks most of the 80’s nostalgia factor that garnered RPO its enthusiastic following. It is also taking place in a base contemporary setting, whereas RPO goes through some semi-significant worldbuilding to portray a dystopian near-future with heavy emphasis on online interface tech.
Readers will be left with a sizable logic hole, as the digital element to this grand scale puzzle is never really explained. (i.e. Ted is given clues and walkthrough opportunities via a mysterious online version of the real life puzzle he’s attempting to solve, but there isn’t a satisfying culprit offered up. This could possibly be leaving things open for successive books, but there wasn’t much clarity on whether that would get tied up in a later installment. It feels more like a forgotten and oddly voyeuristic thread.)
There was also the looming opportunity to share more about the 442nd Regiment—the most decorated combat team in WW2, and monumentally comprised entirely of Japanese Americans. I would have loved to read something of Uncle Ted’s thoughts on his Regiment, their missions, or the treatment of Japanese Americans back home in the internment camps—anything to help me as a reader connect more with the real and fascinating history there, rather than just the escape game element of the plot. But alas, no personalizing thoughts or writings come up. (Granted there is enough factual info offered that readers can look up more to verify its authenticity, but it didn’t really evoke an emotional response or motive to do so.) I can’t help but feel like it was a missed opportunity to subtly engage middle grade readers with more empathy and interest in historical events.
The hardest part for me was the lack of attachment I was able to form with any of the characters. Our main character, Ted, hates reading, is excessively judgmental, and distressingly low in empathy. I could forgive the general oblivious 12-year-old self-contentedness, but not the cruel and hypocritical behavior toward Isabel. He dislikes her on sight and deems her: "A nerd girl. A weirdo." All because she likes to read. (Ted, on the other hand, is video-game obsessed and admits it's pretty much all he's good at.) When he finds out the girl he’s been bashing has recently lost her mother, he has –zero- emotional reaction to this. None. It doesn't even seem to slow down his attitude problem.
Worse still, readers start to realize many chapters later that his snap judgments about Isabel are generally correct. Given time to get to know her, she comes off as increasingly smug, superior, and anal-retentive. I’m afraid those like me—who were hoping for Ted to be proven wrong and forced to reassess his biases—will be sorely disappointed by the lack of character development.
While this book appeals to a largely niche audience, the pleasantly readable prose has the potential to draw in more hesitant readers who happen to enjoy real and/or virtual puzzles.
March 7, 2018
Great audio book! Ted and his friends solve a family mystery, get into a bit of trouble and learn about U.S. history during summer vacation.
May 4, 2018
this book is about a kid who loves games about escape rooms and his life just gets mixed up and he gets confused when the escape rooms he plays he ends up happening in real life.
January 2, 2019
This book was a fun read, but I love escape rooms & logic puzzles. Maybe that's why I'm being so picky with the plot holes in this book, like who the heck set it all up (especially the digital version)???? Is there a sequel that wraps it all up?
January 2, 2019
It was good! Kind of like an escape room vibe.
October 13, 2016
I was hooked after the 1st chapter! Nail-biting mystery with video game and historical elements that really ratchets up the suspense towards the end. This will appeal to lots of different types of readers. Hoping for a sequel.
July 22, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/cl...
Click Here to Start (A Novel)
By Dennis Markell
ISBN 978-1-101-93187-5
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Scott
Review:
Wild adventures abound for Ted, Caleb and Isabel as they are literally taken from the realm of video games and laptops and tossed into a reality game that has far greater consequences – if they fail. there are no extra lives or ‘reboots’. Click Here to Start (A Novel) , Dennis Markell’s inaugural book, is a tween novel which delightfully plays at young readers delights in problem solving in the form of a video game set up. Based off of ‘Escape the Room’ puzzlers (often known as Hidden Object Games or simply HOG’s), in which the player attempts to piece together the puzzle parts in order to get out of a locked room (or warehouse, or whatnot) and on to the next stage of the quest. Tweens will delight in reading some of the clue finding and problem solving mechanisms that go into this book (if they aren’t a fan of HOG’s to begin with). A mystery at heart, Click Here To Start (A Novel) both gets you ready to start the novel, and start the journey toward the final climatic ending.
Plot-wise, Click Here to Start (A Novel) is delightful pockets of puzzles that act as catalysts to one another and create a whole greater than the sum of its parts. Markell has this all under control. The puzzles do seem to come out of nowhere and engross the reader into finding out just what could possibly happen next; therein lies the strength of the novel – cohesive units that break down the story into smaller arcs and make the reading more digestible for a younger audience. The pacing slows down at these parts, and gives you a chance to think about what you have just read. The clues and their ever spiraling out of the woodwork consequences are not trivial by any shape or form and require the three young children to overcome their differences so the final mystery can be revealed.
With the protagonists we have Ted, a computer game whiz who solves ‘Escape the Room’ puzzles like wildfire; Isabel, a newly transferred student who is a font of knowledge; and Caleb, the resident artist and co-gamer with Ted. The characters are filled out as much as you would expect in a short novel, and sometimes motive is unclear, breaking the otherwise stereotypical nature of the characters. You don’t miss this, however looking at it through younger eyes – in which the characters are larger than life and caricatures like the superheroes Caleb draws. That being said, there is nothing flawed about the manner in which the characters are presented. They are just placeholders of the young imagination, characters that can be filled in by the young ego reading the novel. Again, with this in mind, Deus ex Machina in used quite frequently.
The use of two-dimensional characters helps the writing of this book immensely. Written in a tight ‘deadline’ (until the next puzzle’s solved) style, but with loose, easy flowing narrative, the writing has to be the highlight of the book. It isn’t flowery, it suits the ‘characters’ and connects the mini-mysteries. If only to give the mystery out of a hat (especially at the end), the story remains light and adventurous. There are no words that (unless purposefully) are above the age of Markell’s target audience. And with the words he does use he creates a vignette of ever increasing exotic happenstance. This is most definitely a book geared toward the tweens and the attention paid to the attention span and innate curiosity well.
Overall, Click Here to Start (A Novel) by Dennis Markell, is a good book for the tweens who are into reading (a given), computer games (notably Hidden Object Games), problem solving, logic, mystery, and you have the target audience for the novel. It is a light read that is perfect for a rainy day or that much needed summer break. Markell has made an intriguing debut with his first novel and it will be interesting to see what he comes up with next.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Click Here to Start (A Novel)
By Dennis Markell
ISBN 978-1-101-93187-5
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Scott
Review:
Wild adventures abound for Ted, Caleb and Isabel as they are literally taken from the realm of video games and laptops and tossed into a reality game that has far greater consequences – if they fail. there are no extra lives or ‘reboots’. Click Here to Start (A Novel) , Dennis Markell’s inaugural book, is a tween novel which delightfully plays at young readers delights in problem solving in the form of a video game set up. Based off of ‘Escape the Room’ puzzlers (often known as Hidden Object Games or simply HOG’s), in which the player attempts to piece together the puzzle parts in order to get out of a locked room (or warehouse, or whatnot) and on to the next stage of the quest. Tweens will delight in reading some of the clue finding and problem solving mechanisms that go into this book (if they aren’t a fan of HOG’s to begin with). A mystery at heart, Click Here To Start (A Novel) both gets you ready to start the novel, and start the journey toward the final climatic ending.
Plot-wise, Click Here to Start (A Novel) is delightful pockets of puzzles that act as catalysts to one another and create a whole greater than the sum of its parts. Markell has this all under control. The puzzles do seem to come out of nowhere and engross the reader into finding out just what could possibly happen next; therein lies the strength of the novel – cohesive units that break down the story into smaller arcs and make the reading more digestible for a younger audience. The pacing slows down at these parts, and gives you a chance to think about what you have just read. The clues and their ever spiraling out of the woodwork consequences are not trivial by any shape or form and require the three young children to overcome their differences so the final mystery can be revealed.
With the protagonists we have Ted, a computer game whiz who solves ‘Escape the Room’ puzzles like wildfire; Isabel, a newly transferred student who is a font of knowledge; and Caleb, the resident artist and co-gamer with Ted. The characters are filled out as much as you would expect in a short novel, and sometimes motive is unclear, breaking the otherwise stereotypical nature of the characters. You don’t miss this, however looking at it through younger eyes – in which the characters are larger than life and caricatures like the superheroes Caleb draws. That being said, there is nothing flawed about the manner in which the characters are presented. They are just placeholders of the young imagination, characters that can be filled in by the young ego reading the novel. Again, with this in mind, Deus ex Machina in used quite frequently.
The use of two-dimensional characters helps the writing of this book immensely. Written in a tight ‘deadline’ (until the next puzzle’s solved) style, but with loose, easy flowing narrative, the writing has to be the highlight of the book. It isn’t flowery, it suits the ‘characters’ and connects the mini-mysteries. If only to give the mystery out of a hat (especially at the end), the story remains light and adventurous. There are no words that (unless purposefully) are above the age of Markell’s target audience. And with the words he does use he creates a vignette of ever increasing exotic happenstance. This is most definitely a book geared toward the tweens and the attention paid to the attention span and innate curiosity well.
Overall, Click Here to Start (A Novel) by Dennis Markell, is a good book for the tweens who are into reading (a given), computer games (notably Hidden Object Games), problem solving, logic, mystery, and you have the target audience for the novel. It is a light read that is perfect for a rainy day or that much needed summer break. Markell has made an intriguing debut with his first novel and it will be interesting to see what he comes up with next.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
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