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Poison for Breakfast Hardcover – August 31, 2021

by Lemony Snicket (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 928 ratings
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Washington Post Bestseller

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. 18 illustrations
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    168 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Liveright
  4. Publication date
    August 31, 2021
  5. Grade level
    7 - 9
  6. Reading age
    13 - 18 years
  7. Dimensions
    4.8 x 0.7 x 7.6 inches
  8. ISBN-10
    1324090626
  9. ISBN-13
    978-1324090625
  10. See all details
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From the Publisher

lemony snicket, gothic, comedy, all ages

lemony snicket, gothic, comedy, all ages

lemony snicket, gothic, comedy, all ages

lemony snicket, gothic, comedy, all ages

lemony snicket, gothic, comedy, all ages

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 4 Up-Snicket's latest opens with the author's assertion that it is a book about bewilderment. Writing in the first person, he shares in the first chapter that after having breakfast one morning, he discovers a note under his door that reads, "You had poison for breakfast." This discovery leads him on a search for what may have poisoned him, and he investigates the sources of each of his breakfast's ingredients. He describes his stops at the tea shop, the beekeeper, the seashore, the supermarket, the park, and (happily) the library, and along the way, he chases his thoughts as far as they will go down roads of philosophy, memory, literature, and imagination. The narrative is full of Snicket's trademark clever whimsy; it is so clever, in fact, that it almost distracts readers from the fact that the story line contains very little action. The claim of bewilderment is accurate, but it is the sort of pleasant bewilderment that comes from letting your mind wander down unfamiliar paths. Back matter includes notes about books and people mentioned in each chapter. VERDICT Steadfast fans of Lemony Snicket will surely be pleased with this new entry into his canon, but others may find it a bit too cerebral.-Sarah Reid, Four County Lib. Syst., NYα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

"This little book feels like opening a window to let in air and light.... Filled with curious information and powerful feelings.... Humorous, sad, meditative and rapturous."
― Imogen Russell Williams, The Guardian

"Lemony Snicket’s Poison for Breakfast will certainly be a hit with his fans because the author’s style is quite unique . . . . I enjoy the distinctive structure, odd tidbits, and repetition . . . . settle in for a fun read."
― Ronna Mandel, Goodreads

"A charismatic voyage into the topic of bewilderment, with detours reflecting on death. . . Watch out for the surprising conclusion! This just may be [Snicket’s] finest hour."
― Jeanne Fredriksen, Booklist

"Full of Snicket’s trademark clever whimsy... it is the sort of pleasant bewilderment that comes from letting your mind wander down unfamiliar paths... Steadfast fans of Lemony Snicket will surely be pleased with this new entry into his canon."
― Sarah Reid, School Library Journal

"We are all bewildered, Snicket says.... Despite this novel being written before COVID-19, this message resonates deeply in our present world. Feeling lost in a constant state. However, Snicket urges us to stay hopeful. For those of you who, like me, grew up reading A Series of Unfortunate Events, this is the perfect book for you.... A wild, philosophical ride."
― Abby Petree, The Young Folks

"Fans of Snicket’s voice will adore the book.... A love letter to the concept and inherent power of literature.... Full of the classic wordplay, snark, and insight that long-time fans will be hoping for."
― Michael Cook, Geek Vibes Nation

"[Snicket] returns with a delightfully quirky philosophical novel... [H]e reminisces about, among other things... the craft of writing... [Visiting] a library... sets the stage for a surprising conclusion. Snicket laces the narrative with his trademark word definitions... This will delight fans of Snicket’s singular storytelling."
― Publishers Weekly

"Daniel Handler has crafted a perfect gem of a true philosophical treatise hidden in a Snicket mystery. I loved every savory bit of it."
― Jon Scieszka

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Liveright (August 31, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 168 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1324090626
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1324090625
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 - 18 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 7 - 9
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.3 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.8 x 0.7 x 7.6 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 928 ratings

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Lemony Snicket

Lemony Snicket

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Lemony Snicket claims he was nowhere near the scene of the crime. He is the author of several other unpleasant stories, including those in the bestselling A Series of Unfortunate Events and The Lump of Coal.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
928 global ratings
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5 Stars
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Book is as described. NEW! I know my grandson is going to enjoy reading it.
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Top reviews from the United States

Myles
5.0 out of 5 stars An Illustrious Book!
Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2024
Verified Purchase
"Illustrious" being a word here which means "Intriguingly crafted and will be back for seconds". From title to conclusion, this book was thoroughly a pleasure to read with a clever twist at the end. Lemony Snicket has always had a soft place in my heart since A Series of Unfortunate Events, and I'm thankful I get to the have the privilege of enjoying more work of his unique style, creative dialogue, and captivating narrative which drags you in from the start.
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Alyssa
5.0 out of 5 stars A great, compelling read.
Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2023
Verified Purchase
As always, Snicket delights with this novel. His roundabout, run-on thoughts are part of the charm and a glimpse into the inner workings of his mind. What I find the most fascinating about his works are how he reveals the mystery first, and spends the entirety of the content explaining the how and when and why, keeping you intrigued every step of the way. This short read doesn't waste time evolving the plot and hitting its stride.

Snicket is such a refreshing author in this world of popular booktok series that blend together.

P.S. Patrick Warburton lends his voice to portray Snicket and is incredible as always.
One person found this helpful
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Stephen D Jervey
4.0 out of 5 stars Philosophy poached perfectionally
Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2022
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An intriguing book, one might even say bewildering, surprising and replete with noteworthy omissions, but this review demands twenty words.
5 people found this helpful
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Lady G
5.0 out of 5 stars Gift It
Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2024
Verified Purchase
This was a gift for my daughter! Apparently it was a good book!
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Melinda Maidens
3.0 out of 5 stars Amusing, but not more
Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2022
Verified Purchase
I liked Lemony Snicket's "Series of Unfortunate Events." He has a droll sense of humor and a good writing style. "Poison for Breakfast" is a stream-of-consciousness ramble of the author's thoughts from the time he receives a mysterious message under his front door to the time he realizes where it came from. This all takes place as he rambles through his neighborhood, retracing his morning walk to try and solve the riddle. There's not much mystery to give away and not much profound thoughts. Best read while on a boring train or plane trip or during a long wait at the doctor's office.
5 people found this helpful
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Marie Hanna
5.0 out of 5 stars Hard to find anywhere else.
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2023
Verified Purchase
Book is as described. NEW! I know my grandson is going to enjoy reading it.
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Marie Hanna
5.0 out of 5 stars Hard to find anywhere else.
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2023
Book is as described. NEW! I know my grandson is going to enjoy reading it.
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Susan Ewing
5.0 out of 5 stars Great shape
Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2023
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The book arrived at the earliest date given, and the book is in terrific shape. I really didn't expect a book called "good" to be as nice as it is. VERY pleased.
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J. Cox
4.0 out of 5 stars So glad I read
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2022
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This is a delightful book and the first I've read of Mr Snicket. While I'm not in a book club, this would be an excellent book to share with others. Think this will stay with me for a while.
6 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Kevan Mulvaney
5.0 out of 5 stars Bewildering
Reviewed in Canada on January 23, 2023
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Very interesting read!
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Jordan
5.0 out of 5 stars Plus de Lemony Snicket au petit déjeuner
Reviewed in France on May 15, 2022
Verified Purchase
Lemony Snicket, les Baudelaire et du poison, ça vous dit quelque chose ? C’est bien le cas dans Poison au Petit Déjeuner, le dernier né du romancier malchanceux…
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saturn95
1.0 out of 5 stars What a mess
Reviewed in Germany on April 18, 2022
Verified Purchase
I was struggling with myself while reading the first chapter of the book, because it is so boring!!!!
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Jeanette Everson
5.0 out of 5 stars Lemony Snicket strikes again (and names my cat)
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 19, 2021
Verified Purchase
I listened to this as an audible member freebie, and 'freebie' here, is a word that means I listened to it all in one go and then bought a physical copy. And 'bought' is a word that means I loved it so much I paid for it. Even though I have it for free already.

And, better again, I'm going to inflict it onto as many of my students as I can until they scream at me that they would rather have poison for breakfast than listen to me talking about it one more time.

And I'm going to beg random people to sign up for more writing classes with me so I can open it again and again and for those of you who don't already realise it, Mr Snicket is either a genius or a Very Strange Man, and by one, I mean the other. Or both.

I am trying not to be concerned about all the students who won't sleep at night once I have introduced them to the perilous life and poisoning of Lemony Snicket, (and 'introduced', here is a word that means rammed into them like poisoned eggs. Or honey. Or water. I can't tell you which; it would spoil the element of surprise, and if I learned one thing from this book, it's that surprise is a good thing in story writing.)

Read it at your peril.

Oh, and one final caution. If you may be the kind of person who is likely to become the kind of person who snorts when you laugh, then you should read this in a secluded place far from madding, mad, and madder crowds, like, say, on a small rowing boat with only one oar, on a dark lake under a mountain. Or if water is not your thing, then in a tree house in a far corner of a field.

It is also important to note that after the Series of Unfortunate Events that brought her to us, the kitten temporarily known as HedgeGirl seems to have chosen to be known as Lemony from now on. But she didn't have poison for breakfast. I don't think.
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Jeanette Everson
5.0 out of 5 stars Lemony Snicket strikes again (and names my cat)
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 19, 2021
I listened to this as an audible member freebie, and 'freebie' here, is a word that means I listened to it all in one go and then bought a physical copy. And 'bought' is a word that means I loved it so much I paid for it. Even though I have it for free already.

And, better again, I'm going to inflict it onto as many of my students as I can until they scream at me that they would rather have poison for breakfast than listen to me talking about it one more time.

And I'm going to beg random people to sign up for more writing classes with me so I can open it again and again and for those of you who don't already realise it, Mr Snicket is either a genius or a Very Strange Man, and by one, I mean the other. Or both.

I am trying not to be concerned about all the students who won't sleep at night once I have introduced them to the perilous life and poisoning of Lemony Snicket, (and 'introduced', here is a word that means rammed into them like poisoned eggs. Or honey. Or water. I can't tell you which; it would spoil the element of surprise, and if I learned one thing from this book, it's that surprise is a good thing in story writing.)

Read it at your peril.

Oh, and one final caution. If you may be the kind of person who is likely to become the kind of person who snorts when you laugh, then you should read this in a secluded place far from madding, mad, and madder crowds, like, say, on a small rowing boat with only one oar, on a dark lake under a mountain. Or if water is not your thing, then in a tree house in a far corner of a field.

It is also important to note that after the Series of Unfortunate Events that brought her to us, the kitten temporarily known as HedgeGirl seems to have chosen to be known as Lemony from now on. But she didn't have poison for breakfast. I don't think.
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Hyde Addams
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book
Reviewed in Australia on March 5, 2024
Verified Purchase
Absolutely gorgeous you can’t deny the allure of a book with gorgeous green shine for the poison. Perfect condition, amazing book. Super fast shipping with great packaging. Thanks so much. Definitely a book to add to the collection
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Hyde Addams
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book
Reviewed in Australia on March 5, 2024
Absolutely gorgeous you can’t deny the allure of a book with gorgeous green shine for the poison. Perfect condition, amazing book. Super fast shipping with great packaging. Thanks so much. Definitely a book to add to the collection
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