Finding Little Adventures in “Exit Strategy: A Reacher Novel”
As I settled in for our nightly routine of reading before bed, I found myself craving a story that would whisk both my little adventurers and myself away from the chaos of the day. That’s when I picked up “Exit Strategy: A Reacher Novel” by Lee Child and Andrew Child. I figured a bit of intrigue and suspense might just be the ticket for our evening escape.
Now, I’ll admit, my usual choice leans toward brightly colored picture books filled with whimsical characters and playful rhymes. But I adore the thrill of a good mystery, and who better to lead us through this adventure than the iconic Jack Reacher? The moment I opened the book, I was drawn in by its gripping premise: Reacher finds a cryptic note planted in his pocket after a brush with a stressed guy in a suit. Instinctively, my mind began racing, sparking curiosity in my own kids, who immediately wanted to know, “What’s a cryptic note?” and “Why was he wearing a suit?”
While the book certainly isn’t meant for young children, our discussion around it was delightful. My oldest, who is seven, was particularly fascinated by the idea of mystery-solving. “Do you think the guy in the suit was a secret agent, Mom?” he mused, his eyes wide with wonder. And who could blame him? The allure of a stealthy adventure is hard to resist, especially when it’s coupled with Reacher’s no-nonsense approach to uncovering the truth.
The writing flows effortlessly, making it easy to read aloud, even as I navigated the technical twists and turns. It sparked countless conversations about decisions made under pressure, which is always a teachable moment with my little ones. There was even a giggle when my four-year-old, trying to make sense of the adult themes, confidently announced, “So, if someone gives you a secret note, you should read it, right, Mom?”
The book dives into themes of trust and deception, something familiar and even relatable in their little world. Although not illustrated in the traditional sense, each page painted vivid images in our minds, and I noticed my kids leaning in closer, captivated by the suspense. At one point, Reacher approaches a mysterious coffee shop, and my kids, excitedly imagining their own coffee shop adventures (filled with hot chocolate and pastries), asked if we could have our next family outing in a coffee shop too. I laughed, thinking about how something as simple as a coffee shop in a thriller could initiate a real-life outing!
For parents and mystery lovers alike, “Exit Strategy” manages to be a page-turner that can ignite conversations about bravery and cunning with younger listeners while being entertaining enough for the adults. While it may not be a story I’d routinely read to my toddlers, it certainly opened up a world of dialogue.
I would recommend this thrilling read for older kids (perhaps ages ten and up, with parental guidance), teens, or parents looking for a captivating book to enjoy during quiet moments. Whether curled up on a couch or sharing stories at the dinner table, every family could benefit from a touch of Jack Reacher’s exciting world. As for me, I’ve added it to my list of family favorites—not just for its thrilling content, but for the way it made us connect and spark imaginations.
So, grab a cozy blanket, pour a cup of something warm, and let “Exit Strategy” whisk you and your older kids into a whirlwind of suspense and fun! You never know what fascinating conversations it might inspire.
Discover the thrilling world of Jack Reacher in Exit Strategy! >>
