Secret History

Here's the perfect way to finish the year.

This week, a 97 year old man named Jerry Fine passed away. Nearly a decade ago, Jerry invited me into his house. The reason I was there was because when Jerry was a kid, he introduced his cousin Jerry Siegel to a boy named Joe Shuster. Siegel was a writer; Shuster an artist. And yes, together, those 17 year-old kids from Cleveland created the character known as Superman.

History is just the best, isn't it? Jerry Fine did many things with his life. And on one particular day, though nobody knows his name, he changed the planet. Without him, Siegel and Shuster potentially never forge their famous friendship and we never get Superman.

So thank you, Jerry Fine. Thank you for that day in your house where you shared your memories, your family, and your friendship. And thank you for proving that there's no such thing as an ordinary person.

Healthy and happy new year to you all!

Please Help!

It's that time! Please help us pick the cover for the next book. It's our first illustrated children's book, coming in January. Please vote which you like best for I AM AMELIA EARHART. A or B? (And yes, I always lose the vote).

Decoded!

Here it is -- world premiere of the cover of our new DECODED book (that's right, book) that's coming out in October. It counts down the top 10 conspiracies throughout history -- and even comes with removable pieces (letters from John Wilkes Booth, escape maps, etc, so you can see the evidence yourself). So proud of it. And yes, let's hear your top conspiracies for the list. As for the show, stay tuned...

Only in my Family

Yesterday, my father-in-law Bobby sees a homeless guy begging with a sign that says, "I won't lie -- I just want  beer." Bobby also helps enough homeless at his restaurant, so he looks past the guy.  But then, the homeless man spots the JUMBO'S bumper sticker's on Bobby's car. He knows JUMBO'S, the legendary soul food restaurant and civil rights landmark.  At which point, the homeless man yells through the window, "I read all you son-in-law's books!" Only in Miami.  Only in my family. Needless to say, Bobby told him to come in for a free meal.

The Power of Thank You

Here's the story of one of the craziest, most rewarding experiences of my life. From my trip with the USO. How one soldier changed my life. [Parade Magazine]

Decode This!

You asked for it:  Solve the puzzle below -- and the first five people to email me at: bradmeltzer44 AT gmail.com get decoder rings.

X Marks A Spot In Easy Code For You To Read:

P - 1
X + 1
I - 5
F + 8
U + 1
N - 1
M + 6
K + 3
C - 4
M - 1
F + 3

Thanks to pal and veteran puzzlemaker Mark Danna for this puzzle. He co-writes Mensa's annual page-a-day puzzle calendar, so if you like this, go buy those.  He's also the author of more than 25 word search books and writer of the syndicated newspaper puzzle Wordy Gurdy.  Where'd I meet him?  Games magazine.  For personalized crosswords, word searches, and other puzzles, contact Mark at wordygurdy10 AT aim.com.

Decoder Rings!

Remember last year when we tried to get you secret decoder rings and couldn't? Well guess what we just got? That's right. And next Tuesday in New York, on the publication day of The Fifth Assassin, we -- with the help of our judge John Hodgman -- are going to attempt to break the Guinness Book World Record for “Most Secret Decoder Rings Worn in One Place.” And, yes, we're supplying the rings!
When: Tuesday, January 15 at 7pm
Where: Barnes & Noble, Union Square - 33 E 17th St, New York
Why: C'mon, we're giving out free secret decoder rings, and we're all gonna use them at the same time. This is my nerd dream come true. Also, with Hodgman acting as our official judge, it'll truly add some brains to my brawn.
Why else: I'll then talk and sign copies of THE FIFTH ASSASSIN!