We entered Mooney’s bookshop pop-up, full of curiosity and excitement, in celebration of Netflix’s You.
Our first task was to search the vast bookcases for clues, so that we can enter the elusive tunnel that awaits behind the guarded door in the store. Our bookmarks gave us the first clue that we had to search for: “Find the book that started it all, a book that’s about Joe’s obsessive fall. It’s from the mind of Caroline, that book you need to find.” We immediately began searching for Caroline Kepnes’ book You and quickly shifted through the pages to find a circled word and the next clue.
The adrenaline was palpable as fans quickly looked for the book titles and new insights. It was wonderful to witness the happiness that overwhelmed the fans once they found an additional hint that brought them one step closer to solving the mystery of what the blank phrase on the bookmark is. After finding a total of four words and four books, our bookmark gave us the final phrase that was once blank: “Secrets don’t stay caged.” Fittingly, it served the theme of the dramatic show perfectly.
We then entered the tunnel, which showcased various illustrations from the show, and the artwork came with door handles that displayed specific clues from a plethora of characters on the series. The tunnel led to an illuminated clear glass box, just like in the show, and inside was a typewriter, hammer and more books. On a table close by was a security camera that oversaw inside the mini room. You fans were surrounded by neon, blue lights and newspaper findings and missing posters all throughout the final space. The glass room photo-op and library experience transported us into the series and was an absolute blast to explore. The creative team at Netflix really outdid themselves and I loved the unique ideas and imagination that was manifested into the charming pop up, which fans got to obsess over, ahead of watching the fifth and final season.
