The Mysterious Benedict Society

I could NOT put this book down! I'm easily above its target age group, but the good reviews here and on Amazon prompted me to pick it up, and I'll be reading the sequel soon.

There are enough reviews that include a summary of the book, so I won't babble long about it. The basic gist of it is this: four children - Reynie, Sticky, Kate and Constance - work together to solve mysteries and fight evil. Each child has a special talent, one that might not be clear at first glance, but one that makes...more I could NOT put this book down! I'm easily above its target age group, but the good reviews here and on Goodreads prompted me to pick it up.

There are enough reviews that include a summary of the book, so I won't babble long about it. The basic gist of it is this: four children - Reynie, Sticky, Kate and Constance - work together to solve mysteries and fight evil. Each child has a special talent, one that might not be clear at first glance, but one that makes each child important and crucial to the mission. It's an adventure story about four very special children - a few of whom don't see themselves very special at all - who work together for the benefit of all.

This is the author's first novel, and I'm sure there will be more. Stewart has an easy-going style that fits well with this sort of book: it's an easy read, with cliffhangers that draw you in and make you regret having to put the book down for the night, and it's fun to see the children develop as characters through their adventures. Each has a path to follow, lessons to learn, a job to do, and their bravery, intelligence, problem-solving skills, and loyalty are all admirable traits for real children aspire to. Even though I'm much older than the characters, I found it fairly easy to relate to them. It reminded me of my own childhood (which wasn't THAT long ago! ;) ) and of the adventures I often wished I'd get to go on. Children will absolutely be able to find parts of themselves within each of the characters, and find themselves drawn in and trying to figure out the puzzle for themselves. I love stories that inspire kids to do their best and that show them that they're all special and have something to offer the world. I don't even have kids, but this is definitely one I'd want them to read.

I picked up the sequel today at work because I just couldn't resist, and found myself drawn in immediately. Can't wait to get a chance to read the rest!

Most of us will lead ordinary lives and experience adventure vicariously through the stories of people with names like Harry Potter, Bella Swan, and Lyra Belacqua. With Stewart's wonderful book, you can add the names Reynie Muldoon, George "Sticky" Washington, Kate Weatherall, and Constance Contraire to that list. The story of four orphaned and unusually gifted children out to save the world, "The Mysterious Benedict Society" employs classic themes of young adult literature in ways that are far from exhausted and overdone.

I picked this book up on a whim and enjoyed every moment of it. I am impressed by authors who are capable of creating such imaginative plots and larger-than-life characters, and this novel certainly has both elements. Additionally, it would be an egregious miss on my part were I to neglect mentioning the wonderful illustrations by Carson Ellis throughout the book that really bring the story to life and make it even more charming. Add to that a few brain teasing puzzles and one twisted mystery and you have a successful book worthy of praise from readers of all ages. Some of the best books are the ones that come to you randomly.

It's one of those books full of 'crazy' characters that are ridiculous and a 'crazy' plot that is equally ridiculous. I actually thought about putting it away halfway through the last chapter and I wish I had. It has a sort of Reading Rainbow charm for a while, but the whole plot was not properly edited and it was a waste of my time.

The Mysterious Benidict Society was perfectly written by Trenton Lee Stewart. It's a geat book for ten years or up. Younger kids may not understand it. I'm 10 and I loved it. Now it's my favorite book. Now don't start getting involved with all of these reviews! Just read it yourself and decide what you think, because that's what matters.

The pre-Island part is great. The island interlude is too much by far. Ho-hum. Perhaps it would have worked in a shorter book. An Excess of Exposition.