The Mysterious Benedict Society

Hi there everybody! It's getting close to the end of the year, so it's time to start getting things in gear and getting proactive with assignments!

This Week's Assignment:
Blog about the book that you've chosen for your book talk: discuss why you've chosen it, and your reactions to the book as you read.


Well, to begin, I've chosen The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart to read (it's sitting on my desk as we speak--I'm alternating between typing and reading). I chose it to read because of its amazing characters and it is the beginning of my favorite series. I had originally read it when I was around nine or ten, but never managed to re-read it since then (the thing is almost 400 pages). I figured that this would be a good reason to re-read on of my favorite books. I remember when I was younger I couldn't put it down, and the same effect holds true here.

In short, the book begins with a young boy going to take a very important test. He is eventually joined by three other children; all of them having incredibly skills from acrobatics to puzzle cracking to poetry writing to an amazing memory. After meeting with the enigmatic yet kindly Mr. Benedict, they realize that they are part of a massive plot to help overthrow an evil man and his evil intelligence.

My feelings to the book are just the same as when I was younger--utterly enthralling and imaginative. The characters are incredibly well though out. My favorite would have to be Reynie Muldoon--he's such an amazing protagonist, as are all the rest of the children (Constance Contraire is just amazing). The writing style is very beautiful and flows amazingly. Mr. Stewart has to be one of my idols when it comes to lovely writing.

I'd definitely recommend this book of hidden puzzles and beautiful writing to anybody with a good reading level--from children to adults. I'm excited to begin work on my book report and final video project. I'll post a link to it when I'm done! =)

Until then, adios!

TEOGROMITMM vs. Macbeth: Compare and Contrast

            The Effects of Gamma Rays on Man In the Moon Marigolds (TEOGROMITMM) is a novel filled with symbolism and subtle pokes at the flaws of modern day society. Though it is very different from the classic tale of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, there are some similarities between the old story and this new, Pulitzer Prize winning play.

            Some similarities between both plays include the sanity of the main characters and the role of regret. In TEOGROMITMM, both Beatrice and Ruth have their share of mental problems. Ruth probably has a severe case of OCD, but I can’t imaging what Beatrice could be other than just plain cracked. Both women have the same issues as the matriarch and patriarch of Macbeth. Both are severely troubled by ailments of their minds. Also, the cause of their ailments, or at least the main characters of Macbeth and Beatrice, have the same reason for their inflictions. Beatrice, Macbeth, and Lady Macbeth are all suffering from severe regret. Beatrice longs for the days that she wasn’t a mother that had all of her current responsibilities, and the Macbeths are suffering from guilty consciences.

            However, I can honestly say that the similarities stop there. Contrasting the two plays are much less complicated. For one, Tillie is completely unlike any of the characters in Macbeth. A sweet, unassuming little girl that’s hidden in the shadows of her home problems is completely unlike any of the cast members of Shakespeare’s play. Also, unlike Lady Macbeth, Beatrice has some traces of sanity left in her. There are some instances where she shows a trace of compassion here or there—usually to her two daughters—other times, she’s way off the deep end. (Like when she chloroformed the rabbit. That was just whacked.)

            So, there are lots of different ways to compare and contrast the two works of well known fiction. In this case, there’s quite a few more things different between them then there are things the same. But, then again, it’s probably a good thing that they’re so different. I mean, having to read two things that are really alike? How boring would that be?