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!