The Mysterious Benedict Society (2007) - Plot & Excerpts
How do librarians decide what children's book they want to read next? Well, there are professional reviews, online reviews, and good old-fashioned word of mouth. And when it came to "The Mysterious Benedict Society", I picked up this 486-page tome, turned it about, and then needed a quickie confirmation from somebody as to whether or not I should shell out a significant portion of time to read this puppy. As it happened, a librarian I knew and trusted assured me that it wasn't all that good and that I shouldn't waste my days. Fair enough. I gave away my copy and decided to forget all about it. But then the book's name kept cropping up left and right. Oh, I should really read it! Oh, it's really good! Oh, you haven't read it? What's wrong with you? Eventually, the pressure got to be too much. I couldn't take it any more. As far as I could ascertain I was the only children's librarian in the WORLD who hadn't read "The Mysterious Benedict Society", and that was going to have to change. So I borrowed a library copy, took it home, and fell in love. Once in a while you just want to read a book that's fun. This book is precisely that. Smart and thoroughly a good good read.Reynie Muldoon doesn't think of himself as extraordinary. He thinks of himself as weird and out of place. An orphan, Reynie and his tutor one day spot an advertisement that reads, "ARE YOU A GIFTED CHILD LOOKING FOR SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES?" He is, as it happens, and that means taking a series of tests. Odd tests. Odd, increasingly peculiar tests that go beyond the classroom, or even the realm of the normal. By the end of the puzzles Reynie has passed, as have three other rather remarkable children. Sticky Washington is a bit of a bookworm, but the kind of kid who never forgets a single fact that he reads. Kate Wetherall is an athletic type who carries a handy bucket with her wherever it is that she goes. And Constance Contraire is very small, very rude, and very stubborn. Together, these kids have been recruited by a Mr. Benedict to infiltrate the very prestigious Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened and discover what it is that the school's devious head is planning. They know that it's evil and dangerous, but beyond that they are out of information. So it is that our four heroes become spies and set out to save the world using their very individual abilities.I've heard this book referred to as two different stories smooshed together into a single tale. That's not exactly how I'd chose to describe it, but it's a fair assessment. This actually isn't a problem either. If you like the first portion then you are bound to like the second. I was fond of the writing too. Never twee or coy, it comes right to the point of things without sacrificing emotion or character. It can get away with sentences like, "She announced her age right away, for children consider their ages every bit as important as their names." because they are straightforward and true. Stewart can get stuff across without a bunch of overwrought flowery language. "Their mouths went dry as bones," needs no further explanation. In terms of the sequel, one person I discussed the book with said of it, "I don't feel I need to go back to that world." I agree, in a way. Stewart wraps up his loose ends nicely. Unlike some series for kids, you aren't left with many holes or gaps in the plot. There is certainly room for a follow-up, but if you don't read it you won't feel you've missed something. The important thing to remember is that clever kids like clever tales. For children who like everything from The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin to The Puzzling World of Winston Breen, by Eric Berlin, this is the book for them. Consistently fun and fine, the book whizzes through its 400+ pages so fast that you'll be shocked at how quickly you find yourself at the end.
I'VE FINISHED THE BOOK: My initial impressions (and review comments) were overwhelmingly enthusiastic. I admit that the second half of the book did not quite live up to my hopes/expectations but I'd still give the book four stars overall (five stars for the beginning--see comments below). I felt that the second half of the story (once the children officially embark on their mission and become The Mysterious Benedict Society) was not as captivating, mainly because I found a great deal of the charm in the first half was found in the character descriptions/development and the little mysteries and puzzles the children had to solve. Once they embark on their mission, the characters they encounter become more one-dimensional and also the character development of the children is rather forgotten for awhile in the attempt to describe the great mystery/challenge they must face and thwart (and, also, I was not ultra-engrossed in that particular element of the story). Ultimately, the climax was still interesting and exciting and it had a very tidy and happy ending (much more a typical "children's book" in that respect than, say, Harry Potter) and I would recommend this to those wishing a pleasant and easy read (though a few of the puzzles in the beginning weren't that easy for me!) about a diverse and entertaining group of orphans who must save the world and find a way to feel loved and to belong in it if they do. UPDATE: ABOUT 2/3 DONE--CONTINUES CHARMING!!!! SO FAR, RECOMMENDED TO ANYONE MISSING STORIES ABOUT CHILDREN AT INTERESTING SCHOOLS NEEDING TO FIGURE OUT A MYSTERY AND "SAVE THE WORLD" (NOT THAT IT'S "HAPPY POTTER" BY ANY STRETCH OF THE IMAGINATION, BUT IF YOU MISS HARRY THIS CHRISTMAS, TRY THIS BOOK!) It is sooo captivating, I adore the characters (even if one is highly annoying!) and the mystery/suspense is excellent--tantalizing instead of irritating in its unfolding and (as of yet) relative vagueness. I can't believe that this book simply appeared randomly on Amazon as I was searching for something else--truth is, THIS is the type of book I've been looking for! So far, it is a good consolation for missing Harry Potter--it's not really similar, yet has its own style about students and orphans and children who must do amazing things.**Intelligent in content yet sweetly simple in style; the characters already seem quite real--this is an author who seems to remember/understand childhood. I'm excited to continue the imaginative journey...**
What do You think about The Mysterious Benedict Society (2007)?
Craig wrote: "I'm really impressed by the book's vocabulary as well (and my question about the grades was directed to Alan since he mentioned that in his initial review, but this format doesn't really lend itsel..."It's so wonderful to hear of a classroom of children responding with such happy enthusiasm to this book.No matter what our choices of reading material, aim high. When we position them to do so, they will expect the same of themselves.
—Alan
The Mysterious Benedict Society is an absolute delight to read. Filled with clever riddles, twists, and memorable characters, you won't be able to resist following Stewart's characters as they crack codes and go on secret missions. "Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?" It's this very news article that attracts children from across the country to come take a series of intricate test. But in the end, it's only four children who succeed - Reynie Muldoon, Sticky Washington, Kate Wetherall and Constance Contraire. They are sent to study undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must stop an evil doctor before he brainwashes the world.The cast of characters Stewart creates are unforgettable. You have Reynie, who has a keen eye for spotting puzzles and patterns; Sticky, who has a photographic memory for anything he's ever read; Kate, whose athletic ability is something to be reckoned with; and Constance, who's stubborn and moody. Each of these children have different types of intelligence and contribute something equally important to the success of the mission. Each of Stewart's characters are apt in characterization and have wonderful backstories, something I thoroughly appreciated.The most intriguing part of the book, however, are the wonderful puzzles. There are puzzles and riddles galore to solve throughout the course of the book, and adults and children alike will find themselves aptly interested in solving these puzzles alongside them and seeing if they answer them correctly.I cannot recommend this enough; especially if you like solving puzzles and unforgettable characters. If you found yourself engrossed in The Westing Game or The Name of this Book is Secret, I can almost assure you this will be a hit as well.
—Zoe
Whether you are the type of adult who will enjoy this novel depends on the type of child you were. Gawky, studious, overly earnest outsiders will adore The Mysterious Benedict Society. If you were popular, athletic, or a rebellious Goth, this book is sooooo not for you.While Trenton Lee Stewart’s first novel in what is so far a series of three has been compared to J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, I find the bulk of the book more reminiscent of the late E.L. Konigsburg’s The View from Saturday with a dash of Cartoon Network’s children’s spy thriller The Kids Next Door. In both The Mysterious Benedict Society and The View from Saturday, a motley collection of misfits comes together to form a team that accomplishes more than anyone would have believed possible. The beginning, of course, is reminiscent of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory; as in Dahl’s classic, in The Mysterious Benedict Society, a forlorn boy gets selected by a mysterious Svengali, rescuing him from his sad circumstances. In the books and the television show, children of an academic bent get an opportunity to shine and to boost their confidence. However, in The Mysterious Benedict Society, the selection process goes on a tad too long, but once on assignment, the book’s pace really picks up. I certainly stayed up too late reading! In addition, Carson Ellis’ old-fashioned illustrations heralding each chapter are a delight in themselves!Readers will also find the quest that the four children undertake pretty thrilling. Four children are chosen to undertake a dangerous and demanding mission; to say more would be to ruin the fun. While not ranking with the best of the kids-on-a-dangerous mission genre — think A Wrinkle in Time, Stormbreaker; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; An Enemy at Green Knowe or the beloved Harry Potter series — anyone who enjoys offbeat children’s fare should give The Mysterious Benedict Society a try.
—Ivonne Rovira
