Oct 18 2008
The Mysterious Benedict Society
I finished reading The Mysterious Benedict Society (Trenton Lee Stewart) aloud to the kids this evening. What a fantastic book! We have been riveted to it every morning for the last couple of weeks, not wanting to stop reading and get on with the rest of our day.
Reynie Muldoon is an extremely bright orphan. He has been bored at his boarding school, and only the specialized education given to him by his tutor, Miss Perumal, has kept him challenged. When she sees an ad in the newspaper that reads, “ARE YOU A GIFTED CHILD LOOKING FOR SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES?” she encourages him to attend the test. Reynie is chosen, along with three other students, for the special opportunity - but he has no idea what it is.
Along with Reynie is George “Sticky” Washington, Kate Wetherall, and Constance Contraire. They all have one thing in common: they’re alone in the world. They are also each gifted in a unique way, and when they meet the mysterious Mr. Benedict, he informs them that each one of their special talents will be needed for the special project - which is to save the world.
Stewart has created a fabulous fantasy adventure story that is a total delight to read. The children are interesting characters, each with his or her own strengths and weaknesses, and in the course of the story we see them learn to use their strengths and admit - and overcome - their weaknesses. They learn that sometimes a family isn’t the group of people you are born into, but the group of people that finds you. And they learn that sometimes we have to do really hard things because they are right.
My kids adored this book. When I closed the cover, I heard Noah sigh. I recognized instantly the sigh; I make the same sound of both satisfaction and melancholy when a book I love is over. They were thrilled to hear that I’ve already ordered the sequel, The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey.
This is one of those stories where the sequel is just as satisfying. SO glad y’all enjoyed it!
What a fun-sounding book
I’m going to have to look for it; it sounds like it offers some nice, wholesome lessons. 
Thanks for the review. I’m going to look for this for my kids, it sounds like they’ll love it.
Thanks for the review. I’ve just ordered a copy and can’t wait to read it to my son!
thanks for the review. It sounds like a great book and will have to check it out.
Robin of mytwoblessings
It’s so gratifying to hear your kids sigh after a book finishes, isn’t it? You know they’re hooked on books.
I really love the beginning section of the book too. Wonderful characters, intriguing premise.
Thanks for this review. This is the first I heard of the series. I love YA fantasy, so I’ll be adding this (and the sequel) to my wish list.
Isn’t it great when the kids get sucked right in to the story? I’ll be passing the titles along to my niece.
I reading right now and I agree - what a great book! Please stop by my blog and look around!
i love this book. any one know how to get the sequel?
is there another book after this?