Title: The Mysterious Benedict Society
Author: Trenton Lee Stewart
Genre: Children / Mystery / Science Fiction
Publication: 2007
Author: Trenton Lee Stewart
Genre: Children / Mystery / Science Fiction
Publication: 2007
Summary: Dozens of children respond to this peculiar ad in the newspaper and are then put through a series of mind-bending tests, which readers take along with them. Only four children-two boys and two girls-succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and inventive children could complete. To accomplish it they will have to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules. But what they'll find in the hidden underground tunnels of the school is more than your average school supplies. So, if you're gifted, creative, or happen to know Morse Code, they could probably use your help. (Summary taken from Barnesandnoble.com)
My Thoughts: I like puzzles. I like things that challenges my mind and make me work to figure out the solution. I'm not saying I'm any good at it though. The thing I liked most about this book is that its full of puzzles that the children in it must solve.
The first part of the book is the best in my opinion. I really liked reading about how each of the children solved the puzzles in their own way. I even admit that I hadn't even clued in with of them myself! This is probably the strong point of the book I would say.
Other than that to tell the truth I'm actually having a hard time writing a review for this book because even though it was a good book, and it has to be considering its a New York Times Best Seller, I only just liked it. I liked it fine and the story was good but it is certainly geared towards children more I would say. The story is clever with puzzles but the main plot was more or less predictable which made the twists not so shocking. But I don't think that was the focus of this book because aside from that the characters were really great and I loved how they all interacted together and how each of them were very unique. It was funny at times and definitely charming. The writing was really good too and easy to read so in the end it was a good book.
Ultimately I never felt that certain "I just NEED to know what happens next!" itch but I did like it. I would recommend this book to children and young adults because it's a very charming book that's full of adventure and great characters. I'm sure even some adults would find a few of the puzzles in here a little challenging. I will someday read the next ones but they aren't on my immediate to-read list.
My Rating: 3.5/5
My Thoughts: I like puzzles. I like things that challenges my mind and make me work to figure out the solution. I'm not saying I'm any good at it though. The thing I liked most about this book is that its full of puzzles that the children in it must solve.
The first part of the book is the best in my opinion. I really liked reading about how each of the children solved the puzzles in their own way. I even admit that I hadn't even clued in with of them myself! This is probably the strong point of the book I would say.
Other than that to tell the truth I'm actually having a hard time writing a review for this book because even though it was a good book, and it has to be considering its a New York Times Best Seller, I only just liked it. I liked it fine and the story was good but it is certainly geared towards children more I would say. The story is clever with puzzles but the main plot was more or less predictable which made the twists not so shocking. But I don't think that was the focus of this book because aside from that the characters were really great and I loved how they all interacted together and how each of them were very unique. It was funny at times and definitely charming. The writing was really good too and easy to read so in the end it was a good book.
Ultimately I never felt that certain "I just NEED to know what happens next!" itch but I did like it. I would recommend this book to children and young adults because it's a very charming book that's full of adventure and great characters. I'm sure even some adults would find a few of the puzzles in here a little challenging. I will someday read the next ones but they aren't on my immediate to-read list.
My Rating: 3.5/5
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