The Mysterious Benedict Society (Mysterious Benedict Society, #1)

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The Mysterious Benedict Society (The Mysterious Benedict Society #1)

by Trenton Lee Stewart (Goodreads Author), Carson Ellis (Illustrator)

4.05 · rating details · 18,460 ratings · 3,836 reviews

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 th...more

Hardcover, 492 pages

Published March 7th 2007 by Little, Brown and Company (first published January 1st 2007)

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Dec 09, 2007

Elizabeth rated it

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...moreHow 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.(less)

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Sep 18, 2011

Stephen rated it

Shelves: ebooks, audiobook, 2006-2010, mystery, ya, science-fiction

I appreciated this book at 500 pages, but would've been REALLY fond of it at only 250. Remove some plod-along-ploddy sections and tighten up a few narrative side tracks and I think you have yourself a big winner for both YA's and those YA at heart.

Ignoring the size for a moment (yes, yes, it matters and we will return to it)...this is charming, smart, well-written story that had me thinking Dickens for Kids based on its engaging yet restrained prose style. It has that cozy feel of w...more

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Dec 22, 2007

Ann rated it

Shelves: mysteries, fantasy, actionadventure, sci-fi, katie-and-annie-bookclub, young-adult

What a delightful story! It was very difficult to choose a shelf for this book - it's not truly fantasy, but its not just adventure or mystery either. Perhaps a little Sci-Fi more than fantasy? Well, anyway, it was a wonderful book about four children who agree to help save the world. It sounds a little over-done, I know, but it’s really quite sweet and charming. Well-written and with loveable characters and a kindness throughout the book I was enthralled from the first page.
The boo...more

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Apr 04, 2008

Marya rated it

Shelves: teen-mystery

In the Mysterious Benedict Society, four children with four different problem solving skill sets come together to solve a mystery. Those four children consist of the reader, who has the amazing ability to memorize things; the engineer, who has the amazing ability to create anything to solve the task at hand from materials she carries with her; the baby, whose chief attribute is to be unpredictable and not listen to the rules much less follow them; and the professional puzzle solver, who looks at...more

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Aug 10, 2008

Gregory Baird rated it

· review of another edition

Recommends it for: fans of A Series of Unfortunate Events

Shelves: 2008-booklist, childrens-ya

"The Mysterious Benedict Society" owes a large debt to Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events. It is written in the same Dickens-meets-Roald-Dahl style (although it does emphasize Dahl's whimsy over Dickens' occasional bleakness). It features an oddball cast with a broad spectrum of eccentricities and unique physical features. The plot even centers around a group of kids from orphanages attempting to foil the dastardly plans of a villain who seeks to exploit them in his mad q...more"The Mysterious Benedict Society" owes a large debt to Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events. It is written in the same Dickens-meets-Roald-Dahl style (although it does emphasize Dahl's whimsy over Dickens' occasional bleakness). It features an oddball cast with a broad spectrum of eccentricities and unique physical features. The plot even centers around a group of kids from orphanages attempting to foil the dastardly plans of a villain who seeks to exploit them in his mad quest for domination.

There are good qualities to be found. The first hundred pages or so are very charming, managing to capture the better aspects of its inspirations with ease. Stewart is certainly a capable writer with a great imagination and sense of wit.

But once the titular group has been established and sets off on its first mission things begin to go downhill at an alarming rate. First, things start to get a little too quirky (The villain's dastardly plot for world domination is what now? Wait, another bizarre character/situation/setting for our intrepid heroes to contend with?). Second, said quirks become limiting and mildly irritating (could Constance please stop grumbling for just a second? And while the use of narcolepsy is only slightly amusing at first it gets tiring when both the group's benefactor and the villain keep passing out at key moments. Stewart really should have re-thought that as a character trait). Third, you realize that the book is overly long and overly complex. Yet somehow, despite the myriad twists, turns, and complications, the M.B.S. is remarkably capable of making incredible logical leaps to figure out what is going on. For crying out loud, how long is this charade going to get dragged out, anyway? Then comes the hot mess of an ending. I don't want to spoil anything for those who intend to read this book, so let's just say that the realizations come a little too easily, the escapes are a touch too clean, and the happy endings aren't tacked on so much as beaten in with a sledgehammer. Yet Stewart must also have realized that if he intends this book to become a series he can't tie everything up too neatly, so naturally things are open-ended enough to allow for a sequel. Which is now available in bookstores everywhere ...

I, for one, won't be picking it up.(less)

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Dec 23, 2007

Kathryn rated it

Shelves: mystery, annie-and-katie-bookclub, childrens-picture-books

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 c...moreI'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...**(less)

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Sep 19, 2008

Nancy rated it

What a treat this book was to read! I thoroughly enjoyed it -- the kids were great, the villain and his heinous plot were quite terrifying, and the plot clipped right along. My one small reservation is that somehow I find I am in no rush to read the sequel -- yet this might have simply to do with the fact that the story did clearly end (unlike, say, THE HUNGER GAMES). But basically, I'd recommend MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY to anyone. I plan to give my copy to a bright 11-year old girl I know.

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Feb 27, 2009

Alan rated it

Shelves: young-adult-lit

This is by far the best YA novel that I have read since the Harry Potter books. Characters are great, thoughtful and like nothing I have read before. Even though this book is almost 500 pages long, I have been reading it aloud to my class and they are loving it! Every day I come into class they are asking if we get to read it for the day. I can't wait to get the second one.

Enjoy!

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Feb 03, 2011

Julie rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: nice-cover, read-in-2010, favorites, whimsical, own, books-thomas-should-read, series-i-like, smart-kids-and-teens, childrens-and-middle-grade, own-and-would-recommend

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This is an example of a children's book that even older people would enjoy, so I am glad that I got it from the public library.

I loved the concept:
Four gifted children (Reynie, Constance, Sticky, and Kate) pass a mysterious test and join forces with lovable Mr. Benedict to foil an evil plot. This evil plot uses the television and radio to transmit messages to control people. Mr. Benedict has determined that a scientist is doing this through schoolchildren at a special school fo...moreThis is an example of a children's book that even older people would enjoy, so I am glad that I got it from the public library.

I loved the concept:
Four gifted children (Reynie, Constance, Sticky, and Kate) pass a mysterious test and join forces with lovable Mr. Benedict to foil an evil plot. This evil plot uses the television and radio to transmit messages to control people. Mr. Benedict has determined that a scientist is doing this through schoolchildren at a special school for "the enlightened." These four children go undercover to see what they can do to stop this scientist Mr. Curtain.

So I obviously loved that unique plot. The characters were well-written, especially considering this is a children's book. The author used some humor and some suspense.

I also liked the clever tie-in on the hardcover dust jacket. After the end of the story, there was a note from Mr. Benedict saying that the reader could find his first name if they knew the code. Since they used Morse code in the book, I assumed he meant Morse code. Sure enough, there was Morse code meaning "Nicholas" on the dust jacket. That was a fun little reference.

Some quotes from the book:
"That's true, George," said Jillson. "Virtually none, in fact. You can wear whatever you want, just so long as you have on trousers, shoes, and a shirt. You can bathe as often as you like or not at all, provided you're clean every day in class. You can eat whatever and whenever you watnt, as long as it's during meal hours in the cafeteria. You're allowed to keep the lights on in your rooms as late as you wish until ten o'clock each night. And you can go wherever you want around the Institute, so long as you keep to the paths and the yellow-tiled corridors."- pg 171

In certain ways, the Institute did remind them of other schools: Rote memorization of lessons was discourage but required; class participation was encouraged but rarely permitted; and although quizzes were given every day, in every class, there was always at least one student who groaned, another who acted surprised, and another who begged the teacher, in vain, not to give it.- pg 188(less)

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Jun 22, 2009

Jennifer rated it

Shelves: young-readers, read-in-2008

Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance are four very gifted children with a mission. They call themselves The Mysterious Benedict Society and together they have to infiltrate the nefarious Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened - a psuedo-school run by the evil Mr. Curtain. It's up to these four disimilar and intrepid kids to save the world and of course they are completely up to the task.

I thnk this book will have broad appeal to under-12s. The length of the book threw me off - it...more

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Aug 02, 2008

Christy rated it

· review of another edition

Trenton Lee Stewart seems unafraid to pick up a few children’s lit archetypes: four remarkable and lovable children (albeit one slightly less lovable than the others), missing parental figures, the kind male guardian, the boarding house/ evil school scenario, and themes of mind control and world domination. But within the archetypes, Stewart creates his own brand of magic. One becomes fond of Reynie Muldoon’s human perception, Sticky Washington’s nervous glasses cleaning habit, Constance Contrai...more

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Dec 11, 2008

Heather rated it

Recommends it for: bright kids

Recommended to Heather by: Lisa

Shelves: kids-and-teens

What a fun book! A small group of very gifted children work together to save the world from evil. It's funny in all the right places, and I'm sure I detect the influence of Lemony Snicket on the narrative voice. Yes, it's long, but in a good way- this is so much fun to read that I didn't want it to end too soon. I'll be heading back to the library for the sequel soon, I think.

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Dec 15, 2007

Jackie "the Librarian" rated it

Recommends it for: puzzle lovers

Shelves: childrensbooks, mysteries, gothic

Four brilliant orphans are recruited by a Mr. Benedict, who needs their help to discover who is behind a plot to rule the world. The best thing about this book are the logic puzzles the kids have to solve to get invited into the Benedict Society - readers can figure out solutions at the same time the characters do. I really found myself rooting for those plucky orphans, each with their own unique personalities and skills. Go orphans! Save the world!

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Jan 28, 2009

Kat rated it

Shelves: young-adult, childrens, books-i-own, fantasy

I kept seeing this book pop up in the bestseller list on Amazon. The title was intriguing, as was the beautiful cover art. I picked up the paperback at Target and decided to dive into this New York Times bestseller.

I've read that this book is often compared to Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, but I've never read any of those. So I had no frame of reference and no expectations when reading the book.

The Mysterious Benedict Society follows the adventures of f...more

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Nov 20, 2008

Alexis rated it

Shelves: read-aloud

I'm reading this one aloud to my boys (5 and 7) they are loving it so far. We are about 2/3 of the way through. The first half was excellent. The characters aren't as developed as I would like and the overall plot is dragging a bit right now. But the kids are still captivated. GREAT MORAL LESSONS for kids here; think honesty, good sportsmanship, and especially integrity.

Update: The boys loved it. Both boys gave the book five stars. I gave it three. It got off to a roaring st...more

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Mar 15, 2009

Uci rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: buntelan-penerbit

Saya paling suka bagian awal buku ini, ketika anak-anak cerdas itu harus menjawab dan memecahkan berbagai teka-teki sebelum dinyatakan lulus dan kemudian menjadi anggota Persekutuan Misterius Benedict. Tapi setelah itu pikiran saya mulai melayang ke mana-mana alias nggak fokus saat mencoba mengikuti jalan ceritanya sampai habis. Banyak penjelasan yang membingungkan tentang otak, pikiran bawah sadar dan sebagainya. Waduh, sulit banget sih misinya :P

Di tengah jalan, membaca tentang i...more

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Aug 16, 2008

Beckie rated it

Recommends it for: Joseph Kearl and Garret Burnett because they were just like these kids!

What a total romp of fun, mystery and adventure, one of the best kids books besides Harry Potter that I've read in a long time!

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Jan 20, 2009

Ayu Palar rated it

Recommends it for: Dini, Tyas

Recommended to Ayu by: Amanda

Shelves: children-books

Basically it’s about four gifted and talented children being secret agents. With the help from Mr. Benedict, a genious old man with narcolepsy, they go to an isolated island, in which a special institute is built. Then they struggle together to solve what’s actually going on in the institute. I won’t talk more about it because this will ruin the enjoyment of the reading. However, the way Stewart builds the characters is very noteworthy. No matter how extraordinary they are, these children are st...more

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Apr 18, 2008

Laura rated it

Recommends it for: mystery lovers, secret society buffs

Shelves: childrensliterature, fantasy, books-in-a-series, crime, friendship, mystery, survival, teamwork

“Are You a Gifted Child looking for Special Opportunities?” reads the newspaper advertisement.

Reynard “Reynie” Muldoon, George “Sticky” Washington, Kate Wetherall (The Great Kate Weather Machine), Constance Contraire, and many other children answer “yes” to this ad and go to the specified location.

Once there they all embark on a series of bizarre tests from which only the four clever orphans–Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance–emerge successful. These four solve the exams...more

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May 08, 2007

nicole j. wroblewski rated it

Shelves: unfinished, 7up, orphans

Having quit this book half-way through, you might think I dislike it. I don't. It's a great book, especially if you're, you know, between the ages of eight and twelve. But I'm not. So it felt pretty tedious (example: you know, how at the end of the first three Harry Potter books Dumbledore's all "here, let's take a two chapters to explain everything that just happened" and it feels kinda cheap because you're not braindead and all that? Well, like HP, this is a great story, but there's ...more

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Jun 05, 2008

sweet pea rated it

Shelves: young-adult

my seven year old friend Abegale passionately loves this book. one day i said (in jest), "i've heard this book sucks" and held up this tome. her and her friend almost killed me. if they had their straight razors, i would be dead now. so, i figured i should probably read the book that almost caused my demise.

i, of course, loved it. all of the characters in this book are excellently envisioned. i love how each of the members of the Mysterious Benedict Society solve the sa...more

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Dec 10, 2008

Jenn rated it

Recommends it for: Everybody

Shelves: kids-lit

I just finished reading this book and I enjoyed it very much. Although the book is over 485 pages long, the chapters are short, so it's easy to read several at a time. The story is quirky and strange, and filled with riddles and puzzles - very engaging!

You'll even learn a bit of Morse code while you're reading.

In a word: ..-. ..- -.!

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Jan 23, 2009

Kristen rated it

Shelves: junior-fiction

I had higher hopes for this book, since some people were calling it the "next Harry Potter." Not so. However, it was still clever and entertaining. It's about 4 orphans who are brought together in an unusual manner to complete a top secret mission. Each child has special abilities and personalites that contribute to the overall success of their mission. I liked it enough that I will probably read the sequal. I would have enjoyed it much more if I was a 10 year old child. There ar...more

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Mar 18, 2009

Barbara rated it

So I'm not 11 years old but I thought this would be sort of Harry Potterish and I wanted to read it in case a movie was made of it.

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Jul 07, 2008

Kerry rated it

Recommends it for: someone with an imagination

This is an inventive tale about 4 orphans who come together to assist a genius and his entourage in combating a madman who is trying to create an "EMERGENCY" for his own gains. This book has codes, mysteries, traps, a crazy tyrant in a wheelchair, and a whisperer. If you are intrigued about who the heck these orphans are or what special opportunities await them, then you should take a peek at this book. I love the work of the Illustrator as well. I think the drawings really complem...more

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Feb 26, 2009

Brittany rated it

The members of the Mysterious Benedict Society have a few things in common, they’re all geniuses, they’re up to tackling the challenges Mr. Benedict throws their way, and they’re all under the age of 12! These brilliant kid-sleuths have to work together to take on the evil Mr. Curtain in order save the world.
These books have a lot of great lessons for children in them: from examples of teamwork and loyalty, to patience and forgiveness. Constance is my favorite character and is always full...more

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Feb 12, 2009

Patricia rated it

Shelves: children

Ok, so I've seen reviews that say that TL Stewart misrepresents how an orphan is treated, or how an orphan feels... Waah waah waah. I don't really care about how this story represents orphans; it's fiction anyhow.

I liked the fact that the story encourages self reliance and creative thinking for kids. There's a nice irony in the double edged view of children in thsi book... first, that most adults underestimate kids and disbelieve what they say. secondly, that these four children are...more

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Jan 06, 2009

Morgan rated it

Shelves: children-s

Ruth just got me this book, and I was very excited to read it having:
a) Heard about it from Farah who enjoyed it, and
b) Not being able to handle more than fun kids stories at the moment.
I received the book Wednesday night, started it Thursday and finished it over the nice long weekend amidst plenty of naps. It was a great read, very fun and engaging, and a sweet story to boot.

We meet with Reynie, our young hero, at his current home, an orphanage. One day, his bel...more

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Feb 01, 2012

Heather rated it

One of my sixth grade students wrote a book report on The Mysterious Benedict Society and ended by saying that she would recommend the book to . . . me! Now that I have finally read it, I would say her assessment was a good one. I enjoyed the book.

Although a few well-worn themes (teamwork is the only way to succeed, the children save the day, and Lo! what a diverse group of children they are) made the fabric of the book feel a little threadbare in places, other aspects took a coura...more

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Jan 28, 2012

Shana rated it

· review of another edition

I bought this book used from Housing Works Bookstore just a few days ago. I went in to use the bathroom, and whenever I do that, I feel obligated to buy a book. It doesn't hurt that I don't need any excuses to buy books.

At any rate, I've been flirting with this book for awhile. I absolutely love The Mysteries Howling from The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series, and the thing is I'd always mistake this book for one of them from afar on the shelves. Maybe there's someth...moreI bought this book used from Housing Works Bookstore just a few days ago. I went in to use the bathroom, and whenever I do that, I feel obligated to buy a book. It doesn't hurt that I don't need any excuses to buy books.

At any rate, I've been flirting with this book for awhile. I absolutely love The Mysteries Howling from The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series, and the thing is I'd always mistake this book for one of them from afar on the shelves. Maybe there's something similar about the fonts or layout, or maybe the book was calling me. Either way, I saw it on the shelves at Housing Works, and as it was only $3.50, I figured, "What the hell?" I bought it and immediately started reading.

It appealed to me on many levels for many reasons. I do have a soft spot for some children's lit (See above.) because when I was kid, reading was my passion. Furthermore, I teach ESL, and my students, who are intermediate level, are always asking me what to read. For most of them, though they are grownups, the English of grown-up books, both in grammar and vocabulary, is a bit too much. I found that Roald Dahl books are quite in their ballpark, and the fact that a lot of his books have been made into films is also helpful for someone trying to read a book in a language not their own. However, I think for some of them, Roald Dahl just isn't appealing, so I'm always on the lookout for something that might be.

The biggest reason that I fell for this book, though, had to do with the kids. I was once a lonely child, but not an orphan, though I sometimes felt like one. I just didn't fit with my family because I was so different from them in so many ways. Harry Potter, Miss Penelope Lumely, and all the kids in The Mysterious Benedict Society appeal to me because I have often felt outcast, different, and, to some extent, abandoned. Given this prevalence of this feeling in children's literature, I have begun to think it's just the nature of being a kid and growing up, though some of us hold onto the feeling longer than others. The kids in this book, as much as anything, are searching for a purpose, for a place they fit, and for a place to call home. I think we all search for that to some extent. I'm further like these kids in my brainy, headstrong, bookishness. I naturally identified with Reynie the most since he's the main consciousness through which we view the story, but Kate and Sticky and even Constance are in me, too. Perhaps they are all parts of all of us.

My main reason for not giving this book 5 stars, given how much I liked it, is that I didn't feel it was quite on the level of the Harry Potter books or The Mysteries Howling. I don't feel that the writing or the puzzles or the sophistication of the psychology was quite the same. Nonetheless, this is a very good read, and I liked it enough to go out and buy the other two books.(less)

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Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
The Mysterious Re...: * February 2012: The Mysterious Benedict Society	4	4	22 hours, 11 min ago
How do think Constance's age difference will play a role in their friendship as they grow up?	2	16	Feb 01, 2012 02:07am
I loved this book!	6	17	Jan 19, 2012 05:02pm
HELP!!!	18	94	Jan 19, 2012 05:38am
the best of the series	31	64	Dec 25, 2011 01:44pm
Homothogs kamerson	6	29	Dec 24, 2011 04:22pm
test for the Mysterious Benedict Society comment board	41	195	Dec 02, 2011 06:51pm

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About Trenton Lee Stewart

Trenton Lee Stewart is the author of the award-winning, bestselling Mysterious Benedict Society series for young readers, as well the adult novel Flood Summer. He lives in Little Rock, Arkansas with his wife and two sons.

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Books by Trenton Lee Stewart

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey (Mysterious Benedict Society, #2)

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma (Audio CD)

The Mysterious Benedict Society: Mr. Benedict's Book of Perplexing Puzzles, Elusive Enigmas, and Curious Conundrums

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“You must remember, family is often born of blood, but it doesn't depend on blood. Nor is it exclusive of friendship. Family members can be your best friends, you know. And best friends, whether or not they are related to you, can be your family.” — 307 people liked it

“Rules and school are tools for fools! I Don't give two mules for rules.” — 94 people liked it

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The Mysterious Benedict Society (The Mysterious Benedict Society #1)

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