“ARE YOU A GIFTED CHILD LOOKING FOR SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES?” Reynie Muldoon is somewhat surprised when he sees that the newspaper advertisement addresses itself directly to children. But he’s intrigued, and lobbies the orphanage director for a chance to take the tests that might qualify him for “special opportunities”.
After a series of odd tests–with an even odder series of encounters–Reynie finds himself as one of the four privileged (?) children who meet the green plaid clad Mr. Benedict and are invited to join a secret mission to save the world.
The newly minted “Mysterious Benedict Society” goes undercover inside the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened. The four children’s intelligence and trust are immediately put to the test when they discover…well, I won’t tell you what they discover.
I picked up The Mysterious Benedict Society after having heard rave reviews of it from all over the bookie blogosphere. I was not in the least disappointed. The Mysterious Benedict Society is undoubtedly one of the best young adult novels I have read to this point. It has an engaging storyline, fascinating characters, and a truth to it that is altogether remarkable.
Without preaching, this book touches on topics as real and diverse as: trust, interdependence, intelligence, integrity, fear, temptation, control, desire, friendship, and truth. What’s more, Mr. Stewart engages these topics in a style distinctly unlike the moral relativity our day.
This book is a great book on so many different levels. It is a great book because it is truthful. It is a great book because it addresses real life. It is a great book because it makes the reader ask questions. It is a great book because it is READABLE and ENJOYABLE at the same time as it is all of the above. This is truly a FANTASTIC book.
Rating: 5 stars
Category: Young Adult General Fiction
Synopsis: Four children embark on the adventure of their lives as they attempt to save the world from ruthless madman.
Recommendation: Adults and children alike will enjoy reading this book–and will find plenty to think about within it.
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