The Mysterious Benedict Society: A Book Review

One of our favorite things to do when we travel is to share a "read aloud" book during the trip. And since I do the reading, I get to choose the book. (It's a power thing.) 


It's always fun to try a pick one that will appeal to the entire crew, from my husband down to the caboose (Rebekah, 11). Since this was a shorter-than-normal-epic-road-trip, I had to think hard about just how much time we would have to read. We typically fill every day from early to late with activities, so reading time usually comes before bed at night when we are all settled into the trailer.


This is the first time in years that we have been able to all fit in one vehicle, since Caleb and Mackenzy had to stay home and work (Boo! Hiss!). And so I was hoping we would be able to actually read a longer book because of all the driving time when we would be wedged in the pickup together. And it worked!


This is actually a reread from our school time, but this one is so good, the kids were thrilled to hear it again when Kregg could listen, too.


The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart is really wonderful. It is about a group of four children who, because they have a profound love of truth, are chosen to help foil the evil plot of "The Sender" who is seeking to control the world. Using a dastardly device called "The Whisperer," this evil villain plants thoughts into the mind of the unsuspecting public. These thoughts are all designed to bring the world to the point of demanding "change," which is where Mr. Curtain (alias "The Sender") plans to come riding in on the proverbial white horse and rescue the world. Of course, there is nothing noble about his motives. His is merely seeking Control. 


Hmmmm, who does that remind me of??? Okay, I am NOT going there.


Back to our story.


The children are chosen by a quirky but wonderful genius through a series of unique tests designed to reveal their motives, values and skill sets. Those chosen were singled out, for one reason, because they didn't like to watch television (the vehicle "The Sender" was initially using to deliver his subliminal messages). Interesting parallel, don't you think?


The honesty of the character development was so refreshing. The page turning adventures filled with danger and daring reveal how perfectly chosen these four special children were to accomplish their mission. And their success depended as much on their ability to work together as a team as it did on their individual talents and gifts. 


We absolutely loved this book.


And there are two sequels already out, with another due next year. We've read all three and are eagerly anticipating the release of the fourth in this wonderful series. 


This is #25 in my quest to read 52 books in 52 weeks. 

http://www.read52booksin52weeks.com/