Book Review: The Mysterious Benedict Society and The Prisoner's Dilemma

After 1360 pages, the trilogy has finally been completed. It was a long process, one that began in July on our trip to Tennessee. The kids decided that, since we read the first one out loud on our trip, Kregg needed to be involved in the second and third installment, as well. Finding time when we were all together with an opportunity to read out loud has proven difficult. But we made it, at last. 


The third book, The Prisoner's Dilemma, was a lot of fun. The cast of characters is the same: 4 brilliant/gifted children who work together to help their friend, Mr. Benedict, thwart the evil plans of Mr. Curtain, who also happens to be Mr. Benedict's identical twin brother. Curtain's minions figure heavily into the story line as they try to stop the children from stopping Mr. Curtain.


The book began with the famous logic problem of the same name: The Prisoner's Dilemma. The children were divided into two teams and isolated so that they would not know what the other team had chosen. As it turns out, the exercise was helpful in preparing them for the challenges they would face when confronted with Mr. Curtain's latest attempt to take over the world. 


As with the other two editions, the plot is filled with puzzles and challenges for the children to solve as they try to anticipate the movement and plans of the wicked Mr. Curtain. As before, the choices made by the children have very distinct consequences. There are numerous opportunities for the discussion of how our choices affect those around us. The children have learned, through their many adventures, to care deeply for one another and they work hard to make selfless choices to benefit and protect each other. They even learn to pity Mr. Curtain as they see the truth about what an unhappy, miserable man he has become. It is a good lesson on how our giftings may be used for good or evil, depending on our motivation and goals.


They are encouraged at every turn to serve others by their good friend, Mr. Benedict, who consistently tries to do his very best to protect and provide for those in his care. As the tale winds down, the children learn just how unselfish Mr. Benedict has been when they realize he had a chance to cure his severe narcolepsy, but chose instead to use the opportunity to serve the youngest member of the Mysterious Benedict Society. He sets a further good example for them as he tries, even after all the mischief and harm his brother has caused, to help Mr. Curtain be rehabilitated. 


#45 out of 52--getting closer!

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