The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

 

        At first, I was not going to read this book. It seemed too long, and I was not that interested in it either. However, I have a good friend who's also a bit irritating and goes by the name Stepheny Ek. Every time I mention needing a new book to read, she would nag me to the end of oblivion, telling me to read The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart. Four weeks ago, I couldn't take it and started reading the book to get her off my back. And I can't believe I'm saying this, but the book was actually kind of good. Anyway, let's get on with the summary.

Summary

        The story follows an orphan boy named Reynie. An ad in the newspaper appears one day saying, "Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?" Reynie, a child who was alienated by even his fellow orphans due to his gifts, decides that he is, and persuades the orphanage director to let him take the test. Reynie and three others are the only children to pass the test. It was just that outrageously hard. After passing the test, the four children meet Mr. Benedict, a narcoleptic who has an important mission for the children. The children are then sent to The Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened to investigate the school's director, Ledroptha Curtain. While posing as students, they discover his plan to take over the world using mind control. However, in Curtain's carefully controlled island fortress, beating him seems rather impossible, even for these four very gifted children.

Review

        Let me get the negativity out first and say that this book is quite long, and it does drag at some points. The book is 500 pages, I don't think you need to dedicate the first 100 to some kids being introduced and taking a test.  Other than it being a bit long and slow, I have nothing bad to say about this book. The plot is clever and suspenseful, filled with twists that only make you want to read more. What I really like about this book is that every character is eccentric and has their own unique life stories that led them to Mr. Benedict and each other. Also, throughout the story is a unique underlying sense of humor that I can't even begin to explain.

        I recommend this book to all readers and give it a solid 4-star rating. Even for readers out there who are reluctant to read this book due to its size or uneven pacing, I encourage you to read this book because it is highly enjoyable, and the pages run out quicker than you might think.

- Max Bolton