Scan barcode
skudiklier's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was one of my favorite books as a child, but my copy got lost after loaning it to someone, and I've been waiting for years to get a new one so I could reread it. I really enjoyed it! I was surprised by how much I remembered. And like, it's true that some things about the book are problematic and on-the-nose (liking books isn't inherently good, TV isn't inherently bad, there's the ableist trope of the bad guy getting up from the wheelchair , and there's so much to unpack with all the "gifted" stuff). But still, I can't help adoring this book. I'm excited to reread the rest of the series!
Also, spoiler:I can't believe Constance is TWO?! I remembered that she was actually very young, so the whole book I was paying attention to how she spoke and acted and stuff, and in my head I was like "there's no way she's like four what the heck she's the most advanced of all of them." But I thought she was like four or five, not two!!! Wild.
Also, spoiler:
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Gaslighting, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Abandonment, Ableism, Bullying, Death, Torture, and Violence
Minor: Animal death, Blood, Death of parent, Fatphobia, Grief, Medical content, and Mental illness
sophie42's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping
Minor: Death of parent, Vomit, and Violence
wondereads13's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
One of the best children's books to ever be published, The Mysterious Benedict Society is great for all ages. It's overwhelmingly clever, the characters are all so personable, and the plot just pulls you in. It scared the shit out of me when I was younger, but I reread it in middle school and loved it. It's filled with riddles to keep you thinking, and you'll root for the characters like your life depends on it. Don't let the fact that it's a children's book stop you.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Kidnapping, and Bullying
Minor: Death of parent
More...