Scan barcode
A review by pluviophilebookworm
The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict by Trenton Lee Stewart
5.0
I don't know what it is with that, but every time a book features a precocious orphan on a train to their new life, I just know I'm in for a good read. A very emotionally charged one, for sure, but definitely a good one. I mean, [b:The Secret Garden|8134520|The Secret Garden|Frances Hodgson Burnett|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1674528856l/8134520._SY75_.jpg|3186437], [b:Anne of Green Gables|763588|Anne of Green Gables (Anne of Green Gables, #1)|L.M. Montgomery|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1656778824l/763588._SY75_.jpg|3464264], and now this... and I don't know how to describe it, but this definitely reads like a classic, in the best way. Should be a modern classic, and it is to me, anyway.
I think I've come to love young Nick even more than adult Mr Benedict. Well, he's absolutely magnificent at any age. John Cole is the best, though - trust me to immediately become obsessed with the best friend in any story. But seriously, he puts the 'best' in 'best friend'. And don't even get me started on Violet. Absolutely iconic.
This book deserves about 20 stars, but I'll have to stick with 5. So say the rules. Still, it sort of made me want a prequel about Curtain as a child - would have been an interesting study of nature vs. nurture. But never mind.
I think I've come to love young Nick even more than adult Mr Benedict. Well, he's absolutely magnificent at any age. John Cole is the best, though - trust me to immediately become obsessed with the best friend in any story. But seriously, he puts the 'best' in 'best friend'. And don't even get me started on Violet. Absolutely iconic.
Spoiler
Having her parents adopt John and intending to do the same for Nick... she puts the 'family' in 'found family' and I live for that.This book deserves about 20 stars, but I'll have to stick with 5. So say the rules. Still, it sort of made me want a prequel about Curtain as a child - would have been an interesting study of nature vs. nurture. But never mind.