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A review by book_concierge
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
4.0
Digital audiobook read by Del Roy
From the book jacket: When the peculiar ad appears in the newspaper, dozens of children enroll to take a series of mysterious mind-bending tests. But in the end just four very special children will succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and resourceful children could complete. To accomplish it they will have to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules.
My Reactions
A fun adventure story of friendship and loyalty. Reynie, Kate, Constance and Sticky (real name George) are quite the team. They’re chosen for the mission based on their intelligence, creativity, determination and courage. And they definitely have to use all those attributes, as well as other talents to thwart the evil Mr Curtain’s scheme for taking over the world.
I can certainly see the appeal for middle-grade readers. There are issues common to all children (and adults) here – what makes us afraid, bullying, learning to get along, tolerance for other people’s difference. The scenarios are somewhat ridiculous, but that’s all part of the fun, and will certainly get the reader’s imagination fired up.
Del Roy does a marvelous job reading the audiobook. He set a good pace, quick enough for the adventure to come through, not so quick as to lose the listener. The characters really come alive in his narration as well.
From the book jacket: When the peculiar ad appears in the newspaper, dozens of children enroll to take a series of mysterious mind-bending tests. But in the end just four very special children will succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and resourceful children could complete. To accomplish it they will have to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules.
My Reactions
A fun adventure story of friendship and loyalty. Reynie, Kate, Constance and Sticky (real name George) are quite the team. They’re chosen for the mission based on their intelligence, creativity, determination and courage. And they definitely have to use all those attributes, as well as other talents to thwart the evil Mr Curtain’s scheme for taking over the world.
I can certainly see the appeal for middle-grade readers. There are issues common to all children (and adults) here – what makes us afraid, bullying, learning to get along, tolerance for other people’s difference. The scenarios are somewhat ridiculous, but that’s all part of the fun, and will certainly get the reader’s imagination fired up.
Del Roy does a marvelous job reading the audiobook. He set a good pace, quick enough for the adventure to come through, not so quick as to lose the listener. The characters really come alive in his narration as well.