Trenton Lee Stewart did it again! The second adventure of The Mysterious Benedict Society is just as clever and fun as the first! In fact, I would say I enjoyed the adventure a bit more, especially since I had a better understanding of Nicholas Benedict and his clever clues.
This adventure starts off as a reunion of sorts for the four child prodigies: Reynie, Sticky, Kate and Constance. However, what had originally been intended on a vacation with a challenging twist, turned into a life-saving mission for the man that brought the four children together.
I truly enjoyed Stewart's further development and exploration of the children's personalities and talents. I felt as though I were watching the four adventurers grow up and discover themselves. Quarrels and squabbles occur between the four of them that make the dynamics of their friendship all the more realistic. Much like siblings, the four truly care about each other, but sometimes their strong-willed temperaments win out over affection.
As an adult, my only complaint, is that I sometimes (okay, most of the time) can't figure out the puzzles until the character explains his or her thought process to the rest of the group. While I find this fact extremely frustrating -- because I'm a grown up ;o) -- Stewart has taken care of this potential issue for more youthful readers. Through the voice of Mr. Benedict, he lets the characters (and the reader) know that we all have special talents. It is through working together that everyone's talents are celebrated and the importance of those talents recognized.
Monday, March 15, 2010
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