Revisiting the Mysterious Benedict

My big kids and I had so much fun reading The Mysterious Benedict Society series a few years ago (so much so that Briana requested her own copy of the set just last year) that I was actually a little afraid to read the recently written prequel to the series.  I was afraid of being disappointed in The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict by Trenton Lee Stewart.

Mostly, I was not disappointed. I'll get the one negative out of the way by sharing that I had the "mystery" figured out literally halfway through the book.  At times that made the book seem a little long.  In retrospect, however, I might have just figured out the mystery because of the way I think and because of what I treasure.  That's all I'm going to say about that because I don't want to spoil the story you will surely want to read.

One of the things I love about Stewart's books are that they are just so fun.  Main character Nicholas Benedict is an exceptionally bright orphan boy who is moved to yet another orphanage.  As he encounters the expected bullies and a couple unlikely friendships, he also happens upon a mystery--a hidden treasure--a treasure mysteriously described in a discovered ledger.  I had to giggle aloud in the scene where Nicholas was attempting to read the ledger in a mysterious and adult male voice to his compatriots.  Finally his buddy requested  "Just use your regular voice, Nick.  I doubt Mr. Rothschild sounded quite so much like a frog, anyway"  (275).

Another reason I love Stewart's books is the way he sprinkles wonderful lessons through the story.  This particular book makes the reader think about true character.

• Sacrifice.  Haven't you ever had to think about someone else rather than yourself?  This is such a test of true character--letting go of your own dreams and wishes because you love someone else.  And sacrificing a friendship because helping them reach their dreams means letting them go is even more difficult.  As Nicholas said "I didn't want you to go, see.  Something in me--well, I wouldn't even let myself think about what I could do for you.  Not if it meant losing you. . .Sure, I wanted you to be happy--but not if it meant losing you!" (414).

• Self-deception.  Then there are the times when we don't want to be honest with ourselves.  We see a truth before us, but we choose not to recognize it because it isn't the truth we want.  It might require us to change something in ourselves or a relationship.  It might require us to give up a lifestyle we enjoy or to step out of our comfort zone.  But Nicholas realizes he must always seek the truth and accept it for what it is.  "Why would he not wish to know the truth?  There could be no more shying away from the truth, he told himself.  Never again, no matter what.  He must always seek it out" (423). 

So if you're looking for a delightfully written, character-driven, just-for-fun adventure, I recommend The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict with the expectation that you won't be disappointed and you  just might be given a little to think about.