Alright, let's see a show of hands. How many of you here have read Trenton Lee Stewart's The Mysterious Benedict Society trilogy? Hmmm, okay. How many of your have read his fantastic prequel The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict? ...Shocking.
Well, if you have a hand that is more vulnerable to gravity than others, I suppose I can excuse your lack of participation. However, if you were just plainly answering that you have not read the above books, shame on you!
Admittedly, I suppose the books are tailored for younger kids. But believe you me when I say they are extremely enjoyable for any age. I got the original book as a way to keep myself occupied during any lulls in our vacation one summer. I liked it a lot, so I bought the other two when we got back. I liked them, too, and then I found out the library had the prequel, so I got and read that.
And that was the moment. Mind. Blown. I loved that book. I loved Mr. Benedict as a nine-year-old Nicholas. I loved his friends. I despised his bullies. I wanted to strangle the head of the orphanage. I admired his good heart. I disagreed with his viewpoint that there's no such thing as a good adult. I ached with pride when he met an adult who went out of his way to assist Nicholas. I squealed with delight every time Nicholas's brilliance shown through. I shrieked with pure ecstasy in the one moment I realized I knew what he was going to do a split second before he did it.
Should I give you a plot summary?
Nah, I'll just leave you with my impressions. Which were nothing but good. So go get your own copy. Whether from a bookstore or library, I don't care. Just read it. And you will fall in love with the little nine-year-old narcoleptic genius (Oh, yeah, did I mention he has narcolepsy? Just another reason to love him!) just like I did. Promise.
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