More from The Mysterious Benedict Society

As I continue to digest some of the major themes in The Mysterious Benedict Society, written by Trenton Lee Stewart, I have been captivated by this idea of trusting a lie for the sake of happiness. I supose this is where we've heard the saying "Ignorance is bliss." Or is it more? Ignorance implies a lack of the truth rather than substituting lies for the truth. The idea of forcing yourself to believe something you know is false seems absurd. Is that even possible? Surely we're just talking about the mentally ill or hardened criminal, right? Wrong! I am shocked at how easy it was to think of examples of believing in lies, by choice! One of the first words that came to mind as my husband and I debated this topic just yesterday was 'suburbia'. Knowing that crime transcends all levels of socioeconomic status, race, religion, age...I still CHOOSE to believe that my family is completely safe living in my upper income neighborhood with pretty white picket fences and manicured lawns. I foolishly choose to leave my door unlocked when we go for a walk or assume the lawn mower will still be sitting in the front yard tomorrow morning if we don't put it away immediately. It is difficult to acknowlege that there are child predators or drug dealers living in my neighborhood, etc. So I just tuck that thought away in my mind and live in the nice little "la-la" land I've invented for myself!

My next thought turned to 'addictions'. Don't people buy into the idea that drugs can take away your problems or that a drink of alcohol will make me feel better or braver, etc? I've heard it said that porn is safe because "it doesn't hurt anyone" or that "my wife would rather me look at this than to have an actual affair"...etc. Really? No, it can't be. But we like to tell ourselves things like that...for the sake of happiness. Why do we do that? Surely these lies don't create real happiness. How could anything of real value come from an illusion?

Then what do we as parents do to protect our children? The thought of never letting my precious (lit)erbugs out of the house again did cross my mind, but even I can see that isn't realistic. Creating children who live in fear of the world doesn't conjure up happy images either. Well, my husband and I thought about this for awhile and decided that there's only one thing we can do. Teach our children what REAL true authentic happiness is! We could spend all of our time warning them of the lies and the wrong choices, etc and never cover it all. I've heard someone speak about counterfeit money. Do you know how people are trained to spot fake money? They intimately study the real stuff! They know real money backwards and forwards so it's easy to recognize a lie!

Here's my challenge to you, friends. Take the time to evaluate what leads to true happiness and talk about it with your family. You'll never get there if you don't know where you're going! Don't let your kids get lost along the way. So many young people are wasting their lives making wrong turns, constantly looking for something to hold on to. Hold on to the truth, friends! There's nothing better!

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

"Are you a GIFTED CHILD looking for special opportunities?" Then you must read this book! Hooray for Trenton Lee Stewart! The Mysterious Benedict society is a masterpiece in the realm of children's literature. Geared for children between the ages of nine and twelve, this adventure will challenge children with its delicious vocabulary and fast paced plot. Perhaps my great appreciation for the book lies in Stewart's ability to write a fantastical piece that still applies to the realities of today. As a biased lover of children's books it wouldn't surprise you for me to say I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I've already begun the next. However, I was surprised at the depth of Stewart's underlying themes and have been personally challenged and affected as well!

Here's the breakdown: Four "gifted" children are selected after undergoing a series of difficult tests for a dangerous mission that only they can solve. As in all suspenseful stories, the entire world is in danger and their very lives and newfound friendship is at stake. I'll leave the ending a mystery for you to discover as you read.

For those of you with advanced readers, you often email me asking for book options that will challenge your child while still protecting them from subject matter that might not be appropriate for their age. If your child is reading at the fourth or fifth grade level but is actually younger, feel safe that the only love in this book is among friends and family. There is a definite villain or antagonist, however much of the conflict in this story lies within the characters themselves. Some themes include:
1.Are you trusting in a version of happiness that is mere illusion?
2. Are you the sort of person who will do anything to hear what you want to believe?
3. Fears only truly diappear when you are brave enough to confront them.
4. Within us all lies bravery. It only has to be drawn out.
5. Fear leads to a loss of control.
6. We are driven by a strong desire to belong.

Those of you who have children who like to read books in a series will be happy to know that two more books follow. TMBS and the Perilous Journey and TMBS and the Prisoner's Dilemma. And there's more good news! The website developed for this series (www.mysteriousbenedictsociety.com) is perhaps the best book site I've ever visited. With games, logic challenges, author info, FAMILY READING GUIDES, and more...what more do you need to hear? The cherry on top-brand new, this 512 page book is only $6.99 in paperback form.

I have much more to discuss about this book and lesson ideas to share! Check back soon, Friends!

I love it when a book draws you in and takes you on an adventure! For those of you longing for an adventure, pick up a book and read! The more you fall in love with it, your children will too!

In the words of Mr. Benedict, "May your adventures bring you closer together, even as they take you far from home." Share your adventures with us, friends!

Happy reading.