The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
In a world of dull days, boring homework and constant pressure to be a sheep, reading is one of the best ways to try transporting yourself into anouther, brighter world where everything is exciting. T.M.B.S, in a weird way, does that better than most books I have read.
It tells the story of a young, highly intelligent, orphan boy called Reynie Muldoon who is invited to take a series of mysterious tests for clever young people like himself. Completing the tests along with three other exteremelly unusual children Reynie and his new friends are sent on what might be called a "Whirlwind Adventure" or perhaps just a really cool mission, where they have to use their extra-ordinary talents to ultimatelly save the world! Now thats what I call a MINT story!!!
Although not set in an alternative world with flying pigs and the like T.M.B.S has a sort of exciting mysterious feel that lingers in the air when you read it making you want to go into the everlasting one more chapter mode. Actually I had to limit how much I read each night so I didn't finish it to quick and feel really dissapointed at the end. T.M.B.S sort of takes you along the same journey the characters go through not revealing any extra secrets that the characters dont know. This, for me, adds to the fun of the book as it becomes a competition to see who guesses what happens first you or the characters.
Coming onto the subject of characters I don't think I've ever read about a more intruiging bunch than the T.M.B.S. My paticular favourite is Constance Contraire. Although it may not be clear at first why this knee high, arrogant and rude little madam has been chosen to take Mr Benidict's tests if you read T.M.B.S all the way through the reasoning will soon become clear. Like I said before the book has a mysterious air to it and thats partly down to the fact its absolutelly full to the brim with mini mysterious like Constances'. Also the mini mysterious, I like to call them, are almost alsways impossible to crack. I really do have the utmost respect for the author Trenton Lee Stewart for coming up with such astounding brain bogglers and knitting them altogether in what I think is the ultimate mystery.
If I had to describe this book in one word it would be:
nothing because I cant think of a lone word that covers the hillarious and intruging characters, the impossible riddles, the fabulously clever story and the sheer ingenious that has been created by putting all those elements together. Frankly its too good for words!
Oh and a quick last message to the reader, if you do go and read T.M.B.S, which I'm sure you will now, pay carefull attention to the blurb area on the back aswell as the "Dear Reader" message in the back pages of the book it may just lead you to solve anouther mystery of your own.
Good luck and happy reading!
Written by Caroline from Carlisle, winner of the wotson4u review competition.
Review of the ‘Ashbury/Brookfield’ series of books by Jaclyn Moriarty
Review of the 'Ashbury/Brookfield' series of books by Jaclyn Moriarty
Note: The 'Ashbury/Brookfield' series is a set of 4 (so far) books: Feeling Sorry for Celia, Finding Cassie Crazy, Becoming Bindy Mackenzie and Dreaming of Amelia. They follow a group of Australian teenagers through their last years in high school.
In order to convince you that this series of books is definitely worth buying (or borrowing from the library, or reading in snippets over someone's shoulder), I will address several points.
1. Diversity- When I first read these books, I was about 13. I have recently re-read them (and still loved them), now 18. This shows it appeals to a wide range, no? Or maybe I was just a very mature 13 year old. Or I am an immature 18 year old! Anyway, moving on…
2. Characters - I always judge characters using one question - do I want to meet this person? The answer to every character in these books is YES. I want to meet these people! Befriend these people! Go to parties with these people! Get drunk with these people!
What's that? I can shut up now?Hmph. Fine.
Anyway. I love every single one of them, from slightly overly-dramatic Emily and imaginative Lydia to the mysterious, criminal record-wielding Amelia and Riley. I find myself sobbing at their break-ups! Yelling 'YAHOOOOOO!' at their triumphs! (Or maybe… you know. Just feeling a bit happy.)
3. Structure - (now I feel like I'm in an English exam).
All of the Ashbury/Brookfield series are written in letters, diary extracts and even exam papers. And, be honest; you have always wanted to read through people's private things.
4. Language - All of the characters have their own writing style. Emily uses MILLIONS, nay, TRILLIONS of CAPITAL LETTERS and exclamation marks!!! Whilst Amelia writes in a slightly poetic, gothic style. And then Lydia… well, her argument with the Microsoft paperclip man in Finding Cassie Crazy says it all.
Also, to any parents reading this, your offspring is not wasting time reading Dreaming of Amelia when they should be studying for an exam! As there lies within A HISTORY OF AUSTRILIA, AND A CONVICT WHO WAS SENT THERE! (Don't worry, it's interesting. It has text messages, and everything).
5. Plot - Well. To find an even slightly better plot than lurking within these pages, you would have to watch a Tarantino film. So many twists and turns! So many different stories, all fitting together! You'll find out soon, when you read them.
What's that? You don't know if you will actually have the TIME?! WELL, PUT DOWN THAT IRONING, CREASED CLOTHES DO NOT MATTER NOW! PUT IT DOWN, AND GO AND BUY THESE BOOKS!
Scandals! Drug plots! Attempted suicides! Exams! Relationship troubles! (I know you love those. Don't lie. I know you watch Eastenders). The mix of drama and humour is near incredible. Heart-wrenching stories of Christina's sister's near death experience, whilst her friend Elizabeth receives humourus letters from the 'Association of Teenagers'!
I think that will do for the points. We are both getting tired of them, don't you agree? Anyway, if you aren't convinced yet (and if not, what's wrong with you? My review is good!) I refer you to this website, where you can read other reviews from more qualified people, raving about how funny, heart-wrenching and excellent they are:
http://www.jaclynmoriarty.com/
Hope you enjoy!
Written by Jodie from Carlisle
Tricks Of The Mind - Derren Brown
Derren Brown's television and stage performances have entranced and dumbfounded millions. His baffling illusions and stunning set pieces - such as "The Seance", "Russian Roulette" and "The Heist" - have set new standards of what's possible, as well as causing more than their fair share of controversy. Now, for the first time, he reveals the secrets behind his craft, what makes him tick and just why he grew that beard.
"Tricks of the Mind" takes you on a journey into the structure and pyschology of magic. Derren teaches you how to read clues in people's behaviour and spot liars. He discusses the whys and wherefores of hypnosis and shows how to do it. And he investigates the power of suggestion and how you can massively improve your memory.
He also takes a long hard look at the paranormal industry and why some of us feel the need to believe in it in the first place. Alternately hilarious, controversial and challenging, "Tricks of the Mind" is essential reading for Derren's legions of fans, and pretty bloody irresistible even if you don't like him that much...
Review Score 9/10