My enjoyment rating: 2 of 5 stars
Daisy Daughter enjoyment rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Source: Personal copy
Objectionable material: None
Mother Daughter book club – year #4!
We’ve made it to Middle School! We’ve lost a few members, but the girls were glad to be back together.
Our selection this month was The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart. Mr. Stewart is a local author, so it seemed appropriate to read a book by a “neighbor.”
There were several aspects of this book that the girls enjoyed discussing: What determines a family? What are your strengths/talents? Does this book exemplify teamwork? How well would you have worked as a team?
Daisy daughter and her friends enjoyed this book much more than I did. I found the depth of the story lacking, and had a really difficult time maintaining interest. The four society members had some really interesting tests to accomplish in the beginning that were VERY clever. After that, it meandered, and introduced a "whispering machine" that I still don't quite understand. I didn’t finish it until 3 days after our discussion. That being said, Daisy daughter is already on book #2 of the series. I think I am done.
Although the book was a bust for me – I can tell you that I am thrilled that after 4 years, we are still meeting. As the girls mature, their comments are more thought provoking and in-depth. And the moms get a chance to talk about our developing pre-teens. It’s a joy!
Our October selection:
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Part fairy godmother, part outcast, part dream-come-true, the star
of Spinelli's novel shares many of the mythical qualities as the protagonist of
his Maniac Magee. Spinelli poses searching questions about loyalty to one's
friends and oneself and leaves readers to form their own answers.
We have this one on our bookshelf and have yet to read it! Have heard great things about it.
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